Can the clothes we wore growing up tell the story of who we became?

In this episode of Who Are You (Wearing?), Alice Cruickshank is joined by actor Darren Brownlie, best known for playing Mikey Duffy in River City and as a familiar face in Glasgow's King's Theatre, Glasgow pantomime.

Darren is now starring in Crocodile Rock at the Edinburgh Fringe: a moving and entertaining one-man play with music exploring what it was like growing up gay on a Scottish island in the 1990s before having life changed forever by a visiting drag queen.

Using fashion as a starting point, Darren and Alice take a nostalgic trip through 90s and 00s style, debating the worst shoes ever made, reminiscing about school fashion trends and revisiting the nicknames Darren collected over the years, from "Darren Broon-shoes" at school to "DD" (Double Denim) today.

They then dive into Scottish soap River City, and changing times now the show has been cancelled. Darren shares the story of how he landed the role of Mikey Duffy, and how as an actor the character and your sense of self are always linked.

The conversation then turns to Crocodile Rock and the deeply personal experiences that helped shape the production, from Darren as well as the writer Andy McGregor. Darren reflects on growing up gay in Paisley during the era of Section 28, how those memories influenced the play, and why he believes optimism has carried him through every stage of his life and career.

They also chat about the joy of pantomime, Darren's favourite costumes over the years, and why he's more than happy to do the weekly shop in sequins and a pussybow blouse if the occasion calls for it.

Funny, thoughtful and deeply heartfelt, this episode is about identity, resilience, nostalgia and finding the confidence to wear exactly what feels like you.

Find tickets to Crocodile Rock at the Edinburgh Fringe here.

Follow Darren Brownlie on Instagram.

• Starring in Crocodile Rock at the Edinburgh Fringe

• Playing Mikey Duffy in River City

• Growing up gay in Scotland during Section 28

• How Darren's own experiences inspired Crocodile Rock

• The worst shoes and best fashion memories of the 90s and 00s

• The stories behind "Darren Broon-shoes" and "DD" (Double Denim)

• Favourite pantomime costumes

• Why sequins belong in the supermarket

• Fashion, confidence and staying optimistic

Who Are You (Wearing?) is the fashion podcast that's not really about clothes.

Hosted by Scottish presenter, journalist and producer Alice Cruickshank, the show uses fashion as a lens to explore identity, ambition, creativity and the stories that shape us. Through conversations with figures from entertainment, arts, culture and media, each episode uncovers the experiences behind the public image.

Recorded at EH3 Studios in Edinburgh.

Follow Who Are You (Wearing)? on TikTok and Instagram for more content.