The Great War is finally over and Bob (Matthew Tomlinson) is back in Dunoon, staying with his granny. Before he was sent to the trenches he had played piano in the Glasgow picture houses, often accompanying his great hero, Charlie Chaplin. He'd love to go back to that old life, and the Dunoon picture house has a pianist vacancy, but Bob's come blinded by gas, and how can you play accompanying music to a film you can't see?
Switching scenes between trench life, military hospital, a French billet and the postwar Clyde town, this is an affecting portrait of the fate of a generation decimated by needless conflict, of lifes destroyed and distorted by war. There's songs, Chaplin film footage and soldiers dealing with death, injury, French locals and nurses, plus a very enthusiastic cinema manager. It's cleverly structured, switching easily between time and place, with a smart use of props and audiovisuals, and swift costume changes. Tomlinson is supported by Matthew Campbell, who plays wartime comrade Billy and Dunoon teenager Willie, the latter proving to be the lifeline he needs when he comes home, and by Helen McAlpine as the cinema manager, nurse, Frenchwoman and youngster who takes fright at the sight of Bob's masked appearance.
Tomlinson shows himself to be a competent musician and singer, and looks at ease in the role of Bob. I did feel both Matthews were guilty of under acting at times, failing to deliver the full pathos the writing deserved, but work well together inthe closing scene. McAlpine is superb, bringing life to all her roles, and she does a mean Charlie Chaplin impersonation. There are plenty of funny moments and she makes the best of them.
Overall this is a tremendous 50 minute drama, a fitting centenary piece, and a strong finale to this season of A Play, a Pie and a Pint.
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