The Steamie
By Tony Roper
By Tony Roper
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One Hogmanay in the 1950s four Glasgow women of various ages and personalities gather in the local wash-house (or "steamie") to do their last laundry of the year. They share memories and jokes, talk about their menfolk, have hopes for the future, and sing a few songs. "The Steamie" written by Tony Roper, was first staged by Wildcat Stage Productions at Jordanhill College, Glasgow in 1987. The play gives audiences a snapshot of the role of women during that period in time. "The Steamie" has remained at the forefront of Scottish culture since it was first performed. It is a celebration of the Glaswegian language, and reinforces the importance of community and friendship. Through Roper's writing, you are transported to a time when life was simple, modern technology did not exist and a dream for most women was to have a bath in their house. "The Steamie" perhaps is also a subtle reminder to modern audiences of just how far we have come and how much we take for granted. This show, however, resonates with audiences because it is just funny and the characters are much loved. Audiences can also related to the 1950s Glasgow housewife - even if it is decades on.
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"It broke new ground because it was written by an actor. That doesn't fit into the plan that actors act, writers write, and directors direct. It also featured a lot of women which was unusual. Most plays were all men with a token woman. This was all women with a token man. On top of that, it was a play about women written by a man. At that time, all of the plays about women were feminist plays. They had a point to prove. Although "The Steamie" didn't preach a message, it was revolutionary for its day."
- Tony Roper
- Tony Roper
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Production Staff
Director: Caroline Nicol
Production Assistant: Eileen Barr Stage Manager: Trevor Nicol Set Construction: Steven Kelly Sound/Lighting: David Russell Camera Operators: Catriona Russell; Matthias Kremer; Sean Stuart Props Co-ordinator: Janet Russell Music: Fiona Stuart Wardrobe: Agnes MacLennan; Marian Armstrong; Ria Devey Programme: Martin Anderson Publicity/Social Media: Caroline Nicole Front of House Co-ordinator: Chantelle Allan Photography: Matthias Kremer Photography |
Cast
Magrit: Anne Bamborough
Doreen: Alison Ożóg Dolly: Morna Eadie Mrs Culfeathers: Morag Barron Andy: Alan MacLeod |
Acknowledgements
The Showboaters; Prop Hire Scotland; Inverness Musical Theatre; Marian Armstrong; Louise Blackmore; Matthias Kremer Photography
We are grateful to R MacDonald & Son and META Consulting for designing and installing our ventilation system and to the Inverness Common Good Fund for funding it.
The Showboaters; Prop Hire Scotland; Inverness Musical Theatre; Marian Armstrong; Louise Blackmore; Matthias Kremer Photography
We are grateful to R MacDonald & Son and META Consulting for designing and installing our ventilation system and to the Inverness Common Good Fund for funding it.
The Steamie in the News
Whatson-North Pre- Publicity
Margaret Chrystall Twitter Review
Whatson-North Paper Review by Margaret Chrystall
Margaret Chrystall Twitter Review
Whatson-North Paper Review by Margaret Chrystall
The Steamie Feedback
"What a great review of a great production. The right play at the right time with the right cast."
"Fantastic performance from all last night."
"Just watched online and it was amazing, well done to all involved. Loved it."
"Well done everyone a great watch . Such natural real characters. I will not be able to look at a plate of mince again without a chuckle."
"Superb performance on Wednesday. Great comedy timing. Well done to all the actors."
"Absolutely fantastic show last night, well done to all involved I watched it online in the comfort of my house, so could really let go into great fits of laughter, what a tonic."
"Absolutely superb!! Loved the show tonight. Who knew mince could be so entertaining!!"
"Absolutely LOVED this last night. Have never been to The Florians but will definitely be back! Fantastic venue"
" Congratulations on an amazingly funny first night. The laughter rung out within the audience on the first night of our actual theatre experience in so many months. A full house sharing in the visual experience of live theatre. A team of excellent character actors, so well directed. Congratulations too from on line viewers who were crying with laughter, they say, even sitting in their own home. Good luck for the rest of the week for a marvellous production and fun for you all!"
"Oh Mrs Culfeathers, you made me cry my eyes out when you admitted you were lonely. What a bond you wonderful actors build with your audience."
"Fantastic performance from all last night."
"Just watched online and it was amazing, well done to all involved. Loved it."
"Well done everyone a great watch . Such natural real characters. I will not be able to look at a plate of mince again without a chuckle."
"Superb performance on Wednesday. Great comedy timing. Well done to all the actors."
"Absolutely fantastic show last night, well done to all involved I watched it online in the comfort of my house, so could really let go into great fits of laughter, what a tonic."
"Absolutely superb!! Loved the show tonight. Who knew mince could be so entertaining!!"
"Absolutely LOVED this last night. Have never been to The Florians but will definitely be back! Fantastic venue"
" Congratulations on an amazingly funny first night. The laughter rung out within the audience on the first night of our actual theatre experience in so many months. A full house sharing in the visual experience of live theatre. A team of excellent character actors, so well directed. Congratulations too from on line viewers who were crying with laughter, they say, even sitting in their own home. Good luck for the rest of the week for a marvellous production and fun for you all!"
"Oh Mrs Culfeathers, you made me cry my eyes out when you admitted you were lonely. What a bond you wonderful actors build with your audience."
The Steamie Gallery
Photographs by Matthias Kremer Photography