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A History of Scotland (In 60 Minutes or Less)

Source: The List (Issue 583)
Date: 16 August 2007 (updated 29 July 2008)
Written by: Allan Radcliffe

There’s more to Caledonia than Braveheart

The avowed intention of this whizz through Scotland’s turbulent past is to bypass the usual cheesy tartan and shortbread stereotypes in favour of something altogether grittier. While this is a noble aim, the trio of performers initially struggle to get their message across as their laid-back, informal approach to the country’s rich historical tapestry comes across as shambolic and under-rehearsed. There’s also quite a lot of faffing around with an unwieldy central prop and little attempt to interact with the audience.

The show picks up pace considerably when dealing with some of the gorier episodes such as the execution of William Wallace and the Battle of Bannockburn, which the cast invest with an energy that is otherwise lacking.

The songs too are catchy and entertaining, particularly ‘The Monarch Song’, an ingenious round-up of Scotland’s unfortunate Kings and Queens. (Allan Radcliffe)

Underbelly’s Baby Belly, 0870 745 3083, until 26 Aug, 10.50am, £7–£8 (£5–£6).

More: A History of Scotland (In 60 Minutes or Less), Edinburgh Festival Fringe, History, Scotland, Fringe (Edinburgh Festivals), Kids