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McGonagall's Chronicles (Which Will Be Remembered For A Very Long Time)

McGonagall's Chronicles (Which Will Be Remembered For A Very Long Time)

A biography of the late Dundonian poet – Sir William Topaz McGonagall written in ‘almost rhyming verse’- the only way to honour the great Dundonian man who has come to be known as the world’s worst poet. Read more …

The play is delivered by a narrator (played by writer/performer Gary McNair) who brings McGonagall and the many other characters of his truly unique and fascinating story to life and is supported by music from Frightened Rabbit’s Simon Liddell. It will be directed by multi award winning director Joe Douglas.

A tragic comedy, McGonagall’s Chronicles charts the poet’s life story, tries to understand how he could be so bad at what he did and gets to the heart of the dilemma that surrounds his legend- is it okay for us to laugh at someone’s obvious and relentless failings?


The critical consensus

A tribute by turns moving and hilarious.

****(*)Joy Watters, Across the Arts

It’s a work of great insight and humanity.

Lorna Irvine, The Tempo House, 27/03/2018

McGonagall’s Chronicles is an absolute prize of a show!

****(*)Irene Brown, Edinburgh Guide, 03/04/2018

McGonagall’s Chronicles is a comic piece of surprising depth. We laugh, but not really at McGonagall. This supposed buffoon of Victorian poetry emerges as an unlikely folk hero, thanks to a modern day writer who definitely has got the gift.

*****Robert Peacock, The Wee Review, 03/04/2018

A winningly daffy confection.

****(*)Hugh Simpson, All Edinburgh Theatre, 03/04/2018

The strengths of the production are its facts historical, It's funny but mostly it's really quite tragical.

Seth Ewin, British Theatre Guide, 06/04/2018

An unfortunate turn of events prevent this flamboyant play on McGonagall’s work from reaching the poet’s legendary status.

***(*)(*)Tamarin Fountain, The Wee Review, 08/12/2018

McGonagall wanted to be remembered, and that is what Gary McNair does in this unique play. It’s a comic masterpiece in rhyme.

*****AR Hunter, Review Sphere, 08/12/2018

McGonagall couldn’t have done better himself… trust me on that one.

****(*)Dominic Corr, The Reviews Hub, 10/12/2018

A late tribute to one of Scotland's latest and (not-so) greatest poets is an earnest and heartwarming three hander.

****(*)Amy Taylor, The Skinny, 21/12/2018

Where and when?

A Play, a Pie and a Pint, Glasgow from Monday March 26, 2018, until Saturday March 31, 2018. More info: http://playpiepint.com

Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh from Tuesday April 3, 2018, until Saturday April 7, 2018. More info: www.traverse.co.uk

Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh from Wednesday December 5, 2018, until Saturday December 15, 2018. More info: www.traverse.co.uk

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