Written and Directed by Andy McGregor

Lyrics by Andy McGregor and Isla Cowan

Review by Ben Connaughton

Music is at the heart of Battery Park. This makes sense, as it’s a production which documents the rise and fall of the titular (and fictional) Britpop band; this is less a musical – I didn’t see any kick lines – and more a play where the accompanying score and music serve a narrative purpose. Andy McGregor, who serves as writer, director, composer, and lyricist, tactfully carves his songs into the narrative, such that they function both as the band’s in-universe repertoire and as a means of progressing the plot. 

The songs recapture the rebellious style of bands like Oasis and Radiohead, and their thunderous live performance by the actor-musicians onstage packs all the punch of a gig at The Garage. They are so compelling, in fact, that the show ought to break the fourth wall and allow time for applause rather than pushing straight on with the story. And if you’re a fan, you can stream the band’s EP on Spotify and grab a band t-shirt online. 

Battery Park benefits from a robust ensemble cast who forge believable and nuanced relationships as the 90’s band begins to form. Most charming is the budding romance between Tommy, the young and hardworking songwriter, played by Stuart Edgar, and the ever-supportive Angie, played by ChloeAnn Tylor, who was most recently seen in National Theatre of Scotland’s Thrown. The two have endearing chemistry, and Tylor’s warm and detailed performance is particularly lovable. 

Tylor is double cast as Lucy, a present-day university student who tracks down a now older, disenfranchised Tommy, played by Chris Alexander, to interview him for her dissertation on Britpop bands. Without giving too much away (because the show continues its national tour until the end of October), but it’s not just for academic curiosity that Lucy nudges Tommy to retake control of his life.

Alexander brings a lovely balance of guardedness and warmth to the older Tommy, gradually allowing himself to become vulnerable to his memories of Battery Park. The stories of both present and past Tommy intertwine, building dramatic tension. Older Tommy, for example, warns Lucy that the band had a tragic downfall back in the day, however, the primary storyline is yet to reach that plot point. The audience, therefore, knows that even as the band soars to success, things will come crashing down one way or another. Anticipation bubbles throughout the piece: the band’s no-nonsense lead singer Robyn, commandingly played by Kim Allan, is mentioned several times before her eventual entrance, and the audience is treated to short musical stings and some acoustic strumming long before the first full song finally blasts out. Tension is hardwired into the narrative structure, and it makes for a compelling watch. 

The comic relief – at least initially – comes from the boyish bickering between the three founding band members. Young Tommy is the straight man to his rowdy older brother, Ed, played by Tommy McGowan, and their dimwitted friend Biffy, played by Charlie West, who begs for “divine interpretation” in moments of need. McGowan and West give deliciously boisterous performances, landing every gag and leaning into the distinctly Scottish humour. McGowan shows impressive dramatic range in the second act, as the band’s downfall is finally realised. Similarly, the childlike nature of West’s character is particularly moving when he’s forced to mature and come to terms with failure.

Kenneth MacLeod’s set and costume designs beautifully capture the 90s grunge aesthetic and communicate the essence of each character. Particularly effective is the outfit for older Tommy, whose faded parka obscures the double denim and graphic t-shirt underneath; this man definitely had a band in the 90s but has long since given up on his dreams. Grant Anderson’s lighting design and Fraser Milroy’s sound design also deserve praise: both give an epic scale to the live gig elements of the performance. 

Production company Sleeping Warrior has another hit on their hands. Battery Park is a thundering, rebellious, blowout-the-speakers show with excellent performances and solid pacing. The 90s called, and they’re envious.