This August, for three performances only, two well-loved Scottish performers, each sublime in their own field, join up again as a duo to celebrate the return of the Fringe. In their own unique blend of music and words, Carol Ann Duffy, who served as Poet Laureate from 2009 till 2019, and remains one of the most respected poets in the English language, joins her old friend, virtuoso multi-instrumentalist John Sampson, who brings highly individual humour to great musicianship, for this short run.
The pair have often performed and toured together, mixing the serious and profound with some absurdity along the way and the three shows, that have been newly created for 2021, are sure to deliver the same delights of wit, wisdom and wonder.
During the pandemic, Sampson recorded some tracks on YouTube with his band Brass Tracks that comprise John Sampson and Finlay Hetherington on Trumpet; Fiona McLean on Trombone; Robert Fraser on Tuba and Robert Newth on French Horn performing A Closer Walk. Their interpretation was worthy of New Orleans and it’s worth laying your last bawbee that John can play every one of these wind instruments and more!
So get set for some worthy fun. If you haven’t had the Sampson Duffy experience, now’s the time to try!
The show runs at 2.30 on 21st, 22nd and 23rd August 2021 at the Castle Terrace Multistorey car park.
Tickets are available from the Fringe or from the Box Office on 0131 622 6554.
Irene Brown
Radio Summerhall Arts 