Cutting Edge Theatre Company first presented Blude Red in September 2004, and the 2006 festival cast truly represents much of contemporary Scottish theatre with graduates from QMUC, RSAMD a vocal coach from Dundee Rep and much more.

Set in seventeenth century Scotland and the country is in political and spiritual unrest. Charles II denounces treason on anyone refusing to worship in the way he decrees, and punishment is death to all those who protest. Ill-fated lovers and martyrs feel the anguish and persecution as the King stops at nothing to see his plan through.

Scottish identity is all too prevalent by the end of this production, once you plough your way through the unconvincing sentimentality. There is no doubt about what the piece is trying to say, but it seems unable to focus on the specifics, technically and emotionally, required for a clear understanding, and any kind of empathy. One gets the impression that a venue with larger scope for the performance may have aided the production’s potential, nevertheless, the house was almost full, and so they must be doing something right. If your granny insists on a show at the festival, this is sure to be a treat.

Venue: Augustine’s, George IV Bridge (08452 26 27 21)
7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 23 & 25 August at 5.55pm