Allan Stewarts Big Big Variety Show Review
Allan Stewart’s
Big Big Variety Show
King’s Theatre, Edinburgh
5-8 March 2014
Reviewed by Caroline Murray
Last night we went along to the King’s Theatre, Edinburgh to watch Allan Stewart’s Big Big Variety Show on what was the opening night.
The curtain lifted to the sound of “When Your Smiling” and stood in the corner of the stage was Andy Gray dressed as a janitor sweeping the floor to which the audience erupted into fits of laughter and applause. Allan along with Grant Stott (DJ on Radio Forth 1) appear on stage and the fun begins! Having worked together over the years in panto, Allan fondly refers to them as the “The Three Musketeers”. He warmly welcomes everyone to the variety show then swiftly goes on to introduce “Tootsie Rollers” (an all-singin’, all-dancin’ retro girl bandinspired by “The Andrews Sisters”). They begin their set with “Don’t Sit Under The Apple Tree” followed by “Locomotion” to name but a few. At the end of their session Allan took a “selfie” of him and the girls stating that was all the fashion these days.
Next up on stage was Edward Reid, a singer, performer and host (he appeared on BGT in 2011). His performance included a rendition of the nursery rhyme “Old MacDonald” using his uniquely outstanding and engaging vocals. His performance was captivating and had the audience joining in. Arriving next on stage was Paul Zerdin, a well-known British ventriloquist act. His performance was encapsulating with loads of audience participation which was hilarious. Paul is no stranger to the stage with appearances on Royal Variety Show.
After Paul’s act had finished the curtain fell and the lights came up. There was a buzz of excitement filling the theatre, audience members laughing and recalling some of the acts. The 15 minutes was soon over and the lights dimmed and more excitement loomed.
The second half was very much an amalgam of comedy and song by all the acts that had performed in the first half with the addition of Allan daughter Kate. He firstly sang and dedicated the song “I’ll see you in my dreams” to her. Thereafter he introduced his 19 year old daughter who sang “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going”. Kate’s performance was outstanding and thoroughly enjoyable. Kate has done well for herself having a record deal and gigs throughout the UK at such a young age.
The show ended with the whole cast performing a version of Status Quo’s “Rocking All Over The World” which brought the whole audience to their feet in a sing along.
The show is a must see I highly recommend it.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £25.
To book tickets visit www.edtheatres.com/allan or call the Box Office on 0131 5296000.
