There is a particular poignancy that comes with watching this play at the Citizens. It has been a difficult road to regeneration for the Gorbals and the journey is not over, but there is a resonance here through the language and the story that gives you a wonderful feeling of reaching into the past.
But Lamont Stewart’s story is universal, and it is a tale peopled by a relative forest of vivacious and diverse characters. In the hands of a less-skilled cast, the many voices vying for attention could have been overwhelming, but here they gel like a choir and Charlotte Gwinner is careful to give everyone their moment in turn.
Pauline Turner and Paul Hamilton provide a solid leading couple, though Turner does seem a little young for the role - Maggie is a mother of seven after all. But she gives an excellent, balanced performance full of longing and despair, her fresh face actually saving the role from falling too far into the realms of hopelessness
There is strong support from those playing her sniping family and gossiping neighbours with Jennifer Piercey a particular treat as Granny and Susan Harrison a perfect caricature as little Edie.
The recognizable features of a Glasgow tenement are all present in Michael Taylor’s set - the sash window, long streams of drying laundry spreading out overhead, and the various small rooms disappearing into the back giving a good sense of the cramped conditions.
It is a heartbreaking trip down memory lane and an education for all who see it.
Production information can change over the run of the show.
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