Adapted for the stage from a radio show of the same name, we were provided with music, drama, narrations and a good number of laughs. After a few tunes on the lowland bagpipes the action commenced. The writer, Keara Murphy, provided narration from the side of the stage, and took a couple of parts in the action.
It tells the story of some of the many women Burns seduced during his all too short life, concentrating on four who left pregnant, plus a poignant retrospective on life from his long suffering and inspirational wife, Jean Armour. The poet found himself on the wrong end of kirk sermons many a time, but never seemed to care much about the words. the lassies meant too much to him.
Leading the dramatic action Martin Haddow delivers a convincing Burns, with the requisite mix of swagger, sensuality, laddishness and lyricism. Backing him up in the many female roles are three actors, with Trish Mullin the standout, especially as the widowed Armour. There's plenty of humour in the tale, and some insights into Burns' life if you aren't familiar with the story.
An enjoyable evening.
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