From Rowan Tree Theatre Company

Recent reviews
Hermiston
By
Jul 15, 2008, 18:49

Reviews of Rowan Tree’s 

HERMISTON

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2006

EVENING NEWS ****

 Justice is done to classic tale…  A blistering story of love, loss and murder…  Three superb actors…  A stunning performance [by Grant O’Rourke]…  It is this sense of storytelling which really gets into the nub of the novel…  Enjoy this timeless story…  One of the best things I have seen in a long time…  It is as relevant today as ever.


THREE WEEKs ****

….a seamless play with superb cast, script and direction…this is Scottish theatre at its finest……the acting is faultless, with the three actors on stage without pause, able to convincingly switch roles and transport us from one part of the story to the next.  Given the international aspect of the Edinburgh Festival, it is great to see slick, understated theatre with real Scottish roots.


EDINBURGHGUIDE.COM*****

… traditional in its theatrical approach, but much more than a costume drama…Carnegie has created a stirring and dramatic three-hander about the  Scots in changing times.  This company and this playwright have again reminded  us what a fascinating journey we have covered in the past…


ONE4REVIEW.COM****

A powerful drama written and cleverly directed by John Carnegie…. The final scene is compelling as revelation piles on revelation. Strong performances from Michael Mackenzie as Hermiston, Grant O’Rourke as Archie and Isabella Jarrett underpins the action. Hermiston is a welcome addition to Scottish dramatic theatre.


THE STAGE  - “Must See”

…an enticing drama which succeeds in bringing the politics of the late 18th century enlightenment into a domestic love story..…….fantastically atmospheric stuff…..three tight and versatile performances ……… remarkable physical and vocal dexterity……


EDFRINGE.COM *****

I cannot rate this too highly, even as a non Scot.  Highly professional performance, clear simple and a terrific script.  See it and enjoy.


THE LIST ****

..Simply and effectively staged…..grows over its course into a searing story of love, murder and loss. Deftly acted and delivered in glorious Scots tongue, it liberates the source text in broad sweeps of energetic humour, passion, and folk song.


THE HERALD ***

One of the greatest yarns about this country’s legal fraternity ….a handsomely robust affair….the sort of play we don’t see much of……


THE SCOTSMAN ***

Filled with the stuff of drama – family tension, love triangles, guilty secrets, political discord and humour…a highly polished performance, with Michael Mackenzie and Grant O’Rourke on fine form…


THE TIMES ***

…..The language is full of full-bloodied, evocative Sots words that are now all but lost to us, leaving us much the poorer……..it reeks of the Border ballads, and it is a good yarn, well told. 
 


SCOTTISH THEATRE WEB ***

Another testament to Rowan Tree Theatre Company’s ability to make classics relevant and accessible…...its themes of old values versus new values, country versus city are still screamingly significant today….the style of “chamber theatre” once again draws audiences into the action…an unfaltering production… 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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