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The Stamping Ground review – windswept romance set to the music of Runrig

Eden Court, Inverness Tensions run high and relationships are tested in this poetic tale of love, community – and the threat of final orders

T urns out the qualities that made Runrig one of Scotland’s biggest bands are also a perfect match for the musical. The heart-on-sleeve passions, the windswept romance and the wistful longing for the land that characterised the folk-rock outfit’s 45-year career before their split in 2018 are well suited to a form that thrives on broad gestures and emotional directness.

Better still, where Rory and Calum Macdonald’s music could be bombastic on record, it becomes nuanced and sweetly melodic on stage. Under the musical direction of John Kielty, we are reminded that even the forthright beat of the title track’s chorus is offset by verses that are subtle and tender, slipping in and out of Gaelic as they draw on folk tradition. The closing duet on Somewhere , from Runrig’s final album, could be a Broadway ballad, albeit with an uncommonly poetic flourish.

Playwright Morna Young also challenges preconceptions. She tells a story of a young family who return to the village of Glenbeg, increasing the population from 105 to 108, after a time living in London. The father, Euan (Steven Miller), is like a less successful Diana Gabaldon , the Outlander author, writing bodice-ripping historical novels for a fanbase of expat readers who see more romance than horror in the Highland clearances.

His profession allows Young to confront the question of the appeal of Runrig’s music – no shortage of nostalgic paeans to the mountains here – and to argue that their romance is rooted in the real. With shades of Local Hero , The Stamping Ground is about the locals’ attempt to orchestrate a community buyout of the one remaining pub. Their economic struggle is, as one character says, “a form of eviction” grimly reminiscent of the clearances. There are politics in this landscape.

Luke Kernaghan’s vigorous production is forever bursting into dance under the lively movement direction of Jade Adamson on Kenneth MacLeod’s circular stone set, made dynamic by Simon Wilkinson’s stadium-rock lighting. There are strong performances throughout, but at its vocal and emotional heart are four women, Caitlin Forbes, Christina Gordon, Annie Grace and, above all, Neshla Caplan, soulful and true as the still-young mother who sees in her childhood home a sense of transformative possibility.

At Eden Court, Inverness , until 30 July

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THE STAMPING GROUND, a New Musical Featuring the Music of RUNRIG, Comes to Eden Court Inverness

This brand new production will premiere at Eden Court in July 2022 then tour nationally in 2023.

A new partnership between Eden Court Highlands and Raw Material sees a brand new musical launch at Eden Court in the Highland Capital, Inverness, this summer 2022.

'The Stamping Ground' is written by Morna Young (concept by Alan B McLeod) and features the much-loved songs of Runrig, with musical direction + arrangements by John Kielty, directed by Luke Kernaghan and with design from Kenneth MacLeod. This brand new production will premiere at Eden Court in July 2022 then tour nationally in 2023, supported by Creative Scotland.

THE STAMPING GROUND is a new musical, featuring the songs of Runrig, about love, life and the land. Set in a rural Scottish community, this is the story of Euan and Annie who have newly returned home but find themselves lost in a place now filled with more tourists than residents. The heart of their community, the local pub, is for sale and tensions are rising about the future of this place they call home. It's the hottest summer in years and as the temperature rises, tensions flare within their family. Their teenage daughter is growing up too fast and an old flame comes back into Euan's mother's life. As relationships ignite and smoulder, the heartbeat of the land keeps beating as the villagers try to band together against the odds

Susannah Armitage, Eden Court Senior Producer, said: "The Stamping Ground is a story of home and community. It is a story routed in contemporary Highland experience and is underpinned by Runrig's beautiful, evocative and well-loved songs which provide the rhythmic and lyrical backbone to the musical. It is fitting that we are creating this production in the Highlands and that this ambitious, exciting and warm-hearted new musical marks Eden Court's renewed commitment to creating more producing opportunities for Highland artists and Highland audiences. We are delighted to be working with Raw Material Arts to bring The Stamping Ground to audiences in Inverness next summer."

Margaret- Anne O'Donnell and Gillian Garrity, Raw Material, said: "We are thrilled to be working in a co-producing partnership with Eden Court on this new large-scale musical, The Stamping Ground, featuring the songs of seminal Scottish band Runrig. It is a privilege to work with the rich creative legacy of writers Calum MacDonald and Rory MacDonald and to empower some of our best theatre artists to create work at scale with a story and musical production that we are sure will delight and entertain audiences across Scotland.

As independent producers we are acutely aware of the need for high quality Scottish productions that can perform on some of our largest stages and reach audiences that love live theatre. The past few years have been challenging across all parts of our sector and we look forward to heralding the return of our creative artists to venues and stages and sharing this new play with theatre and musical audiences."

