Crocodile Rock by Andy McGregor

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Darren Brownlie plays Steven a 17 year old schoolboy who has a huge crush on classmate Henry Thomas, secretly hiding his sexuality as he lives in the small town of Millport famous for a rock painted as a crocodile. His Dad owns the local pub and his mum runs the family B&B so coming out is not an option. 

This all changes when the annual Millport Country and Western festival comes to town, the resident of the B&B is a keyboard player who dresses in drag. 

Tentatively trying on his lipstick Steven suddenly feels like he should, happy. His “wee maw” who probably always knew, is supportive of him. His Dad? Well not so much. 

When he works his last night in Millport in his dad’s pub in full drag as Miss Millie Port, he knows he must soar like an Eagle and leave the island to find his tribe in Glasgow. 

Darren Brownlie is outstanding in this, he can be funny but good grief he can just as easy have you in tears. He is a wonderful singer, this is a sung through musical with a few spoken lines. 

Darren slips in and out of every character with a change in posture and voice, he has no need of the usual jackets and hats to transform. 

Andy McGregor has written a beautiful piece of theatre. Coming out in small communities can be hard, he makes this almost like a fairy tale with a handsome stranger and a transformation scene, however it remains real and not saccharine sweet. 

This musical deserves an album release of the songs, I honestly can say it’s one of my favourite new musicals ever. 

All performed under the genius of Musical Director Hillary Brooks. 

Rarely am I compelled to stand after a show, however this show had me on my feet and cheering. 

Get your Fringe Tickets now you can't miss this 

Fringe dates - 5-31st August 

Venue Gilded Balloon Teviot