If we were to summarise the country’s current political situation what would we say? We are involved in a war not many believe in? We have a failing leadership? The country is divided between rich and poor, those who believe in equality for all and those who believe in hierarchy? Overall it’s funny how little things have changed in the past hundred years. We now have the vote, but do we have a say? Double Fringe First award winner John Carnegie’s latest play Hermiston delves into these political parallels and the effect they have personally.

It’s 1792 in Lord Hermiston’s (Michael Mackenzie) home in the Scottish Borders and his radical son, Archie (Grant O’Rourke), has returned from Edinburgh to visit. Hermiston is a man of old fashioned politics which causes friction between himself and his forward thinking son, but a long stay in the country as the house’s new Laird with maid Kirstie (Isabella Jarrett) might be enough to change his ways. Archie entertains a flirtation with Kirstie’s niece and a rapport with the locals, but can a man really change his ideals?

This is another testament to the ability of Rowan Tree Theatre Company to still make classics relevant and accessible. Derived from Robert Louis Stevenson’s unfinished final novel Weir of Hermiston, Carnegie’s production details the link between the political and the personal self. Although times have moved on the themes of old values versus new values, the upper class versus the proletariat, the country versus the city are still screamingly significant today. The personal side to the story is also one that reflects on any family life with values changing between generations whether by subtle or more obvious degrees. The style of ‘chamber theatre’ once again draws the small audience into the action as the cast provide consistent performances. An unfaltering production which resonates today, it’s easy to watch even with the Scots dialect thick at times, but it doesn’t bring anything new to the opening of this Fringe. One for Stevenson fans and those interested in Scots history, but not for those seeking the something different.

Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street (0131 556 9579)
August 1-5, 7-12, 14-19, 21-26: 20:00 (1hr40mins) £10 (£8)

Back to the Borders
Bowhill Theatre, Bowhill House Selkirk (01750 22204)
Saturday, 16 September 2006: 20:00 £8 (£6)