Starring Tony Award–winner Frances Ruffelle and West End leading man Norman Bowman. The Scot and The Showgirl is a true(ish) wee musical thingamajig about a perfectly imperfect relationship that began 28 years ago at Edinburgh Waverly train station. She, a Broadway icon and Edinburgh Fringe survivor. He, a shy Scottish musical theatre lover. Together, with their crackin’ band, they celebrate their quirky romance in a touchingly funny song cycle – from Brigadoon to Broadway and from Scotland to Sondheim via Costello, Bacharach, The Proclaimers and more. Expect love, laughter and tartan. World Premiere.
Would you mind giving us a brief insight into what your show is?
Frankie: It’s a true(ish)wee musical thingamajig about a perfectly imperfect relationship. Ours. We have 5 kids and two marriages between us. He is a Scot and I am a Showgirl.
Beausy: Together, with our bangin’ band, we celebrate our quirky romance in a touchingly funny song cycle – from Brigadoon to Broadway and from Scotland to Sondheim via Costello, Bacharach, The Proclaimers and more. We want to give you love, laughter and tartan
Tell us about the creative team and the process involved?
Beausy: We wrote fun vignettes together to weave in between fabulous songs (that we didn’t pen ourselves) based on our own experience as a showbiz couple. Most of it was written over wine or coffee in our kitchen.
How does it feel coming to the Fringe?
Frankie: Nerve-wracking! Haha – no it will be fun and hard work and I’m excited. My last time was super successful which I am grateful for…but we’ll see how it goes this time.
Beausy: it’s been 28 years since I last performed at the Fringe….feels long overdue!
There are over 3,000 shows at the Fringe. So, what sets your show apart?
Frankie: Hopefully there is not another show like ours. I doubt it. In fact, I know I’ve not seen a show like it before. But hey, 3000 is a lot. Yikes!
Beausy: How many shows have a Tony award winner and original member of Les Mis in it??
Is there anything specific you’re hoping the audience will take away?
Frankie: Most of us will relate to the ups and downs of relationships…hopefully it will send our audiences away feeling like it’s ok to have loved and lost, or loved and loved, or never loved. We hope they’ll feel positive and thoroughly entertained after our show.
Beausy: I’m quite proud of the way we’ve put this show together – a gorgeous selection of tunes creatively stitched together which pack a powerful, emotional punch. We want audiences to feel enriched.
Your Ideal audience is in attendance, who’s watching? Or more importantly – who isn’t…?
Frankie: Musical theatre lovers will get a happy earful. The comedy lovers may not come…but that’s because they may not know we can be funny. Comedy is my favourite thing to do. Yeah, we sing a few ballads…but this is an upbeat funny show…come see!
It’s an intense month, so where you’re able, how do you plan to relax, and are there any other shows you intend to see or want to recommend?
Both: We are theatre/musical/comedy lovers and we will be out there seeing shows. But we will also be trying to keep healthy to perform and do a bit of home cooking and chilling.
Beausy: I’ll be catching up with lots of friends who’ll be coming to see the show and visiting my hometown of Arbroath. Looking forward to that beautiful fresh air!!
In your ideal world, how can we improve the Fringe, performance, and the industry?
Both: Be great if accommodation and venues were cheaper. We know we are likely to come away from this with fuller, happier heads but also with empty bank accounts.
Interested in being featured on our Have a Gander page? With many previews and Q&As lined up, we’re always happy to chat about including your show in future articles. Please do get in touch through the contact page to feature in an upcoming ‘Have A Gander’