A Toast Fae The Lassies

Written and directed by John Binnie 

Musical arrangements and additional music by Alyson Orr 

Poetry and songs by Robert Burns 

A Pitlochry Festival Theatre Production 

It’s January 25, 1797, in the quiet graveyard of Dumfries, and Agnes Broun is remembering her recently departed son, Robert Burns. Her solemn visit is interrupted by an unexpected encounter with Jean Armour, Robert’s widow and mother to his nine children. The two women, bound by a shared history and unresolved tensions, clash as they come face-to-face.  

Unbeknownst to them, a mysterious figure watches from the shadows – Clarinda, Burns’ muse and soulmate, who has brought a dram to honour her beloved Rabbie. Each woman recalls the ploughman poet in her own distinct way, and through his songs they recount their stories. 

This dynamic new musical play explores the life of Robert Burns through the perspectives of the three women who knew him best. It highlights how these often-overlooked figures shaped the legacy and contributed to the art of Scotland’s greatest poet. 

Featuring Burns’ timeless songs and poetry, including My Love Is Like a Red, Red Rose, Ae Fond Kiss, and Auld Lang Syne, A Toast Fae the Lassies invites you to experience the first Burns Night like never before. 

This production is the first, powerful collaboration between the award-winning playwright and director John Binnie and the composer Alyson Orr. 

Clarinda Eden Barrie

Musician Chris Coxon

Jean Armour Stephanie Cremona

Agnes Broun Alyson Orr

Written and Directed by John Binnie

Musical Director, Musical Arrangements and Additional Music by Alyson Orr

Set & Costume Designer Natalie Fern

Lighting Designer Adam Bowers

Movement Director – Jane Simpson