SCOTS THE MUSICAL

Pavilion Theatre

★★★★★

“a beautiful celebration of what it means to be Scottish”

In a world that often feels like it’s falling apart at the seams with a new disaster every day, theatre can offer us a much needed solace from the stresses of real life. Scots, a new Raw Material production in association with Beacon Arts Centre, lives up to this ethos in its entirety. Directed by Jemima Levick, Scots is a tremendous celebration of Scottish history. Bursting with energy and talent, it is a production that is sure to leave anyone who sees it positively tripping over with joy.

In what-is-not-quite-yet Scotland, many many years ago, we meet The Toilet. Not a toilet. Not their toilet. The Toilet. Played by Tyler Collins, The Toilet transports us through Scotland’s history in a spell-binding two hours of storytelling and song. With an ensemble cast of seven, each actor takes on an astonishing number of characters to lead us through Scotland’s most important historical events and ask the question at the heart of this show: What Makes a Country?

While a musical retelling of history is no new concept, both across the medium of musical theatre and in Scottish work specifically, Scots manages to get everything right. Written by Scott Gilmour and Claire McKenzie, this script is an information-packed, patter-filled delight. The music hits the way a musical should: beautifully crafted original tunes (bar the occasional wink to The Sound of Music) which drive the show forward and are pleasingly executed by the on-stage musicians. The story is not only filled with humour and educational spotlights onto some of Scotland’s forgotten heroes, but it cleverly nudges us towards self-reflection throughout. We are encouraged to observe and remember the less favourable parts of Scotland’s recent history, and Scots becomes as much a tribute to our past as it is a challenge to our future. We have no choice but to look towards ourselves and start thinking about what kind of Scotland we want to create.

What’s so impressive about Scots, right from the off, is that it is a show that knows exactly what it is. It leaps head-first into its brash and inherently Scottish humour and interaction with the audience with no apologies, immediately making it clear we are in for a chaotic ride. This precedent all the more allows the emotion of the show’s heavier moments to hit hard and leave a lasting impact. Jemima Levick’s direction is a clear reflection of her immense skill. Though there are humorous moments of disarray throughout, nothing ever feels superfluous in Levick’s direction. The tone throughout is expertly balanced, and Kenny Miller’s striking design is cleverly utilised so as to ground the story across its years but never detract from the action.

The cast are sublime. Tyler Collins as The Toilet is endlessly watchable with a kind of effortless magnetism which is clearly the result of someone who really knows their craft. The vocals throughout are incredibly well-placed, with Katie Barnett offering us a show stopping, heart wrenching number which plays perfectly to her exceptional voice. What is most captivating about the cast as a whole, however, is the sense we get of just how much fun they’re having. They radiate joy which permeates the audience in inescapable waves.

Scots is exactly what’s needed in the Scottish musical theatre landscape: an original piece of work which can support its important message with strong writing, music and calibre of team. It is a beautiful celebration of what it means to be Scottish that will leave you questioning your role in the future of this storied country.