REVIEW: Small Acts of Love – Citizens Theatre, Glasgow
It has been a seven year, often tumultuous path to re-opening at Glasgow’s beloved Citizens Theatre after its radical refurbishment.
The work selected to welcome the public back is Francis Poet and Ricky Ross’ musical play Small Acts of Love.
Parallels will inevitably be drawn between Irene Sankoff and David Hein’s Come From Away. The heartfelt story of a small community in Newfoundland who rally to help those stranded by the grounded planes in the wake of 9/11. In this case it is the community around Lockerbie in the aftermath of the terrorist bombing of Pan Am Flight 103.
As the title suggests, it is the small acts of love offered to the bereaved families and friends that forms the heart of the piece. In creating the work, playwright Poet has spoken to both Lockerbie residents and the families who lost loved ones in the tragedy. It is their words that form the dialogue. It also explores how two communities, divided by an ocean, one in south west Scotland, the other in New York State, forged an enduring friendship based on compassion and humanity.
Deacon Blue’s Ricky Ross has crafted a slew of ear-pleasing tunes that evolve naturally from the dialogue. The actors, accompanied on stage by a small, five-piece, beautiful sounding band led by Gavin Whitworth are glorious in chorus. The strength and clarity of their voices and the perfectly tuned acting, combine to give goosebumps. In an almost perfect cast, Robert Jack delivers a particularly affecting turn as Father Keegans.
Playing out on a simple set by Tom Piper and beautifully lit by Bruno Poet, it is a sensitive, moving, poignant story that highlights the strength and resilience of a small community. The script switches in time and place and there is humour interspersed throughout, off-setting the grief. As joyful as many moments are, this is a deeply moving piece of theatre that successfully honours the lives lost and affected by the terrorist act that resulted in the single biggest loss of life in UK history.
A perfectly pitched piece of theatre and an utterly fitting piece with which to re-open Glasgow’s best-loved theatre.
Runs until 4 October 2025 | Image: Mihaela Bodlovic
