Glasgow-based/Ireland-born singer Michelle Burke’s bright yellow suitcase of props sets the tone for this nostalgic musical show; warm, whimsical, but frustratingly scattered. Without any clear throughline between songs, it often feels like we are ping-ponging from moment to moment for no rhyme or reason, making it a struggle to form a strong connection to the show overall.
Taken individually, Burke’s songs are strong, with her rich vocals bringing her characters to life with suitable affection. Each number is a cute vignette that peeks into her past growing up in a religious household in rural Ireland. Whilst the surrounding stories are serviceable, they do little to deepen the meaning of the songs. It would be wonderful, for instance, to understand what religion meant to Burke, or how her father’s music impacted her own.
The staging is basic, although Burke makes the most of a ladder in the centre of the stage. Early use of this prop as a church bell is neatly simple, but nothing else comes close to this throughout the rest of the show. Burke has an easy connection with the audience as she moves from song to song but that does not mitigate the feeling of viewing unconnected snapshots. A sweet-natured and well performed collection of songs but a lacking bit of theatre.
Mind How You Go, ZOO Playground, until 24 August, 12.45pm