It’s not often I go to see a play, but I’m a happier and more reflective man for having experienced ‘The Greatest’ at the Oran Mor in Glasgow.
It’s a drama rammed with sharp, jokey dialogue, but it also
makes you think seriously about life – about being an outsider (even when young)
and about what ageing brings in this era of care homes.
As the title suggests, it’s also about Muhammad Ali, and a
visit he made to Scotland in the 1960s.
As we watch a friendship develop between a resident of the
care home, Jimmy (Billy MacBain) and the slightly truculent but likeable young
blogger Orwell (Rebekah Lumsden), a strange and pleasing story emerges of how Jimmy as
a young man had knocked out Muhammad Ali before a wee sparring session got a
chance to start.
Ali didn't even have time to pick up his gloves all those
years ago when Jimmy – overcome with delight at meeting his hero – decked the world
champ! Young Jimmy got slapped around a bit for doing that, but I guess it was
worth it.
This play’s written by Alan Muir, a good friend of mine. I used
to work with him when we were reporters for the same newspaper in Scotland 20-odd
years ago. Even back then I recognised his very strong writing talent, his observational
skill and distinct, every-present humour.
But, believe me, this write-up of mine is no puff-piece to
boost a pal’s developing career as a writer.
I really, really enjoyed Alan’s play, which was deftly
directed by Ron Bain. Its short run to packed houses at the Oran Mor has now finished
but there are hopes of staging it elsewhere – perhaps as a part of the Edinburgh
Fringe.
I laughed out loud throughout, cried once, and was
given to rueful reflection at some very moving scenes. Towards the end, a sad
bit was quickly followed by some neat, vulgar wit. That’s good for me; I’m a
big fan of sadness and vulgarity.
Overall though, ‘The Greatest’ was simply very uplifting –
as was marked by the big standing ovation it received.
When the show finished I made a point of telling Billy
McBain how much I’d enjoyed his performance. I’ve only done that sort of thing twice
before – once to Babs Windsor in a pub in Soho, London, and another time to
Lesley Joseph in a pub in Liverpool. I was quite sober when I spoke to Billy -
but I was very, very drunk when I expressed my admiration to Babs and Lesley. All
three actors, it must be said, responded with good grace and charm. Babs even
kissed me!
After the show finished in Glasgow, I trundled off with Alan
Muir and my other friends, and we drank like journalists. A perfect evening.
