"Deepcut: Scenes From An Inquiry" takes a quasi- verbatim approach to the series of deaths which occurred there between 1996 and 2002. A number of characters (varying from a mental health specialist to recruits and officers from Deepcut itself) are questioned by a prosecutor/investigator (Gary Mackay) over the deaths and an explanation sought as to how they were able to happen.

It would be easy for such a production, notwithstanding the assurances in the programme that it is based on actual documents, to over-step itself. However, Barry's writing is sparse, powerful and admirably even-handed. Aided by a consistently excellent cast (underpinned by Mackay) and impressively clinical direction from Sophie Lifschutz, Barry not only brings out the searing moral outrage, but also delivers a vital insight into how the events at Deepcut are viewed in a military context. By doing so it leaves us, however repulsed we may be by the circumstances, genuinely questioning whether we are in a position to judge. Theatre really does need more like this.

(4/5 stars)  by Dominic di Nezza for remotegoat on 13/12/08

Fringe  Review Award 2007

Award for Outstanding Show at the Edinburgh Fringe 2007

Retreat by James Saunders

The direction is faultless and the performers are first-class. Gary Mackay and Alix Wilton Regan are perfect foils for each other. The emotional intensity they bring to this piece is impressive, subtle and sharp. Tension mounts in all the right places, the "safe haven" of the Welsh cottage in which this play is set, becomes marvellously sinister as the play's story unfolds. The "fragile community" that Harold refers to becomes all too real, as Hannah's arrival disrupts his own fragile equilibrium.

This is a real gem of a play, with wonderful psychological tension, humour, mystery out of which emerges a tale of regret, deceit and full-on performances from two very fine actors. 

Reviewed by Paul Levy 16th August 2007          Fringe Review

This play is a breath of fresh air - amongst all the gimmicky shows at the Festival this is a fantastic, truthful production. The script is both dark and witty, the performances subtle and intense, and the direction intelligent and sensitive. A taught psychological drama, 'Retreat' deals with the relationships and tragedies of two families.

When Hannah turns up unannounced at Harold's door, both characters are forced to deal with their memories and the pain associated with them. Their discomfort quickly tells the audience there is much more here than meets the eye. The two performers should also be commended for their unbelievable focus, as they played against the sound of the Tattoo without losing the audience for a second. And there is free whisky!
tw rating 5/5

ThreeWeeks eDaily - Monday 20th August 2007

THE HIGHWAY CROSSING  By Jaan Tätte

Theatre Reviews:

Gary Mackay as Oswald is a remarkable performance. This is a very difficult character to portray as he walks a tightrope between arrogance and simple logic.

To the writers credit there are tiny asides that endear him to the audience and his final demise does much credit to Mackay as a sensitive and charismatic performer.

THE STAGE

Paul Vale, 20 June 2006

Yet the play, apparently the first Estonian drama to be performed in Britain, remains absorbing thanks to Oswald, an intriguing combination of fantasist and fabulist and the Magnificent turn by Gary Mackay as the troubled artist.

He's a bundle of tics, jerks and fable-like observations that elicits unease and sympathy in equal measure. Don't miss his riveting performance.... 

THE TIMES ****

Ian Johns, 13 July 2006

Gary Mackay delivers an entertaining performance as Oswald, complete with half-crazed tics and twitches....

THE OBSERVER

Katie Toms, 9 July 2006

But what makes this play such an absorbing and exciting find is Gary Mackay's utterly mesmeric Oswald all twitches and ticks and dusty cock eyed poetry; he is Tätte's most original creation and the production's greatest asset. A fascinating, assured introduction to a thrilling theatrical talent.

TIME OUT LONDON **** (Critic’s Choice)

Lucy Powell, 5 July 2006

Lark Rise

This is an ensemble piece. But earning special mention are: Anna Tolputt as the caring mother, Gary Mackay always in character even when on the periphery of a scene. 

John Thaxter

Lark Rise to Candleford (John Price)

Candleford

However, while the promenade aspect undoubtedly stops anybody nodding off,

the cramped confines mean it occasionally distracts from some impressive performances.

The versatile Gary Mackay makes, amongst other things, a fantastic lame old duffer. 

Cheryl Freedman

Lark Rise to Candleford (Mr Wilkins)

TWELFTH NIGHT:
PEGASUS THEATRE

Gary Mackay plays Malvolio as a grouchy Scot whose feelings for Olivia are so well concealed that when he appears in yellow stockings, plus fours and a deer stalker, only to end up imprisoned in a trunk, it is hard to feel much sympathy for him.