A double bill of two critically acclaimed comedies from Scotland's premier touring company, described in the national press as 'brilliant, gifted and fiercely accessible'. Read more …
Hot on the heels of sell-out productions with the National Theatre of Scotland and the New York Times Critics Award for their 2011 productions, Random Accomplice show two ingenious hilarious and incredible stories under the banner DOUBLE NUGGET.
MARY MASSACRE: A bittersweet emotional rollercoaster of a story about two disappointed women waiting at the candy floss machine on Irvine Moor. On the surface, there are the overlapping stories of the women who share a light-hearted secret and a love of psychics. Underneath, there is a tale of deceit, loss and betrayal. Both of them are unaware how they'll change each others' lives for ever.
SEVEN YEAR ITCH: This true story of the brutal slaying of an office worker in America is interwoven with the delightfully flamboyant tale of two Glasgow co-workers, one of whom is obsessed with Dolly Parton. Seven Year Itch is for the daydreamer who looks at the stapler with murderous intent, for anyone who thinks about shredding their co-worker's fingers and for those of you who sing out loud and proud at your desk.
The two shows combine to create an evening of powerful narrative and gleeful theatrical energy; with a feeling for the backbeat of popular culture that is as sharply analytical as it is enjoyable.
There's an over-riding archness in all the performances, with Julie Wilson-Nimmo and Mary Gapinski in Mary Massacre and Brown herself alongside Martin McCormick in Seven Year Itch pointing up the double-bluffing grotesquery of a candy-floss world turned bad.
McKnight knows the breezy comedy is what will draw us in, but he also knows it’ll take something more weighty to send us away satisfied. The plays fizz and crackle so much we’re powerless to resist when they turn dark.
Where Mary Massacre falters, its partner piece– the ill-conceived, metatheatrical Seven Year Itch – simply collapses.
Lovers of Johnny McKnight’s brand of pathos-laden, observational comedy will find some moments to enjoy in Mary Massacre...the less said about its companion playlet, Seven Year Itch, the better.
Double Nugget combines shows Marymassacre and Seven Year Itch
Tron Theatre, Glasgow from Tuesday February 14, 2012, until Saturday February 18, 2012. More info: www.tron.co.uk
On Tour, from Wednesday February 22, 2012, until Saturday March 10, 2012. Check Random Accomplice's website for touring information..
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