“I set off upon my journey to the House of Shaws. I will begin the story of my adventures with a certain morning early in the year of grace 1751…” Read more …
Forged from the fury of the Jacobite rebellion, Stevenson’s classic novel Kidnapped recounts the captivating adventure of young Davie Balfour’s astonishing journey across the lochs and glens of old Scotland as he fights to right the wrongs done by his scheming Uncle of the House of Shaws.
A host of memorable characters from the swaggering Jacobite Alan Breck to the infamous Red Fox, ship-wrecks, battles, murder, false accusations, and a final deadly pursuit all combine to tell an evocative tale of intrigue, with a vivid language capturing the beauty of the Scottish landscape.
Building upon their growing reputation as an exciting force in Scottish theatre Cumbernauld Theatre’s production captures the true spirit of this exciting Scottish Swashbuckler, bringing the passion of Stevenson’s original story to life onstage with a sensational theatrical flair.
Retains all the buckle-swashing that made the original so compelling, while succeeding in cutting through to expose the historical background that gives it a greater resonance.
Ed Robson’s production will tour to 20 theatres and halls across Scotland over the next five weeks, and everyone who cares about Scotland’s past and future will enjoy aspects of the show. It could have been a much finer effort, though.
A quick-fire romp.
Robson clearly understands the value of storytelling simplicity, so it's a shame he keeps throwing out ideas that muddy the waters.
The result is a production that does some justice to Robert Louis Stevenson, but has more energy than polish.
It all makes for a thrilling evening’s entertainment and one that’ll inspire those unfamiliar with the Jacobite Rebellion and its legacy to explore the legends and myths for themselves.
Cumbernauld Theatre to adapt Kidnapped
Cumbernauld Theatre, Cumbernauld from Thursday April 12, 2012, until Saturday April 14, 2012. More info: www.cumbernauldtheatre.co.uk
On Tour, from Wednesday April 18, 2012, until Saturday May 26, 2012.
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