American Idiot at the King’s Theatre Glasgow Review
American Idiot
King’s Theatre, Glasgow
31 May to 4 June 2016
Reviewed by Dianne Shaw
I was asked to review American Idiot at the King’s Theatre in Glasgow.
I went along with my 16 year old daughter just to make myself seem a little more” with it”, however I needn’t have worried as this rock opera’s audience was made up of young and slightly less young alike.
The story of 3 young bored teenage boys is played out in front of us in a fast paced, somewhat entertaining although difficult to follow at times musical, told through the songs from Green Day’s American Idiot album.
There was a bit of a mix up at the start with the curtain and then it was announced that the actor playing the part of St Jimmy was being substituted and instead Llandyll Gove took on the role.
The 3 friends take totally different paths in an attempt to escape their small town existence after the tragic events of 9/11, each making their own mistakes and facing their individual challenges while trying to make sense of their lives.
Johnny played by Newton Faulkner becomes hooked on drugs whilst finding himself in a big city and runs into whatername, X factors Amelia Lily, Will played by Steve Rushton becomes a father and Tunny played by Alexis Gerred joins the army where he loses his leg while fighting in the Middle east, all returning at the end to meet up again.
That basically sums up the story line and is woven around the familiar, inspiring lyrics from Green Day which were emotionally performed in some standout solos from Newton Faulkner which for me was the best part of the performance.
I was lost at points and had to refer to my programme to explain the storyline, the music was enjoyable and my 16 year old who is a Green Day fan really enjoyed the evening. She was obviously joined by numerous members of the audience as there was a standing ovation and much cheering and whistling.
Although I did enjoy the production it’s not the best evening I have spent at the theatre and I would give the performance 3.5/5.
Rating: 3.5/5
Tickets cost from £17.90 to £43.40 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).
American Idiot is at the King’s Theatre in Glasgow until 4 June 2016. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 871 7648.
King’s Theatre, 297 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 4JN | 0844 871 7648
