Blabbermouth @ Assembly Hall

Review by Rosamund West | 09 Oct 2014

On the eve of the historic Referendum vote, in the Assembly Hall on the Mound, first debating room of the devolved parliament, an event takes place that is positively sodden with patriotic symbolism. Blabbermouth is the brainchild of the National Theatre of Scotland’s Graham McLaren, taking its cue from a 24-hour production staged in the similarly independence-riven Quebec in 2011.

Avowedly non-partisan, this 12-hour extravaganza assembles a mind-bogglingly diverse array of the great and the good of Scottish culture to celebrate the nation’s history, its inventors, thinkers, poetry, prose and music. From Mary Queen of Scots’ letter to her cousin Elizabeth I on the eve of her execution, to William McIlvanney’s rousing speech to the SNP conference in 1987, Blabbermouth takes us on a subjective and non-linear tour through Scottish history, forming a cumulative portrait of a nation of varied and rich achievement. It's even got a man from Taggart hosting it. 

The musicians are a mixed bunch, from the folk-inflected house band featuring one Karine Polwart, to the lamentable Horse McDonald, with some Proclaimers from the heartily-welcomed Cora Bissett en route. Tam Dean Burn and Julia Donaldson present a lively performance of The Gruffalo in Scots, while The Blue Nile’s PJ Moore celebrates the electromagnetism-defining formulae of James Clark Maxwell in song and speech. James Watt’s description of his speedy invention of the separate condenser serves as a reminder of the the Scottish inventors who helped to shape the modern world.

An international connection is offered by a pair of Québécois actors delivering an impassioned performance of Speak White, a protest at the French language exclusion in mid-20th century Canada. Glasgow Girl Amal Azzudin is exemplary of the inclusion and activism that we hope offers a template for the contemporary nation. And the Makar herself Liz Lochhead delivers a poem specially written to encourage empathy and sign-ups for the Children’s Panel.

It’s nigh-on impossible to remain detached in the face of such a range of voices, celebrating centuries of lyricism and debate, on this night, in this venue. A touching ode to a nation of creators and innovators, on the eve of what could have been a historic moment of self-determination.

http://www.nationaltheatrescotland.com/content/default.asp?page=s1193