A Toast Fae the Lassies

Pitlochry Festival Theatre, 4/9/2025

A Toast Fae the Lassies, Poems and Songs by Robert Burns

John Binnie, writer and director, Alyson Orr, musical arrangement and additional music

A full house in the intimate studio theatre for one of the five performances of this new piece of theatre. This show is sold out and rightly so. This musical theatre explores the life of Robert Burns through the perspective of the significant women in his life. His mother, his wife Jean Armour and his muse Clarinda, through dialogue, music and his well-known songs. As they gather in the graveyard of Dumfries a year after his untimely death at thirty-seven each woman recounts their memories and relationship with Burns. His mother grieving for a son, his wife, who bore him nine children, including one born the day of his funeral, and his enigmatic muse Clarinda. All accompanied by a strolling player on guitar. It is difficult to listen to his magical songs without a tear in your eye and the cast bring his lyrics and personal interpretations through strong vocals and harmonies. Wonderful stuff. The audience were enraptured, rising to their feet to applaud as the actors took their bow. Cleverly written and directed by John Binnie, he wove his cast round the gravestones as they told their stories. At times it felt a bit too busy but didn’t detract from the performances. Alyson Orr, who wrote the incidental music, was moving as his mother, and Stephanie Cremona, carrying her latest babe, Maxwell, in a basket on her arm, brought a knowing interpretation to Jean Armour. Eden Barrie arrived in posh attire bringing a different perspective to Burns’ life among the gentry. All three harmonised beautifully, with each interpreting a specific song to perfection. The strolling player was charming, not detracting but complimenting each story and song. Of course, they raised a final dram to their beloved Rabbie, ending with an, of course low-key, version of Auld Lang Syne. Many rose to their feet to applaud. Another success for Pitlochry. Incidentally, the couple of lovely people sitting next to me travel each year from the south of England so that they can catch four top class shows over two days at Pitlochry. A testament to the old-fashioned Rep theatre model.