I’m a fan of performance art and love anything that challenges an audience. I guess that fits with stand-up which is a licence to stir and shake its observers but when it comes to theatre, that’s another whole ball game.
With Unhappy Birthday, Amy Lamé and her direct Scottee have tapped into the insecurities of theatrical audiences and put theirs right into the centre of the action. Nobody here is allowed merely to observe, you have to take part, like it or not, and be prepared to pass the parcel, mix strange concoctions on stage, create art with sanitary towels, eat cake, pop party poppers and, most importantly sing along with Morrissey!
Don’t tell Amy but I’m not a huge fan of Morrissey, although I may have to be one from now on because even my clearly planned red, white and black outfit doesn’t get me out of being converted to the word of Moz by her evangelistic preaching or singing along to ‘This Charming Man’.
There is real darkness amongst the light during Amy’s ‘party’. Like a petulant child, she stamps and cajoles us all to take part, leave our inhibitions behind and join her on her life journey through the song titles (and soundtrack) of Morrissey. I left wondering what the great Moz himself would think about the show. Assuming that Amy’s story about mild ‘stalking’ to get him to sign a CD cover is true; my guess is he either hasn’t been invited or is giving the show a wide berth.
Don’t miss out – not since the late great Leigh Bowery has performance art been this exciting and entertaining. Grotesquely funny, original and inclusive – we’ve all probably experienced ‘unhappy birthday’ moments in our lives but putting a soundtrack to them and living them out on stage is taking it to another level.
What Amy was talking about: unrequited love, sexuality, Morrissey, cake, hair.
Show details: 6.40pm Assembly Three, George Square. BOOK HERE
Rating: 
Lynne Parker
