Anna Burnside reviews a production with a strong idea but one which needs further work.
Robert Burns, the George Best of 18th century Scotland, left more than his body of work behind. When he died, aged just 37, the women he loved were left with memories, letters and, in many cases, children.
Jean Armour, his long-suffering wife, also had to deal with the chancers and hangers-on who wanted a bit of him when she just wanted to live quietly and be left alone.
Writer Shonagh Murray imagines what would have happened if Jean had met Nancy McLehose, the Bard’s other great love. In this two-stranded piece, she also shows Jean at home with a granddaughter who has inherited many of her famous grandfather’s talents and characteristics.
It’s a strong idea and the music, also written by Murray, cleverly weaves some Burns bangers into original narrative songs.
Irene Allan’s Jean is reserved but steely, and Hilary Maclean is an understandably anxious Nancy. There’s a great scene where they get drunk together and reminisce about the Rab they knew.
Karen Fishwick, as the daughter, switches between singing badly as the granddaughter and joining in with the sweet harmonies when not in character.
Live music is an obvious lack in this production and it would be instantly elevated with a pianist and fiddler on stage. The structure could also take a little work, as could the title, but it’s great to see these women’s stories taking front and centre stage at last.
Armour’s run at A Play, A Pie and A Pint has concluded. It is at the Traverse Theatre from October 1-5, 2024. It then tours to The Gaiety (Oct 10-12), Paisley Town Hall (Oct 15-16) and Johnstone Town Hall (Oct 17-18).
Photo by Tommy Ga-Ken Wan.
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