In what I (conveniently) believe to be the true tradition of the Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour, I got gently tipsy on this walk through literary history. The performances of the two actors were perhaps a little self-conscious but the recitations of poems and songs from Scotland’s literary greats were a highlight. The casual debate between the two guides about whether or not the true roots of Edinburgh’s literary tradition are in its pubs and “hoor-hooses” served to keep the audience engaged throughout and, between drinks, there was actually plenty to be learned about everyone from Burns and Walter Scott to Hugh MacDiarmid. As a piece of theatre perhaps not inspiring, but nonetheless, a very entertaining and surprisingly informative tour.
Outside the Beehive Inn, 18 Grassmarket, 1 Aug – 4 Sep, 7.30pm (9.30pm), £8.00 – £10.00, fpp 259.
tw rating 3/5
[rs]
Sections: by Rosalind Scott - ED2011 Theatre Reviews - tw rating 3/5 | Tags: The Scottish Literary Tour Trust
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