"An Appointment With The Wicker Man", Glasgow Theatre Royal, 1/3/12

This is only the second production I've seen from the National Theatre of Scotland (I think) and though I'm sure there are those who believe 'National' companies should produce more worthy and artistic work than this (why? Theatre should be as varied as possible) I enjoyed this production far more than their atrocious butchering of 'Peter Pan' a while back (for which I can never forgive them).

The plot is quite simple; a small amateur theatre troupe is staging 'The Wicker Man' and have called in a pro to take the part of 'Edward Woodward' as the original actor has mysteriously vanished.
As the rehearsals proceed the action off-stage starts to parallel the 'Wicker Man' story.

The writing is witty and funny even if some of the situations and surprises are old hat. The cast perform well and the direction is appropriate.
As an homage to the original film it excels, especially in that, rather than make laugh at the film (though the recreations of scenes from the film are quite funny) we are laughing at the people performing and the lengths they will and will not go to.
The play also has moments of real psychological horror especially in the in the latter half.
The performances of the songs from the film (which is really a horror musical) are among the highlights of the evening as they were performed sincerely if staged rather flamboyantly at times (intentionally so - the 'amateur' choreography and performances are a hoot).
The play is also a charming nod to the amateur circuit and the social importance of such groups. Indeed the characters are written as something akin to caricatures of 'amateur' performers yet I have been witness to such people and performances in reality.

The play begins as if we were actually watching the amateur performance, complete with cardboard boat, flat direction and wooden acting before moving backstage to rehearsals (complete with shoddily put together set pieces). We then begin to see the lines blur between play, rehearsal and the 'reality' of the situation (as seen by the pro whose presence echoes that of the character he plays). The blending of these written and directed especially well so that one bleeds into the other without any obvious transition.

While the play may not have anything to really say about the importance of amateur groups and their role within communities (or in keeping theatre alive) or anything important at all, it is still an enjoyable trek complete with laughter, sex and a little bit of terror thrown in.
If anything, despite this being a 'comedy', this does make me think that a fully staged, 'serious', crack at 'The Wicker Man' might be something truly magical.
Maybe one day ...