Review: YES! YES! UCS! Lantern Theatre Sheffield - UK tour

Photo credit: Serey Greyling

In the 1970s, Glasgow and Clydebank shipyards were facing the prospect of being closed by the Conservative government of the time. In response to this, a group of shop stewards led a working occupation of the shipyards and within a few weeks, a national and international campaign for the right to work had begun.

Yes! Yes! UCS! is a new musical play, written by Neil Gore, that tells the story of Aggie McGraw and how she becomes involved in her trade union and eventually goes on to be a driving force of campaign. The play is simple but enjoyable, with some well performed but occasionally unmemorable songs along the way. At times, the play does feel like it doesn’t quite know what it wants to be. There are some naturalistic scenes and some monologues performed as direct address to the audience. At times, the music just helps with world building whilst at others, the songs move the story along like in a musical. A little more cohesion and a solid grounding in one gender would help the piece flow a little better.

Louise Townsend directs the production. The staging isn’t consistently dynamic but the simplicity of the staging makes the audience focus purely on the characters and their story. At times, the play does a little too much telling rather than showing but it keeps the audience engaged in the stories of the characters throughout. There isn’t much by means of set but the set that is there is used imaginatively. The projected animation by Scarlett Rickard and Jonny Halifax is truly gorgeous and really adds to the piece. It helps to show some of the bigger moments in an imaginative way and is used for far more than just depicting locations.

The play is performed by a cast of two (with the voices of others featuring at particular moments). Janie Thomson plays Aggie McGraw whilst Heather Gourdie takes on the role of Geraldine ‘Eddy’ Edson. Thomson and Gourdie have an excellent rapport and have perfectly contrasting characterisations. Throughout the show, you see the impact each character has on the other as they become closer friends. Gourdie’s more poignant moments, particularly those surrounding her character’s dad, are beautifully performed. At times, Thomson’s characterisation feels a little exaggerated but she is fantastic comedic actress, whilst getting some great poignant moments towards the end of the show. Both actors are powerhouse vocalists and their voices blend together incredibly well.

Yes! Yes! UCS! is a very enjoyable night out at the theatre with some highly creative aspects. It boasts a sensational cast of two – both are definitely ones to watch in the future. It also teaches audiences well about some of the things that were going north of the Scottish border under the pre-Thatcher Conservative government.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Jacob Bush

Yes! Yes! UCS plays at the Lantern Theatre in Sheffield until 26 February before continuing on tour until 1 May, with further information and tickets available here.