Review: WILD ROSE - A NEW MUSICAL, Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh
Photo credit: Mihaela Bodlovic
Nicole Taylor’s production of Wild Rose is one of the most anticipated productions to premiere this year at the Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh. The 2018 film of the same name has become critically acclaimed, winning an array of awards including the BAFTA Scotland Award for Best Feature Film, Best Independent Film Award for Best Music, and Critics Choice Awards for the original song ‘Glasgow (No Place Like Home)’.
The story follows Rose-Lynn (Dawn Sievewright), a fresh out-of-jail, cheeky, charismatic, passionate country singer, who dreams of leaving Glasgow and making it in Nashville. With her insistent mother Marion (Blythe Du) set that she settle down, ditch the fantasy, and focus on raising her two young kids (Lily Ferguson and Alfie Campbell), Rose-Lynn reluctantly agrees to take a cleaning job. Finding an unlikely friend in her new boss Susannah (Janet Kumah), her dream finally becomes possible. Ultimately, Rose-Lynn must decide if risking everything will pave the road to Nashville.
Renowned director John Tiffany works alongside an incredible team of creatives including choreographers Steven Hoggett & Vicki Manderson, set designer Chloe Lamford, and costume design by Katrina Lindsay to bring this production to life. The technical elements of sound (Tony Gayle), lighting (Jessica Hung Han Yun) and video design (Lewis den Hertog) complement each other perfectly. Including songs from country music legends Dolly Parton, Carrie Underwood, The Chicks and more, this new show is a celebration and showcase of country music and the storytelling power it holds. Sarah Travis and Davey Anderson have done superbly on the music supervision, orchestrations and arrangements. The talented band of musicians who are present on the raised platform at the back of the stage also deserve high recognition for their craft.
The cast, led by Sievewright, are exceptional. The ensemble cast members multi-role throughout and work together to create a seamless whirlwind to enjoy. The witty Scottish humour has the audience engaged, and the music has people dancing in their seats. Although the full cast delivers captivating performances, Sievewright must be commended for her work. She brings a loveable nature to Rose-Lynn, gaining real empathy so the audience can’t help but root for her. We also see her battling the commitments of motherhood whilst persevering through the expectations of those around her. Her vocal performance is stellar.
This production is fun, heartwarming and wildly passionate. The entire team should be immensely proud of what they have brought to the Scottish stage. There is so much to love - an easy five-star.
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Catriona Lamb