PPP: The Legend of Davie McKenzie
★★★☆☆ Ebullient
Traverse: Tue 10 – Sat 14 Mar 2026
Review by Hugh Simpson
The Legend of Davie McKenzie, the latest A Play, A Pie and A Pint from Òran Mór at the Traverse, is an energetic and emotional piece.
Stephen Christopher and Graeme Smith’s latest play features Davie (Sean Connor) and Sean (Afton Moran), who bonded as kids who did not have much in the way of family or friends – they were the ones ‘who never got called in for their tea’.
Sean Connor and Afton Moran in The Legend of Davie McKenzie. Pic: Tommy Ga-Ken Wan.
They filled the gaps in their lives with games based around films (but only Hollywood blockbusters, not ‘the boring ones’). Their lack of direction later led to drugs and prison, with Davie overdosing immediately after his release.
This isn’t a spoiler as it all occurs very early on, with much of the play taken up with the still-incarcerated Sean’s endeavours to give Davie the send-off Sean feels he merits. Davie remains very much an onstage presence.
energetic comedy
This leads to a large amount of energetic comedy, with huge numbers of movie references, mixed in with downbeat, even tragic moments. This potentially tricky combination of tone is handled impressively, aided by Jake Sleet’s thoughtful direction.
The problem is that it’s all very episodic. Davie’s problem with arthouse films is that he prefers the ones where ‘something happens’ and there is often too much happening here for the play’s own good. It is noticeable that towards the end, where a scene is at last given room to breathe, that it is far more effective and affecting
Ruaraidh Murray, Afton Moran and Sean Connor in The Legend of Davie McKenzie. Pic: Tommy Ga-Ken Wan.
Where the play does impress is in its depiction of the inner lives of those written off by others as ‘junkies’ or ‘zombies’. Too often, however, this is then sidelined in favour of another over-familiar Matrix reference.
Sean Connor’s ebullience goes a long way to showing why Sean regarded Davie as a ‘legend’, while still hinting at the insecurities underneath.
well-considered portrayal
Afton Moran’s emotional, well-considered portrayal of Sean provides a useful contrast and makes up a very successful double act. Ruaraidh Murray, meanwhile, shows versatility and skill in a variety of roles.
Gillian Argo’s minimal wire-cage set and Ross Nurney’s lighting, alternately warm and washed-out, provide a successful setting for a play that has an odd rhythm but has much to recommend it.
Running time: One hour (no interval)
Traverse Theatre, 10 Cambridge St, EH1 2ED
Tuesday 10 – Saturday 14 March 2026
Daily at 1pm
Tickets and details: Returns only.
NB: If you missed out on tickets for this season of lunchtime theatre at the Traverse, PPP has announced a short season at the Roxy in May and June. See Summer Lunchin’ at Roxy for details.
Afton Moran and Ruaraidh Murray in The Legend of Davie McKenzie. Pic: Tommy Ga-Ken Wan.
ENDS
