By Sam Gosling
Photography: David Moneith Hodge
Gary McNair brings his latest production to Manchester after a successful run at the Edinburgh Festival.
McNair’s latest play ‘Letters to Morrissey’ is a story of an awkward teenager who when told by his school counselor to find somebody to talk to, chooses indie icon Morrissey.
The audience are first introduced to McNair lay on the floor, miming to Morrissey songs through headphones in a childlike bedroom. This 15-year-old boy at the centre of McNair’s first-person monologue, attempts to engage with Morrissey through a series of letters. But as his letters go answered, you quickly see him unravel and try to find answers to his questions.
The young McNair meets Tony, a fellow misfit, and strikes up a friendship. “Come round anytime, you’re always welcome,” says Tony, giving him a prized-possession: a Blue Peter badge. This relationship breaks down though, with McNair no longer welcome as years pass. The reasons why are dealt with brilliantly and he even manages to inject humour to some very dark issues.
The show very much pivots on McNair’s performance, which is funny as he navigates through the monologue with wit and brings some touching moments along the way. McNair holds his audience with comedic anecdotes and very real, emotional scenes. It is by no means a perfect hour, and does at times feel like it is stuck between fandom and a piece about friendship, however, McNair has put together an entertaining show.
‘Letters to Morrissey’ is definitely worth a watch as it provides some laughs. At its heart, the play is a lesson to never meet your idols, even if this meeting never actually takes place. It’s a good story about growing up and realising that all people are flawed. Even Morrissey fans.
Letters to Morrissey runs at HOME until Saturday 16th September.
Featured image and gallery: Lucy Elson-Whittaker Fcukers headline a sold-out show at Manchester’s New Century Hall, in support of their long-awaited debut album, ‘ö’. Opening the night are Sydney-based Sleepazoid, whose hazy, atmospheric sound offers a sharp contrast to the headliners’ explosive energy. Their set feels cinematic and dream-like, serving as both a striking opener…
Featured image and gallery: Sub Khan Hailing from Manchester and playing a sold-out show at Manchester’s Lion’s Den, with an imminent EP on the way, aAh! speaks to Fred Farrell (vocals) and Danny Atherton (bass) of Dr Dr. Did you start the band during Covid times? Is that where it all originated? F: It was…
Featured image: Gary Walker Neo-blues soul artist Yellow Days, the stage name of Haslemere’s George van den Broek, returns to Manchester with his seventh album, Rock And A Hard Place, and a live show that proves just how far he has come. Before he steps out, London-based act Brian Nasty warms the room up nicely,…
Featured image and gallery: Sally Stretch The Royston Club perform alongside Overpass and Permanent (Joy) at a sold-out O2 Victoria Warehouse. Welsh indie rock band The Royston Club, school friends who began playing together in 2017, now headline O2 Victoria Warehouse in Manchester. Touring second album Songs For The Spine, they generate an energetic sold-out…
Leave a reply