11:05am Saturday 20th March 2010
THE North-East’s Tom Kelly, who hails from Jarrow, is a man of many writing talents. He’s a published and nationallyrenowned poet and lyricist, a professionally-produced playwright and has co-written successful musicals such as The Machine Gunners and Tom And Catherine.
However, his greatest strength lies in his ability to produce brilliantly funny monologues about workingclass life. Although he can pen a wonderful turn of comic phrase, he simultaneously reveals a tragic life story of his subjects.
Like Alan Bennett, Kelly mines bygone days of workingclass life, which immediately provides a nostalgic kick to the proceedings.
Anyone over a certain age can immediately identify with his club doorman. In the days when you had to be CIU affiliated to gain entry into a workingman’s club, no infidel got past the club doorman – unless you bought him a pint, of course.
Then there’s the Neighbourhood Watchman, an excuse to spy on your neighbours. Again, Tom’s observations of a peeping Tom are just brilliant, with a final twist that is comic genius.
Both pieces are taken to new heights by Donald McBride, who gives these sad characters the bitter sweet depth they deserve.
Then there’s Tom’s greatest creation: Elsie. Played by the brilliant Pat Dunn. In Elsie and Elsie Rides Again, she plays an 82-year-old spinster who, although on the surface butter wouldn’t melt in her mouth, she’s a control freak desperate for a husband. There have been some men in Elsie’s life but they all seemed to have left – or met a sticky end!
■ Talking Tom tours to Middlesbrough Town Hall, Tuesday; Queen’s Hall, Hexham, Northumberland, Wednesday; Lamplight Arts Centre, Stanley, County Durham, Thursday; and Washington Arts Centre, Washington, Wearside, Friday.
Ed Waugh
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