Land - A Scottish Musical

Due to rising accommodation costs we decided to stay outside Edinburgh this year at the picturesque Kinghorn. A beautiful morning persuaded us not to catch an earlier train so typically our train was delayed; by quite a lot. Whereas my wife decided not to try to shoot across the Scottish capital in extreme heat I really fancied seeing Land - A Scottish Musical, so although I arrived at Gilded Balloon Patter House hot and sweaty I was pleased that at my age I still had the ability to rush across town at speed and of course uphill.

Kick The Door Theatre are a Glasgow based company specialising in new productions. This is a three-hander, Bethany Tennick is the musical talent, writing the music and lyrics, appearing on stage singing and playing the guitar with Christopher Alexander and Robin Campbell portraying two different eras and two different stories. The tales of a crofter with an 18th century soldier and a modern-day pensioner with a young neighbour show that although there is seemingly no link we are all connected. The centuries may change but we all try and survive in our own ways and although we are all ultimately alone shared experiences are best.

This sounds rather worthy and potentially heavy but thanks to the impressive touches of Iona Ramsey's book, melding humour and pathos together as well as Fraser Scott's nimble direction this is a production to be treasured. The performances of all involved are of a very high standard and the singing and musicianship is just beautiful.

The stories may both be set in Scotland but the subject is universal. So, if you want to be entertained and moved for an hour head to The Patter House. You are in for a treat.