Stags and Hens
at Greyfriars Kirk House (Venue 28), Edinburgh

Louise Fahey

Stags and Hens takes us backstage at the pre-nuptial night out of the respective bride and groom to be, Linda and Dave.

The action is set entirely in the toilets of the nightclub where, unwittingly, both parties start their celebrations. Although at times, the comings and goings in the toilets are slightly farcical, there is a serious side to the story. When Linda's ex turns up as a member of the guest band, who knows what will happen next?

Typical of Willy Russell's material, this play combines sharp, northern wit, with a more poignant look at the characters' dreams and expectations. The play has its very funny moments, as both parties exchange some of their views on love, sex, marriage and life in a small town. Maureen, the shrinking violet, commands most of the laughs. However, the poignancy of the final scene is lost amid the farcical comings and goings of the respective parties. Linda never really won my sympathy and Eddie was just too angry about everything. Good for a few laughs but the overall production left me a little cold.