The Stamping Ground is at Eden Court Inverness 18 - 30th July 2022. Tickets go on sale Midday Friday 17/12/21 at www.eden-court.co.uk .

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Review: The Stamping Ground @ Festival Theatre, Edinburgh

A nuanced tale makes much of Runrig’s storytelling-rich catalogue, but The Stamping Ground could use more oomph.

📍 Festival Theatre, Edinburgh 📅 Wed 23 to 27 May 2023 🕖 Evenings 7.30pm | Matinees 2.30pm 🕖 Running time:  Approx 2 hours 30 minutes (with one interval) ✏️Writer: Morna Young ❕Concept: Alan B McCleod 🎬 Director: Luke Kernaghan 🎼 Musical Director and Arranger: John Kielty 🛠️ Designer: Kenneth Macleod 🕺 Movement Director: Jade Adamson 💡 Lighting Designer: Simon Wilkinson 🔊 Sound Designer: Garry Boyle 👨‍🎤 FEATURING THE SONGS OF RUNRIG 🎂 12+ 🎭 Wheelchair Accessible Venue, Wheelchair Accessible Toilets, Audio Induction Loop

The Stamping Ground , one of a continuing wave of new Scottish, and Scotland-based musicals, confirms its staying power with a 2023 tour to follow its 2022 premiere. In taking the music of the much loved Runrig as the basis for a peculiarly Scottish soundtrack, it also joins the ever-growing fraternity of Jukebox musicals. It’s rather good, but The QR (surprise, surprise) has some opinions to share.

Fittingly for a story told to the music of a band pre-occupied with its homeland, The Stamping Ground follows Euan ( Ali Watt ), wife Annie ( Jenny Hulse ) and daughter Fiona ( Caitlin Forbes ) on their return to Glenbeag, their homeland in the highlands. Seeking safety, and familiarity in which to bring up their previously bullied offspring, they instead find a dwindling community under threat from untempered tourism.

In taking Runrig for a muse, originator Alan B Macleod offers the creative team a peculiar inverse of the usual Jukebox paradigm. In place of a slew of iconic, charting hits as in The Cher Show or Jersey Boys, they are instead presented with an extensive back catalogue of critically regarded, culturally-rich numbers prone to better sales in Denmark than the UK. John Kietly , thus freed from ubiquitous expectations to reproduce a well-kent studio sound, takes the story-rich discography to create a folk musical pitched someplace between Shetland and the West End.

Melodic opening number, ‘Going Home’, for example, is only shifted a little from it’s country-edged origins to make a suitably wistful curtain raiser. ‘All Things Must Change’ becomes a natural theme for Euan and Annie’s relationship, slowed and expanded to make a ballad for two. However, it’s when Barry Hunter’s community elder Donnie (entirely coincidental I’m sure) takes up ‘Dance called America’ to tell of the Scottish diaspora, that the hairs on the back of the neck really perk up.

The on-stage band, let by Kielty do a fine job, supported by the many intrumentalists in the cast. Garry Boyle certainly creates a rich, well-balanced soundscape. For all the excellent clarity in word and song, however, there’s not enough power. When breaking out into title song ‘The Stamping Ground’, I want to feel the theatre buzz with heavy bass, need to feel the talented cast in choir reaching the rafters. If the creators of Beautiful, the Carole King musical , can do that with a singer-songwriter’s catalogue, then it should be a no-brainer with a Celtic Rock band’s material.

On the other hand, Morna Young’s book offers a more nuanced story than say, Mamma Mia, setting a familial breakdown against a background of the rural housing & economy crisis. Ali Watt exhibits a fine voice as the under-pressure patriarch, whilst Forbes turns in a eye-catching performance as the frustrated teenager seeking escape from his overweening concern. Yet it’s the supporting cast that steal the show, not least in some sparkling repartee between Euan’s mum Mary ( Annie Grace ) and best friend Maggie ( Juliet Cadzow ); but most of all in free-spirited Summer ( Naomi Stirrat ). Stirrat , folk singer with Celtic Worship, combines vocal power with humour and sensitivity to embody this beleaguered but undefeated spirit of highland persistence.

However, though tourists are spoken of regularly, they feature relatively little in the action. Returning son of Glenbeag made rich, Johnny ( Robert Grose ) is the only avatar of this supplanting force – when not busy romancing old flame Mary. Their nemesis thus being more spoken of than shown, our heroes noble resistance, and fine words can sometimes feel a little contrived. Far more successful is the sense of a living, breathing community/resistance, the local pub the last bastion and their barricade against the incomers.

Aiding this sense of place is Kenneth Macleod’s cleverly constructed set, a study in circles, the first a raised wooden dais, the second a runic-inscribed menir standing behind. Don’t expect mountainous backdrops, this is the highlands wrought in abstract, and imbued with a feeling of permanence. One curved section peels away to create a recongisable bar, whilst a single gap in the stone makes a doorway to wherever the action demands.

