Someone's Knockin' at the Door Review: A Sweet Two-Hander About Love and McCartney
Milly Sweeney, a rising young writer who recently won the Stage debut award for best writer for her play Water Colour, has launched the lunchtime spring season of A Play, a Pie and a Pint at Òran Mór in Glasgow with her latest work, Someone's Knockin' at the Door. This sweet-natured two-hander transforms a family anecdote into a quiet yet profound study of love, ambition, and the painful process of growing apart.
Plot and Characters
The play centers on Jack and Kathy, a couple who separately log into online chats with their granddaughter to assist with a school project on "untold Scottish stories." They share a particularly memorable tale: during a holiday to Campbeltown in the scorching summer of 1976, they made an impromptu attempt to locate Paul McCartney's rural retreat on the Mull of Kintyre.
Sweeney skillfully extracts good comic mileage from the discrepancies in their accounts, as neither character sees the events from the other's perspective, despite the trip's fateful impact on both their lives. Their history is portrayed as both shared and divergent, highlighting the complexities of their relationship.
Production and Performance
In Sally Reid's production, Maureen Carr and Jonathan Watson deliver compelling performances as the grandparents, embodying the wisdom of age as they reflect without bitterness on their past. They portray a mismatched couple brought together by a shotgun wedding, who realize too late what they truly desire from life.
Jack's obsession with the Fab Four extends beyond their music; he believes that meeting a Beatle in person would empower him to achieve anything. The band's artistic success fuels his own ambitions, while their journey from friendship to acrimony mirrors the state of his marriage. Kathy, less obsessed, views their growing apart as an inevitable part of maturing.
Strengths and Weaknesses
While some historical details may feel slightly forced and the story, inspired by real events, occasionally leans more toward anecdote than drama, Someone's Knockin' at the Door ultimately takes an amusing and heartfelt route across the Mull of Kintyre to reach its touching conclusion. The play's blend of humor and emotional depth makes it a standout piece in Glasgow's theatre scene.
Show Details
The play is running at Òran Mór in Glasgow until 28 February, followed by a tour until 22 March. This production is a must-see for fans of thoughtful comedy and poignant storytelling, offering a unique glimpse into the lives of ordinary people grappling with extraordinary memories.
