Review: Crocodile Rock starring Darren Brownlie at A Play, A Pie and A Pint | Better than ever
- Lisa in the theatre
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
Andy McGregor's glorious one-man LGBTQ+ musical comedy Crocodile Rock has been reworked for 2026. Starring the ever fabulous Darren Brownlie, Crocodile Rock is at A Play, A Pie and A Pint at Òran Mór in Glasgow this week, before it heads to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August. Read my review of this wonderful wee Scottish musical below.
Crocodile Rock (musical) ★★★★★
Review: 23 June 2026 | A Play, A Pie and A Pint at Òran Mór, Glasgow
Crocodile Rock, the musical by acclaimed Scottish Writer / Director Andy McGregor, has been around in one form or another since 2019. Revived and refreshed for 2026 with a new intimate staging perfect for A Play, A Pie and A Pint, and for the Edinburgh Fringe (where it will play this August), this one-man LGBT musical comedy is the perfect example of why I'm so passionate about the brilliance of Scottish theatre and Fringe theatre.
Seventeen-year-old Steven (Darren Brownlie) lives in Millport on the Isle of Cumbrae, just off the west coast of Scotland. There's not much to do other than cycle around the island or look at a rock shaped like a crocodile. Steven's dad runs the local pub, while his mum rents out rooms in their B&B. It has always been assumed that Steven will work with them when he leaves school... assumed by everyone but Steven that is. He doesn't feel like he fits in there at all.
When Steven develops 'feelings' for a boy in his class at school, and then soon after meets a flamboyant Drag Queen who has come to Millport for the annual country and western festival, he dares to follow his own path and find his own dream.
Both Crocodile Rock and Darren Brownlie are better than ever
From the second Darren Brownlie walks on stage, he exudes charisma and star power. He commands the room, drawing the audience into his story as only the best storytellers can. From every soft, heart-wrenching, poignant moment to the full-voiced show-stopping musical numbers, Brownlie's stage presence and talent are outstanding. He's one of the best all-around performers in the business.
Panto-legend Johnny McKnight's dramaturgic input is evident, with plenty of fourth wall breaking and over-the-top exaggerated reactions. Coupled with Andy McGregor's accomplished direction, this one-hour musical monologue is fast-paced, dynamic, and entirely gripping.
Supported by lively onstage Musical Director Hilary Brooks, Brownlie promenades through McGregor's sublime script and sparkling soundtrack in a show bursting with Scottish heart and pride.
Crocodile Rock is all but sung through, and it has some of my favourite musical numbers in musical theatre, ever. - Scottish theatre or otherwise. McGregor's musicality and ear for a witty lyric are unmatched.
The standout songs are the magnificent 'Home' and 'Queen of the Island'; I cried through them both. And if I'm being honest, I cried for the last 15 minutes of this show. Not because it's sad - which it is in parts: the team don't shy away from the harsh reality and abuse faced by a young gay man growing up on a small island during the time of Section 28 - but I cried because it's so good. Crocodile Rock, for all its laugh-out-loud moments and lively toe-tapping tunes, is authentic, life-affirming, and a major F-you to the homophobes.
Coming in at 60 minutes on the dot, this is as perfect a piece of fringe musical theatre as you will find. The writing, the direction, the score, the sharp humour and the outstanding performance all come together to make something very special.
Still powerful, still beautiful, and still brilliant. Both Crocodile Rock and Darren Brownlie are better than ever. ★★★★★
Crocodile Rock plays at A Play, A Pie and A Pint at Òran Mór, Glasgow, until Saturday 27th June.
You can also see Crocodile Rock for one night only at Millport Town Hall on 18th July, and at Gilded Balloon at the Edinburgh Fringe for most of August. Find out more here: https://www.lisainthetheatre.com/post/crocodile-rock-2026-news
Want more Darren Brownlie? (and who wouldn't?) Glasgow King's panto cast update: Darren Brownlie returns for 2026!
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