Pitlochry Festival Theatre will close its Studio Season with the world première of A Toast Fae The Lassies, a new musical play by John Binnie and Alyson Orr.
Running from 29 August to 24 September, the production explores the life of Robert Burns through the eyes of the three women who knew him best—his mother Agnes Broun, his widow Jean Armour, and his muse Clarinda.
Set on 25 January 1797 in the graveyard of Dumfries, the story begins with Agnes Broun mourning her son. Her solitude is broken by the arrival of Jean Armour, leading to a poignant confrontation between the two women.
Watching from the shadows is Clarinda, Burns’ muse and soulmate, who has come to pay her own tribute. Through Burns’ iconic songs and poetry, each woman shares her unique memories of the poet.
Featuring beloved works such as My Love Is Like a Red, Red Rose, Ae Fond Kiss, and Auld Lang Syne, A Toast Fae The Lassies offers a fresh and intimate take on the legacy of Scotland’s national bard.
This marks the first collaboration between award-winning playwright and director John Binnie and composer Alyson Orr.
“We are very excited to delve into the lives of the three women who were crucial to Rabbie Burns’ life – his wife, his mother, and his muse,” said John Binnie. “These women are rarely given a voice, and the play is the perfect opportunity to explore the influences of Jean Armour, Agnes Broun and Clarinda. Featuring the most beautiful Burns’ songs which are interwoven throughout the story, these timeless melodies will be sung in close harmony by the cast. The intimacy of Pitlochry Studio theatre is the perfect setting for this heartwarming and poignant tale and the play is a fitting tribute to Scotland’s most famous poet and the women in his life.”
The cast includes Chris Coxon (Beautiful – The Carole King Musical, The Wizard of Oz), Stephanie Cremona (Cinderella, A Christmas Carol), Alyson Orr (Sunshine on Leith, Bend it Like Bertie), and newcomer Eden Barrie.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
