Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Submitted by actionman on Sat, 4 Aug '07 3.10pm
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Edinburgh Festival review
Rating (out of 5)
5
Show info
Company
The Edinburgh Military Tattoo Ltd.
Production
Major General Euan Loudon, Chief Executive and Producer
Performers
Edinburgh MilitaryTattoo cast 2007
Running time
90mins

The good news, for those with tickets, is that this is a fantastic evening and well up to the high standards of previous Edinburgh Tattoos. The bad news is that the tickets are all sold out - returns are the only answer for those who want to go.

As ever the Massed Pipes and Drums steal the show. When they silently march into the arena in darkness to join the Massed Military Bands, then suddenly start playing as they are illuminated, it brought a gasp of appreciation from the stadium-sized crowd on Edinburgh Castle Esplanade. It was very moving and exciting.

Again when the Massed Pipes and Drums are joined by some two hundred superb Commonwealth Highland Dancers it is a great spectacle. It makes you proud to be Scottish.

There are many other good supporting acts including the Taipei Girls Honour Guard and Drum Corps who provided a well-drilled and attractive display. They were followed by the much smaller Middlesex County Fifes and Drums from New England, dressed in their reproduction uniforms of the Continental Army of around 1779. It's the first time that fifes (a high-pitched, flute-like instrument) and drums have been included in the Tattoo.

The youngsters of the Imps Motor Cycle Display Team - the youngest eight years old - entertained the audience and raised many laughs while showing considerable skill with their machines in spite of it being a very windy night.

The Band of the Moscow Military Conservatoire and the Trinadad and Tobago Steel Orchestra entered into the spirit of the occasion splendidly and were both very well received. The Mounted Band of the Blues and Royals were most impressive on their immaculate horses.

The Producer is to be commended for his clever use of 'son et lumiere' lighting effects on the Castle walls to illustrate the story of "Music at War" narrated by the commentator. This brought it all very much more to life.

The finale was, as ever, superb and it was good to see the Boy Scouts being recognised to mark their Centenary year. With the full cast of over 1,000 on parade below, the Lone Piper high on the battlements was a grand sight.

After we had all locked arms and sang "Auld Lang Syne", the stirring March Off to "Scotland the Brave" and "The Black Bear" left you with your spine tingling and determined to book again now for next year.

Tickets

Although tickets to the Edinburgh Military Tattoo sold out earlier in the year. You may be able to get returns from the Tattoo web site. Click on "Tickets".