The Tanner was a soldier in the army of William Wallace. The battles and the events are played out in sharp detail; the brutality, the horror & the futility of war as faced by a common soldier. The language is blunt, the emotions raw and the story has an ending that shocks many and revolts some. The play has played at the Edinburgh Fringe, the Wolverhampton Literary Festival and at the Hollywood Fringe in Los Angeles. The play has been had 5 star reviews and awards at all festivals played. The performance is now available to tour the venues of Scotland, taking the story outside the bubble of Edinburgh giving communities and visitors the opportunity to engage and experience the power & emotion of a common soldiers view of the brutality of medieval warfare in 13th century Scotland. This is not a shortened version of ‘Braveheart’; this play has been verified by the school of History at Edinburgh university as historically accurate. There are no blue painted faces, there are no fantasy French Princesses, there are no anachronistic kilts and tartan; the portrayal is what actually happened at the battles of Stirling bridge and Falkirk & the shocking aftermath. The price paid by the common people of Scotland echos that which we witness in many of today’s conflicts. The more things change, the more they stay the same.
Reviews from The Hollywood Fringe are available in the following links.
“The Tanner”
https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/7529?page=1&tab=reviews
This performance will deliver an once in a lifetime, reality based, brutal and accurate portrayal of what it was like to be a front line soldier in the army of William Wallace as he faced down the might of the forces of Edward 1st (Longshanks) of England. The cruelty, the sacrifice and the loss of those who fought for their liberty and their freedom writ large and presented with no holes barred and the harsh language of the common man. This play is advised for 18+ (under 18 with an adult) and contains strong language and graphic descriptions of bloody, brutal violence.
Winner of the ‘Best of the Broadwater’, Gold Medal winner from Ernest Kearney and nominated for the Will Greer playwright award.
Reviews:
“There is nothing like this in this Fringe. It is unique & it is art at its most raw and at its most visceral performed to the highest standard by Alex McSherry”.
“McSherry’s stunning performance–-top the list of attractions at the 2022 Hollywood Fringe Festival.”
“Highly recommend! A tale of valorous Scots, history’s horrific brutality, and unconquerable heart. No other show at Fringe like it!”
“The Tanner” is a work of art, truly. I urge you to see this master class of story and stage acting. Bloody bravo indeed!
