After a fantastic run last year and nomination for the Scottish Arts Club 2016 Best Production Award, the Centre is delighted to have this fantastic exploration of the real Robert Burns back for the Fringe to tantalise old and knew Bard fans alike.
Performer Gavin Paul answered some quick questions for us.
How would you describe your show in one sentence?
An intimate portrayal of Robert Burns, the man behind the myth.
Is this a new show or have you performed it elsewhere?
This show has been developed since 2010 and versions have been performed at Brunton Theatre, Macrobert Arts Centre, Big Burns Supper, Swallow Theatre, Jurys Inn, Catstrand, Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival and the Scottish Storytelling Centre.
How many times have you performed at the Fringe before?
This will be my 6th time as a participant.
What’s your favourite thing about the Fringe?
I live in the city and when I have not been involved in the Festival it is very frustrating… I love the feeling of being a part of something so diverse and culturally significant.
How have you been preparing for the Fringe? How has the show developed/changed since your original idea?
In 2010, the show originally featured video sequences with a different title – Burns: The Video Diary. However, as time went on it developed itself away from that, bringing you Burns in the raw, with songs now also included in the live action. This was done partly for practical reasons, but mainly to give more freedom to explore Burns and his journey over the course of the piece.
What do you think sets your show apart from all the other Festival offerings?
Robert Burns is a cultural icon, not only in Scotland but around the world. Yet he’s often portrayed as the image we see on the short bread tins. This show delves deeper and discovers the flesh, gut and bone of the man behind the myth based on excerpts from Burns’ own letters.
A worthy experience for Scots and an important export for visitors from all nations if you crave more than a taste of sugary sweetness and prefer something more satisfyingly savoury.
What’s the show that you don’t want to miss at this year’s Fringe?
Box Tale Soup is a magical company so I will be checking out their puppet version of The Picture of Dorian Gray.
If your show was a place in Edinburgh, which place would it be and why?
It would definitely be the Scottish Storytelling Centre. That’s its home and it feels comfortable and well supported there.
Robert Burns: Rough Cut
Fri 4 – Sun 27 Aug (Not 14, 21), £10 (£8) (£7.50 SCS)
2 for 1 Mon 7 & Tue 8 Aug
3.30pm (1hr 5)