Runrig’s final gift to the show comes at the curtain call with their iconic take on ‘Loch Lomond’. So expect to be taking the high road off into the streets thereafter.

The Stamping Ground plays the Festival Theatre, Edinburgh from Tue 23 to Sat 27 May 2023. It is a Raw Material and Eden Court co-production. This production is funded by Creative Scotland

The Stamping Ground plays the Festival Theatre, Edinburgh from Tue 23 to Sat 27 May 2023. For tickets, and more information, click here.

For more dates on the continuing national tour of the stamping ground, please click here., stay connected.

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The Stamping Ground – Eden Court, Inverness

Star rating: four stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ✩

A musical based on music from Runrig, Scotland’s internationally famous band, has been hotly anticipated. Brothers Calum and Rory MacDonald, the founders of Runrig and the songwriting partnership, confessed that musical theatre was an unknown world and generously agreed that no fewer than 22 songs could become the base for The Stamping Ground .

Fused with Morna Young’s script and sensitive arrangements of the songs from John Kielty, there is a whole story that never seems to have to work hard to blend the songs with the characters and the plot. They all belong to each other and fit more neatly than many musicals created from scratch.

It’s a heatwave – appropriately enough, on the hottest day since records began. There are big themes here: climate change; depopulation from tourism; loss of older traditions, stories and wisdom; the diaspora of people in a very specific Scottish context; global capitalism; forgiveness and love. It is a loaded storyline – every character has a fully drawn history relating to this particular piece of land – “home”.

The cast is outstanding, working so well as an ensemble, knowing just when and how to bring their characters to the fore. The story is that of a family of three returning from London. Euan and Annie (Steven Miller and Neshla Caplan) were childhood sweethearts and had their daughter, Fiona, at just 16. Leaving London, after Fiona had been a victim of violent bullying, they return to find the community of Glenbeck is even smaller than it was when they left.

Summer (Christina Gordon) spends the peak of the tourist season working as a guide for visitors. Immediately likeable, her character serves as a narrator of sorts. The name, ‘Summer’, is a constant reminder of how the community has become reliant on tourism, yet at the same time struggles to keep a vibrant year-round community. With the local pub under threat of closure, the folk of the village band together to save the business from being sold. Annie finds herself quickly and fully involved in a fundraising festival, giving her the opportunity to shine with her glorious singing voice. The highland lilt catches the heart; the power in Caplan’s voice raises the hair on the back of the neck.

Runrig’s songs advance the story and characters perfectly from ‘Going Home’, through ‘The Cutter’ and ‘Somewhere’. The Gaelic songs and snatches of dialogue emphasise the changing identity of the Highlands and the importance of preserving the heritage and the very spirit of the place before it is lost forever. Fiona (Caitlin Forbes) is taken under the wing of her grandmother Mary (Annie Grace) and Summer, picking up some of the customs and language of the land.

Hearing the women’s voices, often in close harmony, suits the songs so well that it’s easy to forget that the music hasn’t been created for these characters. Further, the actors are also talented musicians, joining Keilty’s band that surrounds the performance space, picking up penny whistles, fiddle, cello, banjo as ‘guest’ instruments alongside a solid team on keyboards, drums and guitar. The variety is perfectly suited and of the highest order. Sublime…

Kenneth MacLeod’s design is magnificent. Based on circular forms, the raised central performance space is a giant circle, surrounded by varying heights that come and go as scenes change, beneath and before a massive circular Celtic wheel in a fractured state. A circular cyclorama surrounds the stage, holding the musicians in its embrace. The jagged lines that bisect the cyclorama are highlighted to great effect, working hand in glove with Simon Wilkinson’s lighting design. Pulsing like the vital signals of a patient under observation; blazing red like cracks in dried out soil and even depicting waves that chase each other around the circle in tune with the issues being played out in the space.

The ritualised movement sequences at the opening of each act serve as a focus, setting the tone for the scenes that will follow.  Jade Adamson’s movement pieces elevate the everyday routines of the highlanders into that which becomes mythical, almost epic, in the way that the smallest parts of life are those that show the clear differences from one place to another.

Aside from the central theme of trying to save the village, Young also takes on several other issues: love is central in all of these sub-plots. The failing career of Euan as a writer and the reason for moving away in the first place, is not what it seems and he’s in conflict with his wife and his daughter – Annie trying to make time for herself again and stretch her wings; Fiona doing all she can to escape her father’s overly protective ‘hovering’. His mother striking up a new relationship with an old flame in a kind of Donna from Mamma Mia! romantic comedy line; an unsolved and unresolved murder plot’; the lack of homes for locals to be able to afford in an increasingly monetised world; the changing ownership of croft land – it’s a lot to deal with and Luke Kernaghan’s direction keeps a flow and pace that helps any sudden shifts in performance register and overall mood.

