Review: Big Sean, Mikey and Me, Gilded Balloon, Teviot

By BARRY GORDON
Published on 07/08/2012 15:15

RUARAIDH MURRAY’S Edinburgh isn’t the kind you’ll read about in tour guides. His is full of bams, radges and gadgies; schemies, young teams, and the jail.

***

Despite this, it’s an inspiring Capital where imaginary pals (sexual adviser Sean Connery) and old ghosts (hard-nut best pal Mikey Anderson) shadow Stockbridge’s Murray’s bid to succeed as an actor and lover.

The content, however, makes this work look like a lost Trainspotting chapter, narrated by one of its more peripheral characters. It’s like looking in on the north Edinburgh schemes from behind the protective glass of an expensive 4x4: strangely compelling, yet you wouldn’t want to get out for a closer look.

The 36-year-old’s Connery impression, meanwhile, is a cross between John Merrick and someone who has suffered a mild stroke.

It’s hard to fathom if Murray’s charcater is a reformed wide-o telling his story to entertain; as a form of catharsis; or to maintain his acting chops.

You could say it’s a bit of all three. Ken!

Until August 27