A Play, a Pie, and a Pint: Off The Rails @ Assembly Roxy (Review)

Birdy went along to Off The Rails (part of A Play, a Pie, and a Pint) at the Assembly Roxy, and loved every second of this one-woman show.

I’m new to this, and today I enjoyed my first ever play, pie and pint (actually a Fanta) combo – and what better way to try out this charming, tantalising format than with this powerhouse of a one-woman show! Off the Rails, written and performed by Stephanie MacGaraidh, packs a punch.

So, what’s it about? Well, here’s a little introduction from the writer herself:

‘For my professional writing debut, I wanted to follow advice and write about something I knew, so out came a musical about yearning for connection.  It seems like saying hi to the person next to you is a solid place to start.’   Stephanie MacGaraidh

The setup

Upon entering the theatre (to view the same stage where I once performed a one-off Chekov scene, I’ll have you know!), there’s some neon pink tubing, some ScotRail seats, an LED train sign, a guitar, a keyboard and looping equipment; that’s it. Then Stephanie enters, and you’re instantly immersed in the intriguing story of Maggie.

A ScotRail announcer sets up some initial expectations, and many questions follow; but you won’t find out the answers for a while. Get settled in, as you’re in for a bumpy ride!

Comedic, colourful characters

First, Maggie’s got a range of colourful characters to meet; from a hen party, to a slightly judgy elderly mother, to a man who has possibly the worst way of eating yoghurt ever.

The recurring character of Gareth the ticket inspector was my favourite, because he had some funny lines about the likes of unfortunate ham and cheese sandwiches, and catchy tunes about wanting to see your railcard. Every time Gareth came back he was accompanied by the whispy notes of “railcard, railcard…” It was perfection.

Cleverly detailed

As someone who has spent 4 – 5 days a week travelling on trains to Dundee for an entire year of uni (and who spent a chunk of that time making a log of which ScotRail trains had a pungently unpleasant smell of overused brakes), there were lots of little clever train-specific details I really appreciated in Off The Rails.

I’ve met plenty of Gareths, I’ve had to show my railcard, I know the ‘See it. Say it. Sorted’ slogan all too well, as do I know the little ‘chillin’ sign on some of the trains when they’re not in use. I can tell from Off The Rails that Stephanie has also spent a decent amount of time on trains.

Expertly performed

This is a musical comedy, so it’s not just about the characters; there’s a huge musical element that features a lot of live looping, with Stephanie on the keyboard, guitar and singing in perfect key – she doesn’t miss beat, and it’s wonderful.

Throughout the characters, and the songs, we learn about Maggie’s past, and the events that have led her to getting on a train in her pajamas and wanting to get on a ferry to Norway, never to return – on her 30th birthday.

Strong storytelling

There’s a strong storytelling element to Off The Rails, the pacing is brilliant, and what it really takes to learn what’s going on with Maggie is when she makes a genuine connection to another passenger, who has a story of his own to tell – and it’s the kind that really tugs on your heartstrings.

Yes, my eyes started leaking, and no, I hadn’t come prepared with tissues. This is NOT what I was expecting at all! Thankfully, there was more comedy to follow, which came along with the stark realisation of what Maggie had actually done – and yes, it’s 100% worth the wait!

There’s a lot to be said about the realisation around emotional baggage you’ve been holding onto for years, and that maybe you finally can let go. But just as meaningful is establishing that connection with someone who just gets you – and helps you realise what it is you actually need (spoiler: it’s not always a trip to Norway!).

In conclusion…

I laughed, I cried, and I appreciated some catchy tunes and downright bops and bangers whilst watching Stephanie MacGaraidh perform her written debut one-woman show Off The Rails. What a triumph. I believe this is something that needs to keep going, all the way to the Fringe and beyond!

Production note: Off The Rails was produced by Stephanie MacGaraidh (script and song writer), Katie Slater (director), Heather Grace Currie (set and costume designer), Ross Nurney (lighting designer), Ana Reid (Lighting operator).