Author: Brett Herriot

Since completing training, Brett has enjoyed a varied career across the arts as an actor, writer, performer, producer, company manager, stage manager and arts critic. Brett embraces the arts with a passion in all its forms. Away from the world of theatre, Brett is a vegetarian, loves an occasional glass of wine, chatting with friends and travelling when time permits
Brett Herriot Review

Showcase 2026: Dream as one, Church Hill Theatre, Edinburgh, Review:

Brett Herriot

***** (5 Stars)

“A cornucopia of musical delights”

Showcase musical production affectionally known as just Showcase came to life over 40 years ago with the aim of raising essential funds for MacMillan Cancer Support which to date has seen them donate over £300,000 to the cause.

For the last at least 20 of those years Director Andy Johnston, Musical Director David McFarlane and Choreographer Claire Smith have perfected the formula that has seen the annual musical extravaganza taken to the heart of the people of Edinburgh and beyond.

Showcase 2026: Dream as one see’s that formula brought bang up to date in as stellar production that provides a cornucopia of musical delights. In a show that’s thrilling, moving and above all else endlessly entertaining.

Showcase is essentially a patch work quilt of musical styles borrowing from Rock, Pop, Musical Theatre, The Cinema and even opera gets a look in. With an impressively large cast, a whirlwind of costume changes, a dazzling lighting design and the most magical ingredient a simply outstanding 15 strong pit orchestra under the baton of David McFarlane himself.

Highlights of this year’s programme are a blistering opening tribute to S Club 7 with Matt Fullerton giving his vocals true gusto. John Innes turns in an almost operatic take on legendary Elvis Presley’s “Always on my mind”. The shows title “Dream as one” from the film Avatar Fire and Ice is given an inspiring interpretation from Heather Gore and the entire chorus that captures the audiences heart.

As is tradition for the company the first act is closed out by a selection of songs taken from the musical theatre. Special credit goes to Fullerton again for a finely judged take on “A Musical” from Something Rotten. Laura Cross is also in fine form and voice with an emotional rendition of “These are the days of our lives” from We will Rock You.

Act 2 see’s the company really step it all up a gear opening with a section marked “Shamrock ‘n’ roll that’s a collection of Irish Celtic infused numbers that see’s Ross MacTaggart delivering a punchy “Bring on Tomorrow” from choir of man and beautifully emotional take on “Falling Slowly” from Once from Arlene Tonner and Craig Young.

A spin through Divas thru the Decades follows with Kim Brydon revelling in the Cher classic “Believe” this is followed by a “Strictly Pet Shop Boys” a clever mash up of Tennant and Lowe classics with McFarlane delivering a stoater of a musical arrangement to go with it.

The show concludes on an emotional high point with a finale that pays tribute to the Late Dolly Parton and Bonnie Tyler followed by the companies signature song Brian Wilson’s “Love and Mercy” performed by the chorus with the stellar Clare Clayton on lead vocal which sees the curtain fall on a show that’s studded with musical Jewels throughout.

Production wise its another triumph with Andy Johnston’s lighting design adding real west end flair accompanied by Ian Cunningham’s finally judged sound design ensuring a great balance between orchestra and performers. Special credit to him for ensuring the small 6 strong male ensemble punch well above their weight throughout. Claire Smith’s choreography makes the most of the limited space of the church hill stage and the large number of performers and she ensures the solo dance moments for her core du dance really does shine.  Mhairi Summers puts the cherry on the cake with a full throttle wardrobe design that gives the 2026 edition of Showcase a fresh contemporary feel.

Showcase 2026: Dream as one deliver’s everything it should and so much more with a perfectly judged programme, stunning performances and with the knowledge that by just buying a ticket and being royally entertained your making a difference to someone else’s life and what can be more joyous than that! So, rush to the Church Hill Theatre and grab what few tickets remain. This years show really is Showcase on exceptionally fine form. Wonderful Stuff!

Showcase 2026: Dream as One, Church hill theatre Runs until Saturday 26th September 2026. For more information and tickets go to: Showcase Edinburgh

Arts News!

The Archers! Live at 75!

Brett Herriot

First broadcast on 1st January 1951, on the then home service, before finding its home in the modern era on BBC Radio 4! The Archers is the world’s longest-running radio drama. Broadcasting six times a week to millions of listeners, the programme follows the everyday lives, loves, and dramas of the residents of the fictional village of Ambridge, deep in the heart of the English countryside. Over the course of more than 20,000 episodes, the show has chronicled significant social and cultural changes in Britain, dealing with complex contemporary issues alongside the traditional rhythms of rural life, earning its place as a cornerstone of the British cultural landscape. Today, it remains one of the BBC’s most popular programmes and is currently the top on-demand show for listeners of all ages – as well as regularly topping the list of most popular on-demand programmes for listeners under 35 – on BBC Sounds.

