Sue Glover’s original research and notes for The Straw Chair.
Generously offered from the wealthy vault of Sue Glover, take an eye over some of her original writing and notes to see the journey that the script made.
“As soon as I heard about Rachel I was smitten. My Gaelic neighbor told me about her. ‘You could write a play about her’, she said. But Hirta was just as fascinating. Far, far more than a backdrop: a presence – sometimes dark, dangerous, menacing (to the newly arrived young Isabel, at least), sometimes a veritable Arcadia. I'm convinced almost all St. Kildans believed this; even up to their exodus in the 1930s.
I went to my favourite antique/second-hand bookshop and asked for any books they might have on St. Kilda. I already knew and admired Steele's ‘The Life and Death’ of St. Kilda, and very soon discovered the equally wonderful ‘Voyage to the Edge of the World' by Maclean. I was directed to a shelf; ‘but there may be nothing there – as soon as any books on St. Kilda come in, someone buys up the lot’. All over the world people are obsessed with Hirta.“ // Sue Glover
“The old Traverse was a fitting venue for The Straw Chair: The Grassmarket, and the courtyard leading off it, must certainly have been frequented by the play’s characters. For, although the play is set on St. Kilda, eighteenth century Auld Reekie is a constant presence – as dirty and wild, maybe even wilder, than Hirta itself. I feel nostalgic for the old theatre, but excited to think of the play opening in the modern space. When members of the company remark (as they sometimes do) how long ago it is since the first production, I refuse to think of the 27 years. Instead I think how enjoyable (and instructive) it is to be part of a company which is so committed to the story, and has involved me so closely.” // Sue Glover
“The first production of The Straw Chair was a delight. My highlights were the extraordinary performance of Anne Lacey who has become a life-long friend, and the scene in which the three women gradually become drunk, which unfolded beautifully during one long afternoon rehearsing at the Pleasance. The three actresses Anne, Sharon Muircroft and Alyxis Daly produced wonderful subtle work as the play revealed itself line by line, shade by shade. Hovering over everything was the author Sue Glover, making a comeback to the theatre after writing for television for a number of years, who gave us the gift of this wonderful play and allowed us to bring it to life in the rehearsal room.” // Jeremy Raison, director of the original production
