blude red - a passionate new musical

CHARACTERS

		James Renwick 26 years old at the end of the play, James was the last Scot to be martyred for upholding the Covenant. Born in the small village of Moniaive, he was an educated man who believed passionately in the right to freedom of worship. He was reckless, often riding into towns and posting declarations against the governing bodies. He was eventually caught and hung in 1688.
		John Brown A simple, poor crofter who used to teach others especially children the Bible. He had married Isabel Weir and at their wedding, Alexander Peden, a well known Covenanting preacher had prophesied that their married life together would be short. One day, one of the most feared persecutors, Claverhouse appeared at their home. John refused to give in to him and so was shot in front of his wife and children. Hours later, Isabel was discovered holding her husband in her arms, his head having been blown away - she had gathered up his remains in her plaid.
		Isabel Brown Younger than John, she was his second wife, his first having died leaving a child. In the play, they are a passionate couple who determine to sign the Covenant together, whatever the cost. Isabel had a baby by John who was in her arms as he was shot in front of her. She lived on after him in widowhood, bringing up her children and continuing to give shelter to Covenanters who needed it.
		Margaret Wilson [ Meg] At 16 years old, she and her sister had become Covenanters and were put on the "wanted" list. Forced to flee their home, they had to live in caves and anywhere they could find safety. Their parents were forbidden to speak to them. Eventually they were recognised, betrayed and arrested. Margaret was tried and taken to the Solway Firth at Wigtown, tied to a stake and drowned aged 18.
		Campbell Is a fictional character but based on Claverhouse who opposed the Covenanters. He is bound by his loyalty to the King and desire to progress. This makes it difficult when Meg, his fiancé decides to sign the Covenant. He struggles to reconcile the two but something has to give and Meg sacrifices their relationship. He is on duty the day she is tried and he has to be part of the execution, trying to persuade her to recant. After her death, he has to struggle with his beliefs and is torn between his loyalties.
		King Charles II Charles II was restored to the throne in 1660 after the strict rule of Cromwell. Having spent his exile in France, he brought back with him the joy, colour and gaiety of the French Society. He opened up the theatres once more and enjoyed the excesses of living to the full! So began what is known as The Restoration Period - a time when England once again began to enjoy culture and fun. To gain support and ''vote'' from the Scots, Charles had actually signed the Covenant at Perth, but once back on the throne he is reputed to have said ''Covenant - what Covenant?". We have taken some artistic licence with the character of Charles, but simply in an attempt to show the differences between the two countries at the time.