Frivolity and silliness on board

Para Handy at Pitlochry Festival Theatre. The Vital Spark, a clapped out version of a Clyde steamboat from the pen of Neil Munro, is still, over a century later, huffing and puffing its way – on this occasion on the banks of the River Tummel.

Those of us of a certain age will fondly remember the black and white series on TV back in 1959 with that “wee cock sparra” Duncan MacRae as the skipper Para Handy.

This musical version by John Bett and Robert Pettigrew first set sail at Eden Court Theatre five years ago with Jimmy Chisholm in the role. Now it’s former Dundee Rep ensemble stalwart Keith Fleming who takes the helm.

Perth-based designer Becky Minto hasn’t gone for symbolism here – a substantial rusting hulk of a boat dominates the set as the fourstrong crew go about their daily lives – Para Handy’s pursuit of the widow Mary Crawford providing much of the comedy.

There’s little to beat a dose of nostalgia and it is encouraging to see that Liz Carruthers, who honed her directorial teeth at Perth Theatre, has kept true to the original characterisations.

Keith Fleming has the right degree of steadfastness and vulnerability, Stephen Clyde is MacPhail, more at home on his deckchair than the engine room, Harry Ward is the conniving first mate Dougie and Scott Gilmour is delightfully gauche as Sunny Jim.

The early action seems to encounter rough waters, but once Hurricane Jack bursts onto the scene, it’s all smooth sailing.

Chris Forbes makes his mark as the gung-ho Jack, as well as the mysterious hypnotist and Mary’s old uncle!

Clare Waugh (Mary) and Kirsty McDuff are also in good voice in a variety of roles.

The seven-strong cast occupy the stage almost the entire time – either in character or in the band, augmented by musical director Jon Beales and cellist Wendy Weatherby.

It’s all very frivolous and sometimes downright silly, but it is a credit to all involved that the final entity is thoroughly entertaining.

The play runs until November 13.