Dogstar Theatre brings Gideon Mack from page to stage
James Robertson's 2006 best-selling novel will be brought to life in early 2025 with a stage adaptation of The Testament of Gideon Mack from Dogstar Theatre Company.
Article Source: Dogstar Theatre
Last Updated: 13 December 2024 11:14
The play, adapted by Dogstar Theatre Artistic Director Matthew Zajac, will open at Eden Court, Inverness on 13 February, before embarking upon an 17-date tour around Scotland, closing at Dundee Rep on 14 March 2025.
Published in 2006 and long-listed for that year’s Booker Prize, The Testament of Gideon Mack became an instant Scottish classic. This is a story about grief and the crisis of faith in Scottish society, told through the life of the Reverend Gideon Mack of Monimaskit. A story of late 20th century post-war Scotland, of the manse and the permissive age, a story of a Church of Scotland minister who doesn’t believe in God. Then he meets the Devil.
Dogstar’s vibrant new stage version of this acclaimed novel will evoke the close-knit community of Monimaskit as it grapples with the Reverend’s revelation that he spent three days with the Devil. Full of humour, provocation and the supernatural, The Testament of Gideon Mack presents a microcosm of small-town Scotland with a cast of vividly-drawn characters.
Commissioned by Eden Court and supported by Creative Scotland’s Touring Fund for Theatre and Dance, The Testament of Gideon Mack will be presented by an ensemble of eight actors and an outstanding creative team of Scotland-based theatre makers.
At the forefront of the project is Dogstar’s Artistic Director Matthew Zajac, who first discussed the adaptation with author James Robertson 15 years ago. “James is among Scotland’s greatest living novelists. It was a pleasure and privilege to be permitted by James to adapt this marvellous story. It says so much about Scotland and is perhaps the most theatrical of all James’ novels.”
Author James Robertson adds: “I am so delighted that at long last Matthew Zajac’s adaptation of my novel is to be staged. I have huge respect for Matthew’s work as an actor and writer, and I can’t think of a better team than Dogstar, one of Scotland’s most innovative and dynamic touring companies, to bring this new play to venues across the country.”
Laura Mackenzie-Stuart, Head of Theatre, Creative Scotland said: “The Touring Fund for Theatre and Dance was created to ensure that bold creative ideas can be enjoyed by theatre and dance audiences across Scotland. It’s great to see this theatrical imagining of a story which has rapidly become a Scottish classic now heading off on its travels, taking in Ayr to Inverness via Stornoway.”
Zajac’s previous work includes winner of Summerhall’s Lustrum Award 2017 THE SKY IS SAFE, and the biographical The Tailor of Inverness which was awarded a Scotsman Fringe First and the inaugural Holden Street Theatre Award in 2008 and has been touring internationally since. He is supported in transposing James Robertson’s mysterious Scottish tale into a physical and visually arresting production by director Meghan de Chastelain (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Bard in the Botanics 2022). Dogstar Theatre is also working with designer Kenneth MacLeod (Dracula: Mina's Reckoning, National Theatre Scotland / APA 2023), composer Aidan O'Rourke (Macro, Edinburgh International Festival 2022), lighting designer Kate Bonney (Shift, National Theatre Scotland 2018) and movement director Sasha Harrington (The Stamping Ground, RAW Material 2022).
The stage adaptation of The Testament of Gideon Mack will open on Thursday 13 February 2025 at Eden Court, Inverness. It will then embark upon an 17-date tour around Scotland, visiting theatres in Ayr, Dumfries, Dundee, Edinburgh, Giffnock, Greenock, Kirkcaldy, St. Andrews, Stirling and Stornoway.
The Testament of Gideon Mack is presented by Dogstar Theatre Company with thanks to support from The National Lottery through Creative Scotland’s Touring Fund for Theatre and Dance.
Further information, tour schedule and individual ticket links are available via www.dogstartheatre.co.uk
Sponsored Links
Latest Renfrewshire News
Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres
This summer, gather the whole family and head to Dobbies Garden Centres for a day of fun-filled activities that will keep costs down.
READ MORE
Crowds celebrate the summer at Barshaw Gala Day
Thousands turned out to celebrate summer at Barshaw Park on Saturday for Barshaw Gala Day.
READ MORE
FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 5th and 6th July
Summerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 5th and 6th of July with lots of things to see and do!
READ MORE
Grab your free reusable cup!
Fancy grabbing a free reusable takeaway cup and then getting a discount on your next drink from some of our local cafes?
READ MORE
Thorn Athletic and Inchinnan Development Trust to create brand new artificial pitches in Renfrewshire
Two major community sports projects in Renfrewshire are set to benefit from a significant funding boost.
READ MORE
Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show
The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!
