Wednesday, 16 May 2018

A Play, a Pie and a Pint again

I went to see one of the new season of A Play, a Pie and a Pint at Oran Mor on Monday. I love the whole concept, although after not really enjoying the pies last time, Jackie and I bought some delicious bagels as we wandered up Byres Road in the sunshine, which we consumed instead. The event was completely sold out, which I know because I overheard a girl who had turned up on spec being told that there were no tickets left for the whole week. It was very busy inside but Jackie expertly found us a couple of seats while I got the drinks in.
The play was about the late Glaswegian comedian, Chic Murray, and was told in autobiographical form by Chic and his wife, looking back on their lives. The small cast was led by veteran actor and comedian Dave Anderson. He was very good, playing the piano and chatting, and the audience were laughing at all the jokes. Chic Murray had a quirky, rambling style which Dave Anderson reproduced very well.
Now, what fascinated me about this casting was that I remember Chic Murray playing the eccentric Head Teacher in the film Gregory’s Girl, where he played the piano and told the pupils to go away. Dave Anderson was also in that film, playing the driving instructor father of Gregory. So I presume that the two actors take must have known each other. And now Dave Anderson is paying tribute to Chic in a play more than thirty years after his death. It was an affectionate tribute, and Jackie and I both enjoyed it.
My favourite joke in the play was Chic saying to the doctor, when about to be examined,
“Do I have to take ALL of my clothes off?”
Doctor: “Yes, put them on the chair on top of mine!” 

No comments:

Post a Comment