Buy cheap tickets for Matilda the Musical
Scotland in Song

It’s no small challenge to summarise a country and its history in a single hour, which is perhaps why Carolyn Anona Scott and Jack Foster instead choose to pay ‘homage’ to Scotland’s story through the traditional music, stories, ballads and songs that have been handed down from generation to generation. However, truth be told, that’s no unbiased history.

Both singers accept that the likes of William Wallace and Robert were no angels, and that Bonnie Prince Charlie was, in the words of contemporary folk musician Dick Gaughan, the ‘Italian-born feckless piss-artist son of a London-born aristocrat of part-Scots ancestry who claimed the Divine Right to be the King of England’. However, the Scotland presented in this hour is still the romanticised Highlands of ancient myths, fairy folk and noble warriors (thanks to Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott). It is still the tale of a people never utterly defeated in battle but ‘bought and sold for English gold’ by a ‘parcel of rogues’ in 1707, with no mention of how an earlier, aborted attempt at empire-building in Panama had almost bankrupted the country.

Whole centuries are swept by in seconds, while the serious social and cultural changes of the Scottish Enlightenment and Industrial Revolution are overlooked all too predictably in favour of the Highland Clearances, although this is arguably because traditional folk music lost its grip in the growing industrial and commercial cities of the 19th and 20th centuries. It’s significant that the only recent music we hear comes from musicians like Brian McNeill and Hamish Henderson, who are very recognisably working in the tradition of Burns. However, Scott and Foster’s assertion that this music is ‘authentic’ comes across as a tad off-key. Compared with what? Is the music of internationally-acclaimed Scots like Sharleen Spiteri, Charlie and Craig Reid or the late Martyn Bennett any less genuine?

In terms of their craft, however, there’s no doubting that both Scott and Foster are accomplished performers, even if you sense they’re speaking a memorised script in between the songs or selected verses. Particular moments to enjoy were Foster’s seemingly subdued, but innately muscular version of Burns’ ‘Scots Wha Hae’, and Scott’s mix of various versions of Robert Tannahill’s famous song, ‘The Braes of Balquihidder’ (the basis for ‘Wild Mountain Thyme’). Individually, and together, they presented songs - some older than the city itself - which had even some of the audience singing along. Some great songs, certainly; just take the history with a grain of salt.

Reviews by Paul Fisher Cockburn

Paradise in The Vault

The Wellbrick Centre on Roswell Drive

★★★
Church Hill Theatre

The Outrun

★★★
Summerhall

One of Two

★★★★
Scottish Storytelling Centre

Moira in Lockdown

★★★★★

Since you’re here…

… we have a small favour to ask. We don't want your money to support a hack's bar bill at Abattoir, but if you have a pound or two spare, we really encourage you to support a good cause. If this review has either helped you discover a gem or avoid a turkey, consider doing some good that will really make a difference.

You can donate to the charity of your choice, but if you're looking for inspiration, there are three charities we really like.

Mama Biashara
Kate Copstick’s charity, Mama Biashara, works with the poorest and most marginalised people in Kenya. They give grants to set up small, sustainable businesses that bring financial independence and security. That five quid you spend on a large glass of House White? They can save someone’s life with that. And the money for a pair of Air Jordans? Will take four women and their fifteen children away from a man who is raping them and into a new life with a moneymaking business for Mum and happiness for the kids.
Donate to Mama Biashara now

Theatre MAD
The Make A Difference Trust fights HIV & AIDS one stage at a time. Their UK and International grant-making strategy is based on five criteria that raise awareness, educate, and provide care and support for the most vulnerable in society. A host of fundraising events, including Bucket Collections, Late Night Cabarets, West End Eurovision, West End Bares and A West End Christmas continue to raise funds for projects both in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Donate to Theatre MAD now

Acting For Others
Acting for Others provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need through the 14 member charities. During the COVID-19 crisis Acting for Others have raised over £1.7m to support theatre workers affected by the pandemic.
Donate to Acting For Others now

The Blurb

An authentic telling of Scotland’s eventful, and oft-times ill-fated history, told through the traditional music, stories, ballads and songs of the Scottish people. Featuring Edinburgh's own Carolyn Anona Scott and Jack Foster. www.scotlandinsong.com.
Buy cheap tickets for Back To The Future
Buy cheap tickets for Matilda the Musical

Most Popular See More

Buy cheap tickets for Showstopper! The Improvised Musical
Showstopper! The Improvised Musical

From £23.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Starlight Express
Starlight Express

From £36.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Matilda
Matilda

From £25.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Les Miserables
Les Miserables

From £31.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Mrs. Doubtfire
Mrs. Doubtfire

From £25.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Stranger Things : The First Shadow
Stranger Things : The First Shadow

From £37.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for The Elixir of Love
Buy cheap tickets for Anne Frank
Buy cheap tickets for Stiletto
Buy cheap tickets for Dr Strangelove
Buy cheap tickets for Jack and the Beanstalk Adult Panto
Buy cheap tickets for Circa Duck Pond
Buy cheap tickets for Expendable
Buy cheap tickets for Guys & Dolls
Buy cheap tickets for Play On
Buy cheap tickets for Giant