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The Herald Scotland
10-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Meet the theatre director reinventing Edinburgh's Tattoo
Alan Lane, a self-confessed 'mad fan' of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, spent the best part of 18 months plotting and planning how to reboot the world-famous event in its 75th anniversary year 'without messing it up.' Read more: The long-time theatre director was hired to take the event into a new era after a global recruitment drive for a new mastermind to 'build new generations of fans' and lead the development of future shows 'which meet, and where possible, exceed audience expectations.' The resulting show combines reworked 'greatest hits' and 'sacred cows' from the Tattoo's past 75 years with new a series of innovations. Actor Terence Rae plays the new role of the storyteller in this year's Royal Edinburgh Miliary Tattoo. (Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire) These include the introduction of an actor as storyteller on the esplanade, a light-hearted animated sequence on the castle walls, the Tattoo's first ever drone effects and hundreds of choir singers joining the 9000-strong audience in the stands around the arena for the finale. The Tattoo is also honouring 'everyday heroes' from all walks of life throughout the show, including projecting their faces onto the castle, while the Ukraine Naval Forces Orchestra are among the special guests appearing throughout the three-week run until August 23. Mr Lane's musical programme features a mix of classic Tattoo anthems such as Loch Lomond, Scotland the Brave, Amazing Grace, Highland Cathedral and Auld Lang Syne with Scottish pop and rock hits by The Fratellis, The Proclaimers, Lewis Capaldi, Simple Minds and Travis, as well as Tartan Army favourite 'Yes Sir! I Can Boogie,' by seventies disco favourites Baccara. (Image: Duncan McGlynn) The Yorkshireman took over last spring from New Zealander Michael Braithewaite, after the event director, producer and musician who led the Tattoo's recovery from a three-year pandemic enforced hiatus. The first non-military figure to oversee the Tattoo programme, his tenure saw new special effects light up the facade of the castle and the esplanade, a new 'electropipes' sequence set to dance music, and the use of more pop and rock music in the show, along with themes from films and video games. The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. (Image: Jane Barlow/PA) Mr Lane, who landed the Tattoo job after 24 years in charge of the Leeds-based theatre company Slung Low, has previously been involved in large-scale outdoor events in Hull, Leeds and Liverpool. He can trace his involvement in the arts industry back to the Tattoo, the first ever live show he attended as a child, which he was taken to by his father, who was in the Royal Air Force. Mr Lane had planned to join the Army himself but was forced to shelved his military career after being diagnosed with cancer when he was just 22, but became an Army Reservist 10 years ago and is a troop commander with the 75th Royal Engineers. Highland dancers are performing in the 75th anniversary edition of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire) He said: 'I wanted this job because I really love the Tattoo. I'm a mad fan and I think it's the most exciting show in Britain. There is a real responsibility to not mess it up. 'There's nothing like this event anywhere else. We have more than 900 per performers and 9000 people in the audience. If you like Scottish traditional music, military music and bagpipes there is nowhere better in the world to hear it. Performers march off Edinburgh Castle esplanade during the finale of this year's Tattoo. (Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire) 'The first thing I did was look at the things our audiences expect – the things people know us for and love us for. I had to make sure the show delivers for people who know what they want from the Tattoo. I took that really seriously. 'But I also think it is the job of artists to give audiences something that they don't know to ask for. The Ukraine Naval Forces Orchestra is appearing in this year's Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. (Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire) "If we only do the first, the Tattoo becomes a museum piece, and no-one wants that. If we only do the second, it becomes a vanity project. "We can celebrate the past of the Tattoo and imagine the future. But doing them both authentically, without them being gimmicky, is really important.' The full cast of the Tattoo are only together for four days of rehearsals before the first audience arrives at the esplanade for the show's preview night. However planning for the show and its content gets underway well over a year in advance. He said: 'The first thing I did when I arrived was asked for a castle to be made. We've got a model and we move toy soldiers around the esplanade. 