The Jacobites are coming

EDINBURGH’S Robert Louis Stevenson may have shocked with his gothic horror the Strange Case of Dr Jekyll And Mr Hyde, and thrilled with his fanatsy thriller Treasure Island, but for sheer swash-buckling action, it’s hard to beat Kidnapped, written in 1886.

Forged from the fury of the Jacobite rebellion, Kidnapped recounts the story of young Davie Balfour and his journey across the lochs and glens of old Scotland as he fights to right the wrongs done to him by his scheming Uncle Ebeneezer of the House of Shaws.

Tonight and tomorrow, Cumbernauld Theatre bring their new adaptation of Kidnapped to Musselburgh’s Brunton Theatre.

Set against the backdrop of revolution in Scotland, this epic tale brings a host of characters to life, from the swaggering Jacobite Alan Breck to the infamous Red Fox and Balfour himself, played by Portobello-born actor Scott Hoatson.

Shipwrecks, battles, murder, false accusations and a final deadly pursuit all combine to tell an emotional tale of intrigue and adventure.

Ed Robson, artistic director of Cumbernauld Theatre says, “Robert Louis Stevenson was simply a genius and Kidnapped is one of the best known stories in all the world – adapting it for the stage has been a fantastic experience.

“It’s a true classic because it’s all about us, the Scots, our hopes and fears, the people and the country we live in.

“Right now, when there’s talk of independence in the air, Kidnapped has never been a more important story to tell.”

Kidnapped, Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh, tonight and tomorrow, 7.30pm, £11.25, www.brutontheatre.co.uk