PRODUCTION DETAILS
From Page to Stage
From Page to Stage
Flight of the Heron began as a collaboration between Andy Henry and Sarah Paulley. Sarah had long been inspired by D. K. Broster’s novel and had always wanted to bring its story to the stage. When she introduced the book to Andy, he immediately recognised its theatrical potential: a sweeping story filled with compelling characters, divided loyalties, unexpected humour and a friendship tested by war.
Flight of the Heron began as a collaboration between Andy Henry and Sarah Paulley. Sarah had long been inspired by D. K. Broster’s novel and had always wanted to bring its story to the stage. When she introduced the book to Andy, he immediately recognised its theatrical potential: a sweeping story filled with compelling characters, divided loyalties, unexpected humour and a friendship tested by war.
01 / THE ADAPTATION
Together, Andy and Sarah began imagining how Broster’s story might be transformed into a distinctive live experience. Their ambition is to create a genuinely swashbuckling, action-packed production—filled with sword fights, escapes, battles and moments of real danger—while preserving the emotional depth and moral complexity of the original novel.
Together, Andy and Sarah began imagining how Broster’s story might be transformed into a distinctive live experience. Their ambition is to create a genuinely swashbuckling, action-packed production—filled with sword fights, escapes, battles and moments of real danger—while preserving the emotional depth and moral complexity of the original novel.
02 / BUILDING THE WORLD
The adaptation remains faithful to the heart of Broster’s story, but embraces everything that makes theatre special. A large ensemble will move fluidly between characters, armies and locations, creating a world that stretches from Highland homes and royal celebrations to battlefields, prisons and the shores of the west coast. Live music, movement, staged combat and bold visual storytelling will bring the Jacobite Rising vividly into the room.
The adaptation remains faithful to the heart of Broster’s story, but embraces everything that makes theatre special. A large ensemble will move fluidly between characters, armies and locations, creating a world that stretches from Highland homes and royal celebrations to battlefields, prisons and the shores of the west coast. Live music, movement, staged combat and bold visual storytelling will bring the Jacobite Rising vividly into the room.
03 / INSIDE THE STORY
Rather than observing the action from a distance, audiences will be placed close to the unfolding story. The production will use the scale and flexibility of Belloporto Town Hall to surround spectators with the sights and sounds of the conflict, with moments of the performance moving through and around the audience.
Rather than observing the action from a distance, audiences will be placed close to the unfolding story. The production will use the scale and flexibility of Belloporto Town Hall to surround spectators with the sights and sounds of the conflict, with moments of the performance moving through and around the audience.
04 / THE HEART OF THE STORY
At its centre remains the unlikely friendship between Highland chieftain Ewen Cameron and English officer Keith Windham. Their story gives the production both its excitement and its heart—a tale of two men expected to be enemies, brought together by honour, loyalty and fate.
At its centre remains the unlikely friendship between Highland chieftain Ewen Cameron and English officer Keith Windham. Their story gives the production both its excitement and its heart—a tale of two men expected to be enemies, brought together by honour, loyalty and fate.