READ MORE
July events at Dobbies Garden Centres
Check out July at Dobbies with it's Little Seedlings Club on rainforests and Grow How on pest control and healthy gardens!
READ MORE
Refurbished play park is a big success with local pupils
Pupils from Auchenlodment Primary School in Johnstone gave their refurbished play park a big thumbs up after it underwent a major upgrade earlier this year.
READ MORE
Historic Environment Scotland calls for public stories for national wellbeing exhibition
Historic Environment Scotland is calling for people across the country to connect with heritage to boost their wellbeing as a part of a national campaign, Historic Places, Breathing Spaces.
READ MORE
Clan Wrestling returns to Braehead Arena with former WWE Champions
After their first event in March, Clash of the Clans, Clan Wrestling makes its return to Braehead Arena on Saturday 6th September for its second event!
READ MORE
Renfrewshire invited to honour Armed Forces community
The Armed Forces Day flag will be raised outside Renfrewshire House on Friday in a short service to mark Armed Forces Day.
READ MORE
Works set to be undertaken to restore historic Kilbarchan Steeple buildings
Councillors have agreed a £350,000 contract to carry out repairs to the historic Kilbarchan Steeple Buildings.
READ MORE
Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 adds two new categories and voting deadline extended!
Scotland's hospitality industry and customers have spoken, and the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 has listened!
READ MORE
Young people to choose their winners as Celebrating Renfrewshire Fund voting opens
Voting has opened for this year's Celebrating Renfrewshire Fund as young people get the chance to vote for the projects they think will make the most difference in their communities.
READ MORE
Get set for summer at Barshaw Gala Day
Crowds are set to soak up the summer vibes at Barshaw Gala Day with an afternoon packed full of exciting activities for all the family!
READ MORE
25th year of Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway
Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway today, kick-starting nine days of dance performances, film screenings, visual art and photography exhibitions and community events across the country.
READ MORE
Exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland
Tickets are on sale for an exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland, with fans in for an extra special treat to take home.
READ MORE
XSite Braehead accelerates into summer with a major car event
On Saturday, 28th June, Chrome 'n' Classics will host its annual event in the XSite car park for the first time – showcasing over 200 classic, custom, American, and vintage cars!
READ MORE
Programme revealed for the 2025 Sma Shot Day celebrations
Paisley town centre will host a day-long programme of entertainment this summer to celebrate Sma' Shot Day – one of the world's oldest worker's festivals.
READ MORE
Ready, Steady, Go! Paisley CarFest is back this weekend!
Paisley's CarFest is returning to Paisley town centre this Saturday, 14th June, with a fun day out for all the family guaranteed!
READ MORE
Acclaimed debut Only Here, Only Now from Tom Newlands chosen as Waterstones Book of the Month in Scotland
The paperback edition of Only Here, Only Now by Tom Newlands has just been released - and is already making waves.
READ MORE
Star supporting Gary Barlow visits Kibble kids in Paisley for music session
Rising music star and Channel 4's The Piano winner Brad Kella visited Kibble's Goudie Academy to meet with care-experienced young people, share his story and inspire the next generation of musicians.
READ MORE
Funding Boost for Charities at Scottish Building Society AGM
Scottish Building Society marked its Annual General Meeting (AGM) by announcing funding to support eight local charities and good causes across the country.
READ MORE
Classic car enthusiasts set to visit Loch Lomond Shores
Visitors are invited to come along and get up-close to some amazing cars, set against the beautiful backdrop of Loch Lomond, as part of a great day out.
READ MORE
Local people invited to have their say on proposed Brown Institute garden
Renfrewshire Council is inviting local residents, businesses and partners to have their say on proposals for a public garden on the site of the former Brown Institute in Renfrew.
READ MORE
MINISO debuts this week at Braehead Shopping Centre
Braehead Shopping Centre is pleased to officially welcome MINISO, the brand's first store in the West of Scotland, opening at 12pm on Friday 6th June.
READ MORE
Paws, play and heritage on parade
Bark by popular demand, the Gordon Setter Parade returns on Saturday 5th July as part of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair, held at the stunning Scone Palace.
READ MORE
Dobbies hosts brand new Fairy Garden Tea Party
Dobbies Garden Centres are inviting families across the UK along to its stores on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th of June to spend a magical afternoon filled with fun activities and good food.
READ MORE
Residents join the fun at Renfrew Gala Day
Renfrew Gala Day brought kids, families, and friends to Robertson Park for a Hawaiian themed day of fun at the weekend!
READ MORE
OneRen unveils packed programme of activities filling school break with fun, energetic events
Football, gymnastics, rock climbing and kayaking are just some of the action-packed activities available for young people in Renfrewshire to enjoy this summer.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links