A History of Paper by Oliver Emanuel and Gareth Williams starring Alan Cumming Shirley Henderson
A Pitlochry Festival Theatre and Dundee Rep production
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5 out of 5.
review written by Louise Cannon
A History of Paper is absorbing, poignant and one of the most tender well-observed love stories to be told on a stage. It’s a flawless performance!
The minimalist staging suits the musical about a man and a woman falling in love and works better for this play than one that is large sets and glitz. One piano and two actors on stage, some undramatic, yet beautiful lighting and few props. As Alan Cumming and Shirley Henderson sing, their voices complement each other extremely well.
Alan Cumming and Shirley Henderson make you love and deeply invest in the characters they play.
The year is 1999. There’s a box with a van (artistically emphasised in the play). Inside the box with a van are letters, receipts and a Pizza Express menu. Junk to others, but treasures and memories to behold…
Time is re-wound to the reminiscing of simpler times of of the 90’s when letter writing was a thing. Observe the tenses used in the conversations and narratives. The construction sparks questions fairly early on, that do get answered by the end. The chemistry between Alan Cumming and Shirley Henderson is palpable.
Radiohead playing too loudly, causing the two neighbours to meet, is the start of the unfolding of a love story. From there we see dating at Pizza Express and nuanced body-language as well as the flamboyancy of joy of that first flush of love. There is also the sweetness of the Japanese art-form of oragami and chat that is sometimes nuanced, sometimes coming together and at other times, a bit awkward and sitting at juxtapositions. It’s all rather naturally performed.
A magical romantic new year’s eve on the beach, where a beautiful light show of lanterns emerges.
Woven cleverly into this love story are also the conversations of the time, such as climate change. People in the 90’s of many ages were practically prophesying what was going to happen and now as we see, getting it right. Amusingly and thankfully some things that didn’t turn out to be true like”Millennium Bug,” before returning a romantic time that oozes enough love to capture anyone’s heart.
The noughties arrive and there is an almighty twist that is so poignantly and so tenderly played out as everything changes but still ensures beauty and hope isn’t forgotten about in the most surprising of ways.
The play poignantly poses a question about what scraps/letters etc would you keep?
By the end there was a well-deserved standing ovation.
You can catch A History of Paper at Pitlochry Festival Theatre from 9 August to 12 September 2026, before transferring to Dundee Rep Theatre from 16–19 September.
I recently interviewed comedian, Liam McGough, rather timely given there’s a little bit more conversation around the working class. Coincidentally he and I are both of this class. We talked about his comedy show, Two Guys One GCSE. He has an agenda and that is to make people laugh. He has answered questions candidly giving a little bit about his life, the quite frankly strange attitude some middle class audiences have when they see him. We also talk about overcoming challenges and who inspired him. Discover too, whether awards help a performance or not… Ultimately, the show is just about making people laugh, that’s what is most important to him, as you will find out in the interview. He steers away from politics and the like and even his title is described as “a silly play on words”. After the interview, you can find out where to follow him and how you can see his show at Just The Tonic venue – The Mash House, see further details after the interview.
Let’s warmly welcome Liam McGough to Bookmarks and Stages
The name Two Guys One GCSE is a silly play on words, referencing an unwatchable video that went around when I was at school.
It was a unique time, pre-social media, and it had its own sense of humour. The sheer ignorance of that time, when looked back on today, is amusing to me.
It was lads and ladettes, lads’ mags and gossip mags. Greasy curtains for boys and rock-hard hairspray for girls. At the time, being brash and stupid was celebrated.
I was a late developer and really struggled with learning. I was, bottom set for everything and in special classes for disruptive pupils and those falling behind with their learning. Some teachers just thought I had no future, and others sent me out of class without even bothering to check.
But even though I knew I couldn’t keep up academically, I had a strong sense that I was smart and that people just couldn’t see it because my brilliance was lost amongst the 10,000 annoying questions and statements I would make.
To summarise, I was, and am, smart. The style of learning just wasn’t suited to people who think like me. But whether I was a write-off or simply misunderstood, I had the ability to make people laugh — teachers and students alike. That helped me survive school.
So, when trying to make people laugh with an Edinburgh show, what better time to talk about than the period when you developed your sense of humour?
You aim is to tell jokes and stories with the only agenda to make people laugh. So many comedians look at health or politics, so was this a conscious decision and what led you to this?
