The Steamie
The Steamie
Written by Tony Roper in 1987, 'The Steamie' is one of Scotland's most popular plays.
"It's Hogmanay. In that great Victorian institution, the Steamie, four women set about getting their heavy loads of washing done in time for the bells. Amongst the heat and the suds, Mrs Culfeathers, Dolly, Doreen and the irrepressible Magrit swap tales of menfolk, memories and mince, as they wring sheets dry over sinks and scrub the dirt from their husbands' overalls with ferocity, dedication ... and a wicked sense of humour.
As they gossip, laugh, sing and cry together - both hindered and helped by the Steamie's ubiquitous handy man, Andy - the quartet conjure up a poignant, hilarious cameo of life in 1950s Glasgow, when community was everything. They're oor pals ... your pals ... a' body's pals ..."