JO GRATTON has her preconceptions overturned by a modern adaptation of Burns.

SO AS a friend and I sat, quivering in our seats, slowly sinking and praying that the actors mingling and shouting at the audience would not see us or nick our sweets like they’d done to one poor soul, I began to wonder what I’d got myself into.

Tam and the Company

Having briefly read (if that is possible) Rabbie Burns’ rather epic poem this afternoon (I confess for the first time), I wasn’t convinced this production could modernise it at all. However, I was hoping to be proved wrong and I’m glad to say I was.

This collaboration between Scottish Youth Theatre, YDance and the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland was an ambitious project as part of this year’s Homecoming celebrations. Although I doubt it was what some of the older audience members were expecting, it was thoroughly enjoyable, holding onto the traditions of Burns’ language while remaining lively.

In fact, the beginning reminded me of something out of Skins as the nine actors and eight dancers downed imaginary shots then proceeded to collapse.

Unlike Burns’ original poem, there is no Grey Mare Meg, since our tale is re-set in contemporary times; they thought it best to forget the horse and cart and opt for a car instead. I can see their reasoning.

Jayne Austin plays Tam’s long-suffering wife Kate, who drives him home after his night in the pub but later leaves him to the devil and witches after her patience is pushed to the brink. Not surprising, really, and if this poem reminds us of anything, it is that times haven’t changed all that much with drink remaining a staple part of Scottish culture.

Philip Napier who plays the devil and narrator and David McNay, a confused Tam, also give superb leading performances.

It was certainly a side of Burns’ I’d never seen before, and didn’t even think existed if I’m honest, but I’m glad I did, and if we think Burns’ should be alive and dancing in our culture this might just be the way. If there was one question I left asking, it was why didn’t my school (the ever wonderful IRA) enlighten us with this side of Tam O’Shanter?

© Jo Gratton, 2009

Links

• Scottish Youth Theatre

• YDance

• National Youth Pipe Band