Union

Two Nations.  Like oil and water, they cannot mix.

In the year of referendum in Scotland, the Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh presents the world premiere of Tim Barrow’s Union from 20 March to 12 April. Union is a highly theatrical romp through the raucous leaking taverns off the Royal Mile, Kensington Palace and the Scottish Parliament. It’s the story of the original Union of Scotland and England in 1707 as you’ve never heard it before.

Union is rich in famous historical figures such as Daniel Defoe and Queen Anne, as well as the great Scottish poet – Allan Ramsay – who finds love in Grace, a prostitute in the bawdy and dangerous world of Eighteenth Century Edinburgh. Don’t miss this big, foul-mouthed yet eloquent story as it leaps onto The Lyceum stage.

Writer Tim Barrow says, “Before writing this play I knew nothing about the Act of Union in 1707. The events are incredible. Scottish MPs wrote their parliament out of existence, and their bankrupt, poverty – stricken citizens were left to struggle on as best they could. During research, an amazing cast of characters were uncovered, and I fell in love with the poetry and spirit of Allan Ramsay. I’m honoured Union has found a home at the beautiful Lyceum, and am excited to share this story with audiences”.

The show will be directed by Mark Thomson with innovative video design from Designer and Video Artist Andrzej Goulding. Stunning period costumes from Costume Designer Megan Baker, Lighting Design by Chris Davey and original music from  Composer and Sound Designer Philip Pinsky all add up to create a unique and exhilarating new show.

The cast features Liam Brennan as the Duke of Queensberry and Tea salesman, Josh Whitelaw as Allan Ramsay, Sally Reid as Grace, Ifan Meredith as Daniel Defoe/Lord Halifax/Sergeant, Irene Allan  as Queen Anne,  Andrew Vincent  as the Dukes of Marlborough and Hamilton, Keith Fleming as Macdonald, Robert Harley and Lord Belhaven, Mark McDonnell  as the Earl of Seafield, William Congreve and Master of House, Tony Cownie as the Earl of Stair and Robert Walpole, and Rebecca Palmer as Sarah Churchill and Favour.

Prior to performances of Union, at 6pm on 28 March and 4 April, Lyceum Youth Theatre presents 7 Billion Others and Me which explores what it is like to live in a world where there are more people living than ever before, and what it means to be from a tiny country, with a big reputation, that’s about to make a huge decision. Tickets £5.

 

LYCEUM PERFORMANCES & PRICES

DATES: 20 March – 12 April 2014

EVENINGS Tuesday- Saturday, 7.45pm £14- £27.50

MATINEES Wednesdays and Saturdays, 2.30pm £12 – £22

Recommended for ages 14+

Booking:  0131 248 4848  or online at www.lyceum.org.uk/union

 

EVENTS AND ACCESSIBLE PERFORMANCES AT THE LYCEUM THEATRE

Curtain Raiser

Join distinguished historian, Professor Tom Devine, director Mark Thomson, and playwright, Tim Barrow, for a stimulating and informative conversation about the historic setting of the play and the making of The Lyceum’s production – Union.

Saturday 29 March, 12.30 – 1.30pm Tickets: £6 (Season Ticket Holders/ Conc. £4)

Focus On

Learn more about the play or playwright with local historian Owen Dudley Edwards.

Wednesday 26 March at 10.30am Tickets: £6 (includes coffee/tea)

 

Post-show Discussion

Join us in the Stalls post-show to meet the cast and director.

Tuesday 1 April after the evening performance FREE! No ticket required

 

Theatre Discussion Group

Join facilitator Rod McAra for a friendly discussion of the play you’ve seen that day or previously.

Wednesday 9 April after the matinee FREE! But ticket required

 

Touch Tours for visually impaired

Thursday 3 April at 6.30pm Saturday 5 April at 1.15pm

 

Audio-described Performances

Thursday 3 April at 7.45pm Saturday 5 April at 2.30pm

 

BSL Interpreted Performance

Wednesday 9 April at 7.45pm

 

Captioned Performance

Saturday 12 April at 2.30pm