Review: GALLUS IN WEEGIELAND, Tron Theatre
Photo credit: Mihaela Bodlovic
Johnny McKnight’s Gallus in Weegieland is a bold, brash and unapologetically Glaswegian romp which proves, without a doubt, that the Tron Theatre pantomime is a festive must-see.
McKnight’s razor-sharp script is packed with laugh-a-minute jokes, references to everything from the Minecraft movie to The Glass Menagerie, and the customary jabs at other Scottish theatres and panto stars. Sally Reid’s direction is effective and brings life to McKnight’s words and characters.
In Gallus in Weegieland, we meet Alice, the worst dancer in Madame Rot’s ballet class. After failing her dance exam, she decides she needs to run away from home, and by chance meets Knavey, a boy-rabbit who suggests she follow him down a pothole to Weegieland to find herself. Weegieland is a strange place, full of fake-designer-clad ravers and traffic cone-bedecked statues. It’s also ruled by the tyrannical Queenie of Hearts, who will stop at nothing to ensure Alice does not complete her journey of self-discovery.
Jorgey Scott-Learmonth is a charming Alice. Pairing a great singing voice with excellent comedic physicality, Scott-Learmonth infuses Alice with immense likeability as we follow her journey towards love, imagination and bravery. Star Penders brilliantly captures Knavey’s ‘cheeky chappy’ energy and together, Scott-Learmonth and Penders make a sweet couple who are very easy to root for.
As the rather eccentric Hatter, Catriona Faint is a delight, delivering Hatter’s many quips and jokes with charm and ease. One of the show’s many highlights is the tea party musical number which Faint leads with aplomb and great energy. Honey the Caterpillar steals every scene she appears in, Marc Mackinnon’s wonderfully diva-esque portrayal bringing sass, deadpan humour and remarkable vocals.
Fantastic as the rest of the cast are, the star of Gallus in Weegieland is undoubtedly Louise McCarthy as Queenie. When she is on stage, it is impossible to take your eyes off her – she is constantly contorting her face into the most hysterical expressions, bringing bold physical comedy that has the audience in stitches, and delivering lines with such relish that it’s soon clear that McCarthy is a true pantomime pro. Her performance is simply exceptional.
These wonderful performances are augmented by Kenny Miller’s vibrant designs, full of glitter, clashing patterns and colour, extending all the way to the bedazzled pigeons above the proscenium arch. Ross Brown’s music brings such life to this production, with a score full of witty original songs of varying styles and genres and live piano accompaniment throughout, with the Tron’s traditional Mariah Carey finale providing a suitably festive ending. Eva Forrester’s choreography works in excellent partnership with Brown’s music, with any of the musical numbers feeling like they’d be right at home on a West End stage.
This is a quintessentially Glaswegian pantomime, full of excellent performances, hilarious jokes, and a heaping helping of festive sparkle. Gallus by name, gallus by nature, you won’t find more fun on a stage this side of Weegieland.
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Lorna Murray
Gallus in Weegieland plays at Glasgow’s Tron Theatre until 4 January, with further info here.