"The Fire and the Thistle" Carpe Diem Productions  *****

Having seen previous productions by this company I was eagerly anticipating this premiere performance of Peter D Robinson’s newest work and having particularly enjoyed last years excellent ‘Sailing to Tomorrow’ I have to admit I worried that the levels set in the writing and performance of that show would not be easily matched so I settled down in my seat with this thought uppermost in my mind.

Stockbridge Parish Church is an imposing and atmospheric venue which renders itself perfectly in terms of atmosphere created and offers a perfect setting for the evening ahead. ‘The Fire & the Thistle’ is quite simply a masterpiece! It is set during the Scottish Witch Trials that took place in the sixteenth century under the auspices of King James VI and the people and circumstances surrounding a snapshot of this era. The opening of the show is impressive alone with a cast dressed in sumptuous costumes which would not look out of place with the Royal Shakespeare Company. The Company under the Musical Direction of Composer and Author Peter D Robinson sing up a storm with music that lifts your heart with one hand and breaks it with the other. Robinson is a masterful craftsman with melody and the ease with which he conjures up the innermost feelings of the main characters with song is truly uplifting. Make no mistake this is a dark and at times sinister piece however the score is perfectly judged and squeezes every last morsel of emotion from the audience. Accompaniment is provided by Two keyboards and two viola which create a hauntingly beautiful sound though it is the opinion of this writer that this production could easily accommodate a full orchestration should the producers ever wish to add this in the future. The book is quite simply superb and it is testament to the skill of the author that this musical could also be performed perfectly as a play. That Carpe Diem attracts such a superb range of talent to form their company says so much about the leadership and guidance they are shown by the production team. Director Iain Hughes has done an incredible job of guiding these players and translating what is on the page to the stage. The use of simple lighting effects including footlights does much to create an imposing and daunting presence and the ensemble work effectively in presenting narration to the main principal performers. The cast without exception are impeccable and performances are delivered note perfectly.

In summary this production is a joy to behold. A triumph on all levels ‘The Fire & the Thistle’ is a production you dare not miss. There are many gems to be found under the Musical Theatre banner at the Fringe however if you choose just one Musical to see make sure it’s this one. Miss this at your peril!

Venue: Stockbridge Parish Church

Saxe Coxburn street

Edinburgh

From Tues 18th - Saturday 22nd August at 7.45pm