EDINLOCHRY– the Fringe in the Hills
Pitlochry Festival Theatre, 06/08/2026
EDINLOCHRY– the Fringe in the Hills
Featuring ‘Lauder’ 2pm – ‘Kidnap’ 6pm
Two different performances, two different audiences in the studio theatre. A sea of white hair for the first and a younger audience for the second. Handpicked highlights from the Edinburgh Fringe offering a handpicked taste of the world’s largest arts festival. A chance to discover brilliant new work if you can’t make Edinburgh. Living in the Highlands, moving up here to escape the hustle of the city it offered a chance to catch up new work in the studio at Pitlochry. First of all, the studio is a favourite space of mine. You get the chance to really engage with the performance, and it takes a brave actor to take that on.
At 2pm we enjoyed ‘Lauder’, celebrating the life of Sir Harry Lauder, performed by well-known broadcaster and opera singer, Jamie MacDougall. He held the stage for an hour and a half, taking the audience through his life and songs. Using just a handful of props, quick change costumes, old film and accompanied by a pianist, this was a robust and splendid show. As an Essex Girl I knew all the songs, and as a lover of music hall I knew he was the highest paid performer in the world at one time. Great. Originally created by Jimmy Logan, premiered at the Royal Lyceum in 1976, with successful runs in England, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand with a revival at Pitlochry by Logan himself in 2000. I worked as a dancer with Jimmy Logan at the London Palladium in 1967 along with Engelbert Humperdinck. It ran from 19th December until 20th April. Lovely man. This revival by Jamie MacDougall was a reminder of the power of great songs and a true entertainer. I can’t remember when I have enjoyed a show more.
Then after a break and a meal, a second performance at 6 pm. This time ‘Kidnap’ by Samia Rida, a one woman show based on the true story of her kidnap to Saudi as a child. It covers many aspects of her life in a brave and thoughtful way with humour running through it. From caring for her disabled brother, her manic mother, multi culturalism and a deep integrity of someone who has come out on top and is willing to share her life through the medium of performance. Alone in the space of the studio, with just a chair centre stage, she engaged with the small but eager audience in a way that made you feel as if she was recounting to you alone. A brave and enlightening story of modern times. Shame it is not broadcast on TV or radio. I always wondered why women in Saudi were encased in all black and the men white. Now I understand. Also, it was good to hear about her role of a carer in this context. Having worked with the Music Man project I wonder why this hasn’t reached Scotland. An enlightening performance. I recommend if you can catch it at the Park Theatre, Finsbury Park, do go.
