CHILDREN OF THE CLEARANCES Book and Lyrics by Jonathan Rhodes Music by Mitch Jenkins |
Photograph: Neil Scott |
CHILDREN OF THE CLEARANCES This piece of fiction based on fact deals with a dark period of Scottish history. Following the decision of the London based landowners of the Highlands to graze highly profitable sheep on the land, rather than let the Crofters eek out a living there, a group of children are left orphaned and homeless. Into what seems a hopeless situation comes the local priest, with an idea that seems to be the answer to their prayers - the chance of a new life in a new country - Canada. The children travel to Fort William to catch the boat that will take them to their dreams. Tragedy strikes at the end, when one of their number falls foul of the locals. Children of the Clearances was first performed to huge critical acclaim for three weeks at Southside on the Edinburgh Fringe in 1994. A 1998 revival proved to be equally successful............. ...............It remains the favourite piece of both writers. WHAT THE PAPERS SAID "... the music is strong, particularly the choruses and the story has bite" Times Educational Supplement, August '94 "...this must be the most remarkable achievement on the Fringe" The Scotsman, August '94 "Music-Theatre the way it should be done" The Toronto Star, August '94 "Beautifully crafted - heartbreaking" The Herald, April '98 |
