Joy Watters reviews another Roald Dahl adaptation at Dundee Rep.
It’s Roald Dahl time at Dundee Rep again, the fourth time in as many years they have selected one of his stories for the Christmas show. This time it is adapted for the stage, with a Scottish accent, by Stuart Paterson.
George’s Marvellous Medicine is not what might be termed festive or action-packed. Thankfully, the five-strong cast directed by Joe Douglas give it their all, delivering spoonfuls of sugar to help the medicine go down. It is also a good-looking show, fun and innovative thanks to designer Ana Ines Jabares-Pita, whose surreal clouds float over the audience.
The role of eight-year-old George is taken alternately by the Rep’s two graduates and on the day of review it was Rebekah Lumsden. She powers the part along, showing the poor miserable boy being picked on by his granny until he takes revenge, substituting her usual medicine with his own vile brew.
Antifreeze, engine oil, brown gloss paint and floor polish are just a few lethal ingredients of George’s medicine. The show warns children not to take anything from the medicine cabinet though!
Ann Louise Ross is in fine form as nasty Granny, part auld wifie, part witch with a passing resemblance to Baby Jane Hudson. She bullies George until she gets her comeuppance from his medicine, spurting through the roof.
George’s parents Mary (Emily Winter does a great woman at breaking point) and Johnny (Ewan Donald as the cheery farmer) arrive home to the scene. Dad dreams of expanding his livestock, individually, and George’s efforts go awry.
Granny is obliterated and her demise is scarcely mourned. Merry Christmas!
George’s Marvellous Medicine runs at Dundee Rep until Saturday December 31st.
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