Photo Credit: John JohnstonFresh from artistic triumph in Glasgow, two painters swagger down to war-torn London's Bohemia to take the art world by storm. After forcing galleries and critics to take notice of their brilliant post-modernist paintings, they briefly become revered as the Gilbert and George of London's art establishment. However, these two Roberts-- partners and lovers-- are also outrageous and flamboyant hedonists who are eventually shunned by the Capital's chattering classes; and once out of control, there is only one way to go. Read more …
John Byrne idolised these two brilliant painters in his own Glasgow art school days and has written a fast moving play crackling with fine art and foul profanities. First performed at the Royal Court Theatre in 1992 with a cast of six, Byrne has created a new two-handed version for the Tron’s Changing House.
It should roar with more debauchery and passion, and it's all too chaste by half. Not a Byrne masterpiece, more a cute doodle.
In Andy Clark (as Colquhoun) and Stephen Clyde (as MacBryde) it has found two actors who give themselves to this fierce, tragic and hilarious short play with a terrific combination of passion, humour, intelligence and sheer theatrical skill.
It all makes for a raucous and touching study of two men out of time.
Colquhoun and MacBryde is an energising look at relationships, creativity and artistic endeavour.
Andy Clark and Stephen Clyde throw themselves into Arnold's production with suitable abandon.
Tron Theatre, Glasgow from Wednesday October 29, 2014, until Saturday November 8, 2014. More info: www.tron.co.uk
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