Set within a playful reimagining of the Ambridge Flower & Produce Show, The Archers: Live at 75 blends theatricality, nostalgia, comedy and behind-the-scenes insight. The evening will include on-stage interviews, insider stories and gossip, live performances with live foley sound effects of specially written scenes created exclusively for the tour, archive treasures spanning seven decades from the BBC vaults, fascinating demonstrations of the sound-effects artistry that brings the fields, kitchens and barns of Ambridge so vividly to life, audience questions, an interactive pub quiz straight out of The Bull  and  of course, a sing-along to the programme’s famous theme tune.

 This is a theatrical, one-of-a-kind celebration of, and a unique insight into, the people, stories and distinctive production craft that have cemented The Archers as a beloved British institution for three generations.

The tour offers newcomers an accessible introduction to the drama’s world, while giving long-time listeners a rare look into how Ambridge is created – revealing the artistry behind the character work, development of storylines, and the unmistakable soundscape that define the series.

The Archers: Live at 75 comes to  King’s Theatre Glasgow, Sunday 4th October 2026 for more information go to: The Archers: Live at 75 Tickets | King’s Theatre, Glasgow in Glasgow | ATG Tickets and then the Edinburgh Playhouse, Monday 5th October 2026 for more information go to: The Archers: Live at 75 Tickets | Edinburgh Playhouse in Edinburgh | ATG Tickets

Both Performances will feature Tim Bentinck, Annabelle Dowler, Charlotte Martin and Ben Norris.

Mary Woodward Review, Uncategorized

These violent delights – Juliet’s dance on the edge of eternity, Scottish Ballet, IMAX Glasgow, Review.

Brett Herriot

***** (5 stars)

“Breathtaking! Brilliant! Ballet at its best”

Exactly what I’ve come to expect from Scottish Ballet.

These violent delights have violent ends, and in their triumph die, like fire and powder, which as they kiss consume says the Friar in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.  Intense passion can destroy the people who feel it – and none more so than Juliet and Romeo, those star-crossed lovers.  Their families – the Montagues and the Capulets – have long been enemies, but when the two young people meet, they fall instantly in love.  It does not end well…

This Scottish Ballet film is the latest in a long line of productions – just go to the SB website and search Scottish Ballet films – you’ll be amazed at what’s there!  I was aware of quite a few, but I can see hours of happy viewing ahead of me: do I start with How Much Squid Is Too Much Squid?  Or Breathless, Shadowash, Haud Close Tae Me, Maze, Starstruck?  Or dive into The Making of Mary, Queen of Scots, look at The Snow Queen – From the Wings or get to know The women of the Crucible???

These violent delights is by far Scottish Ballet’s most ambitious cinema piece yet – and to see it in Glasgow’s IMAX theatre is fully to experience its raw power, pulsating energy, and turbulent emotions.  It probably helps to have a knowledge of the basic Shakespeare plot, but even without that it’s a gripping piece that swirls from reality to desire to dreamworld and back again in the blink of an eye. 

Juliet’s family are obviously Old Money: a grand house, very formal behaviour, and seeing children as property, as assets, expected to be obedient, to conform to correct behaviour, rather than as individuals with feelings and needs of their own.  They are informed that they are to be betrothed to a young man who equally sees them as a means to an advantageous business alliance.  Romeo comes from an equally formal background, but he dreams of freedom, ignoring his friends’ attempts to engage him in horseplay.  They both escape from their constricting surroundings and venture into the wild and unrestricted atmosphere of the Apothecary night club.  Amid the frenzied partying their eyes meet…

John Lemke’s score is a brilliant backdrop to the action, underscoring the every-changing, kaleidoscopic swirl of emotions.  The costumes, scenery, lighting and at times startling camera work all contribute their layers to our understanding of the story, told so superbly through choreography from Julia Cheng, Morgann Runacre-Temple, Myles Thatcher, Sophie Laplane, Nicholas Shoesmith and Andrea Azzari.  Above and through it all the dancers mesmerise and enthrall us, drawing us into their world, engaging our sympathies, shocking and startling us, making us participants rather than just observers of the unfolding tragedy.

