Anna Burnside reviews the current tour of the Scottish classic.
For women in Hollywood, the career trajectory is famously: babe, DA, Driving Miss Daisy. In Scottish theatre, actresses progress through Doreen, Magrit and Dolly before finally supplementing their pensions with Mrs Culfeathers.
The four-generation tale from the washhouse on Hogmanay was nostalgic when Tony Roper wrote The Steamie in the 1980s. He was looking back on his mother’s generation as the steamies were set to be replaced by launderettes and domestic washing machines.
It’s now a doubly nostalgic experience as multi-generational family groups come to see a version of their own family past. The older members remember enjoying previous tours. The young team may have caught up via YouTube.
Under Roper’s direction, there is no messing with the formula. All that changes is the cast. Louise McCarthy, an outstanding physical performer and rafter-hitting presence, is a tremendous Dolly. Her set pieces - the impromptu bath in the sink and, especially, the imaginary phone call - are the highlights of the show.
Ali Cleland is an imposing Magrit, towering over the rest of the cast and bringing a deliciously salty edge to her lines. Lesley Mackie, who could fit in the pocket of Cleland’s pinnie, is a delightfully understated Mrs Culfeathers, uncomplaining beneath her towering pile of taken-in washing.
At first Eden Barrie, playing Doreen, leans heavily into Katie Murphy who played the role in the original production. She finds her own way as the show goes on. When she envisions her future - a washing machine to replace the sweated labour of the steamie, plus a telephone and television in place of Dolly and Magrit’s patter - she finds the emotional truth behind the more familiar comedy routines.
This is Roper’s last ever Steamie. It’s a strong production with a cast who do everything required of them. But it has become Galloway’s mince presented in aspic, a museum piece more than a period piece. Let us fill the Kings and similar sized theatres with Scotland’s tremendous female talent telling new stories.
The Steamie is at the King’s Theatre in Edinburgh until 10 October 2026. It then continues its tour to Pitlochry, Dunfermline and Glasgow. For further details and information, go to the tour’s website.
Photo by Christopher Bowen.
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