Packed into a crowded, stuffy room in the turrets of Teviot, Ruaraidh Murray gives a schizophrenic performance in a production that's somewhere between a play and stand-up comedy. Big Sean, Mikey and Me is the story of an average Edinburgh lad (Ruaraidh himself), from his first day at school up until the present. Murray brings originality to his show as he talks to his imaginary friend, Sean Connery; he plays all the characters on his own, versatile and somehow weirdly believable. The story of his friend, Mikey, runs parallel to his and criss-crosses in amongst Murray's own anecdotes.
The haywire stories are told in non-linear pattern. Much of Murray's life seems to have involved fights, drink, and drugs, which might explain the intense and frenzied nature of the show. With a thick and lively atmosphere, the lighting is used to wonderful dramatic effect, subtly adding to the ambience without distracting attention from the narrative, while the staging is kept to minimal simplicity. All focus is on Murray and his dynamic performance.
A native Edinburgher, Murray brings the city to life, an Edinburgh that 'the tourist guides don't show'. With some authentically dark moments, real and all-too-heartbreaking, the patchy Sean Connery impressions are a welcome comic relief. Murray delivers a polished and perfectly paced performance, smoothly bouncing from light to emotional, always funny and entertaining. Big Sean, Mikey & Me is poignant and absorbing, earning thunderous applause and a standing ovation.
