About Robert The Bruce
Note: This review is from 2008
Review by Steve Bennett
Ah, Bruce Fummey. This man exudes infectious warmth and humour. A liberal nationalist of Ghanaian Scots descent, Fummey is a beguiling presence, replete with gags and a proper understanding of the Scottish wars of independence. This is a marvellously entertaining and unusual creation.His lengthy overtures are full of warnings which are very funny and entirely unnecessary. The Scots identify themselves with a groan when told this will not be an hour of joshing the English, though actually it is. But no one could really be offended by this set, it’s just too benign.
Though here is nothing inherently funny in this tale of treachery , Fummey succeeds in raising laughs by calling the characters into the present day and rapping them over the head with a friendly pool cue.
We meet the greedy Edward I and cover his adjudication of the contested Scottish throne after the death of Alexander III. The blade-toting William Wallace and the famously determined arachnid share the spotlight with Robert 'The Usurper' Bruce. History as it should be shared.
This is an hour in the company of a delightful Scot, with an intelligently placed, Sassenach-shaped chip on his shoulder. Take your brain to see him, he’ll put stuff in it, and you’ll feel the better for it.
Reviewed by: Chloe Smith
Review date: 1 Jan 2008
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett
