The new Horsecross production of Robert Burns' Tam O'Shanter which launches at Perth Theatre on Friday 30 January will challenge the stereotypical ‘shortbread tin' image of the National Bard.
Written and directed by Gerry Mulgrew, the bawdy musical romp through the well-known work shows Burns in an exciting new light, giving audiences fresh insight into his literary genius, his financial and creative struggles, his political astuteness and, above all, his sense of the ridiculous.
Tam O'Shanter set designer, Gordon Davidson says:
"Frequently, the work of Burns is performed in a dry way which does not reflect the fact that there is a lot of fun in his writing. This production presents Burns within a new framework, which will, hopefully, let audiences see him from a fresh perspective and appreciate the sense of humour he brings to his work."
An ensemble piece; the production relies heavily on the actors' imaginations and creativity, and Davidson describes his set as an "improvisational playground" in which simple props perform a multitude of tasks.
The rural landscape Davidson creates is not firmly set within any time period; an approach mirrored in the costumes designed by Kenny Miller. They reflect an eclectic mix of styles and periods ranging from the 1700's through to the modern day. Miller avoids cliché in his designs, dressing the witches up in bloodied fur coats and allowing the character of Robert Burns to exchange his customary 18th Century attire for a contemporary duffel coat and Arran sweater. Other characters wear a mix of vintages from the 40's, 50's and 70's.
"I was given free rein to create a look for the production and I have tried to develop a style for people who are not interested in fashion," says Miller
"The impression is of outfits thrown together from a dressing up box. This lends a timeless quality to the characters - it makes them real, and makes us realise that many of the character types highlighted by Burns are still with us today."
Tam O'Shanter runs at Perth Theatre from Friday 30 January until Saturday 14 February. For tickets, call the Horsecross Box Office on 01738 621 031.