Saturday 2nd August 2008
The Stand Comedy Club II

It seems that in this day and age people can only absorb facts and figures if is is only presented in a Top 10/50/100 style, one of the reasons why C4, Bravo, E! channels on TV manage to survive. With this in mind, Fringe regular Vladimir McTavish present the Top 50 Scots (and non-Scots) who have affected Scottish culture and history around the globe.
Looking like the result of a liasion between a West Highland Terrier and Rod Stewart, Vladimir casts his sharp mind over the Scots who have brought fame and infamy to this great nation. The good, the bad and the downright ugly (Hello Ms. Alexander!)

McTavish has a very easy going style and his linking of the 50 names and faces is really well done, running from the usual suspects of politicians, writers and philosophers to the more esoteric characters who have 'contributed' to Scottish culture his hour long show, of what is essentially reading names off a list, never seems to outstay it's welcome.

I won't give any of the quips and one-liners away as it will not do them justice, though watch out for the Talking Heads track which, along with the re-enactment of his number one Scot, is one of the highlights of the show. Several laugh out loud moments and a few close to the bone one liners makes this a great festival show. Recommended.

Run Ends Sunday 24th August 2008

Review by: Steve Murdoch