Although Act II does falter now and then, the curtain finale of ‘Loch Lomond’ has the whole theatre on its feet in a ceilidh-like atmosphere that leaves everyone joyous and satisfied.

A magnificent evening, a co-presentation from Eden Court and Raw Material, that will tour the country next year and looks certain to appeal to the diaspora, particularly Canada with its strong ties to Runrig. A celebration of the love of the land – Scotland.

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Calum MacDonald , Christina Gordon , Eden Court Inverness , John Kielty , Luke Kernaghan , Morna Young , Neshla Capla , Rory MacDonald , Runrig , Steven Miller , The Stamping Ground

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The Stamping Ground Eden Court

The Stamping Ground – A new musical featuring the songs of Runrig to Open at Eden Court

An exciting partnership between eden court highlands and raw material sees a brand new musical launch at eden court in the highland capital, inverness, in summer 2022..

The Stamping Ground is a new musical, featuring the songs of Runrig, about love, life and the land. Set in a rural Scottish community, this is the story of Euan and Annie who have newly returned home but find themselves lost in a place now filled with more tourists than residents.

The heart of their community, the local pub, is for sale and tensions are rising about the future of this place they call home. It’s the hottest summer in years and as the temperature rises, tensions flare within their family. Their teenage daughter is growing up too fast and an old flame comes back into Euan’s mother’s life. As relationships ignite and smoulder, the heartbeat of the land keeps beating as the villagers try to band together against the odds

Susannah Armitage, Eden Court Senior Producer, said: “The Stamping Ground is a story of home and community. It is a story routed in contemporary Highland experience and is underpinned by Runrig’s beautiful, evocative and well-loved songs which provide the rhythmic and lyrical backbone to the musical.  It is fitting that we are creating this production in the Highlands and that this ambitious, exciting and warm-hearted new musical marks Eden Court’s renewed commitment to creating more producing opportunities for Highland artists and Highland audiences. We are delighted to be working with Raw Material Arts to bring The Stamping Ground to audiences in Inverness next summer.”

Margaret-Anne O’Donnell and Gillian Garrity, Raw Material, said: “We are thrilled to be working in a co-producing partnership with Eden Court on this new large-scale musical, The Stamping Ground, featuring the songs of seminal Scottish band Runrig. It is a privilege to work with the rich creative legacy of writers Calum MacDonald and Rory MacDonald and to empower some of our best theatre artists to create work at scale with a story and musical production that we are sure will delight and entertain audiences across Scotland.

As independent producers we are acutely aware of the need for high quality Scottish productions that can perform on some of our largest stages and reach audiences that love live theatre. The past few years have been challenging across all parts of our sector and we look forward to heralding the return of our creative artists to venues and stages and sharing this new play with theatre and musical audiences.”

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The Stamping Ground is written by Morna Young (concept by Alan B McLeod) and features the much-loved songs of Runrig, with musical direction + arrangements by John Kielty, directed by Luke Kernaghan and with design from Kenneth MacLeod. This brand new production will premiere at Eden Court in July 2022 then tour nationally in 2023, supported by Creative Scotland.

The Stamping Ground is at Eden Court Inverness 18 – 30th July 2022. Tickets on sale Midday Friday 17 th December 2021 from www.eden-court.co.uk

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The Stamping Ground

Tue 23 to Sat 27 May 2023

Evenings 7.30pm | Matinees 2.30pm Age: 12+ Running time: 2 hours 30 minutes, including one interval Save with a Friends Membership See discounts tab for more

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 An award-winning, uplifting new musical that thrilled critics and had audiences on their feet at its 2022 premiere in Inverness.

When together-forever couple Euan and Annie return home, they’re seeking a fresh start for their teenage daughter. But there’s a heatwave in the Highlands and they soon find themselves lost in this once familiar place, now filled with more tourists than residents.

Starring Juliet Cadzow (Balamory/River City) , Robin Campbell, Caitlin Forbes, Annie Grace, Robert Grose, Jenny Hulse (River City) , Barrie Hunter, Naomi Stirrat, Brian James O’Sullivan and Ali Watt.

Filled with rousing new arrangements of Runrig’s best-loved songs,  The Stamping Ground  is a story about love, life and the land.

Winner, 'Best Music & Sound', Critics Awards for Theatre in Scotland 2022.

A Raw Material and Eden Court co-production.  This production is funded by Creative Scotland

A big show with a huge heart, full of love, wisdom and energy The Scotsman

A poetic tale of love and community The Guardian

Breathes compelling new life into Runrig's songs The Times

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Juliet Cadzow   (Balamory/River City) , Robin Campbell, Caitlin Forbes, Annie Grace, Robert Grose, Jenny Hulse   (River City) , Barrie Hunter, Naomi Stirrat, Brian James O’Sullivan and Ali Watt.