'In my previous job I would nearly always start with a blank canvas. I could do whatever I wanted as long as it came in on budget and opened on time. 'The Tattoo is a different proposition and is infinitely more challenging. We have so many stakeholders and they all have to have a sense of ownership of the show. 'We've looked at all the classic bits of the Tattoo, and how we can reimagine and reconfigure them, and look at them in a contemporary light. The show has to celebrate the past and also imagine our future. He said around 80 per cent of this year's show would feel familiar to the many ticket-buyers who regularly return to the event. He added: 'There is a bucket list audience for the Tattoo. For some people, coming to Edinburgh will be a once-in-a-lifetime thing. "We know that a large chunk of our audience are coming to Edinburgh because the Tattoo is on. They will have seen it on TV and it is their dream to come to Edinburgh for the show. 'But there are other people who come to the Tattoo every year because it is their most favourite thing in the world. 'We've had a lot of fun working out what is a sacred cow and what isn't a sacred cow. We have a list of things on a wall in our offices of things that we can't mess with. 'We might only evolve 20 per cent of the show. But if you change 20 per cent of any show it you profoundly change it." Mr Lane has previously worked with Buckingham Place, the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Barbican arts centre in London, the Lowry arts centre in Manchester, the National Theatre of Croatia and Singapore Arts Festival. Perhaps the biggest change this year is the return of a narrator for the event for the first time since the last pre-pandemic event in 2019. The dropping of a commentary was one of the most controversial aspects of Mr Braithwaite's tenure. The roaming role is being played by Glasgow-born actor Terence Rae, star of the recent Rebus TV series and the new Outlander prequel series Blood of My Blood. Mr Lane said: 'The Tattoo has always been made up of military music and precision, traditional arts from Scotland and international guests. That's staying the same. 'But we will have a theatricality in the show that we've maybe not had before and storytelling that our audience has demanded. 'Michael was a musician. He understands the world through music. I understand the world through words and stories. 'The Tattoo does a number of things for our audience which are incredibly emotionally powerful. "It was really important to me to frame the emotion in the show and why we are doing things. I think our audiences enjoy clarity and want to know why something is in the show. "We have a live storyteller on the esplanade for the first time this year. Terence Rae is an absolutely brilliant actor. There aren't any huge speeches, but he explains what is coming up and why. He is joining the dots." A recent innovation at the Tattoo being taken forward by Mr Lane is a showcase for modern-day Scottish traditional music anthems in the show's finale, which has featured tracks by Runrig, Tide Lines and Skerryvore in recent years. This year's show features versions of the Karine Polwart song Travel These Ways and the Skipinnish track Eagle's Wing. Mr Lane added: 'One of the great things I have inherited from Michael is a love of the contemporary Scottish traditional scene. 'It's a movement that has real energy at the moment and I'd find it really hard to imagine a show that doesn't incorporate that energy at scale." For festival tickets see here
Glasgow Times
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Rod Stewart rocks Glastonbury main stage in Celtic shirt
Rod, 80, was joined by music legends while he played a career-spanning set in front of thousands of fans at Worthy Farm. Rod took to the Pyramid Stage for the coveted tea-time legends slot in fine form, despite having to pull out of shows recently due to health concerns. Special guests joined him throughout his show, including Lulu, and he dedicated a song to another music legend. Rod rocked the legends slot (Image:) READ MORE: Sir Rod Stewart pulls out of second gig amid health concerns The football-daft rocker had multiple costume changes throughout his set, finishing off wearing a green suit with 'Celtic' written on the back of his shirt. His accompanying orchestra and backup singers were also kitted out in Celtic football tops, and the team's badge was on the front of the band's drums. Rod emerged to huge cheers for his Legends spot, accompanied by pipers playing Scotland the Brave. Festival-goers wearing Rod Stewart wigs pose for a selfie ahead of his performance during day five of Glastonbury festival 2025 (Image:) After opening with energy that his younger self would have been proud of, Rod dedicated a cover of I'd Rather Go Blind to Christine McVey from Fleetwood Mac. Rod strutted across the stage in a matador-esque jacket and striped trousers with stars embossed onto the backside before changing into a flamingo pink suit. Ronnie Wood joined Rod on stage (Image: BBC) READ MORE: Toilet designed by Rod Stewart revealed at Glastonbury He kept the pace high while blasting through hit after hit as he repeatedly said: "We've only got an hour and a half!" Rod did appear to address the recent controversy surrounding Irish rappers Kneecap, who were outspoken about his support for Reform and Nigel Farage. He told the fans: " I'm here, enjoy yourselves, ladies and gentlemen, please." In an apparent jibe towards Kneecap, who performed on Saturday, he said: "Music brings us together, we need music. "There's been a lot about the Middle East lately, quite rightly so, but I want to draw your attention to the Ukraine with the next song, called The Love Train." Simply Red's Mick Hucknall joined Rod for If You Don't Know Me By Now to massive cheers from the crowd. Rod's backup singers wore Celtic tops (Image: Yui Mok/PA Wire) Rod Stewart rocks Glastonbury main stage in Celtic shirt (Image: BBC) READ MORE: I saw the demolition of Gorbal's Caledonia Road flats - I heard great stories Before Ronnie Wood, who was his bandmate in Faces, took to the stage for Stay With Me and the final few numbers. Final special guest Lulu joined for Hot Legs while looking brilliant in a white suit with frilly trousers. She joked, "We make a good couple, sorry Penny," while the pair rocked out to the crowd. As Rod finished with big hit, Sailing, he took off the jacket of the green suit he had changed into to reveal that 'Celtic' was written on the back of it.
Daily Record
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Celtic-daft finale for Rod Stewart as he rocks Glastonbury at 80
Sir Rod Stewart impressed at the iconic Glastonbury Pyramid stage on Sunday afternoon, taking centre stage for the coveted Legends slot. Sir Rod Stewart took to the iconic Glastonbury Pyramid stage on Sunday afternoon for the coveted legends slot. The 80-year-old rock icon's appearance came after he suggested the UK "give Nigel Farage a chance", comments that resulted in jibes from fellow festival act, Kneecap, who dubbed him " Rod, the Prod" and "older than Israel" during their set on Saturday. Kate Nash also took a swipe at Rod just hours before his performance, but the music legend brushed it off as thousands packed in to see him perform. Rod followed in the footsteps of previous legend stars including Shania Twain, Kylie Minogue and Dolly Parton. The show began with Rod being piped on stage to Scotland the Brave, dressed in a white open necked shirt, grey pinstriped trousers, and a jacket with gold detailing. His band matched in white suit jackets and gold ties. He opened with Tonight I'm Yours (Don't Hurt Me) before commenting on global issues, mentioning the Middle East and Ukraine ahead of a rendition of Love Train. Despite some boos from Kneecap fans earlier, Rod's crowd were delighted, with thousands singing along to classics like Forever Young, Young Turks, and Da Ya Think I'm Sexy? Fans on social media praised the performance, calling the turnout 'massive' and applauding Rod for looking 'fabulous for his age.' Rod brought a Celtic touch to the festival, with his band's drum kit proudly displaying the Parkhead club crest and the singer sported a green shirt emblazoned with 'Celtic' during the finale. The legends slot saw memorable collaborations as Rod was joined on stage by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, with whom he performed If You Don't Know Me By Now. Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood followed with a nostalgic take on Faces' Stay With Me. Glasgow's own Lulu appeared in a stunning cream suit for a raucous duet on Hot Legs. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. Rod also honoured Glastonbury founder Sir Michael Eavis, who was pushed on stage by his daughter Emily in a wheelchair for his 90th birthday - which he will celebrate in October. The pair shared a warm moment before performing the ballad I Don't Wanna Talk About It. Rod ended the show with a tear-jerking rendition of Sailing, as his band took a unified bow dressed in Celtic strips. Rod beamed with pride as he skipped off stage following his two hour set.
Daily Record
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Lesmahagow Highland Games crowned Tartan Queen Jade Stewart
The annual event attracted huge crowds at the weekend. The sun shone, for most of the day at least, on Glebe Park for the annual Lesmahagow Highland Games. Chieftain John Goulding, the chairman of Lesmahagow Community Football Club, crowned Tartan Queen Jade Stewart. And the crowds enjoyed some stunning floats, with Scotland the Brave by Clan McAra taking top spot and Wicked Minecraft from Milton Primary School being named runners-up. David Abercrombie, chairman of Lesmahagow Highland Games, said: 'Lesmahagow Highland Games committee would like to say a big thanks to all who attended our 63rd Games on Saturday, and particularly our sponsors, donators and supporters. 'Of course, we had bright sunshine throughout the whole day as usual, but for two short but nonetheless heavy showers – just to cool us down a bit! Thanks also to all our 'Friends of the Games' who help every year with many of the small but vitally important tasks, and to the South Lanarkshire Council staff for help setting up and clearing the park. 'Once again my fellow committee members surpassed themselves with the number, variety and quality of events going on. I can confidently say that there would not have been a better event to attend on Saturday – anywhere in Scotland! 'Our games day is completely free to watch, starts with the morning Chieftain's Procession down the main street, followed by the Crowning event at mid-day. The afternoon line-up this year included five pipe bands, heavyweight contests for both ladies and gents, junior athletics, Highland dancing, back-hold wrestling championships, street dancing, pom, cheer and tap dancing, inflatables fun, market street stalls, crazy golf and even a dog show this year.' And he added: 'Our Chieftain this year was John Goulding, chairman of Lesmahagow Community Football Club. Tartan Queen Jade Stewart's Court consisted of Princesses Ellie McKenzie and Elena Gladstone along with Clansmen Charlie Grieve and Alexander Tulloch. All played their parts marvellously! 'Lesmahagow now has the only remaining Highland games event in the whole of Lanarkshire, with all the others having ceased operations. We have a very small committee of eight dedicated volunteers, but really need more help going forward.' Mark the date in your diary for next year – Saturday, June 20. With thanks to games photographers Johnny Weir and Kenny Gilmour.
Scotsman
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Barry Morgan, Australia's most celebrated organ salesman, brings flourish and flair(s) to the Fringe
Straight from the golden era of the late 70s into the 1980s and the showroom floor, the Ozzie organ maestro himself, Barry Morgan hits the Fringe this year with his one man keyboard extravaganza, Barry Morgan's Home Organ Experience, the ultimate in jaunty music and comedy. Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Now set to perform at Frankenstein's Pub Bier Keller in the Scottish capital throughout August, Barry Morgan has toured across the world lighting up stages and people's lives! His dazzling performances are a blend of music, comedy and sheer joy, guaranteed to leave audiences feeling mesmerised by his extraordinary organ. It's the ultimate Edinburgh party – don't miss this massive cult! Barry doesn't just play the organ – he makes it sing. From velvet tones to luscious lounge melodies, from the allure of exotic tangos to grooves that feel "as modern as tomorrow", Barry's mastery over the organ's diverse sounds is nothing short of mesmerizing. But it's not just about the music; Barry's performances are a delightful blend of humour and charm, creating an immersive experience that's impossible to forget. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Barry says: "Sound the bagpipes and polish the organ! Barry Morgan, Australia's most celebrated organ salesman is thrilled to bits to tickle the bakelite ivories at the glorious Edinburgh Fringe Festival! Barry Morgan "In my sanforised safari suit I'll be pumping up Aurora, the ultimate home organ and turning up the charm. "I am as modern as tomorrow so remember shoppers when I say Morgan, you say ORGAN! "Edinburgh, brace yourself… with a boss nova back beat, Scotland the Brave has never sounded so bold!' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Hailing from the outskirts of Adelaide, Barry Morgan is not just any organ salesman – he's the epitome of organ enthusiasm and expertise. Beyond the deals and the dazzle of his store in the heart of Adelaide's Sunnyside Mall, Barry is a performer at heart. When he's not introducing customers to the finest organs in town, he's on stage, captivating audiences with his unparalleled organ demonstrations. With a passion that's infectious, Barry is on a mission to usher in a renaissance for organ aficionados. His groundbreaking 'one finger method' is not just a technique; it's a revolution. It's transforming the daily routines of countless housewives and rejuvenating the spirits of many seasoned gentlemen. One encounter with Barry and you'll be eager to embrace the 'joy of the organ' and, perhaps, even get out your personal cheque book and take one home!