It’s always a joy to watch this company and see how their dancers grow in stature and own the stage.  I’ve already raved about Rishan Benjamin in Entress: now I rave even more at her stunningly versatile performance at the Apothecary club alongside Hermit Harvey Littlefield [who was such a jaw-droppingly powerful Young Elizabeth in Mary Queen of Scots].  Kayla-Maree Tarantolo, the Protagonist in Entress, was a tiny and fragile Juliet trying to make her own life in opposition to just about everyone around her, while former Scottish Ballet artist Ishan Mahabir-Stokes is perfect as the romantic hero for whom just about anyone would fall, given half a chance.  The rest of the cast are equally stunning and it is, as ever, a joy to see familiar faces given their chance to shine and a pleasure to spot unfamiliar faces and look forward to getting to know them better too.

I was sad not to be able to stay behind for the Q&A session following the showing of the film – it would have been great to hear from Kayla-Maree and other company members about their experience of dancing for the camera rather than in a continuous stage production, about their reactions to the extraordinary demands the choreography makes on them, and how they feel about seeing themselves larger-than-life-size on the IMAX screen!

Don’t miss it!

These violent delights – Juliet’s dance on the edge of eternity, Scottish Ballet, IMAX Glasgow, The film goes on general release in UK and Irish Cinemas from October 21st 2026

Brett Herriot Review

Annie, Edinburgh Playhouse, Review:

Brett Herriot

**** (4 Stars)

“Ture Quality and Class!”

Annie the musical can trace its roots back over a century to the original comic strip “Little orphan Annie” published in 1924. 50 years later the story was finally adapted into a musical with music by Charles Strouse, Lyrics by Martin Charnin and book by Thomas Meehan. Opening in 1977 at the Alvin Theatre (now the Neil Simon Theatre) on Broadway the show featuring the smash hits “Tomorrow” and “Hard Knock Life” has become beloved by generations of children and theatre goers.

Telling the rags to riches story of Annie Bennet the little orphan who seeks her parents but ultimately discovers her truth and a life with Millionaire Daddy Warbucks all the while out foxing the nasty Miss Hannigan and her brother Rooster and his lover Lily St Regis has enjoyed numerous productions over the years including London’s west end and various UK and US Tours as well motion picture adaptations.

In 2015 critically acclaimed producers Michael Harrison and David Ian for Crossroads secured the rights to the show and developed a brand-new production directed by the award winning director of the Leicester Curve, Nikolai Foster, the show would prove to be a smash it, opening at Newcastle’s Theatre Royal in 2015 its enjoyed two UK tours plus a lengthy run in London’s west end at the Piccadilly Theatre.

Following a covid enforced break the show was remounted for a tour in 2023 and visited Edinburgh with the late great Paul O’Grady giving his final stage performances at Miss Hannigan, now the production is back for a New UK tour with La Voix and the incredible Claire Sweeney sharing the role of Hannigan and Edinburgh gets Claire Sweeney who delivers an impeccable and physically ripe performance.

Performances across the board are excellent with Sweeney leading the company in style bringing out the right amount vitriol as Hannigan, Christian Copper as Rooster gives the character a slimy smarminess but could be a little more rich in his villainy. Tanisha-Mae Brown as Grace Farrell is a joy bringing honey-soaked vocals and an inner strength that makes the Character shine.  Bringing a true does of west end leading man is the Great Alex Bourne as Daddy Warbucks he delivers in spades giving Warbucks real heart and a stunning voice in equal measure.

Turning to the children the production deploys three teams of 6 orphans plus four young actors in the role of Annie, on press night June Young took the honours of playing “Annie” and what a triumph she is! You can’t help but fall in love with her and a big career awaits this talented youngster.

Production wise this is a west end worthy show with Colin Richmond’s Set and Costume design being of sumptuous quality and clearly borrows the flavours of “Matilda” to great effect. Ben Cracknell’s Lighting design is everything and more that you would expect from this gifted designer. Richard Brookers sound design is pure quality ensuring a perfect blend between on stage performers and musical director Nick Tudor’s stealthy eight strong pit band.

Nikolai Foster’s direction ensures a swift pacing but act one does lack a little oomph but this is made up for in a blistering act 2 that hurtles through the story to a satisfying conclusion. Which is followed by a hearty sing along of “Tomorrow” as cast and audience join in a glorious celebration.

 Annie remains an eternal favourite and this production brings true quality and class to the stage as it proves that for all of us if we believe hard enough the sun really will come out tomorrow! So, head to the Playhouse and grab a ticket for a little hard knock life yourself!

