Review: Restless Natives musical takes a road trip down memory lane
A cheeky retelling that swaps subtlety for swagger and keeps the crowd smiling.
If you grew up in Scotland in the ‘80s, there’s every chance you warmly remember Restless Natives. The 1985 film directed by Michael Hoffman blended grit with offbeat humour and a sense of gentle rebellion against the unforgiving elitism of Britain at the time.
Two disillusioned teens took to the roads, holding up tourist buses and accidentally becoming folk heroes. With its chase scenes, sharp one-liners, and anti-establishment spirit, it stood out from the usual offerings. Hearing broad Scottish accents on screen made it feel like our story too. At just 90 minutes, it was a film my siblings and I returned to often– familiar, funny, and comforting.
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New flair and plenty of heart
So it was with a mix of curiosity and caution that I took a friend along to see the musical reinterpretation at HMT on Wednesday. Adapted for the stage by Hoffman, Paterson, and Ninian Dunnett, with music by Tim Sutton, it’s a retelling that promised new energy while keeping the original’s spirit. There was a real buzz in the theatre as the lights went down.
This version leaned into the absurd, trading grit for kitsch and turning the story into something unabashedly nostalgic and self-aware. The first act landed with confidence. It was funny and packed with quick wit. The set was simple but smart, with well-timed transitions that kept the momentum going.
Kirsty MacLaren delivered a grounded performance that cut through the chaos. Kyle Gardiner and Finlay McKillop bounced off each other with easy charm, and their friendship was as daft and endearing as fans of the film might remember. Alan McHugh returned to the HMT stage with his trademark warmth. His gentle comic timing sat comfortably within the show’s tone, never overplayed.
Restless Natives speaks well to a fresh audience
That said, the second half started to drag. The musical format allowed for more songs and set-pieces, which some may have enjoyed, but the pacing slackened, and familiar themes were revisited a few too many times. Still, there’s enough heart here to carry it through, from a few playful staging choices to a handful of unexpectedly tender moments that gave the comedy some emotional weight.
What stood out most was how confidently it reimagined the story. Where the film trod a careful line between grit and whimsy, the musical takes a full swing at the kitsch—and mostly lands it. It felt more like a tribute to what the film meant than a direct adaptation. That might not land with every diehard fan, but it’s a bold move that speaks well to a fresh audience, and to a big country that’s ready to laugh at itself a little.
This wasn’t nostalgia for its own sake. It tapped into the buzz of opening night, with a crowd all-in from the very first scene. What emerged was sillier, warmer, and more generous than expected.
Restless Natives continues at His Majesty’s Theatre until Saturday 24th May. Tickets are available from Aberdeen Performing Arts and the Box Office.
