CELTIC THE MUSICAL
PAVILION, GLASGOW 08.09.18
IT HAS a very clear target audience and doesn’t pretend to be for neutrals.
Celtic the Musical lays its cards on the table in its title and with official backing from the club, it’s no surprise that this is a glorious adventure through the history of the team and the fans.
And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that – football is a passionate sport and there was certainly lots of passion in the recently reopened Pavilion theatre when a packed house greeted the return of the stage show with laughs, tears and singalongs.
Former River City stars Julie Duncanson and Paul Samson play the heads of the Quinn family, who start the show burying an elderly relative and then start reminiscing with their children about his life and the family’s connection to the football team they have always supported.
From the days of Marist priest Brother Walfrid looking for a way to feed poor Irish immigrants in Glasgow’s east end in 1887, right through to the glory days of Jock Stein, the Lisbon Lions and modern figures like Henrik Larsson and Brendan Rodgers, the story sings and dances its way through the decades and eras.
With a mixture of original songs and Celtic anthems played live by a talented band backing the main cast, there are if-you-know-your-history lessons for the younger fans and fun filled memories for their elders, all packaged up with great songs and some hilarious one liners, with an emotional sing song to end the night. If you’re a fan, you shouldn’t miss it.
BRIAN MCIVER