The Scotsman

(Professional critic)

20 Aug 2025

Rating: 4/5

A big, boldly ambitious (and slightly bonkers) evocation of early 19th-century Edinburgh, this stirring production is what you might imagine if Jim Steinman were inspired to pen a rock opera after reading the work of Robert Louis Stevenson. Even so, there’s a classic simplicity to this tale of star-crossed romance as Robbie (Michael James Macduff) sets sail from Leith to join the war with France, leaving his beloved Jean (Louise Kenny) pregnant and penurious, prey to the twisted attentions of MacGregor (Colin Chisholm).

It’s a real star turn from Chisholm, formerly the lead vocalist of Edinburgh band, Bilbo Baggins (best remembered, if at all, as a support act for The Bay City Rollers). With his maroon bunnet and magnificently craggy features, MacGregor is essentially the lead role — a soor-faced letch with an Iago-like insidiousness and sly asides to the audience, inviting them to admire his depravity. It’s a gift of a part presented to Chisholm by his old bandmate, composer and lyricist Brian Spence, who (here’s the bonkers part) orchestrates some of the numbers as if hewn from 80s-style power rock. This is most evident in the numbers driven by Debbie McKenna’s venerable Grassmarket prostitute, Mary, who is evidently a big Bonnie Tyler fan.

The majority of the Spence’s songs adhere to a more conventional — but no less memorable — style: “I Believe in Love” is a real barnstormer that feels as if it should end the story but there’s a curiously sharp turn of events that reasserts MacGregor’s dominance over the story. This production benefits enormously from an impressively large — and unusually talented — company very effectively marshalled by veteran director Bob Tomson with a great sweeping sense of movement and staging that keep this consistently visually arresting.

Here’s  our first review and Edinburgh Days has received ★ ★ ★ ★ for music and performance.

Here’s just a few quotes:

‘A period celtic-style musical captivates in its first show at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe – guest reviewer Alex Jones went along to see what it’s all about…’

‘Powerful vocals, heartfelt storytelling, and a rich Celtic style make Edinburgh Days a moving new musical to watch!’

‘The vocal performances are the true highlight here, the cast possess amazing voices and strong acting abilities.’

‘Edinburgh Days is a heartfelt and resonant musical that delivers meaningful moments throughout. I would definitely recommend it.’

‘The cast’s powerful voices and emotional portrayals ultimately made this a rewarding experience.’

Edinburgh Days continues at St Bride's Centre until 24 August Edinburgh Festival Fringe