one4review | On 12, Aug 2026

Online internet sensation and Scottish commentary success Alastair McKallaster arrives with a show that is quintessentially Scottish from the off. It starts with clips from the media for all things musically Scottish, with Simple Minds front and centre.

McKallaster is interviewed by Hugh McHugh, the stuffy from the 51st state of Cambridge known as Edinburgh, who introduces the internet comedy sensation, resplendent in seven shades of tartan, spectacles and hair that is a definite fire hazard.

What follows is a This Is Your Strife retrospective, with more timeline inconsistencies than the Doctor Who canon. History is rewritten, repackaged and ignored, going from his early childhood in Inverness to the present day, following his beloved Scotland through its trials and tribulations. You get the greatest hits of his commentary, with VT, of course, which he is famous for. Make no mistake, McKallaster has the comedy chops in front of the screen too, proving the links with McHugh and backtracking were required.

The highlights?

The unbiased commentary of the 1966 England v West Germany is genius, as are the ribbings of England’s failures and players. But it’s his passion for Scotland’s matches, with the inner thoughts, hopes and dreams, that win the day.

This show is quintessential Scottish comedy: Still Game, Only an Excuse and the great Bob Doolally (RIP) in football terms. It’s like a packed Hampden in the venue, with all ages and families in attendance. Add a dram of some special guests, and you have a plaid-oot, get-that-one-up-ya triumph, with all the potential to move Bosman-style to anywhere it wants.

And its aftermath? Expect in the days moving forward on the pretentious streets of the capital to hear “Archie Gemmell” randomly shouted like Tartan Tourettes by strangers in love, and wider afield, the phrase “jobby goal” from a contentious decision to be adopted as the new chant at a local terrace near you. Yes, McKallaster has created a monster (hit).

Finally, the couple sitting next to me were Scottish and American. She asked him what he thought of the show. He said, “Neet,” and she replied, “Just like the whisky.”
Couldn’t have put it better myself.

4 stars ****
Reviewed by Steve H.
Auditorium at Gilded Balloon at the Museum
Until August 19th (excl. 17th)
13.15 – 14.15