***** 5 Stars
“A gorgeous, heart rending story matures beautifully with age! “
Original performed in 2019 as part of Oran Mor’s A Play, A Pie and Pint, Andy McGregor’s one-man musical went on to achieve critical acclaim and was broadcast later that same year by BBC Scotland. Sleeping Warrior Theatre Company went onto deliver a Touring production following the pandemic years; finally, however an abridged version of the show see’s McGregor’s heart-rending exploration of sexuality, identity and sense of where we call home debuting at the Fringe Festival for the first time.
Set before the age of the internet and the evolution of the mobile phone in 1997, Crocodile rock tells the story of 17-year-old Steven living his life on the island of Millport, feeling lost and repressed in the island community he fears being for ever stuck following his parents’ footsteps in running the local pub and bed and breakfast. That is until a chance meeting with a drag queen who is staying at the b&b for the island festival. That Queen unlocks the truth in Steven as he faces up to being gay and that Drag offers him the self-expression he craves.
McGregor both writes, composes and directs this beautifully judged and emotional of musicals and its feels there is strong auto-biographical flavour to it that the audience can’t help but by beguiled by. Running at 60 minutes McGregor truly lets the audience inhabit Steven’s world, the pain, confusion and ultimately the strength and joy the character feels on his journey to self-acceptance.
Returning to the role of Steven, following the his hit BBC Performance is Darren Brownlie who delivers a triumphant tour de force performance of emotionally truthful acting along with a well-judged and delivered comedy and thanks to the frequent inclusion of the audience through asides everyone in the Gilded Balloon went a collective journey that touches the heart, soul and memories of us all. Truly wonderful theatre at its very best.
Joining Brownlie on stage is musical director Hilary Brooks who also turns in a wonderful performance as both MD and backing singer that adds a rich texture to a show that a gorgeous and heart rending story that matures beautifully with age!
Crocodile rock continues as a shining beacon of excellent writing, stellar performances and a rare stark honesty that is missing from so much of modern musical theatre, it allows us to not only view Steven’s journey but reflect on our own and the music sears itself into the heart you can’t help but leave the theatre filled with hope for what lies ahead. For that is ultimately the essence of this show, hope! And the reality that before we can ever love someone else, we need to love ourselves first no matter the cost. Do what you must to grab a ticket for this remarkable production which is becoming the talk of the festival.
Crocodile Rock, The Fringe, The Dining Room at Gilded Balloon, Teviot, Runs until 31st August for further information go to: Crocodile Rock | Edinburgh Festival Fringe
ScotsGay Arts 