Allan Stewart’s Big Big Variety Show at the King’s Theatre Edinburgh Review
Allan Stewart’s Big Big Variety Show
King’s Theatre, Edinburgh
28 February to 4 March 2017
Reviewed by Dawn Watson
They say variety is the spice of life and this is certainly true for Allan Stewart’s Big Big Variety Show. From the moment the curtains go up the audience is taken on a tour of song, dance, impressions, comedy and laughter. Brought to you by Allan Stewart he brings onto his show Elaine C Smith, Grant Stott, 70’s local Edinburgh Band Pilot, Edward Reid and a very special surprise guest.
This show reminded me so much of when I was little sitting with my family watching The Big Top Variety Show, I absolutely loved it and this brought back so many happy memories.
The show started off on a high with Allan Stewart showing off his many talents with very true to character impressions of people like Michael McIntyre, who knew? I had only ever seen Allan Stewart in panto character each year and although I knew he was very talented as a singer, actor and dancer I had no idea of how much more he had to entertain us with, his singing voice is amazing whether he is singing as himself or in character, such as Michael Jackson. He is so funny with his little anecdotes he really makes you smile.
The show continues with sketches and skits with Grant Stott – truly showcasing their perfect comedy routines which work harmoniously with the orchestra, they had us laughing with their perfect timing of one liners, jokes and funny songs.
Edward Reid was then introduced onto stage, Edward Reid was a contestant on Britain’s Got Talent from Glasgow, at first you think he is just going to sing, which he does but uniquely… he has a wonderful singing voice and took on both male and female roles of a wonderful Barbara Streisand song, from this he took us on a magical journey of children’s nursery rhymes – yes nursery rhymes done to a hit song from the charts! It was funny, unique and brilliantly done… what a voice!
The lovely Elaine C Smith then took us on a journey of song and the words of songs – which was very funny and she really made my mum and I laugh out loud with her stories of everyday tales, and wow what a voice she had too.
I hadn’t heard of the band Pilot but actually as soon as they started singing their hits, such as January and Magic I instantly recognised them. They had the audience singing, clapping and joining in they were great.
Throughout the show, Grant Stott and Allan Stewart entertained us with more jokes, funny stories and songs, their talents really warmed the audience that you just couldn’t help but join in, laugh and clap along with them.
Allan really is what I would call a true all round entertainer – singing, playing the guitar, drums, dancing, impressions he is truly fantastic and so funny.
And just when you thought it was all over he introduced a very special guest – as previously throughout the show when he introduced someone new – it was one of them in costume so when he introduced Susan Boyle the audience thought it would be someone dressed up as her, NO it was actually Susan Boyle! What a magnificent surprise the audience were on their feet cheering, my mum actually burst out crying – she loves her and never ever thought she would see her singing live. Susan was outstanding, the hairs on the back of my neck were standing on end – you could hear a pin drop when she sang her famous Britain’s Got Talent song, ‘I Dreamed A Dream’ – It was a truly unexpected wonderful end to a truly magnificent show.
This show is so full of talent from everyone, they will have you laughing, singing, clapping, dancing and leaving with a feeling of utter joy and having seen such a great couple of hours of pure traditional variety entertainment! Brilliant, catch it while you can, you won’t be disappointed and great value for money too!
I would highly recommend going to see this – not for children in my opinion as there is the odd expletive and the humour is aimed at adults. My mum who is in her late 70’s said ‘This is what real entertainment is’ – think that says it all.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £26 (booking fees may apply).
Allan Stewart’s Big Big Variety Show is at the King’s Theatre in Edinburgh until 4 March 2017. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0131 529 6000.
King’s Theatre, 2 Leven Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9LQ | 0131 529 6000
