REVIEW: The High Life takes off at Dundee Rep in a first-class comedy triumph
- Andrew Batchelor
- Apr 2
- 4 min read
When The High Life was first announced for Dundee Rep Theatre, it immediately created a buzz across the city.
Tickets disappeared quickly, a clear sign that this wasn’t just another show - it was event theatre. There was a real sense that something special was coming back to Dundee, and from the moment the curtain rose, it was clear that expectation had been more than justified.
A huge part of that anticipation came from the return of Alan Cumming to his roots. Seeing an internationally recognised A-list actor step back onto a Dundee stage felt significant, not just for the production, but for the city itself.
Alongside him, the original cast reunited in a way that felt both nostalgic and completely fresh, capturing the spirit of the 1990s classic while giving it new life for today’s audience.
At the heart of the show is a wonderfully chaotic plot centred around the fate of Air Scotia, proudly billed as “Scotland’s best and only airline”. The company is on the brink of a buyout, set to be rebranded as the far less glamorous Air GB, and rumours swirl that the mysterious new owner will be aboard Flight 123 to Prestwick.
What follows is a frantic, absurd and brilliantly entertaining mission from the cabin crew to uncover the identity of the buyer and, somehow, save the airline from ruin.
Of course, this being The High Life, the story quickly escalates into full-blown madness. Between unexpected villains, bizarre subplots and even the threat of disaster in the skies, the narrative leans fully into its own ridiculousness.
Yet that is exactly where its strength lies. The plot is knowingly over-the-top, but it never loses its charm, instead becoming a vehicle for relentless humour, clever callbacks and perfectly timed chaos.
The performances were outstanding across the board. Alan Cumming and Forbes Masson slip effortlessly back into their roles, their chemistry as strong as ever and their comedic timing razor sharp.
The audience reaction when they first appeared said everything - a huge roar that carried warmth as much as excitement. Their delivery of the iconic “Oh dearie me!” remains as funny as ever, with running gags building throughout the show to great effect.
Siobhan Redmond commands the stage as Shona Spurtle, bringing a sharp, biting presence that cuts through every scene she enters, while Patrick Ryecart’s Captain Duff is a constant source of laughter, rarely staying in the cockpit and often appearing in increasingly ridiculous situations.
There is also a standout turn from Louise McCarthy, whose performance adds another layer of unpredictability and physical comedy that lands brilliantly with the audience.
What truly elevated the production, however, was the staging. Dundee Rep once again demonstrated why it is held in such high regard, with a set design that was both inventive and seamless. Scene transitions flowed effortlessly, and the overall structure of the show was incredibly well thought out.
Subtle foreshadowing throughout the first act paid off brilliantly later on, with clever hints towards Act 2 that showed just how carefully constructed the production was.
There was also something uniquely Dundee and the local area about the experience. Local references were woven into the script with ease, adding an extra layer of connection for the audience.
A personal favourite was a line about there being a ginger redemption camp in Wormit which I gagged at as a ginger-haired guy.
The fourth wall breaks were a particular highlight, bringing in playful nods to The Traitors and the BAFTAs, grounding the show firmly in the present while still celebrating its roots.
Speaking to people after the show, one thing came up again and again - they hadn’t laughed like that in a long time. It is rare for a production to generate that kind of unanimous reaction, but The High Life manages it with ease. The humour is constant, the energy is infectious, and the sense of joy inside the theatre is impossible to ignore.
Personally, getting a ticket felt like a small victory in itself given how quickly they sold out. It was a show I was keen to see from the moment it was announced, and it more than lived up to that anticipation. From start to finish, it delivered on every level.
Overall, The High Life is a triumph. It is a reminder of the strength of Dundee’s cultural scene and a clear example of what can be achieved when talent, nostalgia and creativity come together.
More than anything, it reinforces just how fortunate the city is to have Dundee Rep - a venue that continues to produce work of the highest quality and bring moments like this to life.
The High Life is on at Dundee Rep Theatre from 27 March – 4 April and returns again from 6 – 9 May, before continuing its Scotland tour to Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness and Glasgow. Tickets are available now via National Theatre of Scotland.
