Theatre Hebrides Production Feb/March 2009

“Kinloch….Somewhere”

By
 Eric John MacDonald

‘Kinloch….Somewhere’ is a one-man play, which examines celebrity culture, portrayal of Scotland in film and television and the poisoned chalice of success.  Brian, played by Ian Macrae, was Dr Brodie, an idealistic young doctor with stunning good looks who set the hearts a flutter every Sunday evening on TV Screens. After nine years Brian’s character, Dr Brodie, meets his demise and is written out of the TV show. Brian’s career mirrors the fate of his former character and the play begins by introducing us to Brian’s life and career as it is now, an ageing theatre actor touring the highlands with a one-man show based on Edgar Allen Poe.

MacDonald takes the audience on an emotional journey during this performance and contrasting emotions are constantly evoked throughout. Like and dislike of this arrogant, humorous and pathetic character, reminds us of people we have laughed at, pitied and hated. It also highlights issues we all must deal with, fear of failure, fear of aging and the contemplation of our own expiration.

“Ian Macrae’s performance is a wonder to behold as he single-handedly takes the audience on a demanding real time journey of 80 minutes….the quality of his acting is outstanding” Lena Carter ©2009

 

The set design by Muriel Ann MacLeod, represented a cut away fragment of a remote Highland Bed & Breakfast; plain and stark with the TV sunken into the floor and the bed cut away. The deep warm red from the angled walls enclosed the acting space and the cut away mirror panel exposed a sharp edge, which reflected the actor’s image back to the audience.

“The set proved a key element – and the mirror cut to an angle is a simply brilliant device…it shows other facets of Macrae’s face and body tension…..glimpses of his characters fading charm” Ian Stephen ©2009

The universal subject matter of this play was a departure for Theatre Hebrides from its usual subject matter of the Hebridean culture and brought with it an element of risk. But after conducting Cultural Pathfinder consultative research, it was highlighted that a very real demand for small-scale theatre/arts works to tour small venues in the highlands and islands. “Kinloch….Somewhere” by Eric John MacDonald starring Lewis born Ian Macrae seemed to fit this criteria. The tour of this production included Stornoway, Uig, Tarbert, Barra, South Usit & North Uist, Inverness, Nairn, Helmsdale, Thurso, Durness and Ullapool. The play was well supported and received.

“It’s a strong piece, well worth turning out for. The production could well indicate a direction for Theatre Hebrides – perhaps a series of similar works” Ian Stephen ©2009.

Actor Credit: Kenny MacRae....Photo's: Ali Ross