Sharman MacDonald's new play premiered at the Lyceum last night, capturing the hearts and, perhaps more impressively, the attention of an audience initially very conscious of a movie star in their presence.
The Girl with Red Hair is the story of a community coming to terms with the loss of a friend, a daughter and a lover. The story follows eight characters learning to live again after experiencing the loss of a loved one.
Director Mike Bradwell eloquently presents the experience of losing a loved one, from hero worship, denial and acceptance with MacDonald's witty and truthful dialogue. Its characters are funny and meaningful, made real by an excellent cast playing out the quiet comedies and tragedies of life and death on the Fife coast. As young Izzy, Helen McAlpine , enacts her borrowed fantasies, Matt and Cath, Sean Biggerstaff and Patricia Kerrigan , learn to accept their pasts and move on with their futures, while Sadie and Ina, the wonderful Sandra Voe and Sheila Reid , provide comic relief on stage and within their characters' own lives as they too find contentment for themselves.
This is an extremely touching piece of theatre that charms and soothes while dealing sensitively with one of life's most delicate issues. This is an excellent production; a strong cast and a beautiful story, skilfully told. Go see!
