Kidnapped
Eden Court Theatre - 16/04/23
National Theatre of Scotland | Based on the novel by Robert Louis Stevenson | Adapted for the stage by Isobel McArthur and Michael John McCarthy
Billed as a riotous re-telling of Robert Louis Stevenson’s adventure novel, this will appeal to all those who loved Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of). Adapted by the same team for The National Theatre of Scotland, it is the modern version of what we used to call ‘farce’. Aimed at the teenage audience who have yet to discover the original novel or even the 1960 film version with Peter Finch or the 1970 version with Michael Caine. This stage version takes us through the adventure of young David Balfour who arrives at his uncle’s bleak house to claim his inheritance. His relative first tries to murder him, then has him shipped off as a slave to the colonies. Fortunately, he strikes up a friendship with Alan Breck Stuart who through various adventures helps him claim his rightful inheritance. Along the way they encounter pirates, escape through the hills, are chased by redcoats and fall in love. Played by an ensemble of young talented actor/ musicians this version makes full use of multiple props, dynamic scene changes and popular music. There are fights, parties, comic misunderstandings, and poignant moments. Despite a fire alarm interrupting the opening of the second half, clearing the stage, the young company restarted the show admirably and the audience stayed. If there is one fault it is that the cast sometime lack the comic timing which is learnt through working in this specific genre. All classic actors will tell you that comedy is the hardest to crack. Thankfully panto is now regarded with the respect it deserves, with Sir Ian McKellen touring now in Mother Goose. Timing is something you learn through experience and this show, with some of the gags rushed, will undoubtedly settle. The show seems to not quite know what it is, but young audiences will love it. If Eden Court is anything is to go by, conservative oldies too.
The staging in the smaller One Touch Theatre worked really well. The cast whizzed off props, set pieces, furniture and backcloths with speed and excellent timing along with costume changes and playing multiple characters and musical instruments. What a shame they didn’t sing or play more without holding up the action. Frances, played by Kim Ismay, had mesmerising vocals and David Rankine was difficult to ignore with his excellent comic turns. But it was teamwork that made it theatre at its best. A narrator happens to be a favourite device of mine and using Stevenson’s American wife as a hook, along with a country and western twist, was a defining element. Ryan J Mackay as Davie and Malcolm Cumming as Alan proved to be an admirable team, taking centre stage most of the time whilst the ensemble rushed around them. A good double act with contrasting interpretations. The Davy Jones Locker UV sequence was a tribute to pantomime with Davie descending from the gantry through the fish to the mermaids. Echoes of pantomime. In fact, this show would make a credible Christmas offering. I am sure it will enter the repertoire as a perennial favourite. A jolly good night out for the modern family.
Touring to Perth, Newcastle and Brighton, until the 10th of May.