My intention is to give people a break from having other people’s views forced upon them. It’s one thing to shine a light on the darkness in this world and another to use the stage as a soapbox.
Too often, comedians think they know best and that it’s their responsibility, as one of the great minds of our time, to “educate” people. Firstly, I think this discredits people’s intelligence, and secondly, how does a group that famously are not considered titans of industry, have the most to say about how that money goes on to be distributed?
My views are very liberal and fall left of centre, but I find it uncomfortable to hear both sides be so sure of everything and say it with such aggression. I’m yet to meet a single person who has read everything there is to read on any one subject.
So, when faced with a world so broken by disagreement, wouldn’t it be nice to take a break for a moment and focus on something we all share: laughter?
Who or what inspired you to be a stand-up comedian?
This is harder to answer, as many of my peers are like encyclopedias of information about great comics and their material. But the truth is, I’m not a huge consumer of stand-up comedy.
There are people I find funny, but I don’t have specific comedians I particularly follow. I like hearing funny people chat with each other — people like Norm Macdonald, Bernie Mac and Martin Lawrence. When I’ve heard them on talking-head shows, or heard stories about them having dinner together and chatting at speed, that’s the thing that interests me.
Making people laugh is number two. Being around people who make me laugh is number one. You’re part of the working class. What challenges have you faced to become a comedian as a direct result of being working class and how are you overcoming them?
Generally speaking, I benefit from being working class and having an accent.
But there are times when certain working-class subjects are expected of you, while chatting about books seems less interesting to a middle-class audience.
They want me to talk about having a fight in a mine while drunk.
Luckily for me, I have a business, and that affords me the ability to put on a show. But if I didn’t, Edinburgh might be totally off the table for me.
You have been named as “one to watch” and also won King Gong at the Comedy Store, Comedy Knockout and semi-finalist of Leicester Square New Comedian of the Year. How does that feel, has this helped your career and where do you see your career going next?
I don’t think any of those things have done anything for my fledgling comedy career, per se, but they do win me the congratulations of my peers.
Doing them puts you in a situation where you’re tested against other people who are well received, and I think that makes you want to do better. You are the sum of the company you keep at the end of the day.
I would say I have been overlooked, but I would also say that others seem to be better at the admin, and at this stage, that’s what gets you booked regularly at the harder-to-get spots.
I’m hoping I’ll get so good one day that I become undeniable. But that’s something that will take a lot of work.
Where can people follow you on social media?
My Instagram is @liammcgoughtreeguy
My TikTok is @liamlol
Find details for tickets to Liam McGough’s show here on the EdFringe website:
Interview hosted by Louise Cannon – Bookmarks and Stages with Comedian, Robyn Perkins and Psychologist, Dr. Carolyne Keenan Shrink Wrapped: A Psychologist Analysis Live On Stage
Hoot 1 at Hoots @ The Apex Grassmarket 9pm until 30th August
Welcome, Robyn Perkins and Dr. Carolyne Keenan to Bookmarks and Stages. Thank you for your time in answering all my questions in an in-depth, fascinating manner.
Robyn Perkins is a multi-award winning comedian with hit shows such as Comedy for the Curious. She is said to like investigating life. She tackles big emotionally charged subjects and brings it back to the audience with relatable humour and anecdotes.
Dr. Carolyne Keenan is a fully-qualified, licenced, registered psychologist who is founder and clinical director @ Lotus Psychology Ltd. She has also featured on BBC Radio 1 in programmes such as the popular, Life Hacks, The Independent, Psychology Today and more…
The idea of bringing comedians on-stage together in a group therapy type of scenario, with a psychologist really analysing them, sounds a fascinating and original show. It’s a pleasure to interview you both about this, covering what you hope audiences will get from this, what psychologists really think of clients and so much more… The answers truly are fascinating and insightful. Firstly, we will check out the synopsis and then on to the Q&A before details on where you can catch Shrink Wrapped in Edinburgh.
Ever been deep in a therapy session and gone: I want to know what the hell she’s thinking? Well now’s your chance… with comedians in the hot seat. Join award-winning comedian Robyn Perkins and real-life psychologists (Dr Ruchi Sinha, Dr Carolyne Keenan or Dr Edel McGlanaghy) for the most entertaining therapy session you’ll ever witness. Guest comedians perform their best material, before submitting themselves to gentle psychological probing in front of a live audience. Don’t worry, we’ve got more safe words than a BDSM convention.
