Thunderstruck continues at Assembly Checkpoint, Edinburgh until 26 August 2019.
Star rating: four stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ✩
I was delighted to witness the magnificent powerhouse energy of David Colvin offering us his story from a small boy in Fife to musical mastery, by witnessing the magical music making of Gordon Duncan – one of the world’s greatest pipers.
The piece begins with an extract from Salieri’s reflection on the godlike talent of Mozart which is tinged with bitter despair and jealousy. David then celebrates the sublime talent of his hero but with no tinge of jealously but rather a visceral joy at discovering his talent.
Writer/performer David is backed by a four-piece rock band and together they fill the great Assembly Counterpoint cabaret space. I don’t want to share anything, because the story should unfold for you as young David grows up. I learned so much about the music of the bagpipes and the competitions which gave David, Lochgelly High School and his teacher Bob Crawford the chance to reach for the top.
Just sometimes the sheer inner power of a solo show makes me weep with joy. I was reminded of Richard Dormer as Hurricane Higgins, another phenomenal deep personal story. I suspect this show will, also, be seen around the world and, like Richard and the game of snooker, bring new converts to the nine notes and more of the bagpipes. Congratulations to David Colvin and his director Tom Freeman. Grab a ticket.
Chris Grady
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