After four years – including a pause for a pandemic – the anticip… …ation is over.
The Flying Pigs are back with the knockabout fun of The Rothienorman Picture Show taking up residency at His Majesty’s.
While there was no sign of Frank N Furter – never let content get in the way of a great pun – the talented cast pulled off a time warp because it felt like they had never been away.
The familiar characters were all present and correct, The Liar spinning increasingly tall tales, Davie and Archie contending with a health kick and a stint on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire and Mither and Faither contending with the world of social media – and a bit of sleuthing thrown in.
The Flying Pigs have a wicked sense of humour and an easy warmth
Also back in the game was the Doric comedy team’s wicked sense of humour, that warmth they exude with ease and all with a finger on the pulse of what makes everyday life in the Granite City tick.
The Flying Pigs’ loyal fan base was back, too, packing HMT to the rafters – I’ve seen West End shows have quieter opening nights – and murmuring in recognition as some of the weel-kent faces took to the stage.
For those who have never seen the team – Moray Barber, Elaine Clark, Greg Gordon, Susan Gordon John Hardie and Craig Pike – in action, the premise is fairly straightforward.
It’s a sketch show, up to and including comedy songs, as befits a troupe whose DNA can be traced back to its Aberdeen Student Show origins of some 25 years ago.
That span of time is reflected in the themes running through the Rothienorman outing. Parenting, dad dancing and a cracking rendition of 50 Ways I’m Like My Faither are to the fore.
The Flying Pigs never pass up a chance to take a swing at the cooncil
As always, the Pigs have a deft touch for relatability – who hasn’t wondered why coffee shops need to write your name on your takeaway latte or found a favourite pub transformed into a craft beer bar for hipsters.
And they never pass up a chance to take a swing at the cooncil – and rarely miss. A monologue on the vagaries of road closures, leisure centre shutdowns and the epoch-spanning length of time for Union Terrace Gardens to open won the biggest applause and laughs of the night.
As with all sketch shows, some land better than others. But don’t worry. If one isn’t to your taste another one is going to be right along behind it that will have you grinning away.
There are some moments of genius. MTV (Meikle Wartle Television) morphing into streaming with its very own Neepflix was a joy, while a sea shanty tribute to the lost shops of Aberdeen hit a nerve as well as the funny bone.
The Rothienorman Picture Show is like a good catch-up with great mates
While mostly steering clear of pandemic references, the song in the finale was a touching tribute to what the north-east has been through in the past couple of years, with a big nod to the resilience and sense of community that saw us through.
You’ll be singing We’re Chavin On to the tune of Sweet Caroline on the way out of the theatre.
The Rothienorman Picture Show is like a good catch-up with great mates you’ve not seen for a while. Welcome back, Flying Pigs.
For more information and tickets for The Rothienorman Picture Show go to aberdeenperformingarts.com
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