Creative Team

Writer  Morna Young    Concept  Alan B McLeod  Director  Luke Kernaghan  Musical Direction and Arrangements  John Kielty Designer  Kenneth MacLeod  Movement Director  Jade Adamson  Lighting Designer  Simon Wilkinson  Sound Designer  Garry Boyle 

All songs written by Calum MacDonald and Rory MacDonald. Published by BMG Rights Management (UK) Limited, a BMG Company. 

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River City stars go on tour with The Stamping Ground

River city stars juliet cadzow and jenny hulse are set to go on tour in the stamping ground, including dates at the festival theatre..

Juliet Cadzow is one of Scotland’s best loved actors, known for starring as Suzie Frazer in River City, Edie McCredie in Balamory, Coronation Street, and The Bill.  

Jenny Hulse is best known for playing Amber Murdoch in River City, out of this she appeared as Mary McLaughlan in ITV’s ‘In Plain Sight’, as Doris in Morag Fullerton’s ‘Doris, Dolly and the Dressing Room Divas’ and as Aine Macdonald in David McKenzie’s ‘Outlaw King’ for Netflix.

The Stamping Ground is the must-see new stage musical featuring the hits of Runrig, one of Scotland’s most beloved and iconic bands, is set to hit the road on a Scotland-wide tour later this year. The heart of their community, the local pub, is for sale and tensions are rising about the future of this place they call home. As relationships ignite and smoulder, Euan and Annie find themselves swept into a battle to save the heart of the community. But can they save each other? Featuring exciting new arrangements of some of Runrig’s most iconic hit songs, including The Greatest Flame, All Things Must Change, and of course The Stamping Ground, the musical shares the soaring power and beating heart of some of the band’s most celebrated music. All of the songs in the show are written by Runrig’s founding members Calum and Rory MacDonald, with 2023 also marking 50 years since the brothers formed the band on the Isle of Skye in 1973. Margaret-Anne O’Donnell and Gillian Garrity, Raw Material, said: “Scottish based independent production company, Raw Material are delighted to be touring their hit, feel-good musical, The Stamping Ground, across Scotland in 2023. Audiences in the highlands, both those new to Runrig and lifelong fans of the band united in their appreciation with standing ovations when the show premiered at Eden Court in Summer 2022. If you are a fan of musicals, a fan of live theatre or just looking for a great night out then this is definitely one not to miss!” Calum MacDonald and Rory MacDonald of Runrig said: “It is so good to see that The Stamping Ground is not only returning to Eden Court but going on a Nationwide Tour. There has been such a positive reaction from fans and public alike, with still so many that have not had the opportunity to see it first time around.” The Stamping Ground will run from 23-27 May at Festival Theatre, Edinburgh. Tickets on sale now.

Phyllis Stephen

Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter. Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.

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The Stamping Ground

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Past Events

Here are the most recent UK tour dates we had listed for The Stamping Ground. Were you there?

• 2023 Jun 21 Jun 24 2023 Perth Theatre & Concert Hall The Stamping Ground
• 2023 Jun 13 Jun 17 2023 Glasgow, Kings Theatre The Stamping Ground
• 2023 Jun 07 Jun 10 2023 Aberdeen, His Majesty's Theatre The Stamping Ground
• 2023 May 31 Jun 03 2023 Greenock, Beacon Arts Centre The Stamping Ground
• 2023 May 23 May 27 2023 Edinburgh, Festival Theatre The Stamping Ground
• 2023 May 17 May 20 2023 Stirling, MacRobert Arts Centre The Stamping Ground
• 2023 May 05 May 13 2023 Inverness, Eden Court The Stamping Ground

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New musical based on Runrig's music The Stamping Ground – due to open in July – has just announced its full cast

The full cast has been revealed for The Stamping Ground, a new musical based around the hit songs of Runrig – one of Scotland’s most beloved and iconic bands.

The ambitious large-scale production – a partnership between Eden Court Highlands and Raw Material – will open at Eden Court in Inverness, in July 2022.

The cast will feature some of Scotland’s most exciting stage talent, the team behind the project believes.

It includies Steven Miller (Sunshine on Leith, The James Plays), Christina Gordon (Pride & Prejudice *Sort of- winner of best comedy/entertainment play at the 2022 Olivier Awards), Annie Grace (The Strange Undoing Of Prudencia Hart), Neshla Caplan (Adam, Sunshine on Leith), Brian James O’Sullivan (The James Plays, McGonagall’s Chronicles), and Barrie Hunter (The Cheviot, The Stag, And The Black Black Oil).

