PYLON : Review, Mitchell Theatre, Glasgow

PYlon Live

Let me start by saying, whatever I write about Pylon will not do it justice.

There was a buzz around a packed Mitchell Theatre, a sense of anticipation as the audience filled the auditorium. There had been a bus stopped outside just as we arrived at the theatre, I assumed a contingent having travelled over from Kilmarnock especially for the show on its debut in Glasgow. The hubbub around the theatre was celebratory and there was a real sense of warmth as people greeted each other, seeing faces they recognised. A real sense of community. A sense of community totally reflected in Pylon.

The house lights dimmed.

Silence fell.

The curtains opened.

A quiet hum came from the stage. The hum of the pylons.

An introduction was projected onto the screen. The definition of truth.

Something that is accepted. That word was highlighted.

The word grew as the hum grew to a cacophony.

Ear-piercing white noise, the screen distorted.

Old STV news reports were replayed.

This play is based on true events.

–

1996.

A solo figure took to the stage.

The show was off to an intense start, engaging and enthralling the packed room.

Davie

That solo figure was Davie McFarlane. The protagonist who shared the story of the residents of Shortlees. Kilmarnock following an increase in cancer deaths and diagnoses in the tight knit community. While the theme of the play was the pylons, this wasn’t just a telling of the how this connection came to light. It was so much more.

It was a tale of humanity, of the human condition. A telling of a story of family and friendship, of support and love in a close community. An account of how people come together to care for each other. To protect one another and remain loyal whatever the circumstances.

Protagonist Davie recounted the story in a sensitive and compelling manner. At points the despair was palpable, bringing us to the verge of tears. In the next breath a humorous tail inviting hearty laughter. A demonstration of how we cope with situations which could break the human spirit completely.

That would have been enough, Davie telling the tale, by a bench in the garden. Emotion clear on his face and in his voice. There was so much more going on in his head. The representation of this was both clever and dramatic.

The Music

9 anonymous figures took to the stage, dressed head to in toe in black, including black balaclavas revealing only eyes and mouths. The voices of Davies conscience, the things he was questioning in his own mind were represented by a nine-piece band, whole complemented Davies tale playing several songs interspersed throughout on themes of truth, listening, not having a voice. With a number of vocalists, two electric guitars, an acoustic and bass, drummer, fiddler, keyboard and synthesisers, the music ranged from the quiet and sensitive to the loud, fast and vociferous. Images were projected onto the screen and dramatic lighting added to the impact of these songs reflecting what was going on at the various stages of Davie’s tale.

I should point out, Davie was clear throughout that it wasn’t about him, or his family. It was about seeking answers for a community. For all the friends that had been impacted. He wanted something to be done.

This multi-media event was so well conceived and executed. A great mix of monologue, live music and recorded film images. What is more, it was an emotive subject, dealt with such sensitive awareness and tact, having the audience rapt throughout and ending in an ecstatic standing ovation.

This show, nay this immersive experience, deserves to be seen by a much wider audience. The story of a resilient community, their tenacity and their unyielding support for each other is an example that anyone can learn from. Oh, and in deepest Ayrshire, the story includes a monkey. Chico, the “best money Davie ever spent.”

The night drags you through the emotional wringer, but you leave feeling inspired and invigorated.

10 out of 10

Much kudos to all involved the key men Graeme Cameron, Paul Montgomery, Steven Smith and Paul Mulligan – writers, musicians, performers, production crew. Tonight was a perfect performance. 10 out of 10.

This production is entirely self-funded and supported by residents of Shortlees who were impacted by events. Spread the word far and wide. This deserves to be picked up by a touring theatre company with the financial backing and clout that can take this production nationwide.

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