Common Tongue - Edinburgh Fringe 2026

Theatre Talk Scotland
16 hours ago
2 min read

Common Tongue is a brilliantly written and performed piece of Scottish theatre that explores language, class and identity through the story of Bonnie McKay, a young woman growing up in Paisley and discovering exactly what her voice means to her.

Written and directed by Fraser Scott, the one-woman show follows Bonnie through different stages of her life as she begins to recognise the assumptions people make based simply on the way she speaks.

At the centre of the production is Olivia Caw, who delivers an absolutely flawless performance. Taking command of the stage alone, Caw plays the part to perfection. From the opening moments she has the audience completely on her side, bringing an effortless warmth and likeability to Bonnie that makes spending the next hour in her company an absolute pleasure.

Her comic timing is excellent and she knows exactly when to allow a moment to breathe, but it is in the quieter sections that her performance becomes particularly impressive. Caw moves effortlessly between humour and vulnerability without either ever feeling forced.

Performing a one-person show is an enormous undertaking, particularly when the performer has nowhere to hide, but Caw makes it look remarkably easy. Her energy never drops and her ability to hold the audience's attention throughout is testament to just how strong a performer she is.

Scott's writing gives her plenty to work with.

There is a great deal of humour throughout Common Tongue, particularly in the wonderfully recognisable Scottish expressions and observations scattered through Bonnie's story. For a Scottish audience there are plenty of moments that will raise a knowing laugh, but underneath the comedy sits something much more important.

The show asks why so many people feel the need to change the way they speak depending on who they are talking to.

Whether consciously changing a word, softening an accent or worrying about sounding too Scottish in certain environments, Bonnie's experiences explore the complicated relationship between language, class and belonging.

What works particularly well is that the production never becomes preachy. The message is there, and it is an important one, but it comes naturally through Bonnie's experiences rather than being forced upon the audience. There is something incredibly powerful about watching a character gradually realise that the voice she has spent so much time questioning is actually something worth celebrating.

By the end, Common Tongue becomes about much more than the Scots language. It is about being comfortable with where you come from, understanding the importance of identity and refusing to believe that changing yourself is the price you have to pay to belong somewhere.

Funny, heartfelt and unmistakably Scottish, Common Tongue is an excellent piece of theatre led by an outstanding performance from Olivia Caw. She doesn't just hold the stage – she completely owns it.

Common Tongue plays at Netherbow Theatre at Scottish Storytelling Centre until 31st August.

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Common Tongue | Edinburgh Festival Fringe