A Puzzle of Rebuses

Featuring Sir Ian Rankin, James MacPherson and Gray O’Brien

review by Louise Cannon
Bookmarks and Stages

Three incarnations of Rebus presented themselves on stage in an outstanding, fascinating talk about that famous detective, created by Sir Ian Rankin. In the mix, James Macpherson created the audio version and Gray O’Brian played Rebus on stage in A Game Called Malice.

There were many insights, I certainly hadn’t really considered before, such as the grey, sometimes controversial themes of football teams were brought up in a humorous manner, as to whether Rebus is a supporter of Hibs or Hearts, both highly rival teams.
Ian Rankin also talked about prisons and colour coded clothing systems when they are out and about. Possibly only something you would know if you work in the service or an author doing research.

Each author talked about how they bring Rebus to screen, picture him, act him, play a little around with scripts, bringing something earlier than perhaps later, to hit a better landing of a line or a joke. When it comes to stage, how something can be tweaked at the last minute, in this case by Ian Rankin. It gave deep insight into what an audience doesn’t see, so isn’t usually privy to how everything builds and comes together. There were fascinating insights how Gray O’Brien takes a character onto the stage and how James Macpherson creates audio versions of the book. You could tell they care about who they play and, testament to them, however they bring Rebus to life off the page, with their own interpretations of the character, they bring something believable that’s compelling to watch or listen to, that still rings true to Ian Rankin’s creation. All three seem a powerhouse in the way they keep Rebus alive in so many formats.

What is also very insightful and perhaps a little reflective, adding even more depth of interest is how each actor brings something different to Rebus and how Ian Rankin is still interested and still learning about his creation by watching and listening to how people play him.

A Puzzle of Rebuses panel was compelling, fascinating and humorous. It was genius in bringing 3 different incarnations of Rebus and see how they can also all work together.

The latest Rebus Book is Out Now!