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MacPherson Musical Annouces Premiere

A new Original Scottish Musical was launched this week as part of the Homecoming Scotland Programme. MacPhersons Rant is set in Banff in the late 17th Century and features new arrangements of traditional Scottish songs, including works by Robert Burns. The production will run from 20 to 24 October 2009 at Edinburgh’s Church Hill Theatre.

MacPhersons Rant is based on the Robert Burns song also known as MacPhersons Lament. The story follows James MacPherson, a roving journeyman who was hanged in Banff on the orders of The Laird Duff of Braco. The story goes that a pardon had been granted to set MacPherson free, but the Laird was so desperate to ensure that MacPherson hung that the town clock was put forward in order to ensure that the pardon did not reach Banff in time. James MacPherson was so enraged by this injustice that he smashed his fiddle on the gallows tree.

Interest in the show has been building with the first ticket booking back in May from a Canadian Travel Agent on behalf of clients who want to attend. The Clan Macpherson have arranged that that will they hold their AGM in the Theatre after attending the matinee performance on Saturday 24th. They have agreed to bring the remains of James Macpherson’s actual fiddle which is housed in the Clan Museum in Newtonmore.

John Ward the show's writer and producer said “We are delighted to welcome the Clan to the show. They contacted me back in April when the first advertisements for the auditions began to appear in the press and they have been very open to my version of the story, which of course being musical theatre, features love, revenge and betrayal as well as fabulous music, drama and dance.”

With a cast of thirty five selected from a series of open auditions advertised throughout Scotland, the show is written by John Ward with direction by Gabrielle Pavone, choreography by Murray Grant, set design by Moley Campbell, lighting by Grant Anderson and sound by Matthew Masterson. It is being produced by Thyme Productions in association with Tempo Musical Productions.

For more information visit www.macphersonsrant.com

- by Joseph Pike

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