The cast will also include Robert Grose (Kinky Boots, The Lion King), Brig Bennet, as well as local young talents Malcolm Cumming and Caitlin Forbes.

Caitlin is a former Eden Court Young Ambassador, while Malcolm was formerly a member of the Eden Court Young Company, as well as previously working as an usher at the venue.

The cast will also be joined on stage by a full, live band, to help bring the soaring power of the songs to life.

The Stamping Ground follows the story of Ewan and Annie, who return to their rural Scottish community after years away, but now find themselves lost in a place filled with more tourists than residents.

The heart of their community, the local pub, is for sale and tensions are rising about the future of this place they call home.

It’s the hottest summer in years and as the temperature rises, tensions flare within their family. Their teenage daughter is growing up too fast and an old flame comes back into Euan’s mother’s life. As relationships ignite and smoulder, the heartbeat of the land keeps beating as the villagers try to band together against the odds.

The production will feature some of Runrig’s most iconic hit songs, including The Greatest Flame, All Things Must Change, and The Stamping Ground, the musical’s title track from the band’s celebrated 2001 album of the same name. All of the songs in the show are written by Runrig’s founding members Callum and Rory MacDonald, who formed the band on Skye in 1973.

The Stamping Ground is written by award-winning playwright Morna Young (concept by Alan B. McLeod) and features the much-loved songs of Runrig, with musical direction & arrangements by John Kielty, directed by Luke Kernaghan and with design from Kenneth MacLeod. The creative team also includes Simon Wilkinson as lighting designer, Garry Boyle as sound designer, and Jade Adamson as movement director.

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The Stamping Ground: River City stars Juliet Cadzow and Jenny Hulse come to Edinburgh for Scottish tour

River City stars Juliet Cadzow and Jenny Hulse are set to go on tour in The Stamping Ground , including dates in Edinburgh. Juliet Cadzow is one of Scotland’s best loved actors, known for starring as Suzie Frazer in River City, Edie McCredie in Balamory, Coronation Street, The Bill and more.

Juliet Cadzow 

Jenny Hulse is best known for playing Amber Murdoch in River City, out of this she appeared as Mary McLaughlan in ITV’s ‘In Plain Sight’, as Doris in Morag Fullerton’s ‘Doris, Dolly and the Dressing Room Divas’ and as Aine Macdonald in David McKenzie’s ‘Outlaw King’ for Netflix.

Jenny Hulse  Joining them is Ali Watt, a regular performer with Pitlochry Festival Theatre, earning rave reviews for his performances during their 70th anniversary season in 2021, Naomi Stirrat, Grid Iron’s Muster Station at EIF 2022, and Robin Campbell, Magnetic North’s Lost in Music.   They will join returning cast members Caitlin Forbes, Annie Grace, Robert Grose, Barrie Hunter, and Brian James O’Sullivan. The Stamping Ground is the must-see new stage musical featuring the hits of Runrig, one of Scotland’s most beloved and iconic bands, is set to hit the road on a Scotland-wide tour later this year. An exciting co-production between Raw Material and Eden Court Highlands, the show first premiered in Inverness in July 2022, earning glowing reviews and audience acclaim. The heart of their community, the local pub, is for sale and tensions are rising about the future of this place they call home. As relationships ignite and smoulder, Euan and Annie find themselves swept into a battle to save the heart of the community. But can they save each other? Featuring exciting new arrangements of some of Runrig’s most iconic hit songs, including The Greatest Flame, All Things Must Change, and of course The Stamping Ground, the musical shares the soaring power and beating heart of some of the band’s most celebrated music.

All of the songs in the show are written by Runrig’s founding members Calum and Rory MacDonald, with 2023 also marking 50 years since the brothers formed the band on the Isle of Skye in 1973. Margaret-Anne O’Donnell and Gillian Garrity, Raw Material, said: “Scottish based independent production company, Raw Material are delighted to be touring their hit, feel-good musical, The Stamping Ground, across Scotland in 2023.

“Audiences in the highlands, both those new to Runrig and lifelong fans of the band united in their appreciation with standing ovations when the show premiered at Eden Court in Summer 2022. If you are a fan of musicals, a fan of live theatre or just looking for a great night out then this is definitely one not to miss!” Calum MacDonald and Rory MacDonald of Runrig said: “It is so good to see that The Stamping Ground is not only returning to Eden Court but going on a Nationwide Tour.

“There has been such a positive reaction from fans and public alike, with still so many that have not had the opportunity to see it first time around.” The Stamping Ground will now tour to some of Scotland’s biggest stages from May to June 2023. Including a run from 23 – 27 May at Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre. Tickets on sale now.

