Have you ever imagined, breaking out of your small, rundown town to become a rockstar around the world? Battery Park follows the story of Greenock based band Battery Park, a rock band that were in the fast lane to stardom – when it all began to fall apart.
Sleeping Warrior Theatre Company bring to the Beacon Arts Centre in Greenock a homegrown, live music play about a band reaching for superstardom. Vaguely based around writer and director, Andy McGregor’s Blind Pew – Tommy, accompanied by his girlfriend Angie, his brother Ed, best friend Biffy and front woman of the band Robin embark on a journey that started as a pipedream and almost became a reality – before the world came tumbling down around them.
Andy McGregor did a fantastic job depicting such a compelling story on stage. The writing itself was very easy flowing and for a Greenock audience – hilariously relatable with the constant references to local spots, culture and opinions, especially the infamous Catman. The transitioning between past and present was executed nicely also. This is something that can get very confusing very easily, however, the blocking and writing by McGregor, even merging the time frames at points, allowed the audience to follow along smoothly. The blocking was very simple but effective. Lighting design by Grant Anderson, the set design by Kenneth McLeod and the sound design Fraser Milroy all lended to the effectiveness of the staging and storytelling. Each element helping create very nice visuals for the viewers.
Stuart Edgar was very good as Tommy. For a shy character, Edgar dominated the stage at times with his stage presence. His musical talent was a stand out, between his clean vocals to his excellent guitar skills, Edgar had it all.
Charlie West was hilarious as Biffy. His comedic timing, physical comedy and delivery of dialogue was next to none and delivered some of the most funny and memorable moments from the show. His character work was very good, having a great balance between lads lad and lovable numpty that the audience can get behind.
Chloe-Ann Tylor was a stand out as both Angie and Lucy. Tylor was the driving force of both the past and the present time. She showcased an array of acting ability, from cocky Scottish youngster to the English daughter of Tommy’s one love. Her transition between accents was seamless and both characters were thoroughly devised and different so that both felt fresh each time she entered the stage.
Chris Alexander was the perfect person for Older Tommy. Alexander brought maturity, funnily enough also immaturity, and raw emotion to the character. Alongside Tylor, Alexander was the driving force of piece. His interview with Lucy was the catalyst for the memories and they both had a great chemistry on stage.
Tommy McGowan created a great character with Ed. From his comedic delivery, to his intense and slightly menacing attitude, to his broken and beaten arc as his character struggled for sobriety. McGowan highlighted his fantastic acting ability through this great emotional character arc and toyed with the audience emotions from start to finish.
Kim Allan had the voice and the look to steal the stage as the front woman of Battery Park. Allan’s fantastic acting and musical ability was accompanied by some powerhouse vocals and strong, defining portrayal of Robin.
In conclusion, this high energy, highly captivating show delivers everything that you would want and more, from the live music to the engaging storytelling. Sleeping Warrior smashed it out of the Battery Park with this one.
Battery Park is touring Scotland until October 29th! Get your tickets here @ https://sleepingwarriortheatre.com/batterypark
📸Mihaela Bodlovic
Theatre Scotland 
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