Without further ado, let’s begin with the questions I have for you:
Robyn, What gave you the idea to have a comedy show around the topic of therapy and then add in real psychologists into the mix?
It actually started in Adelaide when I had one of our psychologists on Comedy for the Curious (my science comedy panel show, also in Edinburgh). During the show, the psychologist (Dr. Ruchi Sinha) just read all of the comedian guests, from a psychological point of view. After the show, we chatted about how that would make an incredible show on its own, and the raw idea was born. From there, I have developed the idea into a full-blown panel show, developing the structure into what it is today.
Dr. Keenan, how did you become involved in this show and how is it being in the mix of a comedy show and at the same time giving your psychological opinion in front of a live audience?
I was invited to be part of Shrink Wrapped because I had already been a guest expert on Robyn’s show Comedy for the Curious. We had been working together for a while when Robyn came up with the concept for Shrink Wrapped. I’ve always believed psychology shouldn’t just stay in clinic rooms or textbooks, it should be part of everyday life. When Robyn described the show and the concept of combining comedy with psychological insights, I thought it was brilliant.
Being part of a comedy show is exciting and I love meeting all the comedians. It’s different from my therapy work but it uses the same skills- listening deeply, noticing patterns, and reflecting back what I hear. The difference is that on stage, we’re exploring these insights with humour, warmth, and openness in front of a live audience. I love that it makes psychology accessible and fun, while also highlighting the very real human truths that comedy often touches on.
Dr. Keenan, can you give an example of what do psychologists think of their clients, since that is a little of what’s billed in the show that makes it sound so interesting?
People often wonder what psychologists really think about their clients. The reality is, we’re human and often I’m thinking very similar things to what you might be:
“I wish they could see how great they are.”
“They really need to get rid of this idiot, they’d be so much happier.”
“I wish they would focus less on how much their favourite influencer has helped them and give the sessions we have been having some credit!”
In Shrink Wrapped, the audience gets a playful glimpse into how psychologists analyse behaviour and language. For example, a comedian might make a joke about not feeling good enough growing up and I might explore whether that contributed to their attraction to a job where they are constantly seeking immediate and positive approval from an audience. It’s done with kindness and humour though, not judgement, which is what makes it so engaging.
Robyn, Shrink Wrapped has done hugely well at the Adelaide Fringe having sell-out shows. What can people in Edinburgh expect and what do you hope they take away with them at the end of the show?
The concept of Shrink Wrapped seems to intrigue most people, but I think it is the structure behind it that gives the show it’s depth. I have worked with a few psychologists to refine a list of topics we explore across the shows (eg. Conflict, Trust, Romantic Relationships, etc.). Each show tackles a few of the topics in a group therapy session between 3 comedians and a psychologist.
Because the discussion is based in real therapy concepts, the show inherently flips between serious and funny, emotional and light hearted. Equally, I have chosen comedians who are, by nature, quite vulnerable on stage so the chat will occasionally reach emotional moments. However, with 3 comedians on stage at one time, this also means we are desperate to crack a joke if it gets too intense. It is the ebb and the flow of these moments that really makes the show special.
Additionally, since we are talking about real events and real people, we have found that audiences relate to at least one of the comedians on stage, in an ‘I do that’ or ‘that’s me’ kind of way. We are hoping that this can also spark conversations about mental health in a positive and fun way. I know using humour to explore mental health is not a new concept, but watching 3 comedians talk about their mental health in the form of a live therapy session is new territory we are excited to be exploring.
This year in Edinburgh, we are doing the Free Fringe (free entry with donations after the show), and while you cannot book ahead, based on feedback we have had about the show, we are expecting to be just as busy as Adelaide.
Dr. Keenan, what do you hope the audience will have learnt and take away with them by the end of the show?
I hope the audience leaves with:
A sense of relief – realising we all have quirks and struggles, and humour can be a brilliant way to explore them.
A new curiosity about themselves and others – understanding that behaviour always makes sense when you look deeper.
A feeling of connection – seeing comedians open up about their lives helps us feel less alone in our own messy human experiences.
Ultimately, I want people to feel entertained, uplifted, and inspired to reflect on their own lives with more compassion and humour.
For both Dr. Keenan and Robyn, how did you convince 8 comedians to be on stage doing some form of group therapy with 3 psychologists present. Was this an easy or hard task to do?
