About Tam O'Shanter

Asked in a survey some years ago what was my favourite poem, without hesitation my reply was Tam O’Shanter. Consequently, I know something of the power of the narrative and imagery. Bruce Fummey breathes life into a poem that dates from a bygone rustic era. However some things don’t change. Husbands go out drinking till late and may take a fancy to a woman, leaving long suffering wives at home their anger simmering.

He is a master raconteur having done his research thoroughly, but he can also deliver the funny one liners with great timing. He can wander into impromptu humour feeding off audience reaction and comments. The night I saw him he dealt brilliantly with late Germans, a mobile phone going of at a big dramatic moment and know it all Fifers.

He rounds off the show with a complete and dramatic rendition of the whole poem to a well satisfied and appreciative audience from a variety of different backgrounds. He has the voice and the passion to do the poem justice. Had Rabbie himself had one hour of life to be part of the audience, I am sure he would have enjoyed such a powerful performance.

Bruce Fummey is hugely entertaining and an emerging new talent.

  *****

Venue & Venue number

Beehive Inn V 143

Dates

2 to 28 August 2006 (not 14,21)

Times

20.15 to 21.15

Company

Bruce Fummey

Fringe Programme page number; 16