Review: Black Diamonds and the Blue Brazil – Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh

What is it they say? ‘We snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.’ Pipped at the post, literally in the case of Cowdenbeath FC, who appear to have perfected the art, if we are to believe this stage adaptation of Ron Ferguson’s Black Diamonds and the Blue Brazil.

But winning isn’t everything, and this play is about loss, family in its widest sense and reconciliation.

It’s mainly a monologue, delivered eloquently and often passionately, as well as with perfect comic timing by Dawn Steele. She is utterly believable and engages with the audience from the outset, asking searching questions about Cowdenbeath. It feels like she’s talking directly to you, and it’s not quite clear if this is Dawn or her character Sally who is asking. She has us on side right from the get-go.

Dawn Steele Shines in Black Diamonds and the Blue Brazil

Her Dad, who we learn right from the start has just died, is played quietly and stoically by Barrie Hunter. He’s passionate about Cowdenbeath FC — the “Blue Brazil” of the title; a moniker reputedly assigned to the club ironically, as they’re about as far away from the Brazil team on the pitch as you could imagine. And he bores the socks off his daughter Sally, as does Cowdenbeath itself.

It’s mainly a monologue, delivered eloquently and often passionately, as well as with perfect comic timing by Dawn Steele. She is utterly believable…

We learn fairly early on that there is something we don’t yet know about Sally’s Mum — she doesn’t want to talk about it. A couple of other characters feature: Margaret, the neighbour who offers leftover sandwiches and soup; and Bob, Tom, or Joe — an older man who never introduces himself by name, so Sally is left referring to him by myriad one-syllable possibilities. Steele plays them both and conjures them by a slight change of tone and stance. She really is excellent.

As well as the two actors, Ricky Ross (Deacon Blue frontman) is on stage throughout, providing music and songs which are sometimes anthemic, underlining the power of communities united by song. ‘What’s Winning?’ perhaps stands as the theme tune of this whole performance. The answer is profound and multi-layered, and we learn incrementally what Sally’s Dad has been trying to teach her all her life. But is she hearing the music?

Ricky Ross and the Legacy of the Black Diamonds

The “Black Diamonds” of the title refer to the coal mined locally until the wholesale closures of the pits in the 1980s. The jeopardy and danger of coal mining contrast with the camaraderie and looking out for one another, both of which Sally’s Dad describes. We can hear the lessons and parallels he’s making, but how many teenagers have taken much notice of that sort of rhetoric from their parents?

***Black Diamond and blue Brazil –*** Ricky Ross – Image Credit: Aly Wight

Every generation steps out into the world anew, seeing it differently and looking for new adventures in a wider world, away from the old-fashioned strictures of home and outdated views of their elders. And maybe it has to be that way. We all have to make our own mistakes. In an ideal world, we learn from our mistakes, move on and make amends where we need to.

As well as the two actors, Ricky Ross (Deacon Blue frontman) is on stage throughout, providing music and songs which are sometimes anthemic, underlining the power of communities united by song. ‘What’s Winning?’ perhaps stands as the theme tune of this whole performance. The answer is profound and multi-layered…

But sometimes it takes more than just growing up and maturing to change our perspective, and what this play does so beautifully is gradually take us through the story of hope and despair, conflict and resolution in the most believable way. Yes, it’s a parable, but it’s subtle and takes a while to unravel its true meaning. The story of Sally trying to fulfil her Dad’s last wishes carries you along effortlessly. We live every one of the ups and downs with Sally and go through the emotions with her. This really is genius writing, acting and directing. The analogy between being an avid football fan and a loving daughter, frustrated and delighted by the team/Dad in equal measure, is constant and consistent, and yet it’s whispered, not shouted. The audience has to come to understand it, rather than being told it in words of one syllable.

You don’t have to love football to understand or enjoy this play — there are so many more nuances and messages that will resonate. It’s about families, home and belonging. And even if you’re a Pars (Dunfermline) fan like me, the ending is likely to make your heart sing. The Blue Brazil is not only coming home — it’s come home.

Featured Image: Black Diamond and blue Brazil – Dawn Steele and Barrie Hunter – Image Credit: Aly Wight