‘The Testament of Gideon Mack’ tells the story of a Church of Scotland minister who doesn’t believe in God. However, his dismissal of the supernatural is challenged, particularly when his life is saved by someone Gideon believes is the Devil.
This is a fascinating play based on James Robertson’s acclaimed novel, published in 2006. Matthew Zajac’s stage adaptation is enthralling: a captivating piece of theatre which is often moving, sometimes funny and occasionally very painful to watch. Moreover, profound questions are asked about faith, belief, the suppression of feelings, love, grief, death, hypocrisy and the meaning of life. And the play also throws light on the dramatic way religious beliefs in Scotland have changed in a generation. The play is intriguing, leaving some unanswered questions which will provoke stimulating discussions long after the show has ended.
Zajac also plays the Devil and James Mack, Gideon’s father. He is superb in both roles. The scenes in the Devil’s Lair with an injured Gideon are thought-provoking and entertaining. This is no pantomime villain. He’s almost avuncular as he tends to Gideon whom he’d rescued after the minister had fallen down a ravine and plunged into a river.
In contrast Zajac is a stern father. After Gideon is caught watching American ‘trash’ on tv on a Sunday, his father is apoplectic with rage. Zajac totally inhabits this character – an old fashioned buttoned-up Presbyterian minister. His denunciation of the American Declaration of Independence because it states that there is an inalienable right to the pursuit of happiness is delivered deadpan but is hilarious.
Kevin Lennon plays Gideon Mack. Although he’s the only actor to play just one character, he confidently meets the challenge of portraying Gideon at various stages of his life including in childhood, as a student and as a middle-aged man. As a minister, he is a marked contrast to his father. In the small town of Monimaskit on the east coast of Scotland, Gideon Mack is inspirational, getting the town to raise £40,000 for charity. Gideon is always running, or walking on Ben Alder, often to raise money for good causes. And he’s not afraid to discuss political issues in his sermons, for example speaking out in favour of nuclear disarmament. Lennon is on stage throughout the play. He captures Gideon’s inner turmoil in an energetic and commanding performance.
The other six actors play 3 to 5 roles each. And all play their parts convincingly in a wonderful piece of ensemble acting. This incudes a very funny scene involving most of them in the roles of Gideon’s teenage schoolmates. And they also impress in some very effective surreal movement scenes.
Molly Innes plays Gideon’s downtrodden mother, Agnes, and Catherine Craigie, a flamboyant atheistic parishioner whose final wishes Gideon carries out with profound if hilarious consequences. The characters are starkly different, but Innes impresses in both roles to such an extent that it seems the characters are being played by different actors.
Blythe Jandoo’s main role is that of Jenny Mack, Gideon’s wife. When she’s his student girlfriend she tells his father that she doesn’t believe in God but it’s she who persuades Gideon to be a minister, pointing out – albeit in a lighthearted way – that it’s a stable job with a house. He’ll be a type of social worker, doing good and using his rhetorical skills. She captures the confidence and exuberance of Jenny but also her vulnerability when she worries that Gideon may not love her.
Rebecca Wilkie is excellent as Elsie Moffat who denies to her husband that she’s had an affair with Gideon but tells the minister that she loves him. Wilkie also excelled in a cameo role as a teenage boy.
Fraser Sivewright is Gideon’s friend, John Moffat. He is convincingly shocked when Gideon says from the pulpit that he’s had an affair with Elsie. And he gives a very moving performance as the policeman delivering bad news.
Katya Searle’s roles include that of Nancy Coy, another woman in love with Gideon. Searle gives a touching and nuanced performance.
Antony Strachan’s roles include that of Peter MacMurray, who sternly denounces Gideon and, in contrast, a hilarious performance as MacInnes, a local businessman who hates the Church of Scotland but nevertheless agrees to pay £5000 for Gideon’s dog collar when he completes a charity run.
Meghan de Chastelain’s inspired direction has resulted in a multifaceted production. Although the show lasts around two and a half hours (with interval) the audience remains engrossed throughout.
Considering that usually only one or two actors were actually sitting in any scene, there seemed too many stools and chairs on stage. And consequently, although they were carried out slickly, I was aware of rather a lot of scene changes.
Kenneth Macleod designed the set and costumes. I particularly liked the pulpit and stairs and the way a table was sometimes used as a bed. And the costumes were good. Gideon wore shorts throughout which worked perfectly both when he was a boy and when he was a minister, often running for exercise and to raise money for charity.
Aidan O’Rourke composed some wonderful music and designed the eerie and evocative sound.
Kate Bonney’s Lighting Design showed a lot of flair. I especially enjoyed the lighting in the Devil’s lair.
Sasha Harrington was the Movement Director. The stylised movement was delightful and effectively illustrated Gideon’s state of mind.
Dogstar Theatre Company has served up a barnstorming theatrical treat. Catch it if you can!
Reviewer: Tom Scott
Reviewed: 6th March 2025
North West End UK Rating:
Rating: 4 out of 5.
