As sure as youll be pestered by at least 25 student groups flyering on the Royal Mile, the fringe always ensures a good number of Godber revivals, frequently attempted by amateur groups with varying degrees of success. This young group from Orkney came second in the Scottish Community Drama Associations one act festival with their abridged 90s remix version a significant achievement for the young all-male cast.
The four actors take on all of the roles, alternating between a group of lads out on the piss; a lively girls night out; and, of course, the eponymous bouncers. This is a great idea, but it doesnt always quite work. While the boys are hilarious as the girls, this involves camping it up to such as degree that it detracts from some of the messages and poignancy of the original Godber. It also felt as if the space was not yet being used to its greatest effect the studio in Zoo Southside has seats on three sides and yet all of the action was presented to those sitting in the front meaning that those of us on the edges found it very difficult to get the full effect particularly of the facial expressions.
That said, this was a fun performance. The cast work well together, are clearly very well rehearsed, and show great enthusiasm and comic potential.
