It’s William Wallace’s last day on earth as he awaits his trial in London. Here, he tells his story through a play about what it means to be a Scottish hero, and what it means to die as one.
Sir William Wallace (C.1270 – August 1305) was a Scottish Knight and landowner who became a principal leader in the First War of Scottish Independence against King Edward of England.
This one man show brings Wallace to life in a deeply immersive way, through the use of sound, smoke, and passion, making the audience feel as though we are on the battlefield ourselves.
While there is occasional interaction with other characters, for the vast majority of the running time Wallace is alone on stage. It is a very poweful performance, with the actor holding the audience’s attention so well throughout. The portrayal is full of pride, anger and anguish for his captor King Edward.
The script is full of details of Wallace’s life (and his eventual gory death) evoking great sympathy for this Scottish hero, who was once out fighting on the battlefield, now resigned to a small damp cell that can barely fit him, let alone his strong character.
There is a real sense of claustrophobia throughout, which makes Wallace’s memories of freedom and battle feel even more vivid. The contrast between the man he once was and the prisoner he has become is particularly effective and gives the performance an emotional weight that goes beyond the historical story. The use of sound and atmosphere also adds to the tension, drawing the audience further into Wallace’s final hours and making his fate feel increasingly inevitable.
This story commands the room and is one that must be told.
Wallace, 14:55, Dunedin Theatre at Braw Venues @ Hill Street, 7th -30th
