Review: Blabbermouth
THE National Theatre of Scotland championed Scotland’s contribution to the world through its written word yesterday with a twelve-hour celebration of spoken word, speech and song. Set within Assembly Hall on the Mound, the 19th century building and former home of the Scottish Parliament seemed an appropriate venue on the eve of such a historic decision for the people of Scotland.
ASSEMBLY HALL * * * *
Conceived and curated by NTS Associate Director Graham McLaren, around 30 of Scotland’s leading artists and writers (including the house band) took part in the third, two-and-a-half-hour session of the day. Supported by the Scottish Government, the inclusion of some well-known Yes supporters on the bill (one proudly sporting a Yes badge) might have left some within the No camp wondering if this really was a non-political event. Where was Ian Rankin, for example? Ken McLeod? James MacMillan?
In any case, it all started with a chirp, as actor Alex Norton delivered a comedic rendition of A Wee Cock Sparra. Folk musician Inge Thomson’s beautifully sweet song about our sea-birds crept up on you like an incoming tide, and Lorraine McIntosh’s reading of Mary Queen of Scots’ last letter (to her sister) prior to execution was, not to put too fine a word on it, nicely executed.