Hen Night Horror at Glasgow Pavilion Theatre Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Deb Mackenzie
It’s new, fresh and wickedly funny!
Hen Night Horror had the audience in belly ache laughter, me included. A comedy musical written by Ali Cleland a lass from rural Ayrshire and Fraser Boyle from Fife who are both well-known on the Scottish theatre circuit. They met working together in pantomime and became close friends. This new show is a feather in their caps as it is so very funny and something we can all relate to when it comes to friendships.
The background story is of soon to be married Amanda and her two closest friends, Lydia and Donna chosen to be her bridesmaids. Amanda’s besties have turned against each other and are constantly throwing snide remarks and jibes at each other. Donna booked a remote Highland Lodge. Lydia suspects Donna is hiding a secret and is determined to find out what; this has already resulted in her getting a broken nose. Amanda is flustered as they continue to bicker, and she sees her dream wedding turn into a disaster. But the petty quarrel may not be easily fixed but they soon forget about their worries when they realise… they are not alone…
The five-star cast Kim Shepherd (A New Life), Frances Thorburn (River City), Louise McCarthy (The Dolls, The Scotts), Matthew McKenna (Rocky Horror Show) and Alan Orr (The Dolls Abroad) are well known on stage in Scotland and never once faltered even though the audience were roaring with laughter and calling out. Even though the women were the centre of the storyline, Alan Orr as Mr Jeffries, a man who unexpectedly attends the hen night and is associated with Donna and her mysterious job; he was dressed the part and was hilarious, I especially loved when Amanda tried to roll him up in a rug alone. She is one strong lady!
The music draws you into the storyline and the song lyrics are catchy and funny; Ali Cleland creativity is brilliant. The use of bangs, smoke and strobe lights catches the audience a few times as the lurking horror comes out to play. The simple sets from the journey through the forest to the lodge switches quickly and smoothly.
This must be one of the hardest shows I have seen to pinpoint my favourite actor or scene as the actors became their characters and took us deep into the woods as they bickered and pouted at each other which continued into the lodge. The humour was quick and constantly had us laughing, just as you thought it approached a more serious part, with a quick swerve we were back holding our bellies as they ached from constant laughter.
Everyone needs a good laugh, and this show certainly brings it in bucket loads; it is a perfect night out. This is not only for the hens, but the cockerels need to come out to play as they will all enjoy a night that will have you laugh long after the last curtain has fallen.
Disclaimer: Strong language, Sexual overtones. 16 years and over.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Tickets: £18.50 – £29.50 (Transaction fee of up to £3.95 may apply to your order)
Where: The Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow
When: Sat 22 June 2024 – 5pm & 8pm
https://booking.trafalgartickets.com/en/pavilion-theatre-glasgow/buyingflow/tickets/20522/
Photograph Credit: AMD Studios