Living the Dream is both hilarious and heartbreaking, portraying the struggles of childhood friends Spider, Adam, Ryan, and Scotty as they navigate the complex world of newfound adulthood.
The play opens in a hospital waiting room as Scotty, Ryan, and Spider wait to hear news about Adam’s illness. Spider, played by Tom Rees, accurately embodies the bad boy persona as he sits agitatedly in his chair, only getting up to snort a line in the hospital toilets. Whilst we might first connect his anxiety to the ill-health of his friend, we soon learn his hysteria stems from something far more serious; the challenge of scoring Oasis tickets. Ryan juxtaposes Spider’s frenzied state as he speaks with maturity and calmness.
As the play progresses, the distinct and heavy burdens carried by each character results in conflict, conveyed through the skilful direction of a fight scene between Adam and Spider. This wake-up call forces each of the men to confess their secrets in the setting of a pub lock-in. We learn secrets about each of the characters, and sympathy replaces the audience’s laughter as we feel for their struggles.
However, things begin to change with Adam’s persistent and humorous questioning; “Are we living or just occupying space?” Whilst Adam’s proposition to walk the Fife coastal path challenge, in attempts to add meaning to lives that feel empty, is met with a lack of enthusiasm, the conclusion of the play shows compromise. The four line up against a wall, taking in the sunrise over Fife, and discussing new beginnings for their futures.
Living the Dream touches on the dark issues of suicide, homophobia, substance abuse and unhappiness in a way that is deeply relatable and at times extremely funny. This beautifully crafted performance ties together an incredible cast, seamless direction, perceptive writing and the beloved music of Oasis — what more could you ask for!
Living the Dream is running until the 29 August at thespace on the Mile. Buy tickets here.
Image by Dang Truong on Unsplash.