Dr. KEENAN: I think comedians are naturally curious and brave, they’re used to being vulnerable on stage and they quite like talking about themselves! When they realised this show wasn’t about picking them apart but about exploring their material and personalities in a fun, supportive way, they were on board.
Also, Robyn’s energy and the framing of the show as “science comedy” rather than “group therapy” helped. It wasn’t about fixing them – it was about exploring some of their material through a psychological lens. That made it feel safe and exciting rather than threatening.
ROBYN PERKINS: Similar to what Dr. Keenan has said – as a comedian we love talking about ourselves! But more than that, comedians are curious by nature. I have been overwhelmed by the number of comedians who have asked to be on the show. It’s been fantastic! No convincing necessary!
For both Robyn and Dr. Keenan, what did you both learn from doing this type of show that you would take forward into your careers moving forward and would you do something similar again in the future?
Dr. KEENAN: For me, it reinforced how powerful humour is in making psychological concepts accessible. People learn best when they’re engaged and laughing. I also learnt that psychology belongs everywhere – not just therapy rooms but in arts, media, and entertainment. I regularly take part in BBC Radio One’s Sunday evening show Life Hacks where we take topics that impact the listeners and explore the psychology behind them. We often have call in questions so I’m comfortable thinking on my feet and making these insights accessible and actionable but doing it in front of a live audience on stage has helped me practice those skills and feel even more comfortable with it.
I’d absolutely love to do something similar again. Bringing psychology to audiences in creative ways is something I’m deeply passionate about, and Shrink Wrapped has been a perfect example of how that can work- long may the show continue!
ROBYN PERKINS: I have learned I probably need to do more therapy! I have actually learned a lot about myself, both from comments about me and my set, but I’ve also learned things from watching others. I am hoping this show continues far into the future.
What made you choose Edinburgh Fringe for Shrink Wrapped and what are your plans for where this show can go next?
I go to the Fringe every year, and do the global festival circuit, so it was a no brainer to bring it to EdFringe! Through at least December, we are performing monthly at Top Secret Comedy Club in London at the moment. We will bring the show back to Australia next year. But also, we are looking to potentially start touring the show around theatres and the rest of the UK. The possibilities are endless!
review written by Bookmarks and Stages – Louise Cannon
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5 out of 5.
The successful Scottish actor, Gregor Fisher is a delight of a highly entertaining raconteur and is a delight to spend an early evening with. Many people across several generations have seen him in something, whether on tv or film at the very least. Now is your unique chance to hear from the man himself on stage. There are details below how you too can be part of the audience.
There are fascinating stories that you may know a bit about as he recounts being in famous ads, tv shows and films such as, currently Only Child, just finished airing the second series on the BBC, Rab C Nesbitt, The Baldy Man, Para-Handy, Whisky Galore, the part 2 of The Railway Children 2, Naked Video, The Merchant of Venice, The Importance of Being Earnest, Love Actually. He has also appeared in Agatha Christie’s ABC Murders, Wild Target, and many more… He is in-fact credited with at least 58 acting parts, 1 writer part, 1 sound track, 16 self parts/interviews and more and I am sure there will be more to come in his illustrious career.
I would say he is having quite a renaissance, but he jokes on about this as his long time friend, Nigel West discovers his reaction to it. He adds to the entertainment on stage with quips and comments. There was a nice warmth between them.
What he gives is a comprehensive but relaxed chat that is both sharp and witty.
He reveals stories of highs and lows that you may not know about as he lets the audience into times he’s met fans and backstage. The sort of tales you would only discover at this show. There is also a fondness of the late Rikki Fulton as he demonstrates sometimes people come into your life or there’s a chance meeting that becomes very useful and friendly in a career, as he was in his in the early days.
Gregor Fisher has a flair of telling his life experiences and reminisces with a degree of candor. He actually starts off telling the audience he lived in France and about being so unwell, he needed to go to the hospital and how France use the fire service to take people there. Then he returns to earlier times and how he got into showbiz and a bit about his personal life, such as being adopted. There are also hilarious tales about when he started dating and what his mother said. He, refreshingly doesn’t appear to shy away from anything.
Everything Fisher shares with the audience seems effortless, succinct, giving not just insight, but ensuring the audience has a good time discovering more about him.
By the end of the evening you know a great deal more than you might ever did about Gregor Fisher and exit the theatre with a feeling of joy having had an excellent evening out.
