Set up in the theatre of the Scottish Storytelling Centre, Soddin’ Flodden is, on its surface, a simple retelling of the events leading up to Flodden Field. Perhaps this sells it a bit too short, as it is told with charming music, energy and humour which make it one of the more enjoyable history lessons you’re likely to receive.
John Nichol recites nearly the entire show, which explains the history leading up to the and including the Battle of Flodden. He does this by taking on various personae represented by a variety of hats. In fact, aside from his chest full of hats, Nichol’s show makes very little use of costume. The quick interchange between each figure in the form of Nichol’s change in headwear gives the show a momentum and freshness throughout, while making it easier to follow the actions of the dozen or so people involved.
Nichol’s narration is occasionally aided by simple folk songs and some pop song alterations, which help reinforce key points in the show and provide a nice break in the action. Guitarist Hilary Bell and fiddle player Jenni Borthwick do a wonderful job of providing music that is subtle, yet very pretty and fits the show remarkably well.
Nichol clearly has a gift for bringing history to life and the rest of the show’s performers only add to the effect. Soddin’ Flodden is definitely recommended for fans of Scottish history, and although it is probably more accurate to identify Soddin’ Flodden as an immensely entertaining lecture than anything else, those who might typically find history boring may be surprised by the show’s ability to entertain.
