Pairing an oversized red shirt with a kilt, alternating bagpipes with accordion, and standing between giant maps of Italy and Scotland, Mike Maran - creator of Garibaldi! - appears doggedly intent on stressing the links between Italy and Scotland. As a beginning, this is shaky and unsubstantiated,, consisting of a couple of points about craggy coastlines and football teams. However, as Mike Maran warms to his subject, his objective becomes more relevant as he tells the history of Italy’s unification, and the role that a Scotsman played within it.

The Scotsman is a fictional character, Adie Brunton, born 1827 in Leith. Going to sea in his late teens, Brunton found work as Garibaldi’s tailor. Though Mike Maran invents a relationship/love story between Garibaldi and Brunton, the rest of the narrative is based on accounts of 19th Century Italy. Sea voyages, near-defeats, and various Italian towns are explored until Garibaldi finds success. For the Scotsman it is not so fortunate. Brunton is shot and dies in his hero's arms shortly before victory.

With limited props and subtle characterisation, Mike Maran is able to hold attention while conveying a great deal of technical information about battles, strategies, commanders and kings. David Vernon's musical accompaniment creates atmosphere and evokes both Italy and Scotland, while never intruding on the action. The few songs within the show are pleasant but serve mainly to break up the large chunks of information, never entertaining in their own right. Similarly, Mike Maran and David Vernon occasionally banter for comic effect, which feels forced, and embarrassing on David Vernon's part.

As an attempt to portray alignment in Scottish and Italian history, Garibaldi! fails, mainly because the most exciting moment for Adie Brunton is when he sews up a hole in Garibaldi's trousers. While the piece is more theatrical lecture than didactic theatre, it is enjoyable due to the wholesome and personable performance of Mike Maran.

Cast Credits: (alpha order): Performer - Mike Maran. Music performer - David Vernon.

Company Credits: Writer / Director / Producer - Mike Maran. Music Arranger - David Vernon. Lights/Sound - Jim Baker. Company - Mike Maran Productions. www.mikemaran.com

END

(c) Sara Pascoe 2007

reviewed day Thursday 16 August 2007 / Scottish Storytelling Centre

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2008