Metro review for Pondlife McGurk
Remaining true to yourself is tricky in Catherine WheelsTheatre Company's enchanting coming-of-age tale, performed in the round by Andy Manley.
The Ballad of Pondlife McGurk charts the topsy-turvy friendship of nine-year-old Brummie lad Martin, who moves to Edinburgh with his family, where he falls victim to bully Sharon at his new school.
Thankfully, fellow misfit Simon provides Martin with an escape from the jibes about his accent until teacher Mr Truman anoints him as saviour of the school football team ('Talent - don't waste it!') and Martin must choose between sporting glory and his only chum. Manley embodies the two boys, their classmates and teachers with gusto as the desire for acceptance poisons the central characters' friendship.
Gentle humour underscores the central message of solidarity in adversity, providing heartfelt giggles for children in the audience.
The Ballad of Pondlife McGurk charts the topsy-turvy friendship of nine-year-old Brummie lad Martin, who moves to Edinburgh with his family, where he falls victim to bully Sharon at his new school.
Thankfully, fellow misfit Simon provides Martin with an escape from the jibes about his accent until teacher Mr Truman anoints him as saviour of the school football team ('Talent - don't waste it!') and Martin must choose between sporting glory and his only chum. Manley embodies the two boys, their classmates and teachers with gusto as the desire for acceptance poisons the central characters' friendship.
Gentle humour underscores the central message of solidarity in adversity, providing heartfelt giggles for children in the audience.