REVIEW
Taking over the Asylum
OPEN your mind to a story
depicting the harsh reality of life on a psychiatric ward . Join the patients , and prepare to enjoy both highs and lows throughout this emotional roller-coaster .
Taking over the Asylum proved to be a hit in Glasgow at the Citizens Theatre and also at the Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh .
DARK COMEDY
This play is essentially a black comedy and was originally a success back in the early 1990s , with a young David Tennant starring . The Paisley star has been on a constant high since he movingly portrayed Campbell in the original television drama . Ken Stott was another notable actor from the original series , remaining prominent name in Scotland today .
Fifteen years on : the play has been spiced up , modernised and adapted for the stage . Writer Donna Franceschild , was keen to stick to ( yet jazz up a little ) this mesmerising plot involving a range of characters set in a psychiatric ward . It ’ s a play that focuses on playing the role with truth , whatever that may be . No matter how you dress it up though , Taking over the asylum is , ultimately , a tragedy with jokes .
REALISM
Its dark plot adds to the realism of many who can appreciate time on wards across Scotland . Nobody wants to be there but in the darkness of the crisis you are going through , you can find light and hope with others who share a similar journey to you . The erratic pace of the script effectively mirrors rapid mood changes , consistent with some diagnoses , adding drama for the audience and leaving everyone both exhausted and entertained .
The narrative surrounds the radical idea of bringing life into a decaying psychiatric ward . An un-used radio station is revived to bring stimulation and activity into the normally mundane ward . “ Ready Eddie ’ played by Iain Robertson is the radio anchor man and faces his own demons as soon as he arrives – realizing just how out of touch the equipment is .
Help is at hand though , as ‘ Campbell ’, played with so much energy by Brian Vernel , turns his despair into hope by dreaming of becoming a radio star and generating plans to raise much needed cash for the project .
DELUSIONAL STAFF
Little encouragement is shown by the ward staff to patients – dismissing ambition as delusions of grandeur . Amidst the knockbacks : true talent shines through bringing hope to service users across the country . It doesn ’ t matter how often authorities dismiss you because of illness ; it ’ s okay to believe in your own abilities , prevail and tell anyone ; “ You ’ re a loony and proud .” Taking over the Asylum is a story highlighting the constant battle between figures in power and those at their mercy .
The young cast bring freshness to the topical themes of dealing with mental illness . The over-rising message that shines through the darkness of this play is to treat everyone in life for who they are and don ’ t define them by a diagnosis .