The Fire and The Thistle Review
This production is set in the late 16th century Scotland set against the background of witchcraft and a plot against James V1. In Presbyterian dress of black, the play opens on Hogmanay with a rousing song addressing issues of friendship and letting the old year out and the New Year in. With local references to towns and villages of East Lothian and the issue of pardons for witches being topical to-day in Prestonpans, the show is always interesting for the history lesson provided.
The main investigator, David Seaton (Duncan Robertson) dominates the early scenes along with his wife, Lilian played by Morag McDougall who is suspicious about the motives of her husband in taking an interest in the activities of his servant Gillie Duncan).
The best solos are with this part and Kirsty Anderson has a very good voice, used to good effect when questioning if her master has other motives for his interest in her. The story transfers to the court of James VI as the pursuit of plotters and witches moves to the capital.
The style of the play and its music is that of the period, which leads to scenes that are a bit static. The King (John Carridge) is depicted as a complex character and is central to the story thereafter. The King, Bothwell and Kerr all portray their parts well but the almost cameo part of Agnes Sampson (Linda Robertson) catches the eye.
The music is good throughout supported by a small orchestra and the chorus is very well rehearsed. A couple of members have developed bits of "business" and that might be adopted by other cast members to breathe attitude into the big numbers. Having seen plays about such trials, this particular show lacks the kind of tension that I would have expected as it reaches its conclusion.
Times: til Sat 22 August, 7.45pm
