Elaine C. Smith stars as the titular Cathy in Eilidh Loan’s play showcasing the power of harnessing grief. Following the death of Cathy’s husband, Tommy, her family’s worries lead to arguments and an unsubtle “suicide watch”.
The show features its fair share of dramatic and gut-wrenching moments but it is the comedy that stands out the most. A beautiful rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone by Chloe Hodgson opens the show, the sombre tone is quickly broken by Smith’s humour.
In a role not far from her performance as Christine in BBC Scotland’s Two Doors Down, Smith plays with familiar cultural references to conjure laughs and root the story in Glasgow. She leads her fellow castmates with elegance, her performance is exactly what you expect from Smith while remaining fresh and surprising.
Recurring jokes of Bradley Walsh and gay Jesus only gather momentum as the show progresses. The audience doesn’t need time to warm up and are instantly enthralled (helped by an early technical difficulty).
The play distinctly focuses on Cathy and while it would seem that her daughter, Florence (Michele Gallagher), would play a greater role, her main role is to drive the conflict. Her husband, Colin (Alan Orr) is well-meaning in his actions and is mostly a bumbling caricature.
It is granddaughter Amy (Hodgson) who takes the spotlight in the family as she manages to cut down the barriers between her mum and granny to recontextualise the family’s grief. Her pregnancy and eventual childbirth marked the true moment of reconnection.
Unexpectedly, it is Sally Reid’s Lizzie who unlocks the greatest message in the show. Her bubbly and over-the-top personality supports Cathy as she starts work in the charity shop. In a revelation of her own loss in the second act, moments from earlier in the play hold new meaning.
Finding joy in grief through giving back or laughing at the funny moments is a poignant message. Where the play is realistic in its cultural elements this is what rings true most of all. It’s not just a theme or message it is the justification for staging the play as is.
The set is filled with detail that help characterise the play well. Reused elements and props are creatively utilised. Scene transitions tell an entire story on their own as time progresses towards Christmas. At times taking place in the dark while an extended sequence of Christmas dressing being put out marks a shift in character outlook.
The story would work just as well on screen as it does on stage with little need to tweak or adapt.
Cathy is a beautifully heartwarming tale of grief, rooted in Glaswegian culture giving grander weight to the message portrayed. Fans of Elain C. Smith, Scottish writing and comedy plays will find so much to love in this play.
Where to Watch Cathy
Cathy is performing at various times at the Traverse theatre from 7-30 August (except Mondays). Find further information for the sold out run here.
Brig’s full coverage of this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe is available here for you to check out.
Featured Image Credit: Mihaela Bodlovic
Journalism and Film and Media student who loves writing about TV. @darcyrobson07
