THE RISING
March 1981
 

Source unknown – “Spellbinding show from Youth Team”   Top

Cumbernauld Youth Theatre excelled themselves wit the latest production, The Rising.

The group of talented 16 to 21 year-olds (plus a newcomer in the shape of a 13-year-old Kirsty Young) held the audience spellbound last Thursday night as the depicted the abortive attempts of the radical weavers to overthrow an oppressive London-based government and establish a national ruling body.

The production by the group was ably complemented by a seven strong band of musicians, adding to the emotive streak of the play with a collection of songs and music from days gone by.

The Rising, by Hector McMillian, is the tragic story of Jamie Wilson, a respected member of his community who leads his fellow townsfolk in their fight against the government. Wilson was played by Craig Munro, and the portrayal was strong, clear and extremely moving. His delivery was precise and firm, and regular and rigorous rehearsing certainly paid off admirably on the night.

All 21 of the cast acted well. A few shone, notably Tam Sutherland (the Rev. James Leslie); Andy Unger (Duncan MacIntyre); Douglas Sannachan (Davie Walters); and Karey Gray (Charlotte). Tam’s portrayal of the Bible-punching chaplain was forceful and well prepared. Andy and Douglas played two of the younger men in the  cast, and both showed determination in their roles. Star of the show for me, however, was Karen Gray, who played the aged, frail and crippled Charlotte. Karen managed to strike the balance between the comic aspect of the character with the sad, pathetic side perfectly.

At time she had the audience in fits of laughter; at other times I’m sure there were a few moist eyes among the audience.

On the whole, the production – casting, acting, set design, wardrobe, lighting etc. – was spot on but there was on little thing wrong. When the cast was moving props during scene changes, they made a lot of noise walking to and fro with their “working” boots and clogs. At times, when the “narrator” was on stage, his speech was ruined by the “clatter” of footsteps. A small fault, however, in a presentation which must merit more than a three-night run.

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