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davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer View all posts by davepickering

• Jun 14, 2023

REVIEW: The Stamping Ground (Runrig Musical) [Musical theatre, Music, Glasgow]

Updated: Jul 25, 2023

King's Theatre, Glasgow

13 June 2023

The Stamping Ground is a new stage musical featuring the hits of iconic Scottish folk-rock band, Runrig. Co-produced by the brilliant Scottish producing house Raw Material Arts and Eden Court Theatre Highlands, the show first premiered in Inverness in July 2022.

As a native Scot, it may be shameful to admit that I'm not familiar with Runrig's back catalogue. I do however love to see new writing come to our theatres and to hear stories that originate from Scottish culture, and so I purchased my tickets for this as soon as they went on sale. It won't be the first time I've gone into a juke-box musical blind and I'm a huge fan of award-winning writer Morna Young's work.

So what's 'The Stamping Ground' all about then?

"A heart-soaring musical about love, life and the land, The Stamping Ground follows the story of Euan and Annie, who return to their rural Scottish community after years away seeking a fresh start with their teenage daughter. But there’s a heatwave in the Highlands and they soon find themselves lost in this once familiar place, now filled with more tourists than residents."

At the heart of the plot is the threat that the local West Highland community may loose their lands and their beloved pub to overseas investors. I can't help but compare this with classic film, Local Hero. Here it's a Canadian who arrives in the village as opposed to an American, but he faces much the same challenges.

I saw another new stage musical very recently where a small, remote community, at risk of loosing their local pub, come together through adversity, and learn that the people are the heart of the community, not the buildings after all...

That musical was the really rather special Fisherman's Friends, and unfortunately for The Stamping Ground, I found that production to have the better songs, better book, better production. It's more colourful and lively, with a wider appeal. It really pains me to say that as I am supporter of the Scottish arts through and through, but on this occasion, in the battle of the 'save our pub' shows, the Cornish Fishermen win hands (nets) down.

The score for The Stamping Ground is entirely composed of Runrig songs and although the music is well performed by the onstage band and cast, it wasn't really my cup-of-tea. There were however two or three songs that caught my attention and that had my toes-tapping, the title track included. I did enjoy that some of the tracks transitioned into Gaelic; it's such a beautiful language that lends itself well to the musical format.

The standout vocal performance came from Naomi Stirrat as Summer. She has such a lovely tone to her voice and you could hear a pin drop in the auditorium every time she sang.

I do think The Stamping Ground leans more towards the 'play with music' genre as opposed to a musical. There are a number of intertwining stories and threads with a good amount of well-written dialogue between songs, and as pleasant as they were, I didn't necessarily feel that the songs progressed the plot. I enjoyed the non-singing parts more than the singing parts in this show and that it very unusual for me.

Partly this is down to the outstanding performance from Juliet Cadzow as Maggie. A brilliant character, Maggie had all the best lines and most of the laugh-out-loud moments in the show. All the scenes where Maggie is casually chatting with someone in the house or in the pub are golden. Juliet Cadzow is a magnificent performer with superb comic timing. I want to be her friend and neighbour please! I'll even supply the vodka.

The script would benefit from more of these moments of playfulness. The other characters and storylines, and dare I say songs, are all a little dour. I was however really invested in the Johnny and Mary storyline: Annie Grace is wonderfully authentic as Mary and I was absolutely rooting for her to have her 'happy ever after'.

The set by Kenneth MacLeod is striking with a large rocky crag as the backdrop and a round central stage as the focal point. It's wild and magical, and beautifully lit by Simon Wilkinson. There are some stunning optics as a result and the production photos by Tommy Ga-Ken Wan are some of the finest I've ever seen.

Inevitably The Stamping Ground closes with a thumping rendition of Runrig's unofficial anthem, Loch Lomond. It's always a great idea to end a show with the audience on their feet, stamping and clapping, and Loch Lomond is sure to achieve that.

On the whole, The Stamping Ground is a gentle, pleasant way to spend a few hours in the theatre. It raises real issues such as the influx of tourists to small highland communities and the struggles that local people face to hold on to their lands and to protect their heritage. It's also fantastic to hear the Gaelic language used throughout the production.

I do wonder how much of a life and how broad of an appeal this production will have in future though. It's perhaps telling that the current tour dates are all in Scotland. Sadly I don't think it will be as popular with audiences further afield. The seven venues on the Scottish tour are all sizeable theatres though, so it's a laudable achievement to have brought it so far. Having already won 'Best Music and Sound' at the Critics Awards for Theatre in Scotland 2022, it already has a pedigree to be proud of.

Please go support the (mainly!) Scottish cast and creatives at a venue near you and make up your own mind. I'd love to know what you think!

The Stamping Ground plays at the King’s Theatre Glasgow from Tuesday 13 June to Saturday 17 June 2023 and then closes the tour at Perth Concert Hall from 21 to 24 June.

