Into Theatre Review: The Ghosting of Rabbie Burns – Oran Mor

Play: The Ghosting of Rabbie Burns
Writer: Gillian Duffy @GillianPDuffy Website
Date:  14 February 2020
Venue: Oran Mor, Glasgow
Starring: John Kielty and Alyson Orr

With the scent of romance sweeping across the city, couples young and old celebrated Valentine’s night in restaurants, bars and diners throughout Glasgow. The stormy winds from earlier in the week had subsided and the calm Friday evening glow supplied a dreamy backdrop for amorous lovers enjoying a night out together.

In a small corner of the West End, Glasgow, under the picturesque setting of the magnificently renovated Kelvinside Parish Church, theatre-goers were beginning to fill the seats and aisles of the downstairs crypt at Oran Mor. Love would be in the air over the next couple of hours with the songs and poetry of our national Bard. Gillian Duffy’s beautifully written, witty production of The Ghosting of Rabbie Burns entertained the near capacity crowd with a modern take on the age-old quest for love.

The play gives a whistle stop tour of the life and rhymes of the works of Robert Burns. Set in a sleepy Ayrshire cottage on the very night the world celebrates the man who gave us Auld Lang Syne. Emily Winters (Alyson Orr) is looking to escape for some peace and quiet to clear her head following the painful breakdown of her relationship. The solitude she desperately sought is quickly interrupted by a visit from the lothario ghost of Robert Burns (John Kielty), looking for a night of passion.

While the egotistic Bard energetically reminds us of his global fame, he just can’t get his head around the technological and romantic advances made since the 18th century. However, we find that times may change but the sentiment and soul poured out by the young poet all those years ago still resonate in our contemporary world.

The show is charming and laced with humour throughout. The chemistry from both performers produces a comforting warmth as the tale unfolds. This really is a production for everyone to enjoy, whether you are a lover of our national poet’s extensive works such us My Love is Like a Red Red Rose, Ae Fond Kiss and Charlie is My Darlin’, or like me, hearing it for the first time since school days. You’re guaranteed to laugh, smile and squeeze your loved one’s hand just a wee bit tighter along the way.

* @HACIrvine this Thursday 20th Feb, 7.30pm TICKETS
* @StrathArtspace, Crieff, Friday 21st Feb, 7.30pm TICKETS
* And finish this tour  @BathgateRegal Saturday 22nd Feb, 7.30pm TICKETS