Eilidh (Taylor Dyson) and Scott (Sam James Smith) were best friends at school. She's the singer, he's the guitarist, and that was the band. They were going to make it big. In London. Except that when their schooldays end Eilidh's mother is ill, she won't leave, so Scott goes south by himself, determined not to return until he has the fame and fortune he is certain awaits him.
Twelve years later and Scott is back in Dundee, dreams in tatters, while Eilidh works in a baker's shop. A pie brings them together once again. Can the old duo be rekindled, or has time destroyed their dreams? And if one of them needs rescuing from their situation, which one is it?
The format seems a bit odd at first, each actor intertwining their narration of past and present with one another. It's almost as if the writers (Dyson, with Calum Kelly) aren't sure how to portray the story in dialogue. But it ends up working, as some action unfolds, and each get a chance to play other characters (Dyson is clearly having a great time portaying their ex-schoolmate Billy), the whole stage is wel used and the pace never flags. There are original songs throughout. (Neither has that great a singing voice, but they do sound really good singing together.)
Perhaps the points being made are a bit heavy handed and sometimes predictable. There's nothing subtle about Pushin' Thirty. But it's all very easily forgiven for providing such great entertainment. The performances are energetci and excellent, and the sense of fun carries it all along nicely. Time rarely passes without yet another really funny line.
A lot of the PP series are thought provoking and relevant. But there's definitely a place for pure entertainments like this. Maybe the audience doesn't leave thinking about much, but the grins on their faces and laughter in their voices are achievement enough.
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