Review: NAE EXPECTATIONS, Tron Theatre

Photo credit: Mihaela Bodlovic

Nae Expectations triumphs as Andy Arnold’s last directorial project, after working nearly sixteen years as Artistic Director for Tron Theatre Company.

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens serves as the inspiration for this story, which revolves around a young character named Pip. Pip confronts the challenges of understanding his own identity, choosing his aspirations, and overcoming obstacles in a society governed by fearsome adults, a flawed class system, and his inner demons.

Gary McNair (writer) and Andy Arnold (director) work effortlessly to create an accessible and uniquely Scottish narrative of the classic tale. Working in a compact space, the imaginative multifunctional set by Jenny Booth, enhanced by Benny Goodman’s lighting design, creates an impressively quick shift in settings. Paired with an eerie soundscape and composition (Ross Brown), a chilling atmosphere is successfully created.

Within the first few moments, the audience can’t help but chuckle at the witty humour and fourth-wall-breaking banter. Gavin Jon Wright, in the role of Pip, leads the cast with charisma, ease, and excellence. Throughout the show, Pip's monologues make it easier for the audience to grasp the complex plot and profound themes. Gerry Mulgrew, Jamie Marie Leary, and Grant Smeaton excel at portraying multiple roles and bringing laughter to the stage with their quirky and uncanny characters. Karen Dunbar’s heightened performance of Miss Havisham holds great comedic value and a gallus spirit compared to the more humble performance of Joe, by Simon Donaldson. What must be commended is the dynamic established between Pip and Joe; it is utterly heart-warming, something which can be heavily empathised with by audiences.

Nae Expectations provides a wholesome tale for modern audiences. Even through the Glaswegian tongue and heavy use of humour, the moral of the piece still shines through. It is a show that constantly has the audience thinking - what makes a person good, and can money buy happiness?

The audio and visual elements, combined with the excellent performances from the small cast, transport you into the chaotic life of a humble man. Ultimately, you are left with the gratifying feeling of “it’s alright this, int it”.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Catriona Lamb

Nae Expectations plays at Tron Theatre until 4 November, with further information here.