Tam O'Shanter

Purists be warned: although this riotous production is billed as written by Robert Burns, the bard must share credit with Gerry Mulgrew.

The writer/director has created something 'a bit post-modern' for his multi-talented cast to perform, and some fans of the famous poem may be surprised to hear some distinctly modern bawdy language in the first ten minutes.

However, in an inspired move, Mulgrew cheekily acknowledges the danger that at this point some Perth poetry fans may wonder why they've yet to hear any mention of drouthy neibors or cutty sarks. Those on stage take some time out to ponder whether they can get away with 'crude insertions' (innuendo intended), but given that a pair of bare buttocks have already been exposed by this point, it's pretty clear there will be no turning back.

The buttocks belong to poet Rab Ruisseaux (a wee in-joke there for francophones), who had earned a spanking from some disapproving church spoilsports after falling under the spell of a beautiful witch. On the plus side he was presumably also inspired to pen his supernatural epic.

So to the tale itself, and some brilliant visual gags including a suitably fiery Kate nursing her wrath while preparing supper, and the locals in the pub battling against the elements. The staging is wonderfully creative – as it was in Mulgrew's Perth production of Fergus Lamont – with minimal set and props conjuring the drunken terror of Tam's journey home and a lovely turn from Kirstin McLean as Tam's ill-fated horse Meg.

Burns songs are scattered throughout, beautifully accompanied on chanter, fiddle, accordion and some more unusual instruments, but this isn't exactly a Burns jukebox musical (hopefully the team behind Sunshine on Leith are already working on that one) and Mulgrew has woven in plenty of lesser-known melodies.

It's possible that some Burns lovers will come away wishing the talented cast had delivered a few more of their favourite songs and poems, but even traditionalists will likely be swept along with for what turns out to be a very enjoyable ride.