Annie, Edinburgh Playhouse, Runs until Sunday 20th September 2026. For more information and tickets go to: Annie Tickets | Edinburgh Playhouse in Edinburgh | ATG Tickets

The production will visit Aberdeen, His Majesty’s Theatre Tuesday 3rd to Sunday 8th November 2026 and The King’s Theatre Glasgow, Tuesday 2nd to Sunday 7th March 2027. UK Tour continues.

Mary Woodward Review

Bird and Beast Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2026, Launch Event, Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh. Review

Brett Herriot

***** (5 stars)

“Immensely varied”

I didn’t need to be bribed with coffee and pastries to attend the launch of this year’s festival – but I have to say they were both delicious – as is the feast contained in the festival programme!

A goodly crowd assembled in the main storytelling court of the Scottish Storytelling Centre, enjoying the refreshments and chatting very loudly, obviously excited both to reconnect with friends and colleagues and looking forward to finding out what’s on offer this year.  We were serenaded on the clarsach by Niall, whose talent and versatility deserved to be heard in silence…

And then we went down into the Netherbow Theatre, where Steve Byrne, chief executive of TRACS [Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland] welcomed us all.  It’s the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Storytelling Centre [and of the creation of the National Theatre of Scotland, did we know?].  The Scottish Storytelling Forum was founded in 1992 – who could have foreseen than that this year’s SISF would have over 200 events, not simply in Edinburgh but all over Scotland?

Daniel Abercrombie has taken over from the wonderful Donald Smith [with whom I had the pleasure of working rather more years ago than I care to admit] as director of this, the 37th International Storytelling Festival.  What is storytelling? he is often asked – it’s so many things, isn’t it?  Connection between human beings – eye to eye, mind to mind, heart to heart; being present to each other; really listening; welcoming and sharing; feeling the JOY – all the things you can experience in a good Scottish ceilidh.  This year’s Festival stretches across the whole of Scotland – the whole country could be seen as a ceilidh.

Storytelling can be entertaining, subversive, inspire societal change, transmit knowledge and wisdom from generation to generation.  This year’s theme Bird and Beast brings us together and invites us to respect and celebrate our planet and the natural world we live in and are inextricably bound to.  The heron that graces the front cover of the festival programme is a symbol of patience and stillness – the moments in which we can feel the magic and make connections.  It is also seen as a bridge between the elements of water, earth and air – and the Otherworld…

The programme is immensely varied, and I’m very sorry to be out of the country for the first six days – otherwise I think I’d be at one or more shows just about every day!  As it is, there are so many things I want to see…

It’s the Chinese year of the Horse – so there are horse tales and kelpie tales; the Bird of Truth has stories from Lithuania [and book smuggling!]; Italian tales have stories of horses, myths of birds and legends of snakes.  The Antler and the Wing; Oh those inspiring Cows!; Stanley’s Beasts an Birds; Sheep Stanes and so much more…  I’m really sorry to miss Warrior/Poet which weaves together the Celtic myth of Mad Sweeney and the Pollok Free State [who knew??? Not me!]  Two Scottish epic storytelling cycles surround Columba and his journeyings and the magic and mayhem, mystery and full-blooded emotion surrounding Fionn, Gráinne, Diarmuid, Ossian, Niamh and others, which I’m really interested to hear.  Of stars, bears and the beginning of time is also on my hit list!

There are guest storytellers, international guests, exhibitions, workshops… there are Emerging Storytellers, family events, the Big Scottish Story Ripple and the Go Local programme…and for me a fascinating experience of Deaf storytelling.  The whole presentation was signed in BSL – something we take for granted in so many situations these days – as we watch the glorious combination of facial expression, gesture, and body language BSL uses.  What I’ve never experienced before is Deaf storytelling.  Tania Allan explained to us the importance of storytelling for Deaf people: answering a question is never straightforward because the whole story surrounding the question is also a part of the answer.  She then told us a story from Italy, where she grew up, about sheep, a goat, a sheepdog and a shepherd, with a voiced interpretation for those of us who don’t have BSL.

It was a wonderful demonstration of the inclusivity of this Festival.  I could go on – and on – but won’t.  I’ll finish by saying there’s going to be something in the programme to suit you, to suit you and yours, and to get you up and out and joining in this explosion of creativity, inspiration and sharing.  Get your tickets now!!!

Bird and Beast Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2026, Launch Event, Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh. The festival will run from the 21st to 31st October at venues across the city for more information go to: Home – Scottish International Storytelling Festival