SYNOPSIS
Set in 17th century Scotland, "Blude Red" tells some of the true stories of ordinary men and women who were prepared to sacrifice their homes, families and lives for a cause they believed in. Scotland at this time, was a country in political and religious upheaval, a sense of unrest prevailed. King Charles I had issued a law that everyone should worship the way he decreed, but the people in Scotland had other ideas…
ACT ONE - PROLOGUE
The curtain rises on the Coronation of Charles II . Campbell is there [a Scottish Royalist Supporter who risked his life to see Charles restored to the throne]. The King is crowned to the strains of “Salvatore Mundi”.
ACT ONE – SCENE ONE
The scene changes to the narrow streets of Edinburgh, the mist is curling through the streets as a town cryer wanders. Others are visible but in shadows – everything is shady and dark. There are people in doorways. Meg enters [18 years old] and finds Campbell [who is her fiancé]. He warns her to leave the area as there is going to be some trouble. The people sing of their lives and the hardship they face – “All our Lives” |
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Cargill is preaching about the Covenant and the necessity to sign. At that meeting are also John and Isabel [husband and wife- both passionate about the Covenant]. Meg is standing to the side eagerly listening.
As Cargill preaches, James [a young preacher] and John discuss it. Meg darts forward to sign but is stopped by James who encourages her to wait until the initial excitement settles. After all they don’t know where it will lead them. She is frustrated by this and exits.
As they all start to go to sign, the meeting is broken up by Campbell and the soldiers. Cargill is arrested. James challenges Campbell – “My Time will Come”. Campbell has no qualms about the actual Covenant, after all the King signed it – didn’t he? But Cargill is preaching treason and that is punishable by death. He has his orders. James goes in to speak to Cargill and Campbell leaves.
ACT ONE SCENE THREE - THE COURT
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The King and Lady Castlemaine are involved in a game which is both playful and sexual. – “Something’s always Happening” . Eventually they finish their game and she whispers in his ear and the subject matter annoys him. He throws her off. However, during this song, she uses the lines to sexually tease him. She is manipulative and persuades him to make the statement that he is the divine head of the church |
ACT ONE SCENE FOUR – TOWN AT NIGHT
Campbell is waiting for Meg at the gate, he has a red ribbon for her. Their love scene – “You are the one”
ACT ONE SCENE FIVE - THE SCAFFOLD
A large crowd has gathered the next morning to watch Cargill being hung including James who is with Cargill, Meg and John and Isabel. Cargill passes on the mantle to James who pledges his allegiance to the cause – “Faith is Strong”
The people begin to leave. Campbell sees Meg and warns her not to get involved. She sings of her love for him and her confusion at not knowing which way to turn – “In My Heart”
ACT ONE SCENE SIX - A CONVENTICLE IN THE HILLS.
It is Winter and cold. The people have gathered under great danger for a meeting. James is preaching but a soft and quiet time. John and Isabel bring their baby to him to be baptised – James and the people sing of their hope – “The Love of a Child”
ACT ONE SCENE SEVEN - JOHN AND ISABEL’S HOME
The Christening party! John and the others enjoy their time telling a folk tale “One Life to Lead”. The rest leave and John sees them out. As he is doing so, the soldiers break in looking for John. Isabel lies to cover John who comes back when they have gone. They sing of their love for each other and commitment “A Little Peace of Mind”
ACT ONE SCENE EIGHT - THE COURT
The King is alone and musing over his situation – “I am a Man”. He finally signs a declaration and exits
ACT ONE SCENE NINE - SANQUHAR DECLARATION
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A crowd has gathered by the market cross, James is speaking and declares the King as unlawful ruler – a treasonable offence – “New World” The people disperse after the meeting leaving John, James etc. who sing of their commitment to each other and to God. Meg and Campbell are in Edinburgh also singing. She tries to give him back the ribbon but he refuses. Meg leaves to go to the signing and Campbell leaves the other way – they all are singing “I won’t turn my back on you” The people start making their way to the Signing and eventually sign the Covenant as does Meg – “Blude Red” |
END OF ACT ONE
continue to ACT TWO