A Burns Night Hootenanny – ‘Tam O’ Shanter’
e-programme
Synopsis
Kilts, sporrans and a dramatic reciting of Rabbie Burns’ great Tam O'Shanter meet Scottish folk music, masterpieces inspired by the beauty of Scotland and a sing-along performance of his world-famous Auld Lang Syne. Let’s celebrate Robert Burns with a real ‘Hootenanny’ – a Scottish party of words, music and song! Tonight’s musical programme includes the most haunting Scottish melodies ever composed: Sir Peter Maxwell Davies’ Farewell to Stromness, Loch Lomond, Ae Fond Kiss and a special arrangement of Burn’s epic ghost story Tam O’ Shanter for narrator and piano by George William Warren – by intimate candlelight. Award-winning concert pianist Matthew Shiel and renowned author Alastair Sim create an immersive musical experience which the press are calling “a ripping good yarn. 5 stars!” Tonight’s show also invites you and our audience to join us in community renditions of our most treasured Scottish songs including The Skye Boat Song, Scotland the Brave and Auld Lang Syne.
In 2025, Fringe Classics collaborated with acclaimed Scottish filmmaker Jack Hinks at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025.
Programme
Highland Cathedral
Auld Lang Syne - Trad. (arranged for piano)
Scotland the Brave – Trad.
Loch Lomond – Trad.
Skye Boat Song - Trad.
Ae Fond Kiss - Robert Burns
The Banks O’ Doon Ye Banks and Brae - Robert Burns
Farewell to Stromness - Sir Peter Maxwell Davies
Star Spangled Banner - John Stafford Smith
Scottish Folk Tunes (arranged by Alexander Reinagle)
A Red, Red Rose - Robert Burns
Tam O’ Shanter - Robert Burns (arranged for piano and reciter by George William Warren)
Auld Lang Syne - Robert Burns
Click HERE to learn more about tonight’s artists
EdFringe25 x Jack Hinks
"Truly, Shiel and Sim can pride themselves on creating an atmosphere which is all too often missed in our digital world.”
“an evening of authentic stories and skilful narration.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Corr Blimey
“The absolute highlight of the night was when Sim declaimed Burns’ epic poem “Tam o’ Shanter”: all about witches, demons, and a haunted, hectic horse ride. Sim would read several stanzas and then pause while Shiel punctuated the performance from selections from a “Tam o’ Shanter” musical arrangement, making for a ripping good yarn.”
“Sim and Shiel both are masters of their crafts.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Binge Fringe
LYRICS - please join us in song!
Scotland the Brave
Hark, when the night is falling
Hear, hear the pipes are calling
Loudly and proudly calling
Down through the Glen.
There where the hills are sleeping
Now feel the blood a-leaping
High as the spirits
Of the old highland men.
Towering in gallant fame
Scotland my mountain hame
High may your proud standards
Gloriously wave!
Land of my high endeavor
Land of the shining river
Land of my heart forever
Scotland the brave!
High in the misty highlands
Out by the purple islands
Brave are the hearts that beat
Beneath Scottish skies
Wild are the winds to meet you
Staunch are the friends that greet you
Kind as the light that shines
From fair maiden's eyes.
Chorus
Far off in sunlit places
Sad are the Scottish faces
Yearning to feel the kiss
Of sweet Scottish rain.
Where tropic skies are beaming,
Love sets the heart a-dreaming,
Longing and dreaming
for the homeland again.
Chorus
Loch Lomond
By yon bonnie banks and by yon bonnie braes,
Where the sun shines bright on Loch Lomond,
Where me and my true love were ever wont to gae,
On the bonnie, bonnie banks o' Loch Lomond.
O ye'll tak' the high road, and I'll tak' the low road,
And I'll be in Scotland afore ye,
But me and my true love will never meet again,
On the bonnie, bonnie banks o' Loch Lomond.
'Twas there that we parted, in yon shady glen,
On the steep, steep side of Ben Lomond,
Where in soft purple hue, the highland hills we view,
And the moon coming out in the gloaming.
Chorus
The wee birdies sing and the wildflowers spring,
And in sunshine the waters are sleeping.
But the broken heart it kens nae second spring again,
Though the woeful may cease frae their grieving.
Chorus
Skye Boat Song
Speed bonnie boat, like a bird on the wing
Onward! The sailors cry
Carry the lad that's born to be King
Over the sea to Skye
Loud the wind howls, loud the waves roar
Thunderclaps rend the air
Baffled our foes, stand on the shore
Follow, they will not dare
Chorus
Many's the lad fought on that day
Well, the claymore did wield
When the night came, silently lain
Dead on Culloden field
Chorus
Burned are our homes, exile and death
Scatter the loyal men;
Yet, ere the sword cool in the sheath,
Charlie will come again.
Chorus
Auld Lang Syne
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and auld lang syne?
For auld lang syne, my jo,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll tak’ a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
And there’s a hand,
my trusty fiere!
and gie’s a hand o’ thine!
And we’ll tak’ a right gude-willie waught,
for auld lang syne.
Chorus