Darren Brownlie stars in Crocodile Rock, a beautiful story about a boy from Millport on the Island of Cumbrae who finds himself struggling to fit in. It isn’t until a flamboyant piano player arrives that he sees the possibility for him to be himself. To be the Queen of the Island. Set in the ’90s, references to Friends and the Spice Girls litter the script amongst the familiar Scottish culture.
Hilary Brooks, musical director, joins him on stage who provides piano accompaniment and harmony vocals. Beyond this Brownlie manages to transform into an array of characters from his “Wee Maw” to childhood crush Henry Thomas. This taking little more than a tweak in his accent or posture. Stephen MacPhail shines out of him as much of himself is infused in the character. Particularly in the moments that he addresses the audience.
These asides are rooted in self-aware humour and members of the audience are never called upon to catch them out. They work to not only engage but to relax the audience into accepting the dramatisation of an emotional story. Tensions break as Brownlie snaps out of a scene with a quick “that got very dark quick there”.
The audience is invited to sing along in a moment that invokes the strong camaraderie that comes from a story like this. Brownlie managed to riff off of a comment from an audience member regarding heels like it was a scripted moment.
The music is packed with power ballads and strong storytelling numbers that Darren Brownlie manages to belt with ease. All while spreading himself across the stage. The songs are packed into the hour runtime as the plot moves quickly. The lyrics are simple, straightforward but generally packed with meaning and emotion.
The most emotional elements come as Stephen’s “Wee Maw” accepts him in full drag and they come to realise that he must leave the island. Not because it is the easiest option but the only one. It is so profoundly put as she knows what needs to be said before he does. Her acceptance doesn’t come as a shock with much of it being seeded throughout the show.
In contrast is his father’s reaction of rejection not just once but continually as Stephen revisists his words annually waiting for him to have enough time to accept. In a tease of further hardship despite sacrificing his life on the island, Brownlie admits an hour just isn’t enough to cover the full story.
The set is carefully set up to put everything on show with props in plain sight throughout only becoming relevant at their moment. The movement choreography and direction by Andy McGregor is so precise and yet distinctly freeing. The back of the set, featuring wigs and hats on mannequin heads is under utilised. It mostly serves to fill the space.
Crocodile Rock is a one-man musical telling the story of millions of queer teens who just want to see the stars.
Where to Watch Crocodile Rock
Darren Brownlie is performing in Crocodile Rock at 16.30 from 5-31 August (except Tuesdays) at Gilded Balloon Teviot with tickets available to buy here.
Check out all of Brig’s coverage of this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe here.
Featured Image Credit: Tommy Ga-Ken Wan
Journalism and Film and Media student who loves writing about TV. @darcyrobson07
