THE UK’s undisputed top satirical impressionist and former Borderer Rory Bremner returns to the Borders Book Festival for the umpteenth time this year.
Along with the hugely talented Ronni Ancona, the impressionist’s impressionist Lewis MacLeod Rory will be joined by Boris Johnson, Sean Connery, Audrey Hepburn, George Galloway, Donald Trump, Posh, maybe Becks and a host of others.
This unmissable triple bill, brought together exclusively for the Borders Book Festival to celebrate Scotland’s Year of Stories will no doubt cause gales of laughter to rock the marquee and blow away the blues. Unmissable.
Rory will also be appearing in a special Borders Book Festival edition of the legendary BBC radio comedy panel game, I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue, cleverly renamed I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Buccleuch hosted by the inimitable Jack Dee and starring Miles Jupp, Pippa Evans and Tony Hawks with music by Colin Sell.
Billed as an antidote to panel games, the show consists of two teams given silly things to do by the chairman. Regular features include One Song to the Tune of Another, Mornington Crescent, Sound Charades and the Uxbridge English Dictionary.
Points and scores are apparently awarded but no one is sure how or what they are. What is certain is that this edition of the show, unique to the Borders Book Festival, will raise more than a smile.
Rory told the Border Telegraph: “I love the Borders Book Festival. The high summer in the walled gardens is my favourite time of the year.
“The festival’s motto used to be ‘Where Books Come Alive’ but it’s really where I come alive. Abbotsford last year was lovely and it allowed us to keep the festival going but it’s great to be back at its spiritual home at Harmony Garden.
“It’s like Melrose’s version of the Edinburgh festival with people going from tent to tent and the place is buzzing. The whole town comes alive during the festival.
“It’s amazing to think that 40-years ago Julian Clary and I did the cabaret circuit together and now we are doing book festivals.
“It really is the high point of my year and I always persuade as many people as I can to come along. I think it is an occupational hazard being a friend of mine because you will always end up here.
“The Borders is the most beautiful part of the world and I have so many happy memories. I remember one year having dinner with Melvyn Bragg and John Cleese and thinking ‘this is just wonderful’.
“I’d love to get David Attenborough to come along. He really is a national treasure but this year we have Joanna Lumley who is also a national treasure and Julian who describes himself as a ‘national trinket.’
Both shows are currently sold out but there are still plenty of other events for people to come along to.
Tickets are available at www.bordersbookfestival.org or by calling 0131 290 2112.
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