The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Theatres link up for film of folk musical
Two of Scotland’s major theatres – Eden Court and Dundee Rep – have joined forces to create a film version of an awardwinning folk theatre musical.
Islander, renowned for its beautiful folklore storytelling and score, will have a red-carpet premiere at the Inverness venue on August 26, then available to stream on Rep Studios.
The critically acclaimed two-hander was originally presented as part of the
Made in Scotland 2019 showcase at Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where it won Musical Theatre Review’s Best Musical Award.
The environmentallythemed show then went on to a successful off-West End run and a BBC Radio 4 adaptation.
The theatres have collaborated for a filmed re-imagining of the piece, which tells of Eilidh, who dreams of a new life beyond her lonely island. Myth and reality collide when the tide washes a mysterious stranger on to her beach, changing her life forever.
James MackenzieBlackman, chief executive of Eden Court, said: “I adored Islander at the Made in Scotland showcase in 2019 and had planned to bring the live show to us in the early part of 2021 but the winter lockdown brought those plans to an end.
“I’m thrilled Eden Court has now collaborated with our friends at Dundee Rep to reimagine Islander for
film. I hope this is the beginning of many future partnerships.”
Dundee Rep’s artistic director Andrew Panton said: “Islander is an example of the very best Scottish musical theatre.
“We’re thrilled to be collaborating with the original creative team and our co-producers Eden Court to create this next
evolution of a truly magical piece.”
The film version, shot on location and on the stage at
Dundee Rep, stars Kirsty Findlay (Olivier Awardnominated for Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour) and Bethany Tennick, who will both be at the Inverness premiere.
Amy Draper, who conceived and directed the
original work, is at the helm of the new film, with stage and screen versions produced by Helen Milne.
Islander features music and lyrics by St Andrewsborn composer Finn Anderson, with the book written by Stewart Melton.
Following its premiere, Islander will be screened at the venue between August 27 and September 2.