The time is 1888. We’re in Stornoway, Quebec. It’s bitingly cold and five people are trapped in a remote saloon during a hellish snowstorm. One is a bounty hunter, fueled on whiskey with a score to settle. Another is the most wanted man in Canada. Inspired by a true story, Calum L MacLeoid’s Gaelic Western explodes with energy and rich dialogue.
The cast work seamlessly together throughout the performance.
Elspeth Turner as Mairi MacNeil captivates the audience instantly with the opening monologue, setting the scene, her intentions and easing those unfamiliar with the language. She commands the stage with a sharp wit and conviction. We know from the onset, this gun-slinging bounty hunter is on a mission and no-one is stopping her.
MJ Deans’ Uilleamina is a tired wife and mother-to-be. Struggling with her pregnancy and her heritage, from being born in a place she doesn’t feel is home. Deans carries key moments of this production with potency. A woman can only be bent and beaten before she bites back.
Sam James Smith provides our Jekyll and Hyde husband and owner of the saloon. What we perceive to be a careless husband to Uilleamina, quickly turns as he becomes dirty with drink. Incapable of caring for his wife, neglectful and at points violent, Smith supplies each scene he’s present with precise tension, ultimately leading to deadly consequences.
Daibhidh Walker’s Major Malcolm MacAuley is a shifty character. With the fidgeting of his hands and the continuous questioning of Mairi in the opening scene, we immediately understand that this “Major” is up to something. Walker’s portrayal brings us some lighter moments in the show but also the loose cannon, catering some volatile ammunition for the plot.
Based on the historic Scots outlaw, though this production is a work of fiction, Dol Eoin McKinnon plays our lovable rogue, Donald Morrison. McKinnon amplifies this production with charm but with a sense of honesty. This outlaw has suffered, and attempts to climb back into society, supported by his community. McKinnon and Turner’s dynamic is electric, the small saloon becomes a powder keg waiting to explode when their characters clash.
Calum L. MacLeoid has created a fantastic story for these actors and creatives to build upon. The blend of Gaelic, English and Joual reflects the rich history and sheds light on the Gaelic Communities of Canada.
The timing is impeccable within this production. From English subtitling to fight choreography to the effortless flow of the work, we recognise the work that the creative team have put into this production under Muireann Kelly’s direction.
The lighting design by Emma Jones is a highlight of this production. The firelight onstage bounces off set pieces and characters, awarding the space a warm glow which we sorely miss when scenes are set in the contrasting blue hues of the snowstorm.
Becky Minto’s set is simple yet effective, dispensing the idea of realism while surrounded by the white thread curtains to emphasise the scope of the storm outside.
The soundscape and score for this work is fantastic, from stormwinds whipping around the space to gunshots, it’s an intense journey but an exceptional one. Arthur Coates’ percussion powers key moments while Matt Padden’s sound design brings the audience into the world of the characters.
Stornoway, Quebec is a fierce piece of work that riots its way through the western genre. Complimented with its refreshing use of lighting, this production grips you until the fiery end.
This production is currently touring Scotland. Next dates include the Traverse Theatre, Eden Court and Tron Theatre.
Get your tickets here:
Theatre Scotland 
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