You can catch him at The Gilded Baloon – Teviot – Debating Hall until 30th August at 4pm.
This could be one of the most important and powerful shows you ever see. As you walk to the theatre space, you see the graffiti art wall, setting the scene and tone at Heriot Bridge at Pleasance Grassmarket.
I think CODE needs to be shown in every school with families present as well as stages across the entire UK. CODE tackles County Lines in a compelling way that makes you sit up and listen. It shows what happens in this production can happen anyone, anywhere. I highly recommend if you get a chance to see it, do, even if you think it’s not for you, you’d be surprised how much it is for you and everyone. The link for more information and how you can see it is after my review.
Eye capturing, awe-inspiring bike stunts, hip-hop, parkour and rap feed into your senses as the young cast burst onto the intimate stage. It’s a terrific explosive start that grabs attention and all eyes are on them as they tell their story to the end. This is physical theatre performed to the max!
Every member of the cast are strong in their performance as they tell their story loud and clear. The bike tricks and rap are genius as it taps into this trend seen on big stages to not use the traditional styles of singing, such as Hamilton and Six. It’s a feast for the senses whilst it raises awareness in the coolest of styles of today’s society and County Lines. It tells the story of a bullied school kid in a single-parent household and falls into a spiral, leading to be immersed in the gang, where violence and crime ensues. There’s a teacher who narrates in rap, then begins to understand what’s going on. The balance between the crime and showing support is good
CODE is a mixed and changeable cast of teens and adults that bravely and without mincing words and stays clear from glamorising the very real issue of County Lines. For those who don’t know what County Lines is, it’s gangs who exploit people, in-particular, children and teens and use them for criminal activities such as delivering drugs. It’s happening in even the smallest, quietest of villages, hidden away. CODE shows adults the signs to look out for. The teens show the truth of what devastating effects getting involved with gangs, notably County Lines has on them. The main cast intelligently alternates between white and black members because County Lines does not discriminate. It affects everybody and everyone can end up inadvertently landing within the clutches of gangs.
Here are the cold hard facts: In 2025, approximately 15,500 children were identified as at risk or involved in child criminal exploitation, though the Children Society actually estimates 46,000 young people to be involved in the UK. CODE explores the vulnerabilities of young people who are caught up in County Lines, a number gained from official figures.
Head over to my Instagram page to see a little bit
Live jazz is played, filling the auditorium with music, creating a great, joyous showman type atmosphere to get the audience ready to be entertained.
James Phelan is a magician who is a delight to watch for adults without kids and families with kids alike. He has a new show, called Showman. He is a great story-teller as he performs his tricks and they are more than just stories, if you really listen and think about it, the information he is imparting is absolutely fascinating and highly compelling. He has a great understanding of tapping into the physiology of the body and what the mind then does with information it is given.
James Phelan is an intelligent and entertaining magician. This isn’t just magic! This is magic with thoughtful and thought-provoking nuggets for every age. There’s a feeling not everything is given away and he still keeps the ultimate secrets to himself to keep the mystique. What is fascinating is how physiology and psychology can all be intertwined in audience participation related shows in the creation of magic on them. He’s a rather intelligent guy. There’s a feeling he has studied further than just a magic trick and has a true understanding of what lies beneath it.
He started off with a card trick with the audience, telling a story about what sort of person or sort of circumstance a certain card would be picked in. He nailed it! . Magic, it’s all in the believing. The more you believe the more you can get out of it and participate. He tried out tricks on the audience as a whole with eyes closed for some and open your eyes again to see, in wonderment that they worked.
Audiences, they can be tricky with unpredictable, some believe in magic less than others. Tricks like being held fast on the floor so your feet can’t move are fun and very interesting, and work best on those who truly believe. James Phelan is quite the wordsmith and has plenty of ways to create a magic and sees how people take in certain words more than others, so can switch his methodology using words and this is fascinating to see in itself to good effect. . There are other amazing tricks leaving the audience in awe as he dazzles with a spectacular performance involving a ring, fire and a glass. What happens is something very beautiful and a real gift to whoever he chooses to do this for.
He is encouraging to young people, not just budding magicians but for whatever they want to do when they grow up and has created an awe-inspiring trick around their aspirations that leaves the participant with something unique to take away with them.
The show is beautifully constructed and oozes with heartfelt passion and of course lots of magic!
Bookmarks and Stages by Lou 