Matthew Zajac’s script is an entertaining distillation of the universal themes explored in James Robertson’s novel, The Testament of Gideon Mack. Questioning the powers of good and evil is a worldwide phenomenon but this play is rooted in the dark, Old Testament of Scottish Presbyterianism. Familiar events, AIDS, Argentina, Thatcherism, establish time and place, which contrast with Gideon’s fantastical story.

The play opens with the tale, artfully narrated by Katya Searle, of a devil bargaining for souls while living in the gorge by Monimaskit. The story unfolds of how Gideon, rescuing a dog, falls into the gorge’s turbulent waters and disappears for three days. Found alive, he writes his testament claiming he spent time with the Devil.

This strong ensemble cast is capably led by Kevin Lennon as Gideon. Lennon creates an appealing character who captivates the audience while leading them through his tumultuous life. Lennon gives Gideon great humanity so that we engage with him despite doubts surrounding his verisimilitude. Gideon dresses in sports gear, metaphorically and actually, prepared for another marathon. Molly Innes, as both Agnes Mack and Catherine Craigie, is equally enthralling, whether playing the submissive wife who finds her tongue or a cantankerous agnostic who demands a Mexican Day of the Dead inspired funeral. 

The script is supported by effective sound design, noticeably rushing water, signifying the chasm into which Gideon plunges. The scenery is simple apart from two imposing structures, a pulpit and a many coloured standing stone. Choreographed movement re-stages furniture and augments dialogue. The handing in of props, a book here, a towel there, is amusing and cements the idea of a strong, integrated team. 

Robertson and Zajac tackle the loss of belief in our culture, yet the Devil they create is a benign creature, one who dismisses the evils of war, rape, and famine as lacking traction today and who reaches out a hand to a lonely man. Unwittingly perhaps, they follow the Devil’s advice in C.S. Lewis’ Screwtape Letters, that the surest way to capture souls for Hell is by the soft path. Perhaps this ‘lucky’ generation, who have charmed lives, are really the ‘lost’ generation who have never found faith.

The full house in Inverness shows delight in the Dogstar Theatre Company. A programme note mentions that, for the fifth time, Creative Scotland has failed to give the company finance to provide longer term security. The Testament of Gideon Mack illustrates why it is essential that this innovative company receive appropriate financial support. 

The Testament of Gideon Mack tours Scotland until Thu 13 Mar 2025