This is a gentle, life-affirming play that quietly and simply achieves the goal of having a character walk off stage having changed from who he was at the time he walked on. It’s 1960, and Albert is a 21-year-old Elvis fanatic, but he’s also having a hard time doing his national service. He’s stationed only a few miles away from Prestwick Airport, where his hero – also doing his time in the army – will shortly be landing. While waiting, Briggsy finds himself sitting next to movie star Margaret Rutherford. Rutherford listens to Briggsy’s story of being out of sorts in the army and offers him some life-changing advice. Kellie Gamble and Ant Hopkinson deliver solid performances, but more importantly, form a believable bond over the characters’ short time together.

theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall, run ended.
tw rating 4/5 | [Tom Brogan]