This is an absolutely charming and highly informative performance, made possible by the wonderful writer and historian Allan Foster and his accompanying Scottish folk singer, Andy Chung. The pair worked brilliantly together, with Allan telling factually accurate and entertaining tales of the Robert Burns, while Andy brought the audience to tears with Burns’ ballads and songs (and yes, literally to tears; there were two women in the audience sobbing at Ae Fond Kiss). It was a pleasure to watch a talented performer sing Burns in such a beautiful manner.
The venue’s hostess, Pamela McGregor, booked Foster and Chung for her venue once again this year, being a Burns enthusiast herself. She personally took time to talk to each member of the audience upon their arrival and made sure they found the best seat possible. Once seated comfortably she offered tea or coffee, which is an unusual personal touch for a Fringe show. Impressed already, I settled down, nursing a coffee, and the show began.
The setting, although simple, worked well to create the intimate level of storytelling which Foster sought. He had gathered some chairs around his own, set a few lamps beside him and encouraged the audience to sit gathered at the front. In between his tales of Burns – delivered in such detail that made the audience think he had known him personally – Chung would alternate between ballads and bawdy tavern songs to entertain us. Foster’s knowledge and talent for storytelling was well complimented by Chung’s wonderful voice and excellent delivery of Burns’ poetry.
Whether a Burns fan or not, I would absolutely recommend seeing this performance. Foster brings Burns to life through his stories by telling of his scandals and affairs, illegitimate children and friends. It’s rare to find a performer of Burns who can perform his songs so genuinely and beautifully that it brings the audience to tears. Robert Burns and the Lassies is a truly a wonderful show, I urge people from not only Scotland, but from all around the world to go along and enjoy this performance.
