'Kidnapped' was recently selected as the novel all citizens of this 'City of Literature' ought to be reading. It's probably also the book most people would likely choose if asked to name one nineteenth century Scottish novel.

In spite of its inconclusive ending, (its hero awaiting the outcome of his fortune, his friend wanted for murder), 'Kidnapped' retains an appeal for both younger and older readers. Fewer than those who know 'Kidnapped' are aware of its sequel, 'Catriona', which takes David Balfour on another adventure, in which Alan Breck Stewart only briefly appears.

Meanwhile's production at the hall of Greenside Parish Church opens with a brief back-projected reprise of the 'Kidnapped' story-line, using cut-out characters. It's a nice touch, reflecting Stevenson's life-long fascination with toy theatre. This is interrupted, however, when Robert Louis Stevenson (Anthony Bentley) is visited by David Balfour (Andrew Warnock) demanding a better ending to his tale. It's an interesting confrontation between character and creator, which without plumbing the depths of literary theory, could perhaps have been made more of.

Using the back-projection device perhaps a little too frequently, and Bentley as all the other principal male characters in 'Catriona' (and there are several) the tale is told, of David's continuing struggle to obtain a fair trial for James of the Glen, the man accused of the murder of Colin Campbell 'The Red Fox', which he had witnessed in 'Kidnapped'. It also deals with his efforts to ensure Alan Breck Stewart escapes to France, and of his meeting with Catriona Drummond (Ruth Herbert), whose father becomes the cat's paw of Lord Prestongrange, Lord Advocate of Scotland and the man charged with ensuring that James of the Glen will be found guilty.

It makes for a lively hour and twenty minutes for three actors, who maintain pace and characterisation throughout. Some elements work better than others, and even on a first performance, it was clear some stage jokes were going to work better than others. This is a show which certainly has the potential to tour and to engage wider audiences than purely Fringe goers, but requires some additional work to fully satisfy.

Time: 9.30am on 13-18 August, 2.10pm on 20-25 August

Copyright Bill Dunlop 2007. Published on EdinburghGuide.com August 2007