EDINBURGH 2018: Review: Kelty Clippie the Musical, Greenside at Nicolson Square

"She's just a Kelty Clippie, she'll no tak' nae advice..." The words and the tune will be familiar to many Scots, but the show is a new one for Edinburgh's Festival Fringe.

With original songs by Willie Logan, the musical may be loosely based on the classic folk song, but fails to drive up much drama at its Fringe debut.

For a song so ripe with ideas, it's disappointing that the story never really goes anywhere - ironic, given the song involves a bus.

Beginning with a 1960s 'clippie' - or bus conductress to those less fluent in Scots - the piece follows Maggie Blair as she takes a trip to the Kelty Club, where things turn altogether more psychedelic.

The script is not particularly inspired, yet does lend itself to a number of easy gags and nostalgic references that play well to the audience. Finishing rather abruptly, it's not altogether clear what the purpose of the play is.

Juxtaposed against the classic folk melody, upbeat dance numbers feel out of place; perhaps some more traditional folk songs could have helped keep this bus on the right route.

Jaqueline Hannan takes on the role of Maggie and does so with gusto. She commands her stage and holds the piece together well, prompting the ensemble when needed and dealing with technical hitches without panic.

The company will undoubtedly find their feet in the coming days as they get more of a feel for their audiences, but technical difficulties were not forgiven when a fee-paying audience expect a certain standard.

Despite its imperfections, it is admirable to see one of Scotland's amateur theatre companies delivering original content at the heart of the Fringe. This is especially remarkable given the short history of the Club, established in 2012.

Though the material could be stronger and technical aspects tightened, it is no mean feat to bring a show to the Fringe, and efforts of cast, crew and Club are to be commended.

Kelty Clippie the Musical at Greenside, Nicolson Square (selected dates) until 25 August

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