Blitz International Theatre Company
The plot, set during ‘The Scottish Enlightenment’ centres around James Burnett, Lord Monboddo (25 October 1714 – 26 May 1799) who was a scholar of linguistic evolution and a well known Scottish philosopher. In 1767 he became a judge in the Edinburgh Court of Session. As such, Burnett adopted an honorary title based on his father's estate, including Monboddo House which was located just south of Stonehaven. Monboddo was one of a number of scholars involved at the time in development of early concepts of evolution. Some credit him with anticipating in principle the idea of natural selection that was developed into a scientific theory by Charles Darwin.
His wife Elizabeth died young but left him with a two daughters and a son. The younger daughter Eliza who was born in 1765 was a well known celebrity around Edinburgh, known for her beauty and amiability. Monboddo’s friend Robert Burns had a strong romantic interest in Eliza but tragically she died of consumption at the age of 25 on the 17th June 1790. Following her death Robert Burns spent months composing a suitable celebration of her life, which he entitled; The ‘Elegy on the late Miss Burnet of Monboddo’ He sent it to Alexander Cunningham on 23rd January 1791. It is said that Burns was in love with Eliza and never fully recovered from losing her so tragically.
This stunning brand new production explores Monboddo’s life and times featuring both the evolution of man and Charles Darwin’s connection along with the tragic Robert Burns association with his beloved daughter Eliza, within cleverly crafted staging and 10 brilliant songs specially written for this production that take the audience from comedy through drama to tragedy and triumph.
Monboddo The Musical will have it's world premier in Aberdeen Scotland at the beginning of September 2010 and then launch a UK tour throughout 2011. We plan to include a US tour in 2011 and 2012.