Last night’s performance of Lauder at Hoxton Hall in London proved a captivating celebration of Sir Harry Lauder’s life and legacy. Under the intimate glow of this historic East London venue, global tenor Jamie MacDougall delivered a powerhouse solo portrayal, weaving together song, storytelling, and Scottish charm into an emotionally resonant evening for all Scots present.
From the first strains of “Roamin’ in the Gloamin’” to the poignant recounting of wartime loss, the production traces Lauder’s path from his humble Scottish upbringing to music-hall superstardom. The narrative unfolds with deft balance, moments of uproarious humour segue seamlessly into more reflective monologues about Lauder’s grief following his son’s death in the Great War. MacDougall’s seamless transitions between jaunty step-dances and heartfelt reminiscence kept the audience engrossed from start to finish.
A simple backdrop, period-inspired lighting, and strategic use of projection hinted at changing locales without overwhelming the stage. The result felt both timeless and immediate, drawing the audience into Lauder’s world without distraction. Coupled with Hoxton Hall’s historic architecture, the production cultivated an atmosphere of both grandeur and intimacy perfect for a show rooted in personal narrative.
The evening was made possible through the efforts of Josh Winstanley of Collision, a young man on a mission to engage a younger audience with the theatre and the support of leading Scottish Organisation’s Scottish Business Network, BridgeAll and Nexus.Scot.
All funds raised from ticket sales go to the Erskine Veterans Charity, very apt considering the life that we were celebrating.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Saltire Sentinel’s editorial stance.