🎟️Glasgow info and tickets: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-stamping-ground/kings-theatre-glasgow/

🎟️Perth info and tickets:

📸 Production Photos: Tommy Ga-Ken Wan.

*Full disclosure: I was offered a comp ticket to review this show, but as I already had tickets (purchased some time ago!), I did not accept them. I have not marked this post as an AD for that reason, but I do work with ATG Glasgow to promote and support their shows. Whether I am invited or not has absolutely no impact on my reviews or star ratings!

Running Time: 2hr 30 mins (inc interval)

🌟 A review of The Stamping Ground, Runrig musical tour, at The King's Theatre Glasgow, June 2023 🌟

For media and review requests contact [email protected]

To see more pictures and watch my videos follow @Lisa_InTheTheatre on Instagram

• Scottish Theatre
• Musical Theatre

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The Stamping Ground

This listing is from a previous year, search current listings »

An uplifting new musical, featuring the songs of Runrig.

When together-forever couple Euan and Annie return home, they’re seeking a ‘fresh start’ for their teenage daughter. But there’s a heatwave in the Highlands and they soon find themselves lost in this once familiar place, now filled with more tourists than residents.

As relationships ignite and smoulder, Euan and Annie find themselves swept into a battle to save the heart of the community. But can they save each other?

The Stamping Ground is a story about love, life and the land.

An award-winning, uplifting new musical that thrilled critics and had audiences on their feet at its 2022 premiere in Inverness.

When together-forever couple Euan and Annie return home, they’re seeking a fresh start for their teenage daughter. But there’s a heatwave in the Highlands and they soon find themselves lost in this once familiar place, now filled with more tourists than residents.

Starring Juliet Cadzow (Balamory/River City), Robin Campbell, Caitlin Forbes, Annie Grace, Robert Grose, Jenny Hulse (River City), Barrie Hunter, Naomi Stirrat, Brian James O’Sullivan and Ali Watt.

Filled with rousing new arrangements of Runrig’s best-loved songs, The Stamping Ground is a story about love, life and the land.

Winner, 'Best Music & Sound', Critics Awards for Theatre in Scotland 2022.

A Raw Material and Eden Court co-production. This production is funded by Creative Scotland

Text supplied by third party.

Performance times

We have no details of upcoming performances, if you do please let us know .

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The Stamping Ground

Strong ensemble brings runrig musical to life.

Almost every seat in Eden Court ’s Empire Theatre is taken. It’s press night for The Stamping Ground , written by Morna Young , and there is a real sense of occasion as the audience – comprised of an unusually wide age range – file in. The sparse stage is lit by two spotlights on removal boxes, offering a sense of upheaval and of change.

Hapless novelist Euan ( Steven Miller ) and his wife Annie ( Neshla Caplan ) have been together since they were teenagers. When Annie fell pregnant at 16, they moved away for a new start, but now their baby Fiona ( Caitlin Forbes ) is a teenager  and a victim of bullying. So they decide it’s time for a fresh start again, and to return to their roots up North. When the family arrive in the remote community to stay with Euan’s mother Mary ( Annie Grace ), their ties begin to unravel in ways no one could have foreseen, with long-buried secrets rising to the surface.

Their arrival in their old community is introduced vividly by a comedic tour-guide, the quirky but enigmatic local oddball Summer ( Christina Gordon ). A powerful peat-cutting dance sequence sets the scene, with spark-effect lighting travelling inventively along lit panels. Lighting is one of the stars of the show; incorporated into Kenneth MacLeod ’s inventive stage design,  sharply cut light lines in turn symbolise the sea, the mountainscape, or the metaphoric heartbeat of the land. The stage design itself is another winner – particularly a rocky circle backdrop reminiscent of a hagstone, which lights with hopeful stars towards the end.

For fans of the band Runrig , there is certainly much to recognise and love here, with the stirring up-tempo numbers doing particularly well with the audience. The Stamping Ground is the highlight of the first half, and the audience are all on their feet for the finale of Loch Lomond . Among beautiful four-part harmonies, Gordon is a particular joy to watch.

Though much of the show feels relatively static, it comes to life when ensemble movement underpins the action. One such scene is an inventive slow-motion sequence highlighting Euan’s growing isolation from the rest of the community, with his still frame effectively contrasting the movement of a high-energy party around him. As a jukebox musical woven from an existing body of songs, the plot can certainly appear a little thin. Yet, there is no doubt that the show’s cast of characters resonates: the cowed wife and mother who has lost herself in her role; the misunderstood teen; the girl who hides her traumatic past behind a cheerful exterior; the ageing woman longing for a past love, and the man who feels he is a failure and withdraws from his community as a result.

The Stamping Ground is a new, original work, and will no doubt evolve as it settles into its own rhythm. Forget the critic’s quibbles for a moment – there is little doubt that the audience loved it.