Calling all StageSiders, welcome back to another review here at StageSideUK. This time around we are talking about Carrying David, which played at the Newcastle Theatre Royal this weekend (21st June 25). So settle in, and get ready to unpack this afternoon of storytelling.
Disclaimer: I was gifted two free press tickets in exchange for an honest review of the show.
Carrying David is a performance based on the true events and life of Glenn McCrory. Glen McCrory battled the odds, inner struggles and really tough boxing competiton to rise to the top of the boxing world.
“Glen McCrory enters the ring attempting to become the first World Champion from the North-East and fulfil a dream he shared with his brother, David. The brother he had to carry as a kid, who is fighting for his life against a terminal illness and who inspired him back from the depths of despair.”
Micky Cochrane takes on the role of Glen, acting out his interactions with his brother, his competitors and his managers along the way. Cochrane delivers the performance with bundles of energy where needed, sincerity where it is needed and delivers some brilliant one liners! Breaking the 4th wall too, Cochrane has a laugh with the audience, and keeps us engaged from start to finish.
Now for those expecting a traditional play, this is not really that sort of event. Instead Carrying David is experienced more as a talk with acted scenes. An evening / afternoon of storytelling. But the story fits this style so well.
One of the elements of the show that I really loved was how the community got together. I was lucky enough to be sat next to the milk man of the McCrory family, and I picked up several stories, or insights into their lives that I wouldn’t have had otherwise. This show does a really good job at bringing people together and celebrating the work of McCrory and remembering his struggles both in his career and with his brother David. It handles the subject matter with honesty, sensitivity and good old northern charm. A really well written piece and some great action in there too. I really feel like I learned alot.
I would say the venue was a little big for such a story. I was sat towards the back of the auditorium (with no issues related to hearing) and there were several scenes where the lines were not audible. The music played over some of the lines, and in other moments Cochrane was facing the back of the stage and there seemed to be little to no microphone pick up, but with me attending the first show, I would assume this would have been changed in the future performances.
The production doesn’t use any spectacular crutches, there are a few lighting changes and some sound effects, but the true star is Cochrane and the story telling. If you are interested in sport (specifically boxing), non-fiction or touching / emotional stories then Carrying David may be for you.
The show is not touring, but may pop up again soon so keep your eyes peeled for Carrying David in a town near you.
Accesibility
The show uses a few sound effects and special effects with the lighting but there didn’t seem to be a problem with the level or frequency of these. I think these are quite manageable (for me) but I would say some of the sounds do get a little loud in parts.
Value for money
This show was offering under 30s tickets, for a heavily discounted price. For £10, you could get almost 2 hours of story telling in its rawest form, and hear some great stories about a local legend. Cochrane gives you his all and really does deseve the standing ovation he received.
Have Your Say
Have you seen Carrying David? Let me know in the comments and let’s get a discussion going.
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