Through the Shortbread Tin (2025)
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“Subtly syncopated Scots poetry, stuffed with idioms, ironies and questions and delivered by O’Connor with an infectious, friendly charm”
★★★★ The Stage “Relating the history in such an engaging performance with wit and sincerity is remarkable.” ★ ★ ★ ★ Musical Theatre Review “Witty and provocative” ★★★★ The Guardian |
“A tartan wrapped gift of a show”
★★★★ The Herald “Examines the cringe factor without being cringe. This is an achievement in itself.” ★★★★ Across the Arts “Historically rich as it is humorous, amplified by O’Connor’s charismatic and witty delivery” ★★★★ All Edinburgh Theatre |
“At the centre of it all is the figure of O’Connor, our unreliable narrator; with his sly and clever comedy, his brutal honesty, and his relentless questioning”
★★★★ The Scotsman "It’s a brilliant script. It’s a superb performance from all five artists. The music is incredible." ★★★★ Scotsgay "Heapings of genial humour and a rejection of absolutes ... entertaining and thought-provoking" Quintessential Review ★★★★ |
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Promo Image: Eoin Carey (eoincareyphoto.com)
Production Images: Sally Jubb (sallyjubbphotography.com/index) Tour dates:
Tuesday 1st April, Melrose Corn Exchange Wednesday 2nd April, melrose Corn Exchange Friday 4th April, Tron Theatre Glasgow Saturday 5th April, Tron Theatre Glasgow Tuesday 8th April, Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh Wednesday 9th April, Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh Saturday 12th April, Macphail Centre, Ullapool Tuesday 15th April, Ann Lanntair, Stornoway Thursday 17th April, Aros Centre, Skye Friday 18th April, Dornie Community Hall Wednesday 23rd April, Corran Halls, Oban Friday 25th April, Cove Burgh Hall Monday 28th April, Mareel, Lerwick Thursday 1st May, Eden Court, Inverness Friday 2nd May, Eden Court, Inverness |
Written and performed by Martin O’Connor Singers: Josie Duncan, Clare Frances MacNeil and Mairi Morrison Director: Lu Kemp. A National Theatre of Scotland Production. The story of the greatest literary hoax of all time. 1760 – Scottish poet James Macpherson sets the world ablaze with stories of the third-century Scottish bard, Ossian. This tartan-trimmed tale of Highland history spreads far and wide, capturing the imagination of thousands– but is it built on deceit? 2025 – Scottish poet Martin O’Connor reads Macpherson’s epic and questions his own relationship with Scottish culture. The sporrans, the stags, the shortbread – do these ‘gift-shop’ images of Scotland hold us back or bring us forward? What does it mean to be authentic, and is the truth sometimes better told in a lie? Through The Shortbread Tin is a brand-new show, performed in Scots with Gaelic songs, which explores Scottish culture, myths, history and identity. Join Martin and Macpherson on an oral odyssey spanning centuries of Scottish history, exploring the myths we tell each other and the stories we tell ourselves. Because it takes a lot ae imagination tae tell a true story. Creative Team: Emma Bailey Set & Costume Co-Designer Lara Bauchop Costume Supervisor Ali Biggs Company Manager Mel Drake Vocal Coach Neil Foulis Lighting Supervisor (Rehearsal) Michaella Fee Lighting Designer Naomi Ireland-Jones Tour Driver & Front of House Director Andrew King Sound & Video Supervisor Thierry Mabonga Trainee Director Nina Madriz Rehearsal DSM Nicki Martin-Harper Costume Maker Rachel O’Neill Set & Costume Co-Designer Morag Pirrie Costume Maker Jonny Reed Lighting Supervisor (Tour) Valerie Rickis Rehearsal ASM Archie Scott Technical Supervisor Rob Willoughby Sound & Video Designer Alasdair Whyte Gaelic Consultant |