The Hill that was a Home

Once again this group produced a new piece, specially commissioned by local charitable group the Bailies of Bennachie to celebrate their 50th Anniversary, and written by Alan Bissett. It tells the story of a group of impoverished farming families, who no longer affording to pay rent to the local landlords, in 1801 set up home on the slopes of the local hill Bennachie which - as it was a commonty i.e. belonged to the people - they did not have to pay rent for. The Colonists as they were known were a self-sufficient group and flourished – much to the annoyance of the local land owners. In the 1850’s the land owners petitioned the Court of Session and the land on Bennachie was then allocated amongst them and rents began to be levied on the Colonists. Gradually the number of families in the Colony decreased until the last remaining descendant of the original Colonists - George Esson - died in his home on the hill in early 1939. The story is told through spoken word (much of it in the local Doric dialect), dance and a mixture of traditional songs such as “The Hill O’ Bennachie” (otherwise known as “Up Among the Heather”) and original songs with lyrics by Alan Bissett and music by Alisdair Sneden. The company of 16 played a myriad of characters from colonists, their children, mythical giants, rent collectors, early 20th century fiery trade unionists, local aristocracy to present day Bailies of Bennachie going about their work to maintain the hill and preserve it’s history. We were led through the story by Pamela Green (Lady Leslie of Balquain/ Loutish Drinker/ Mr Henry Lumsden/ Bailie of Bennachie), Emma Thomson (Lady Tillyfour/ Loutish Drinker/ Colonel Erskine/Bailie of Bennachie) and Imogen Watt (Baroness Elphinstone/Loutish Drinker/ Sir James Elphinstone/ Bailie of Bennachie) who changed between characters with consummate ease. The acting, singing and movement by the whole company were of the high standard we have come to expect from this company. Costuming by Liz Cork was kept to a basic black t-shirt and tartan trews with the different characters being effected by onstage additions of dresses/jackets and headgear. The staging was simple but very effective enhanced by Roy Fairhead’s lighting design. Congratulations to Alan, Rhona, Alisdair and the talented members of MSD Productions for once again bringing us an evening that was both entertaining and educational.

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