Jade McDonald in the role of Celtic Fan Tim finds herself banged up and waiting for her release money to hopefully be paid. With all the other cells full, Rangers supporter Dionne Frati, Billie has put into share a cell with Tim in the well-known Scottish play Singin’ I’m No Billy He’s a Tim. What could go wrong?

Based around the rivalry between Rangers and Celtic the two football fans take an instant dislike to one another. The animosity starts with soft digs at each other’s and some choice insults. However, the arguments become heated fast. The prison warden Harriet (Rachel Olgivy) keeps having to come in to split them up, although she is preoccupied with her family issues and just wants them to behave.

Today of all days is not the one these fans wanted to get caught and banged up. It’s a big match day between the rival clubs. The only screen available is the tiny portable television in the warden’s office. They need to behave first which is proving difficult for the pair.

As the arguments increase the two fans pick apart their cultural differences and analyse a couple of their team’s football chants. When some of the lyrics are laid bare they have uncomfortable and problematic translations. Which in turn makes them think about their attitudes and whether they wish to remain compliant in singing them. In life, we are often too busy to properly listen, maybe stop and be present rather than comply.

Firmly based in Scotland this play has strong roots and themes that will be recognised and understood by the two fan bases. This doesn’t exclude Theatregoers who are not football fans as the fierce rivalry is explained clearly with historical context and plenty of humour.

Edinburgh Fringe is almost coming to an end now. The play has tour dates already in 2025, and I am sure it will have further dates added due to its success.

Five Stars.

For more information about Singin’ I’m No A Billy He’s A Tim please use the links below.

https://www.eicc.co.uk/whats-on/singin-i-m-no-a-billy-he-s-a-tim/

https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/singin-i-m-no-a-billy-he-s-a-tim

https://www.uktw.co.uk/Tour/Play/Singin-Im-No-a-Billy-Hes-a-Tim/T682500314/