Delving into the relatively unknown story of Isabella MacDuff, and her impact on Scottish history, this is a fascinating exploration of who she was as a person. Depicting her as a strong-willed and determined woman who knew her own mind, writer Collette Swan brings us a woman who is not afraid to speak up, despite existing in a time when women were seen only in relation to their male relatives.
Swan packs a huge amount of history into the 45 minutes of this show and yet manages to keep it lively and interesting. Eilidh Thomson as Isabella gives her all in giving attitude as she wavers between berating and informing the audience. There is a challenge for her in that for much of the show she is confined within the small parameter of a cage. This helps to give a flavour of the difficulties Isabella would have been dealing with, but limits options in direction and movement. Thomson does what she can in the confined space and for the most part we buy it, although perhaps there could have been consideration in interpretation of the text, to use some of the large space in front of the cage.
The letters that arrive to Isabella’s cage do not quite work as a premise, although the idea that people would have written to her is fascinating. What would that have meant for her? The end when it comes is a little abrupt. This is a good piece which could consider strengthening the direction to make more use of space and allowing us to see more of Isabella, by moving away from the literal aspect of the text. However, it is a fascinating take on a lesser-known part of Scottish history and Swan is to be congratulated on taking this into her own hands and telling the story.
Show Time: 22-25 Aug @ 22:05
Hill Street Theatre
Ticket Prices: £10 (£8)
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/caged-the-true-story-of-isabella-macduff
Accessible entry: There are four flights of stairs into the venue. Wheelchair access type: Not fully wheelchair accessible. Stairs: 20+. Age: 14+ (Guideline); Babes in arms policy: Babies do not require a ticket. Policy applies to: Children under 1 year.