28 September 2023
Tron Theatre, Glasgow
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Battery Park is a play with music; it's part theatre, part live music gig. And what a gig! The band and the soundtrack are sensational. The atmosphere, the staging, the vibes - I found it really difficult to remain seated. I truly felt like I was at a brilliant rock concert at King Tut's.
Taking us back to the Britpop era, the 1990s, Battery Park is the story of a band from Greenock who try to break away from their ordinary, difficult lives in the west coast of Scotland and into the global music industry.
Writer / Director Andy McGregor is a remarkable songwriter, and every single one of Battery Park's tracks are great. It's my type of music to a tee, and I absolutely would have gone to their gigs. The soundtrack is already on Spotify (and other music services) and I highly recommend you treat yourself to a listen. I've had it on repeat all day.
The music was the highlight of the show for me but the storytelling has been cleverly thought out too. As the play opens, we meet Tommy, a jaded, middle-aged guy drinking in the local bowling club. Through his memories, we learn the story of the formation and ultimate demise of his band, "the biggest band you’ve never heard of" - Battery Park. As Tommy looks back at the decisions his younger self is making, his regret and heartbreak is palpable. It's a powerful angle through which to present the band's story and it works well.
'Older Tommy' has the pivotal role in the story, and Chris Alexander is the perfect, assured, authentic actor for the job. Great casting! Chloe-Ann Taylor plays Angie / Lucy; and the young band are made up of friends Tommy (Stuart Edgar), Ed (Tommy McGowan), Biffy (Charlie West), and incomer Robyn (Kim Allan). Stuart Edgar's voice shone from beginning to end, and if he is not already the lead singer in a band or in a stage musical, then he should be.
The play is full of sharp dialogue and humour, wonderfully delivered by each of the actors. There were so many rock music references and pops at Scottish working-class life, that I probably need to see it again to catch them all. The cast play all the instruments and sing live too. And with impeccable sound design from Fraser Milroy, and superb lighting from Grant Anderson, the parts really do come together in a blistering performance.
Battery Park is a fantastic night out for anyone who likes music. But anyone who dreamed of being in a band, or who enjoyed the Britpop era will find much to relate to here. Touring to a venue near you this autumn (probably; full tour listings below) please go support this team. This is a prime example of what can be achieved by the phenomenal artistic talent resident in Scotland today. There's no need to go to London; take a trip to Battery Park.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tickets and Tour
Battery Park is touring to 13 venues across Scotland in Autumn 2023.
Battery Park plays at Glasgow's Tron Theatre this week until Saturday 30th September.
🎟️ All performances are SOLD OUT except for Saturday 30th Sept at 2.30pm.
More info here or contact Tron box office for returns.
➡️ Battery Park is then touring to Dundee Rep (Dundee); The Gaiety (Ayr); Reconnect Regal Theatre (Bathgate); Byre Theatre (St Andrews); Perth Theatre (Perth); Cumbernauld Theatre (Cumbernauld); Howden Park Centre (Livingstone); CatStrand (New Galloway); Traverse Theatre (Edinburgh) with the final performance at Eden Court (Inverness) on 29 October.
Battery Park tour listings:
Beacon Arts Centre, Greenock
Friday 22 & Saturday 23 September | beaconartscentre.co.uk
Tron Theatre, Glasgow
Thursday 28, Friday 29 & Saturday 30 September | tron.co.uk
Dundee Rep, Dundee
Tuesday 3 October | dundeerep.co.uk
The Gaiety, Ayr
Saturday 07 October | thegaiety.co.uk
Reconnect Regal Theatre, Bathgate
Wednesday 11 October | reconnectregal.com
Byre Theatre, St Andrews
Friday 13 October | byretheatre.com
Perth Theatre, Perth
Saturday 14 October | perththeatreandconcerthall.com
Cumbernauld Theatre at Lanternhouse, Cumbernauld
Tuesday 17 October | lanternhousearts.org
Howden Park Centre, Livingstone
Thursday 19 October | howdenparkcentre.co.uk
CatStrand, New Galloway
Saturday 21 October | gcat.scot
Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh
Thursday 26 & Friday 27 October | traverse.co.uk
Eden Court, Inverness
Sunday 29 October | eden-court.co.uk
📸 Poster photo credit: Eoin Carey
📸 Production photography: Mihaela Bodlovic
🌟 REVIEW: Battery Park (Sleeping Warrior Theatre Company, Andy McGregor, Scottish Tour, Autumn 2023)🌟
🎟️ Disclosure: I was invited to review this show and received a complimentary ticket in exchange. Whether I am invited or not has absolutely no impact on my reviews or star ratings.
📧 For media and review requests contact Lisa_InTheTheatre@outlook.com
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