Ellen Leslie
Written by Michael Johnson, Living The Dream transports the audience back to 1997, where £50 is an extortionate amount of money to spend on an Oasis ticket. The show follows four young men Scotty (Niall Thomson), Adam (Myles Mckenzie), Spider (Tom Rees) and Ryan (Raegan Walker), as they navigate life in a town where their future prospects are limited.
From reading the description, it sounds like getting Oasis tickets is a main plot point of the show. In fact, it is only Spider who is trying to get them; while the rest of the group are clearly tired of his stubbornness of the issue. Instead, the main focus of the plot is Adam’s illness. The show starts in a hospital waiting room, where Spider, Scotty and Ryan are waiting for Adam to get test results back. Adam is secretive about his illness, which only makes the men worry more. On top of this, they are dealing with their own problems: Spider has lost custody of his son due to his drug addiction, Scotty has lost his job and is facing eviction, while Ryan is worried about moving to university. These themes make the play more heartfelt and moving than it originally seems.
Sensitive topics are discussed carefully, yet they don’t shy away from the harsh realities of growing up in a small town where there’s a lack of opportunities. Male mental health is an important topic too, and the play shows the different ways that men that are struggling with their mental health can react, from impulsive thoughts, substance abuse and self-sabotage. Spider’s drug addiction is also handled seriously, as he concludes that he needs to check into a rehab centre in Leven. This is a refreshing change from similar shows, where drug taking is normalised, and the character who is addicted is all too often used as the butt of the joke.
With all characters dealing with their own personal problems, tensions rise and eventually bubble over as the boys clear out Scotty’s flat, resulting in fights. These scenes are well choreographed and dynamic, and all of the actors do a stellar job at conveying the characters’ anger and aggression.
Thomson shines in the role of Scotty, bringing a sense of authenticity to the show that the other actors don’t quite reach. Their friendship isn’t quite convincing enough, and some of the Scots dialogue feels jarring in some places, which is strange considering they are all from Scotland.
Living The Dream provides a rare insight into some of the issues affecting young men across Scotland. With lots of emotion and a good storyline, it is an excellent debut from Steel Antler Theatre Company, and they certainly have bright futures ahead of them.
RecommendedDdrink: a pint, followed by a packet of crisps.
You can catch Living The Dream at theSpace on the Mile – Space 3 until 29th August (odd dates only) at 15:15 (60mins). Tickets are available through the EdFringe Online Box Office.
Oli Fuller
Ben Kay
Isobel Jacob
