Whisky Galore - A Musical!

There's no doubt which is the big crowd pleaser at Pitlochry this year. Not only did the full house I saw it with leave Whisky Galore – A Musical singing its praises if not its tunes, but all around the town it was being spoken of with awe and enthusiasm.

That's not too surprising. It's performed with enormous energy and enthusiasm by a large cast. There are visual moments to make you gasp with pleasurable enjoyment, and some of the music is foot-tappingly infectious.

However, for me the show is more of a perfectly drinkable blended Scotch rather than a vintage island malt. The conflicts between religions, lovers or parents and children are paper thin so that the quieter, more serious moments slip by with little impact. Too often as well, the words aren't clear, particularly when what is being sung is argument.

But enough of negativity, there is plenty in Ken Alexander's production to give anyone a good time. High spots include the sinking ship and the salvage of the whisky; designer Ken Harrison's boats are a delight.

Then there is the truly wonderful choreography by Rita Henderson. A Home Guard drill routine, including a fleeting visit from The Andrews Sisters, is priceless. So is the “Spanish bullfight” between a son and his ferocious mother. As for the long and complex sequence done entirely as a jig, that in itself is worth getting a ticket for.

This is very much an ensemble piece but I have to mention Dougal Lee who not only shows himself yet again to be a fine comic actor as the worldly priest, but also proves himself to be a dab hand at several instruments including the bagpipes. But then this is a true multi-tasking show with the whole company proving they can sing, dance, play and act with the best of them.

A fun show that will send you out with a smile on your lips and a warm glow in your heart.