Musical brings cult classic Restless Natives to the stage

An all-singing, all-dancing stage version of Restless Natives is aiming to introduce the cult film classic to a new audience.

Most of the cast in the new musical production weren’t born when the movie was released 40 years ago.

But they say they are very aware of the film’s roots and its status among fans.

The 1985 comedy was part of a boom in Scottish filmmaking, alongside movies like Local Hero and Gregory’s Girl.

The modern-day Robin Hood story followed mask-wearing highwaymen the Clown and the Wolfman.

They rode a motorbike as they robbed tourists with a toy gun, then gave the money away – eventually becoming a tourist attraction in their own right.

The stage version comes complete with masks, a motorbike and the music of Big Country.

Kyle Gardiner, 27, says it is “an honour” to play Ronnie, also known as the Clown.

“The film’s a cult classic,” he says.

“There are so many people we’ve bumped into who just adore the film.”

Finlay McKillop, 26, plays Will, also known as the Wolfman.

He says the cast want to do the story justice for the die-hard fans of the original film.

“They’ve got the merchandise, the T-shirts, the bike with the correct registration plate – it makes us want to do an even better job,” he says.

“I think people will enjoy it – and who doesn’t love a musical?”

Kirsty MacLaren, 33, plays Margot, the tour guide whose bus is targeted by the unlikely highwaymen.

“I was too young to have seen the film originally but I think audiences are going to love it,” says

“I think what’s really nice about it is we’ve got all the moments in the film that everyone loves.

“So if you’re a lover of the film you’re going to have a great time. It’s got all the Big Country tunes from the film, but it’s also going to open it up to a new audience.”

When it came to turning the film into a stage musical, the producers started by asking the team behind the movie.

Restless Natives writer Ninian Dunnett is co-writing the musical, working alongside with the original director, Michael Hoffman, and producer Andy Paterson.

Ninian admits that they have been on “a steep learning curve” – but says the challenges have been outweighed by the thrill.

“I thank my lucky stars every day, every moment for this because it’s a writer’s dream to write something that means something to people and then that means something to people years later, decades later.”

He says the fundamental story of the film and the musical is one of friendship.

“It’s about people who help each other out and who go on a journey to make themselves something when they haven’t been given much of an opportunity in life,” he says.

While the bigger issues about the haves and the have nots are still in the show, he wants audiences to have a good time, laugh and “share that journey of doing something to make yourself more than you are”.

Restless Natives: The Musical premieres in Perth Theatre on 24 April before touring Scotland.