Up the Gary

By Derek - 24th Jul 2006

When you put your idol high on a pedestal, you need to be very aware in case he falls off, especially if the pedestal was high, the descent precipitous and you are underneath. Make that idol Gary Glitter, and the danger doubles. Badpenny Theatre have produced a show which has warmth, sadness, belly laughs, tragedy and glitter, without spotlighting the man himself.

Andrew Barron portrays a multitude of characters with deft yet simple changes which allow him to speed the story along without ever confusing us as to who is who. Sam’s story forms the show. From a shy introvert, he is goaded by an older girlfriend into a karaoke performance as the Leader, and his rise begins. We follow this rise, impatient to see his version of the man himself – and it is well worth the wait. The full Glitter performance is a delight when it comes, as Barron indulges us with all the ludicrous affectations that were part of prime Gary. Anyone who remembers The Leader will struggle not to join in with words or moves. Through his hero, Sam develops into a different man and all seems well till the hero’s status shatters. The play does not list Glitter’s problems or judge him, but considers the impact reflected on an innocent man. Barron plays the nuances with subtle perfection, presenting a likeable chap who can’t understand the danger he is dragged into. Sam’s naivety results in a descent parallel to that of the Leader of the Gang and the play is a skilfully developed story which allows us to share Sam’s journey realising that is blind to the danger. We get a spine chilling fear as he sings “you’re beautiful” as a lullaby. You also learn fun details about the history of Glam Rock.

Beautifully judged lighting from Phil Hewitt compliments the acting to allow us to believe that we are witnessing various conversations although there is only ever Barron on stage. The simple setting allows any number of locations while simple evocative sound confirms and disturbs our suspicions.

The audience enjoy several experiences – youthful audience member at a gig, sympathetic supporter, voyeur, outraged outsider, guilty sympathiser - in a show which is enormously entertaining but forces you to recognise the danger of a knee-jerk reaction in judging celebrity disgrace.

This is a brilliantly engaging show with disturbing undercurrents to make you confront your own prejudice, carried triumphantly by the exuberant performance of Andrew Barron.

Up the Gary will be at the Edinburgh Festival in the Iron Belly at Smirnoff Underbelly, 3-27 August @ 8pm

Derek Benfield