Brian Logan’s Dancing Shoes is a deeply funny and touching story about addiction, masculinity, and what it truly means to dance like no one is watching.
The play gives us a unique insight into addiction. Set out as the characters being aware that they are performing their story to an audience, there is an integrity to the play which does rely on a shocking backstory, but gains its honesty in the friendship present between the three main characters. Craig (Lee Harris) acts as a guide through the story of himself and Jay (Craig McLean) meeting the quiet Donny (Stephen Docherty) and discovering his passion for dancing. When a video of Donny goes viral the play discusses the effects of social media fame on some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.
With a joke a minute, the cast of Craig Mclean, Lee Harris and Stephen Docherty never miss a comedic beat. Mclean as Jay takes every moment he is on stage for all it is worth, and in doing so has the audience stitches. In a role which could at points be unlikeable, it is Mclean’s charm which means you can never really dislike his character. With a wink and a smile, he has the audience from the second he came on stage. Harris as Craig presents a nuanced performance which encapsulates the hope behind recovery, reminding the audience of the connection which is at the heart of the play. Harris is equally hilarious, carrying most of the best lines in the play out with clarity and good timing. The complete honesty in the vulnerability which Docherty brings to Donny’s character is something rarely seen, having the audience laughing one minute and crying the very next. Docherty’s monologue towards the end of the play is immaculately delivered with the quiet that all performers should strive to.
The costumes and set are minimal but massively compliment the script and the characters in their performance, with phones being used throughout. Social media almost feels like a fourth character in the story and is handled with comedic care – which at times risks becoming preachy. Overall, however, the topic is approached in a refreshingly realistic manner. The play also mentions aspects of student life at The University of Edinburgh (such as Potterrow being mentioned), making it a great pick for students.
Dancing Shoes is a deeply charming play which handles its topics with kindness and humanity, and is easily one of the funniest things I have watched this year.
Image by Tommy Ga-Ken Wan, courtesy of the Traverse Theatre.