The Wall

Published Wednesday 12 March 2008 at 11:10 by Thom Dibdin

Four bright and bustling performances bring the best out of DC Jackson’s impeccably observed modern romantic comedy for Borderline Theatre. Under Gregory Thompson’s clear and precise direction, the story of four teenagers in the tired Ayrshire town of Stewarton springs to vivid life, as they fall in and out of love over a few days in the early summer holidays.

Scott Hoatson is brilliantly gangly as the loner Barry, waiting on his Highers results down at the wall - where kids go to hang out at night, or be on their own by day. His embarrassment as Kirstin McLean’s nicely judged goth Michelle suggests he might be chatting her up, and he realises he would like to, is just right. In fact, every element of this pair’s growing, faltering relationship is shown with the right balance of truth, humour and squirm-inducing embarrassment.

Finn den Hertog is less convincingly drawn as the ned Rab. Which, however, turns out to be down to the writing and Jackson’s only looseness in a twist that is a good idea but not convincing in terms of plot. Hertog’s menacing relationship with Barry and Michelle, and his bullying of Barry’s wee sister Norma, are spot on.

Sally Reid puts in the standout performance as Norma. She is both utterly realistic, yet beautifully timed. All four engage with Jackson’s wonderful use of language, but Reid does the most with it. Becky Minto’s simple set with white sheets of textured backdrop is used to great effect by lighting designer Elizabeth Powell. A stunning piece of popular theatre.