REVIEW: A Blether and a Bop at the Barrowland – The Shed, Glasgow

From the pen of Tracey Curran comes this nostalgic look at the life and loves of Glasgow couple Janette (Tracey Curran) and Patrick (Will Spiers) from their meeting at the fabled Barrowland Ballroom, falling in and out of love to ultimately remembering the feelings that brought them together in the first place. All played out to a backdrop of memories of the famous Glasgow nightspot.

This play with music effectively captures the spirit of the late 50’s and 60’s and is choc full of appeal to the huge numbers of Glasgow couples who met and found romance in the legendary venue.

There’s as much pathos as humour here as Curran touches on the reality of romance with the typical west of Scotland man. The charm and patter quickly fading as the reality of everyday life strikes. The dialogue is relatable and elicited many murmurs of agreement and familiarity. The songs too are evocative of the era and of Glasgow itself. Interspersed between the scenes are dances from the Rock ‘Til U Drop Jive Club whose energy and fleet-footed choreography is a delight to watch and provides a clever cover for the scene changes.

Much enjoyed by the audience, this little Glasgow gem will hopefully have a life beyond the Lunchtime Live at The Shed programme.

4 ****