THE BONNET BLUE till 27 August
Edinburgh 2007 Fringe.
THE BONNET BLUE.
by Edward Cairney.
Augustine’s, 41 George IV Bridge.
To 27 August 2007.
Every Day. 19:00.
Runs Ihr. No interval.
TICKETS. 08452 26 27 21 or Fringe BO 0131 226 0000.
www.bonnetblue.co.uk
Review Thelma Good 23 August 2007.
Sincerity and fine voices.
Jennifer’s trying to get the Bridgend Musical Society enthused about her new musical. Pam wants to try South Pacific, something safe and secure, Peter’s convinced it will never work, Jennifer’s not really up to speed and she’s way off key and Tam, well the pub beckons. Then a script with music for a musical about Scotland appears and gradually they all begin to find their talents, and their belief this one might work.
Edward Cairney’s The Bonnet Blue is written at time when Scotland’s rethinking who and what we are. He gently nudges us to see ourselves, and our reactions to our changing state and its challenges, through the Bridgend Musical Society members’ reactions to the challenges of the musical.
Cairney himself is working on several songs which could be candidates for the new Scottish National Anthem. He’s written some memorable songs, all of which were applauded by a small by very appreciative audience who instantly warmed to the cast’s sincerity and their fine voices. Yes thankfully Jennifer started to sing in harmony.
There’s new words for the rousing Scot’s Wha Hae for a hopefully more peaceful age, a lovely Gaelic lullaby rendered by the silver voiced Fiona Retalic and My Land sung by the handsomely voiced Jamie Watson as Lord George Murray, the man who got the Jacobite army 140 miles from London. Retalic and Watson duet as the Highland couple thrown out of their croft hoping for better times in Maybe Some Day. Jim Ramsay uses his rich tones and comic warmth in Exports – you’ve read the tea towel about all the Scots have given to the world now go and learn the song!
5633 hope to stage a full length, larger cast version of The Bonnet Blue. I hope they do. This wee taster certainly whets the appetite. In St Augustine’s Studio awkward space, with a pillar and a wall jutting into the middle stage, it may have its rough moments but the heart and the spirit are there to let it grow. A good omen for the New Scotland - I hope so.
Company : 5633 Theatre Company ( Scotland ).
Jennifer : Eileen Masson.
Tam/Factor/Sir Harry Lauder : Jim Ramsay.
Nancy/Sheena : Fiona Retalic.
Pam/Factor’s Man : Linsey Stewart.
Peter/Lord George Murray/Hamish : Jamie Watson.
Music Director : Richard Allen.
2007-08-24 08:24:56