Gold Diggers Review

Gold Diggers of 1999 - Theatre Review by Andrew Jeffery

For those who have visited the Edinburgh Fringe, 'Gold Diggers of 1999', if taken there, would simply take off. The Buddle Arts Centre is a buzzing place that could easily be taken for on in the auld wynds of the festival city.

But this was Wallsend in both venue and play. Local writer, Ged McGarvie, has written a gem. The 'Stage Focus' theatre company acted out this play ingeniously on a floor level stage. the simple but imaginatively designed set intimatley engages into the are of the Segedunum dig at Wallsend.

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Diggin through their past

The motley bunch of archaeological diggers, pulled together from a very diverse background, tried in vain to unearth treasures for future generations to understand Roman Britain. But they dug successfully into their personal past with resounding consequences.

The cast portrayed included a university graduate leader, an ex-con, a former lap dancer, a Bosnian refugee - a dangerous mix of personality, calmness and fire.

The floundering group leader Neal, is concerned about one thing. The continued funding of his dig from Lottery funding. The diggers supported his drive for survival in the way they knew best.

The social and educational chasm that seperated the characters was brilliantly drawn out with excellent casting.