‘Flora’ – World Premier
Eden Court Studio Theatre, 21st March 2026
‘Flora’ – World Premier
Produced by Genesis Theatre Productions funded by National Lottery through Creative Scotland and Foundation Scotland by the Cockaigne Fund.
This collective production filled the small studio theatre for two nights only. Many of the audience in highland dress. My friend (born and bred in Cromdale) had no idea of Flora MacDonald’s story other than the Skye Boat song, always trotted out for anything based in the Highlands. What a story! Told through multiple songs, music, movement and dialogue with the talented cast (triple threats). This revealed the life story beyond helping Bonny Prince Charlie escaping the battle of Culloden to France. The cast of nine played many parts with costume changes behind the scenes on the stunning set. Flora played by Karen Fishwick takes us through the trials of the national heroine, the domination of a society ruled by men, imprisonment in the Tower of London, misery, hunger and loss of land in the Americas.
Although this was the first night the cast never missed a step. The music was all encompassing with a plethora of songs creating the atmosphere of a time gone by. At times the change of location and the storyline could be confusing but that will improve as the cast settle into the roles. Karen Fishwick was a strong and melodic singer and the harmonies with her older self, played by Annie Grace, were terrific. A shout out to Lawrence Boothman, who plays Charlie, bringing a foppish, lush and dare I say ‘gay’ edge to the character who is quite happy to leave Flora to her fate. Strong support is supplied by David Rankine as her husband, who takes her to the new world only to lose her fortune. Taking five years in the making, this new production by an emerging company has legs. It is a trifle too long but that will tighten as it goes along. Whether it takes away from the impression of a romantic highland story is yet to be seen, but I certainly learnt something. I shall send for Flora’s autobiography immediately.
Can be seen at the Pavilion Theatre Glasgow on 26, 27, 28th March.
