Some time ago I remember seeing an item on the Scottish news about "Tutti Frutti” being adapted by its writer and creator John Byrne for the stage, at the same time we were shown some footage of the cast including talented actress Dawn Steele in the role created by Emma Thompson in the original 1980’s TV series, which went on to win 6 BAFTA awards. I admire both ladies very much and hoped to see the original 2006 tour, as usual time and tides got in the way and it was not to be. I was delighted when I saw that the National Theatre of Scotland was bringing it back for a short tour in 2007.

The show is as fabulous as I had expected it to be. Byrne’s style can only be described as earthy and honest, taking his inspiration from his upbringing in Ferguslie Park, Paisley.

The Majestics, Vincent, Fud and Bomba are mourning the loss of Big Jazza their charismatic front-man. His sudden tragic death came as they were about to embark on their Silver Jubilee tour, cut a record and make a TV documentary, Jazza’s timing as usual impeccable.  His younger brother Danny is flown over for the funeral by Eddie Clocherty, an entrepreneur .Clocherty’s secretary Janice Toner is stunned by the resemblance between the two brothers and Clocherty’s mind as usual forms a plan.

In his despair Danny enters a dingy restaurant for a drink and meets Art school peer Suzy Kettles, her crush on him at college a thing of fun, but wow has she changed!

Vincent hopes his latest floozy Glenna, despite her pregnancy, will step in and be the fourth member of the band despite Fud and Bomba's refusal to have a 'burd' in the band. Clocherty gets his way and Danny replaces his brother.  Nothing for the Majestics goes well as Vincent misses various gigs for one reason or another and Suzy is draged in, literaly,  time and again. Dennis, the bands long term roadie, attempts to keep things together despite car crashes, fires, suicides, and the appearance of wives, husbands and psychotic progeny. Does Dennis succeedin keeping things together long enough to get the band to their ultimate destination, The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow, for the finale of the tour?  

This cast of superbly talented, Scottish actors sing and play their way through an original 10 hours of material in just over two. Some of the performers playing multiple characters, punctuated with a superb soundtrack of rock and roll numbers, the CD, should they be permitted to produce one, could be an integral part of any music lovers collection. I have seen many of the cast members before but was unaware of their superb voices. Tom Urie as Danny McGlone was new to me but boy can he sing. The moody predominantly grey set is fabulous and many of the projected backgrounds were designed and painted by John Byrne who although known to me as a playwrite is predominantly an artist.

This hilarious yet poignant production deserves to run and run but I winder just how much our English neighbours will get out of it and will they require translations.

Cast; Kenny Bryans (Dennis), Tam Dean Burn (Vincent Diver), Barrie Hunter (Fud), Therese Bradley (Noreen), Helen Mallon (Glenna), John McGlynn (Bomba), Alan McHugh (Stuart), Gavin Mitchell (Lachie), Julie Wilson Nimmo (Janice Toner), John Ramage (Eddie Clockerty), Dawn Steele (Suzy Kettles), Tom Urie (Danny McGlone) and  Clare Waugh (Sheena).

Creatives; Written by John Byrne, Director - Tony Cownie, Designer - Neil Murray, Lighting designer - Malcolm Rippeth, Video Designer - John Alder and Musical Director - Neil McArthur

The show moves on to The Grand Theatre Blackpool 1^st to 5^th May 2007.  For further National Theatre of Scotland projects and more information on Tutti Frutti see www.nationaltheatrescotland.com