one4review | On 07, Aug 2022

The world premiere of a new dance-theatre show produced by the National Theatre of Scotland and part of the International Festival at the King’s Theatre. This has been very much a personal project for Alan Cumming, who is fascinated by the real stories that lie behind well-kent faces and was also keen to do something on Robert Burns. The result is Burn, a collaboration with choreographer Steven Hoggett, to explore the idea of Burns as a national icon and the man himself – his poverty, personal tragedies and struggles with mental health. The overall hour-long spectacle is a combination of dance, poetry, music and special effects. The words are all taken from Burns’ letters and poetry, with the years of his life projected on the back screen from his birth in 1759 to his untimely death in 1796. We know we are in for a treat as soon as we enter the theatre and the rain appears to be pouring down with rainwater flowing across the stage. The special effects are top class throughout, with lots of clever and amusing moments, and the music, by the award-winning singer-songwriter Anna Meredith, powerfully provides a pulsating backdrop. However, it is Alan Cumming who is in total command and, from the moment he appears on stage with arms outstretched, he effortlessly takes on the persona of the Ayrshire poet in a one-man virtuoso performance. The dance elements are fairly limited, but overall it does flow nicely as a thoroughly engaging piece of physical theatre, the only downside is that it was just too short to do justice to the incredible life of Robert Burns.

****

Reviewed by Howard

Edinburgh International Festival, King’s Theatre

4th-10th August