Local Hero

Based on the 1983 film of the same name which won a BAFTA Award for Best Direction, Local Hero outlines the story of an oil corporation that hopes to buy out a village to set up a refinery in its place. A musical adaptation was written by the writer of the 1983 film, Bill Forsyth, who teamed up with David Greig to bring the story to life. David Greig is famous for beautifully depicting characters, especially those who are separated by cultural, social, or personal differences, and is an invaluable addition to the musical. The humour, pace, and character development has been hailed as a significant improvement over the film, making for an enjoyable evening at West End.

Dire Straits superstar and 4-time Grammy Winner, Mark Knopfler has created the music and lyrics for Local Hero. He was also responsible for the best-selling soundtrack of the original film, which was praised for aptly capturing the atmosphere of the quaint Scottish village. Knopfler, with his new score and music, has recreated the charm of the film that made it so popular. Don’t miss this intriguing play that raises the all-important question: Can home ever be replaced?

The Story

It is 1983, and the American economy is booming. Mac MacIntyre arrives from Texas to a coastal village in the north-west of Scotland along with two briefcases. He has been sent by his energy firm for oil, something that abounds in this region of Scotland. Mac has arrived at the village with the hope of buying the village and the beach and build a refinery in its place. The firm is willing to shell out a great deal of money to acquire the land, and it seems to be the deal of a lifetime for the residents.

As he arrives at the village of Ferness, he is struck by the serenity and natural beauty of the village. The sunsets paint the village in a beautiful golden hue, and the aurora borealis leave Mac spellbound. Soon Mac befriends the locals and slowly comes to realize that it is incredibly difficult to put a price on this idyllic village. Can the locals decide what their village is worth? Will Mac fall in love with this peaceful village and be changed for the better? Can any sum of money or oil in the world ever replace the feeling of home?

Good for

Date Night | Fans of Dramas | First Time West End Goers

Critics Reviews

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