Review: Crocodile Rock

Crocodile Rock, by Andy McGregor, is the story of a teenager who, uncomfortable in his own skin, escapes to a world where he can breathe more comfortably and be more himself. We first meet Steven in his bedroom, Millport - population: 1500. His life seems all but mapped out by his father who wants nothing more than for his son to learn the tricks of the trade at the Pier Inn. Steven lacks the confidence and communication skills to banter freely with the regulars…an awkwardness stemming from somewhere deeper within. Running a guest-house, his mother is constantly busy cooking meals and cleaning, so Steven mucks in at ‘reception’ from time to time. During one such occasion, he checks in a guest like no other: exotic and disturbingly exquisite in his eyes. And so the world of drag lays bare its charms and dreams and possibilities, and also a route out from the claustrophobic confines of Millport. A route littered with pitfalls and danger around its glossy edges.

The story is predominantly told through song and live music from an on-stage band with whom performer Stephen Arden frequently interacts to humorous effect. The show comes across as a variety performance which works well as that is one familiar territory where drag famously resides. The emotional connection with his mum resonates but can occasionally veer into an excess of sentimentality on songs such as Ma Wee Maw. (And forgive me but I think there is a better drag name to be had from the Clyde resort - famous for a rock wearing lippy and passing itself off as a crocodile - than ‘Millie Port’)

Arden does an excellent job holding the one-person performance together even interacting with a couple exiting early. Given that, to my knowledge, this is not a biography of the actor (and therefore more than possible he is not a drag queen), Arden convinced this audience that they were in the presence of bonafide drag royalty.

Crocodile Rock is a touching story about community, love and bravery that leaves a smile on your face…and a song in your heart.

Crocodile Rock ran between 28th Sept - 1st Oct at Tron Theatre, Glasgow.