Alan Cumming triumphantly returns to the Edinburgh Fringe this year in a co-production with the Edinburgh International Festival, National Theatre Scotland and New York’s Joyce Theatres production of ‘Burn’. A physical theatre show delving into the inner workings of Scotland’s national bard Robert Burns. Created by Alan Cumming and Director/ Choreographer Steven Hoggett. Audiences can witness this show at the King’s Theatre, Edinburgh, from the 4th – Wednesday 10th of August.
Cumming’s desire to have the opportunity to be in a dance theatre show was the spark that ignited Burn. Acquiring Hoggett, the Olivier award-winning director/ Choreographer as they set out to tell the life of Robert Burns, by piecing his life’s work to examine the man behind the poet. Cumming’s portrayal of Burns is electric. Whilst some may debate Cumming’s dance ability, I believe this loses perspective of what was achieved in this production. Cumming’s embodiment of Burn’s poetry through physicality provided a haunting insight into Burns’s mental and physical decline over the years, even as Burns was dressed in his finest regalia energetically playing the dancing monkey to entertain the upper echelons of society. Audiences could see the toll this took on Burns, draining him creatively and allowing his afflictions to overtake his mind and body. Cumming’s presence is second to none, as we are gripped from start to finish. Quickly shifting between the different sides of Burns’ personality from crumbling poet, lustful suitor and playful showman, made this a rollercoaster ride of the infamous poet’s life.
Hoggett and Vicki Manderson’s beautiful movement direction physically captures the pain and suffering of Burns. Elevating the story of the ‘biscuit tin’ historical figure we all believe we know so well. Ana Inés Jabares-Pita’s set design invites the audience to be immersed in the shipwrecked storm of the psyche, the simplicity of the desk and the openness of the monochromatic desolate stage invites audiences to become invested over time. Carefully guided by the video projection by Andrzej Goulding, illuminated by Tim Lutkin’s brilliantly chaotic lighting design and amplified by Anna Meredith’s music and Matt Padden’s sound design, the stage is filled with colour and literal magic from the life and legacy of Burns presented.
Overall, I believe Cumming and Hoggett’s exhilarating journey into the life of the deeply troubled Robert Burns is an ode to the beautiful complexity of the poet and the legacy he still contributes to Scottish culture today.
You can see the brilliant Alan Cumming in Burn at the Kings Theatre, Edinburgh via the link below…
Theatre Scotland 
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