This is a cabaret show starring West End and Broadway stars Frances Ruffelle and Norman Bowman as they share their love story with us. From how they first met, up to present day, it’s a wonderful journey told through fantastic songs and witty interactions. 

Bowman is the Scot, performing in a kilt and singing in his native accent throughout. Ruffelle is of course the Showgirl, with a huge list of West-End and Broadway credits to her name as well as a Tony Award. The song list is made up of musical theatre classics as well as some traditional Scottish songs as well. 

The band is led by music director and arranger Ryan McKenzie on piano (additional arrangements are by David Barber) along with cellist Kate Shortt and drummer Nick Anderson. The arrangements are beautiful and we move through genres as the piece progresses. 

We follow from their first meeting at Edinburgh Waverley train station, through to their marriage, a separation due to Ruffelle’s late night meetings with young men – the audience are left to draw their own conclusions to what the going on were, to their reconnection. We are not told how much of this is fact, but it makes for an entertaining hour following their story. 

The chemistry between the two is palpable, they are very clearly intensely in love with each other, looks of love and admiration are shared throughout. If you ever needed to see that true love exists, these two are proof. 

Having two such accomplished performers on stage means every number is a show-stopper, in particular their rendition of ‘The Little Things You Do Together’ from Company is a delight. They sing both together and solo at various points. Hearing the original Eponine sing ‘On My Own’ is something I’m not sure I will ever emotionally recover from, Ruffelle’s voice has obviously matured since she first played the role nearly 40 years ago so it has been rearranged to suit her now and it is a spectacular version of the song. It proves without a doubt why she won a Tony Award for the role. Bowman sings a wonderful gender swapped ‘Happy To Keep Her Dinner Warm’ from How to Succeed which shows off his incredible vocal talent. They really are a musical theatre power couple. 

The core of this show is fun, it is clear they are both delighting in performing together. There are shared jokes, while also a beautiful vulnerability from both, they don’t shy away from the hard times in their relationship, but ultimately they come back together and love wins out. 

This show was reviewed on the 24thAugust 2024 at Pleasance Dome - Queen Dome, Edinburgh where it runs until the 26th August 2024.  Tickets here: The Scot and the Showgirl | Musicals and Opera | Edinburgh Festival Fringe (edfringe.com)

Review written by Rosie Browne

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Photo credit: Debbi Clark

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