Armour:
A Herstory of the Scottish Bard
Produced by Fearless Players Theatre
Book, music and lyrics by Shonagh Murray
Special Award for Score Composition
- Musical Theatre Review
Nominated for Best New Musical
- Musical Theatre Review
What do the widow and mistress of Scotland's famous bard discuss over tea? After the death of Robert Burns, his wife Jean Armour and mistress Nancy Maclehose finally meet. Female-led theatre company Fearless Players bring an all-female production dedicated to the women behind Scotland’s history. Jean and Nancy inspired some of Burns most famous work and, after years of songs being written about them, it's time for their story to be told. Using the well-known music of Robert Burns woven with original composition, Herstory gives a voice to the women behind the bard.
After previewing at Alphabetti Theatre's "Before The Fringe Festival" in Newcastle, Armour performed throughout August 2018 at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Armour completed its second successful run of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2019. To stay up to date with Armour news, visit the Fearless Players website for more info.
Reviews
"A marvellous addition to Scottish theatre...with beautifully nuanced writing and acting, as well as heart-lifting music"
-5 stars from Three Weeks
"Outstanding new musical. Murray's gently soaring score fuses some of Burns' most popular pieces with her own writing to present a tale rich in musical detail. Armour is an exceptionally mature piece of writing. It's sentimental without being schmaltzy...despite the privations of this modest production, Armour oozes potential."
- 4 stars from The Stage
"The music is strong - Shonagh Murray's compositions and arrangements are perfectly matched to her book and lyrics. She's also eminently watchable as she is engaged in every beat, be it sung or spoken. Heartfelt performances from all three of the women, supported by excellent and sensitive keyboard playing holds the audience spellbound."
- 4 stars from Musical Theatre Review
"A charming piece of Scottish storytelling."
- 4 stars from Broadway World
Listen to the music!
You can now hear the songs of Armour: A Herstory of the Scottish Bard in our new EP, featuring the cast of the show, plus special guest musicians Emma Donald & Isbel Pendlebury on fiddle and clarsach.
Available to buy from here!
