National Theatre of Scotland debuted their brand-new swashbuckling Rom-Com ‘Kidnapped’ at the Beacon Arts Centre last week, and we were lucky enough to be at the world premiere. ‘Kidnapped’ is based on the novel by Robert Louis Stevenson, 19-year-old Davie has never left home, never been kissed and never fired a gun. Armed with nothing but a hand-drawn map, he heads off on an adventure like no other – quickly realising that he has a lot of catching up to do…
Ryan J MacKay delivers one of the best character journeys ever seen in Scottish theatre with his portrayal of Davie Balfour. Ryan initially introduces the audience to Davie as a down on his luck, nervous, comedic and clumsy boy, by the end of the second act he is a battle torn and proud man. Ryan is barely off stage and the constant energy provided is beyond inspiring, the rich dialogue is performed with such nuance and wit. Davie Balfour’s story is guaranteed to inspire and engage audiences of all ages across Scotland because of Ryan’s gorgeous portrayal.
Malcolm Cumming is incredible as the hero of this tale, Alan Breck Stewart. This adventurous swashbuckling Jacobite is portrayed with such humour and quirkiness, you can’t help but love him. Malcolm’s energy, mysterious and cocky demeanour makes Alan an utter joy to watch. Along with this, both Ryan and Malcolm’s dynamic together is truly stunning, the humour, the drama and the love is something which is rarely (if ever) seen between two male characters on stage.
Kim Ismay is a tremendous narrator as Frances Osborne Stevenson, not only does she tell the tale of Davie Balfour but she also gives the audience an insight into Frances’ own adventures in parallel with her husband’s (Robert Louis Stevenson) adventure novel. Kim’s beautiful vocals within this show give us lovely renditions of some 80s synth pop and even some Johnny Cash, Kim really gives us one of the most interesting and creative of narrators on stage.
Aside from these three principal roles, this production has a truly dynamic, hilarious, engaging and inspiring ensemble who are made up of some of Scotland’s best performers. Whether it’s babbling Pirates that aren’t really Pirates, meditating Clansman, the long-suffering, foul mouthed tenant of Davie’s uncle or the devious red coats, each character is played with such energy and comic nuance. The ensemble are as follows; Christina Gordon, Dannielle Jam, Fatima Jawara, Grant O’Rourke, David Rankine, Karen Young and Isaac Savage (Performing Musical Director).
Isobel McArthur and Michael John McCarthy have contemporized this classic tale with such creativity, humour and heart. Isobel’s direction and creative intuition is revolutionizing the Scottish Theatre industry, she is truly setting the goal posts for others within her field to aim toward. Gareth Nichols co-directs this venture with McArthur, helping add to her creative vision. The story of ‘Kidnapped’ has been tweaked to not only include the perspective of Frances Osborne Stevenson, but McArthur and McCarthy have also possibly unlocked one of the greatest love stories, in that of Davie Balfour and Alan Breck Stewart. Within 2023 it shouldn’t be so revolutionary for a queer romance to be the major theme in a fictional adventure play, however, I haven’t seen nor been so captured by a relationship such as Balfour and Stewart’s before. The fast pace, Scottish culture references and sheer farcical antics of this play make it beyond entertaining.
Anna Orton’s stripped back, yet effective and colourful set really helps immerse us within the rich Scottish settings, with Ben Ormerod’s superb lighting design help match the tone of every varied setting and mood within this play. A most notable moment has to be the stunning underwater sequence at the beginning of Act Two, it truly is magical. Anna Orton also designs the colourful, hilarious, and versatile costume featured within this production. This swashbuckling rom-com also features a soundtrack of 80s hits and more, played in a stripped back form by the performers on stage, all composed and supervised by McCarthy.
‘Kidnapped’ is a piece of theatrical brilliance from National Theatre of Scotland, overseen by one of the country’s most ingenious playwrights and directors, featuring Scotland’s best performers. You really do not want to miss this production.
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