I went into Crocodile Rock expecting an Elton John connection. There isn’t one. The title instead refers to an unlikely tourist attraction on the Isle of Cumbrae – but what follows is one of the most powerful hours of musical theatre I experienced at this year’s Fringe.
Darren Brownlie plays young Steven McPhail, growing up gay in the small island community of Millport in the 1990s. From the front row, the sheer power of Brownlie’s singing voice is astonishing, but it is his charisma that makes the show soar. Within minutes he establishes an effortless rapport with the audience, combining wonderfully dry Scottish humour with an ability to turn moments of comedy into something suddenly painful.
Musical direction and accompaniment from Hilary Brooks, including occasional backing vocals, make the production feel richer and remarkably seamless. When an early technical failure forced Brooks to politely stop the show, the pair recovered together and with such assurance that it almost strengthened the connection between stage and audience.
As a gay man, Steven’s coming-out story was very different from my own, yet some of its emotional landmarks felt painfully familiar. Scenes involving his father were particularly affecting, while the original songs are delivered with tremendous intensity and belief.
Brownlie jokes towards the end that we’ve only got an hour, so that’s all we’re getting. I genuinely wanted more.
The entire audience rose for a standing ovation. I joined them without hesitation.
Crocodile Rock, 16.30, Gilded Balloon Teviot. Dining Room, until August 31
