Review: A Gambler’s Guide to Dying

Adelaide Fringe

Holden Street Theatres consistently stages intimate theatre productions that are edgy, innovative and appealing, and this is no exception. ★★★½

Friday February 12, 2016 Comments

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A Gambler’s Guide to Dying – winner of Holden Street’s Edinburgh Fringe Award in 2015 – is a one-man show by Scottish actor Gary McNair, who reverently and affectionately relates tales of his grandfather.

Grandfathers can play a significant role in the lives of their grandchildren and it would appear that McNair’s grandfather’s love of gambling made a lasting impression on him.

The stage is dressed with a number of cardboard boxes, a chair, a couple of lamps and a small step ladder on a very large rug. A single lightbulb hangs overhead.

As well as some good gags and an entertaining range of characters portrayed by McNair, there is an exploration of philosophy, including a debate of how a life is best lived.

Anecdotes abound as McNair explains about life in the Gorbals in Glasgow and the reaction of some of the town folk should one of their own bet on England to win the World Cup. Life is a gamble and you choose how to play; erring on the side of caution or throwing caution to the wind and risking everything.

When his grandfather is diagnosed with cancer, the tone of the show shifts slightly but the essential elements of inter-generational respect and a love of life are maintained.

As a boy, McNair was in awe of his grandfather’s stories; it would appear that he himself has inherited the gift for spinning a good yarn.

Three-and-a-half stars

A Gamblers Guide to Dying is playing at The Studio, Holden Street Theatres, until March 13.

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<h1>Review: A Gambler’s Guide to Dying</h1>

Holden Street Theatres consistently stages intimate theatre productions that are edgy, innovative and appealing, and this is no exception. ★★★½

																		<address><a href="https://inreview.com.au/contributors/greg-elliott/" class="author">Greg Elliott</a></address>
											
							A Gambler’s Guide to Dying  – winner of Holden Street’s Edinburgh Fringe Award in 2015 – is a one-man show by Scottish actor Gary McNair, who reverently and affectionately relates tales of his grandfather.
Grandfathers can play a significant role in the lives of their grandchildren and it would appear that McNair’s grandfather’s love of gambling made a lasting impression on him.
The stage is dressed with a number of cardboard boxes, a chair, a couple of lamps and a small step ladder on a very large rug. A single lightbulb hangs overhead.
As well as some good gags and an entertaining range of characters portrayed by McNair, there is an exploration of philosophy, including a debate of how a life is best lived.
Anecdotes abound as McNair explains about life in the Gorbals in Glasgow and the reaction of some of the town folk should one of their own bet on England to win the World Cup. Life is a gamble and you choose how to play; erring on the side of caution or throwing caution to the wind and risking everything.
When his grandfather is diagnosed with cancer, the tone of the show shifts slightly but the essential elements of inter-generational respect and a love of life are maintained.
As a boy, McNair was in awe of his grandfather’s stories; it would appear that he himself has inherited the gift for spinning a good yarn.
<h3><a href="#three-and-a-half-stars" aria-hidden="true" class="aal_anchor" id="three-and-a-half-stars"><svg aria-hidden="true" class="aal_svg" height="16" version="1.1" viewBox="0 0 16 16" width="16"><path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M4 9h1v1H4c-1.5 0-3-1.69-3-3.5S2.55 3 4 3h4c1.45 0 3 1.69 3 3.5 0 1.41-.91 2.72-2 3.25V8.59c.58-.45 1-1.27 1-2.09C10 5.22 8.98 4 8 4H4c-.98 0-2 1.22-2 2.5S3 9 4 9zm9-3h-1v1h1c1 0 2 1.22 2 2.5S13.98 12 13 12H9c-.98 0-2-1.22-2-2.5 0-.83.42-1.64 1-2.09V6.25c-1.09.53-2 1.84-2 3.25C6 11.31 7.55 13 9 13h4c1.45 0 3-1.69 3-3.5S14.5 6 13 6z"></path></svg></a>Three-and-a-half stars</h3>
A Gamblers Guide to Dying is playing at The Studio, Holden Street Theatres, until March 13.
 
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