Amazingly acted and a touching story
“This is a win for The Blue Brazil”
The first thing to strike you in the theatre is the gorgeous staging and lighting. The set instantly evokes memories of an old-fashioned club function room, and the simplicity of the lighting, a solitary light shining through a window, is so effective in every sense. Indeed, this is complimented by the rest of the design and clever use of lighting throughout the play. Worrall, Murphy and Wilkinson have excelled in their work here.
The story itself is simple, lead by Dawn Steele as Sally, it is a wander through grief and loss as well as finding a place of belonging. Gary McNair handles the source text by Ron Ferguson with a deft hand, adapting it for the stage effortlessly and bringing laughter and beautifully reflective moments of emotion throughout. It is, all in all, very well put together and a touching tribute to the source.
The piece needs a strong lead, it plays in most senses as a one person show, and in Steele the production has gained a wonderful talent to helm the show. Steele conveys a myriad of emotions with flawless believability. She is utterly stunning in the role and you struggle to take your eyes off her. She is backed up nicely by Barrie Hunter, who plays the Cowdenbeath FC obsessed Dad with notable skill. He is both charming and frustrating throughout the piece, and builds a wonderful relationship with Steele that delivers the emotive punch in the closing scenes.
The two are accompanied by Ricky Ross, of Deacon Blue fame. Situated at the piano throughout the piece, he plays some lovely newly written pieces that compliment the piece and are welcome moments for the audience to reflect, almost working as the songs we reflect to at a funeral. At points, it maybe feels as if the music is overused, but that takes nothing away from Ross’ writing and performance.
Rounding off the team is the Artistic Director of the Lyceum, James Brining, on hand to direct, and does so well. The best way to describe the direction is slick. It is well put together and transitions between sections of the script smoothly. All this points towards an incredibly well rounded production.
There is a slight want for more, particularly surrounding the story of the mother, and the ending montage after the last line feels a little manipulative, playing at the audiences emotions. Indeed, the final line may have worked as a better and more emotive ending. But that does not take away from the overall success of the production.
Having known little of Cowdenbeath FC before the play, I will certainly be keeping an eye on The Blue Brazil from here on in, and cheering them and the tight community that surrounds them in the future. You don’t need to care about football, but you may as you leave.
Black Diamonds and The Blue Brazil is playing at The Lyceum in Edinburgh until 23rd May 2026.