Like many women of my age, I was a big Bay City Roller fan in the 1970s, and there is photographic evidence to that effect! When the invitation arrived to review 'I ran with the gang' I didn't have a moments hesitation about accepting.
The show attracted some die-hard Rollers fans, some we chatted to had even met and become friends through the fan club, which was rather lovely. They'd come equipped with their tartan scarves (as had I) and fan clothing, determined to have a great evening. The evening we attended was also attended by Alan's wife and Les McKeown's wife and son.
We were introduced to the show with a reading from the last part of Alan's biography, his reflections on his time in the band. This set the scene for what was to follow.
Alan was played by Michael Karl-Lewis, with a smile on his face throughout the show, apart from the moment where the bands missing millions were mentioned. I would have liked this to have been explored more, it seemed rather glossed over. He took us from discovering music, holding down dead end jobs and forming bands through to stardom, and back again. Incredibly he'd returned to work as a plumber in Edinburgh when he left the Rollers for a couple of years, although he remained a Director of the band throughout.
At times Michael Karl-Lewis performed a monologue, at others he was joined by Lee Fanning as the Narrator/controlling manager and Ross Jamieson as a Roller/a young Les. Lee Fanning reminds me of a younger Robert Carlisle, his impressive previous performance as Sailor in 'Thief ' has us convinced that he's going to be a big star. His costume was stunning, Scottish with a twist, very Jean-Paul Gaultier.
We were given a lot of facts about chart rankings etc. I'd have liked more of the interpersonal relationships between the band members to have been explored. We heard a little of how Alan and Woody had worked together to oust the controlling manager, but little of the dynamics between Les and the rest of the band.
We'd been encouraged to sing and dance if we wanted to, and the second part of the show presented that opportunity. The 3 actors then performed a medley of Rollers songs including the big hits of course; Summer Love Sensation, Bye Bye Baby, Shang-a-lang, All of Me Loves All of You, Remember (Sha-La-La), and the super fans duly got up and danced (I did too!). Ross had clearly studied Les's moves, he had the dancing down to a T.
This was a nostalgic evening, not only celebrating Alan's life, but also our teenage selves.
Cast: Lee Fanning, Michael Karl-Lewis, Ross Jamieson
Where: The Stage Door Theatre, Drury Lane, London
When: 13-17 August, 2024
Production Information
Written and Directed Liam Rudden
Music Programmer/Arranger Erik Grieve
Musical Director Gavin Dickson
Costumes Shiela Behler-Nitz
Sound Design Erik Grieve and Gavin Dickson
Lighting design Richard Lambert
Company Stage Manager Sabina Smith
Video Production and Creative Associate Stephen Hunter
US Producer Kathy ‘Kat’ Conner
Produced by Stageworks East West Ltd
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