Review: Two Doors Down Live at OVO Hydro Glasgow ★★★★★
The joy of dysfunctional but adorable neighbours supporting each other and driving each other nuts is a Glasgow triumph and deserves a nationwide tour.
Two Doors Down Live | 25, 26, 27 September and 9-11 October | From £36
Since its debut in 2013, Two Doors Down – co-created by Gregor Sharp and the late Simon Carlyle – has been a growing comedy sensation, combining dry wit, intense sarcasm, cutting barbs and withering put-downs with a central, essential quality: neighbourly love.
Since Carlyle’s passing, Sharp has taken on lone responsibility for the writing, and it’s the script that is the make-or-break here. The characters are so well drawn after seven series that they almost make the show happen themselves à la Mike Leigh – bit Carlyle’s sure hand ensures that there is a constant gold mine of material for them to joyously make their way through.
The actors clearly are at home in the theatre (and with each other), even at this giant 10k stadium size. The ensemble is a family and clearly make the show with a whole lot of love.
Fan favourites including curmudgeon Christine – played by Scottish TV and panto legend Christine C Smith – and ‘lump’ Alan, played by part-time wrestler Graeme Stevely, threaten at times to steal the show. But the whole cast are just a dream, and from the moment Alex Norton and Arabella Weir open the show as the gently frustrated Beth and Eric, we’re in safe – and hilarious – hands.
The direction from James Brining is on point, and a dance scene with Doon Mackichan’s demonic Cathy and Jonathan Watson’s sleazy AF Colin is unexpected and sidesplittingly funny.
The bumper run-time passed quickly for what is effectively the length of four episodes, and musical interludes from Ian played by the immensely talented Jamie Quinn add entertaining variety.
Proudly Glaswegian and a deserving source of National pride, the sell out show (extra dates may have some availability) is a must-see and turns this magnificent sitcom into a powerful anthem for Scotland.
I am Joint Editor at To Do List. I like free, cheap & offbeat London, especially: cabaret, art, theatre, pop-ups, eating out, quirky films, museums, day trips, social enterprise & much more.
