Theatre Alba

Charles Edward Stuart: a Prince without a realm
Edinburghguide.com

This open air production takes a broad sweep across the events of the Jacobite rising of the 1740s. The first part carries us from the landing of the Prince and his wooing of Scotland through to Culloden. The script does not make the mistake of shadowing the atmosphere of the moment with the hindsight of the savage post-Culloden oppression. The picture painted is one of optimism and cheer, even almost festival on the eve of the famed march south. There is an intriguing insight into what might have contributed to the decision to abort this march at Derby. Not until we reach Culloden are the protagonists struck by the final recognition of how seriously the tables have been turned.
Similarly the second part does not dwell overly on the well-known horrors, but focusses on the subsequent history of the Prince back in Europe and his entourage of followers.

They continue to live in hope for some eventual realisation of their ideal. This episode traces their gradual disillusionment as the man upon whom all these hopes have been pinned eventually disintegrates in character.
It is an often told and painful story, but this production- by focussing on some of the less familiar aspects without lingering on any one - by virtue of its breezy approach, goes some way towards making it seem fresh. The outdoor setting adds to the spirit. Make sure you dress warm. Hot tea and biscuits are available at the interval. All in all, an atmospheric and entertaining couple of hours.

Reviewer Colin Donati