JOURNEY OF JEANNIE DEANS. To 14 August.

Edinburgh 2007 Fringe.

THE JOURNEY OF JEANNIE DEANS.
by Judy Steel derived from The Heart Of Midlothian by Sir Walter Scott.

Assembly Universal Arts Freemasons Hall, 96 George St. To 14 August 2007 tours Southern Scotland.
Every day. 12:45 (Edinburgh).
Runs 1hr 30min. No interval.

TICKETS. 0131 623 3030 or Fringe BO 226 0000.
www.rowantreecompany.co.uk
Review: Thelma Good 8 August 2007.

Brings a lump to the throat.
Set against a Scotland still reeling from the effects of the 1707 Union of the Parliament, Judy Steel's play, preswented by Scotland's Rowan Tree Theatre Company, points up how we’ve ower lang had tae cope wi neighbours who dinnae ken when ta keep their nebs out o our business.

Inspired by Sir Walter Scott’s novel The Heart of Midlothian, Steel brings to life several interesting women; young Effie with her loving heart, and her older sister Jeannie whose stanch moral code won’t let her lie but eventually lets her plead for Effie’s life. The Porteous riots are very much part of the story as is Queen Caroline who mistakenly reprieves Porteous, the captain of the town guard who fired on rioting Edinburgh citizens.

The characters speak in a variety of Scots and English. There’s the Duke of Argyll and Queen Caroline herself in London. And in Scotland as well as the sister, there’s Geordie the bringer of Effie’s troubles and fleeting pleasures, various town folk and Effie’s uncle Mr Saddletree. Wandering around on the edge of the action is a strange young woman who sings hauntingly.

Rowan Tree have a good track record of presenting plays rich in our historical linguistic diversity, our too little-known past and literature. This one brings a lump to the throat and enjoyment at the song and characters. Some are portrayed very true to the heart. Others, like Sean Kane’s Mr Saddletree, could be ancestors of the famous Edinburgh portraits and caricature etchings of the later John Kay, allowing some near pantomime scenes between the three actors.

The central strong dramatic story will have some going back to Sir Walter’s novels to encounter his full of Scottish colour storytelling.

Effie/Miss Dammahoy/Queen Caroline: Nicola Jo Cully.
Jeanie/Mrs Howden: Zoe Hunter.
Geordie/Me Saddletree/Duke of Argyll/Judge: Sean Kane.
Madge Wildfire/Musician/Singer: Hannah Read (after 24 August) Rachel Newton.

Director/Designer: Catriona Taylor.
Lighting: David Toner.
Composers:' A Year Owre Young' by Ronald Stevenson, all other music Hannah Read.
Costume: Maria Rankin.

2007-08-11 10:11:32