Nobody puts the Aberdeen Student Show in the corner — or so the saying should go after last night’s dynamic performances at His Majesty’s Theatre.
Dirty Danestone marks the 101st show by the organisation and continues to deliver on that trademark humour it’s become known and loved for.
It feels a lot like sitting down at an anticipated family gathering. So much of the thrill of listening in on the quips made, such as those about the council or the John Lewis closure, is knowing the ins and outs of the running jokes.
And, of course, doing so while keeping Doric at the heart of the show.
‘Can Ye Move Loon?’
Dirty Danestone is mostly based on the popular 1987 film Dirty Dancing.
The main character Dane Stone is a loon with two left feet who’s fallen madly in love with dancing quine Elle Rick.
Like the leads, the cast is cleverly named around local places in Aberdeen, like Victoria Barr, Stewart Park, Ken Corth and Tilly Butcher just to name a few that got the audience laughing.
While the story does take its inspiration from Dirty Dancing, the plot deviates and comes into its own — the right amount of hijinks and heartwarming moments ensue.
But not to worry, the audience also gets its fill of big musical numbers.
After all, it has taken some of the greatest hits from the film’s soundtrack and remixed them with a local touch. That way, every time you hear The Contours’ “Do You Love Me”, what you’ll really want to sing is “Can Ye Move Loon?”.
What if Kris Jenner spoke Doric?
Josh Milne, who plays Dane Stone, has comedic timing down to an art.
If you’re on the fence about whether or not you should go out and see this production, I’ll say this: everyone should experience the reinterpretation of that iconic log scene. I can now safely say HMT has witnessed my embarrassing, but rare, snort-laugh.
The 39-strong cast earned every laugh, cheer and applause from the audience last night.
The students underwent an intense rehearsals process in preparation for opening night, where they practised from 10am to 10pm. All so they could bring this evening of fun and specially-tailored humour to Aberdeen.
A special mention goes out to Amanda Haggart, who portrayed Dina Kerr. A character I can only describe as: if Kris Jenner of The Kardashians spoke Doric. Her stage presence, comedic delivery, and vocal prowess (particularly in the second act) were fantastic.
Fun, clever, and a guaranteed good time
The audience was on their feet by the time the final number ended and cheered right through the curtain call.
Dirty Danestone is a fun, clever and all-around guaranteed good time.
The scriptwriters never forget their audience and don’t shy away from holding up a mirror to Aberdeen. Showing us the good and everything in between that makes this such a unique city to live in.
In some ways, it does sound a bit like a family member who has your best interest at heart.
Dirty Danestone is at His Majesty’s Theatre until Saturday April 23. For information and tickets go to aberdeenperformingarts.com
