Review: THE GLASGOW POISONER, Òran Mór

The Glasgow Poisoner is a new musical based on a true story, written and directed by Tom Cooper & Jen McGregor. Set in 1857, Madeline Smith is one of the most famous examples of Scotland’s unique “not proven” verdict.

The Glasgow Poisoner opens with such gusto, I thought we were going to rattle through the whole plot in the first twelve minutes. Rather than just tell the story of what happened, this is a unique look through the eyes of Plume (Morgan E. Ross) who wants to create a pamphlet that will shift copies.

Not proven is unsatisfactory to Plume, he wants a hard yes or no to fit a sensational headline. Madeline (Chiara Sparkes) gives her version of events. Her lover Pierre Emile L’Engelier (David Joseph Healy) was manipulative and not of the same social standing as this young woman from Blythswood Square so her father didn’t approve. She claims his death was accidental and all evidence was circumstantial. Emile presents a different story.

Chiara Sparkes is outstanding as Smith. The script is brought to life with a burst of sass and wit and her talent really shines during the musical numbers. Healy flits brilliantly between this charming young man who won Smith over to being controlling and aggressive. Ross is also great as Plume who has to accept not getting a definitive answer as to Madeline’s guilt.

Get Broadway News on WhatsApp

Receive the latest updates, breaking news, and exclusive coverage from Broadway directly in WhatsApp.