This week I was lucky enough to see a preview of the new stage musical version of ‘Wild Rose’ at the Lyceum theatre in Edinburgh. Originally a heartfelt film starring Jessie Buckley (which I reviewed a few years back) the story has been lovingly adapted for the stage by its Scottish writer Nicole Taylor.
As a country music fan in Scotland you are often spoiled for choice when it comes to touring American acts but rarely do you find a true authentic Scottish voice singing in the genre and that is the central premise of ‘Wild Rose’. Dawn Sievewright plays Rose Lynn, a struggling single mother from Glasgow who wants to get to Nashville and make it in country music. Having previously impressed in ‘No Love Songs’ at the Fringe, Dawn was absolutely perfect choice for this role, with star quality and a phenomenal voice to match. Even though Jessie Buckley was terrific in the film version it felt fitting for a story about finding your authentic voice for a Scottish actress take on this part.
There was grit and grace in the supporting performances too, especially from Blythe Duff as the tough but tender grandmother and Jessie-Lou Harvie as the studious daughter. Bob Harris even manages to make a cameo appearance reprising his role in the movie. To overcome the logistical issue of not having him on stage every night, they played his voice in a way that made him sound like a God speaking from above (which was perfectly fitting considering his legendary status in the country music world).
The songs in the show celebrate the women of country music and range from old classic country tunes like Dolly Parton’s ‘Baby I’m Burning’ and Lynn Anderson’s ‘(I Never Promised You A) Rose Garden’ right through to modern classics such as The Chicks ‘Goodbye Earl’, recent gems like Caitlyn Smith’s ‘Tacoma’ and songs made famous by Patty Loveless, Wynonna and Carrie Underwood. The stunning heart of the show is the original song ‘Glasgow (No Place Like Home)’ which brought the house down at the end of the night. Also credit must go to the amazing band of musicians who play live on stage throughout the night.
Nicole Taylor has said that she knew the story was both a film and a musical from the start and having Wild Rose opening in Scotland ‘is the fulfilment of every kind of dream I might have had for it.’ To see it come to life in such a brilliant show is testament to her creative vision, and the power of country music itself.
So get your cowboy boots on, get to Edinburgh and buy your tickets for this special show: https://lyceum.org.uk/events/wild-rose
Highway Queens 
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