Review: Goodbye Dreamland Bowlarama at A Play, A Pie and A Pint, Oran Mor, Glasgow
- Lisa in the theatre
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Goodbye Dreamland Bowlarama by Taylor Dyson and Calum Kelly
Directed by Beth Morton | Co-presented with Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival
Review: Oran Mor, Glasgow | 13 May 2025
Goodbye Dreamland Bowlarama, A Play, A Pie and A Pint 2025 ★★★☆☆
Charlie Braid (Taylor Dyson) and her brother Ross (Ewan Somers) were raised by their grandparents. When Ross marries and has a family of his own, and their last remaining grandparent dies, a despondent Charlie finds joy and meaning working at the Inverness Dreamland Bowlarama. A place of magic and wonder - if you were to believe Charlie.
But after another tragedy strikes, Charlie is forced to leave her beloved Bowlarama. Not quite sure what to do next, Charlies sets off to sunny Dundee in search of a long lost relative.
Goodbye Dreamland Bowlarama is a lovely piece of writing from Taylor Dyson and Calum Kelly. Its roots are firmly based in Scotland with lots of Scots language, dark comedy, a captivating plot and original songs packed into the 55-minute run time. The talented cast both play musical instruments as well as sing and act. But where this play shines the brightest is with the never-ending parade of unforgettable characters - all played by the sensational Ewan Somers - that Charlie meets on her adventures.
Somers switches from Grandad, to brother, to a host of other unexpected and inspired creations - some reminiscent of The League of Gentlemen, others could be sitting across the living room from you. He alternates from heartfelt and sincere, to outrageous and hilarious in the time it takes to grab a prop off a hat stand. A stellar performance as always from Somers.
But Goodbye Dreamland Bowlarama is Charlie's story, and Dyson is delightful as the earnest, naive, musical theatre loving, young whirlwind in need of a break. Her keen warmth and energy radiate off the stage. I had all my fingers-crossed that she would find the peace, happiness and belonging she so desired.
Director Beth Morton has kept the tone relaxed, almost conversational in it's storytelling. Our lead duo are so engaging, they really draw the audience in. It makes for an easy viewing experience at Oran Mor; We know we are in safe hands here.
The plot is fun and the music charming - the hour flies by. As Charlie explores her grief and gets to know her family better, she embarks on an emotional as well as a physical journey. At times a sad story wrapped inside a musical comedy, Goodbye Dreamland Bowlarama ultimately teaches a lesson we all must learn: the grass isn't always greener, and the truth isn't always sunshine and rainbows.
Goodbye Dreamland Bowlarama is at A Play, A Pie and A pint at Oran Mor, Glasgow until Saturday 17 May 2025
Goodbye Dreamland Bowlarama cast
Taylor Dyson
Goodbye Dreamland Bowlarama Creative Team:
Writers: Taylor Dyson and Calum Kelly
Director: Beth Morton
Designer: Fraser Lappin
Assistant Director: Sarah Docherty
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