A stunning feisty redheaded woman Bernie Alba (Siobhan Redmond) attempts to keep her family of five daughters together after the murder of her alleged ‘gang boss’ husband. Her strong-will, determination and blinkered stubbornness steers the family not towards the sought after security but into a headlong spiral to inevitable tragedy. Despite the cryptic warnings of her right hand man Penny (Myra McFadyen), who wants to warn her boss about the under currents and frictions between her progeny, yet is terrified to get on Bernie’s wrong side. Bernie insists on trying to direct each daughter’s life in the way she perceives as best. Add to this mix, Mary (Una McLean), Bernie’s demented mother who also lives in the flat, yet longs to escape and be free to dabble her toes in the sand.

Daughters Julie Wilson Nimmo as Agnes, Jo Freer as Maggie, Louise Ludgate as Marty, Carmen Pieraccini as Melly and Vanessa Johnson as Adie, each show their individual personalities in contrasting ways. Sibling rivalrys boil up in to unbearable differences with one-upmanship and back stabbing worsening as the dynamic tension in the group increases over the impending marriage between Agnes and Paul a rival gang leader’s son.

Superbly performed by twelve extremely talented actresses joined for only a few moments on stage by the token male, a pigeon, held by Una McLean, in a very poignant scene about longing and freedom, which in almost total contrast to the context of the play leads up to the pigeons escape to freedom. By flying off stage from Ms McLean's hands the pigeon succeeds in doing what all the sisters long for yet fear. Una is well known and loved in Scotland as a performer both for her longevity and for her diversity.

Siobhan Redmond as the pivotal character of the play is once again found to be portraying a strong, determined yet somewhat flawed character in her confident almost regal way.

The other cast members are Anne Lacey as the careworker, Mary McCusker as Prudence/ Churchgoer, Morag Stark as 1st Journalist and Heather Nimmo as 2nd Journalist.

Based on 'La Casa de Bernarda Alba' by Federico García Lorca, this new version by Rona Munro, John Tiffany – Director, Laura Hopkins – Designer, Paul Arditti - Sound Designer

The set for this production is absolutely phenomenal. We see the cut away front looking in to an upper flat over a nightclub, with the club’s fluorescent sign centre stage. Either side of the acting area we see the rooftop of the lower building over which at one point we actually see rain falling as water pours over the tiles. The central set is a plush living room with a wall safe and a fully mirrored ceiling.

The National Theatre of Scotland celebrated its third birthday in February 2009  for further information go to www.nationaltheatrescotland.com. The House of Bernarda Alba  Thursday 15 October 2009 - Saturday 17 October 2009 Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline. Also Tuesday 3rd November to Saturday 7th at The King's Theatre Edinburgh 2009.

Originally opened in 1922, the recently refurbished Alhambra Theatre Dunfermline is a unique and atmospheric venue with some superb acts coming, for further information go to www.alhambradunfermline.com