Anna Burnside reviews a production ‘saved by some sharp writing’.
Diane wants to die. Disabled and confined to her Easterhouse flat with only Clyde 1, carer Julie and gormless postie Connor for company, she has had enough.
“I yearn,” she says melodramatically, “for the urn.”
To this end, she has written to Dignitas for details of their speedy departure programme. Sadly, their services are outwith her budget.
Diane’s above and beyond response? To become a dominatrix to raise the necessary funds.
At times, Eimi Quinn’s black comedy teeters dangerously close to hen night at the Pavillion territory. The scatological scene adds nothing and should have been flushed away. But Dookin’ Oot is saved by some sharp writing, punchily delivered by a deliciously grumpy Janette Foggo as Diane.
She wrings every ounce out of Quinn’s script, crawling on the floor looking for a cigarette in the opening scene or trying to talk some sense into Julie without the help of her false teeth.
The pair of them gang up on the gormless Connor and deliver a sex education lesson he is unlikely to forget.
Jennifer Dick’s direction keeps the pot boiling, and excerpts of Clyde 1’s annoying pop songs and grating adverts work well as breakers in the action.
Despite the chat about butt plugs, this show has a lot of heart.
Dookin’ Oot performs at A Play, A Pie and A Pint at Oran Mor until March 1, 2025. It then tours to the Traverse Theatre (March 4-8), Paisley Town Hall (March 11-12), Johnstone Town Hall (March 13-14) and The Lemon Tree, Aberdeen (March 18-22).
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