If a childhood friendship lasts into adulthood, it can be one of the strongest bonds experienced. It is such a bond that lies at the heart of Andrew O’Hagan’s 2020 novel Mayflies that was subsequently dramatised for tv in 2022 and has been expertly adapted for Grid Iron by director Ben Harrison.
Using Grid Iron’s trademark site specific style, this superb version of Mayflies is narrated by Matthew Pidgeon as the urbane adult Noodles, his presence as he watches key moments in the lives of his younger self (Kieran Devine) and his polar opposite Tully Dawson (Jude Bain) creates a particular poignancy. Noodles is studious and gets a place at Uni to study English and Russian. Tully bursts with bluff and personality but is dealing with a troubled relationship with his father. Yet the pair are the very best of pals.
The former metal works, Brown’s of Leith, acts as the perfect backdrop to recreate the rave atmosphere of the 1980s when Tully and Noodles were heavily into the esoteric music of the time such as The Smiths. They plan a holiday on nothing trip to Manchester to see their heroes and the journey with its mad experiences are fabulously displayed on each end wall of the improvised theatre space thanks to Lewis den Hertog’s striking videos and Simon Wilkinson’s lighting. When Noodles loses his ticket for the gig and Tully gives him his, knowing he’ll be able to blag his way in without one, the defining night of their youth is sealed. The ‘Top of the World’ feeling they jointly experience is brought to pulsating life through David Paul Jones’ soundtrack.
Jimmy has become a successful writer when Tully (Graham Mackay-Bruce) tells him he has terminal cancer and, as someone with an aversion to illness in anyone never mind in himself, he wants his old pal Noodles to help him use Dignitas to end his life. Tully’s partner Iona (Carmen Pieraccini) never quite gets either the deep understanding between the men who ‘know how to love [each other] more than anyone else’ or that this major decision is Tully’s alone and suspects conspiracy that results in conflict between her and Jimmy.
While the performance of the principal actors involved are second to none, Paul McCole, who plays multiple roles ranging from Tully’s grumpy Dad through to a charming Italian waiter, deserves praise for his versatility.
Jen McGinley’s costume choices look just right over all but are notable for Noodles’ Harrington jacket and Tully’s retro brothel creepers and the presence of an iconic juke box does not go unnoticed. Likewise, Vicki Manderson deserves credit for directing impressive dance moves at Manchester’s Hacienda and more traditional Scottish ones at the wedding scene.
This is a vibrant, dynamic, energetic and highly emotive production showing the depths of a male heterosexual friendship that survived and thrived across decades while pointing up an important, sensitive issue of our time. An absolute triumph.
This production is part of the Made in Scotland showcase and marks Grid Iron’s 30th anniversary.
Running time:1 hour 40 mins
Age recommend: 14+
Irene Brown
Radio Summerhall Arts 