Nay Dhanak's 'Cry/Laugh' bursts onto the Glasgow stage like a comet, leaving a trail of questions about power, communication, and the structures that shape our society. This medieval world, complete with dragons and comets, serves as the perfect backdrop for an explosive exploration of how information flows – or doesn't flow – from those in power to the rest of us.
At its heart are two characters, the town crier and the jester, traditionally tasked with bridging the gap between monarch and subject. But when they're out of favour, their roles become as empty as a royal treasury after punitive taxes. James Peake's disillusioned town crier is a masterclass in tragic heroism, while Morven Blackadder's jester brings just the right amount of anarchic energy to her seemingly impossible task.
Dhanak's debut is all about power imbalances – then and now. He draws parallels between medieval rulers and modern-day tech moguls, asking whether anyone really has control over the flow of information in today's world. The play's not afraid to get its hands dirty, tackling tough questions about accountability and the implications for those at the bottom rung.
With 'A Play, a Pie and a Pint' as its platform, 'Cry/Laugh' is presented by Ben Standish and Brian Logan in a production that's equal parts fantastical and thought-provoking. Until 20 June, it'll keep you on the edge of your seat, questioning whether the absence of news can ever truly be a positive outcome – and what happens when those in power refuse to listen.
As reviews suggest, Dhanak's play sometimes gets lost in its own structural mechanics, but that's all part of the fun. The medieval setting may feel fantastical, but it's a clever way of exploring our modern concerns about information control – and what happens when those at the bottom are silenced.
The 'A Play, a Pie and a Pint' series has once again delivered a knockout production that's not to be missed. So grab your seat, settle in, and get ready to laugh, cry, and maybe even ask some tough questions about power and accountability – just as the characters do in Dhanak's magnificent debut.