Whaur’s yer Willie Shakespeare noo?

How does Scots language come alive on stage – and what does it say about us?

Join acclaimed playwright Ian Brown and renowned linguist Jeremy Smith as they explore the Scots and English language varieties woven into The Scotch Play – Brown’s bold reimagining of Shakespeare’s Macbeth.

Performed at Perth Theatre in 1990, The Scotch Play is set not in medieval Scotland, but in a modern-day football club near Edinburgh. Here, Duncan, manager of Auchenwhinnie Star, is ousted by Harry, his ambitious trainer, encouraged by his ruthless wife. [HD1] [HT2] Written in Scots blank verse, its five scenes mirror the five-act structure of Shakespeare’s original tragedy.

Through live readings of selected scenes, a mix of funny, sharp, and bitter-sweet, Brown and Smith will explore how language shapes characters and storytelling. Join us for this lively discussion on the use of modern Scots in theatre, led by a leading language scholar and professional playwright.

Important points to note

• This event is suitable for age 16+

• Filming: Photography may take place at this event. Please let a member of the RSE Public Engagement team know if you do not want to be photographed. Recorded events will be made available on the RSE YouTube channel.
• Covid-19: If you would like to wear a face mask, please feel comfortable to do so at our events. Please be mindful of other participants and stay at home if you have Covid symptoms or have tested positive for Covid-19.
• Please note that Curious events taking place in ‘The Studio’ are only wheelchair accessible via a smaller lift. The lift’s door has a width of 69cm and the lift has a depth of 104cm. Accessible toilet facilities for activities taking place in this space are also accessed by the smaller lift. Please contact us at Curious@therse.org.uk if you would like further information or visit our RSE Accessibility page on our website.

SPEAKER

Professor Ian Brown FRSE FRHistS

Professor Emeritus, Kingston, University, London; Honorary Senior Research Fellow, Glasgow University

Ian Brown is a playwright, poet, and leading researcher in Scottish literature, theatre, and culture. He has held professorial roles at Queen Margaret and Kingston Universities, and honorary fellowships or professorships at Yale, Glamorgan, and the University of Glasgow.

His plays have been performed across Britain and internationally, with notable productions by the Royal Lyceum, Traverse, Byre, and Perth Theatres, and his latest play has been commissioned and accepted by Glasgow Citizens Theatre. He has authored around a hundred scholarly articles and chapters, and written, edited, co-edited, or series-edited over forty books, including Performing Scottishness (2020), which explores key aspects of Scotland’s literature, language, and culture.

He currently serves as Vice-Convener of the Saltire Society and Publications Convener of the Association for Scottish Literature.

SPEAKER

Professor Jeremy Smith FRSE

Professor Emeritus & Senior Research Fellow, Glasgow University; Honorary Professor, St Andrews University

Jeremy Smith is a specialist in English historical linguistics, the history of Scots, and book history. He served the University of Glasgow for over forty years, retiring in 2021, and continues to be active in research and public engagement. His recent publications include Transforming Early English (2020), Genre in English Medical Writing 1500–1820 (co-edited with Irma Taavitsainen et al., 2022) and Reinventing Medieval Liturgy in Victorian England (with David Jasper, 2023). He is currently working on a corpus-based history of English religious vocabulary.

Jeremy has held prominent roles in numerous scholarly and public bodies. He has served as President of the International Society for the Linguistics of English, Convener of the Board of Scottish Language Dictionaries (now Dictionaries of the Scots Language), and has been a council member of the Scottish Text Society and the Philological Society.

He has served the RSE in many several capacities, most recently as Young Persons’ Programme Convener and as co-convener of the Public Engagement Committee. As part of the RSE’s Schools Programme, Jeremy gives talks at schools, covering topics such as Scots and English in Scotland.

About the Curious festival

The RSE’s free Curious festival of knowledge is back, from Saturday 6 − Saturday 14 September 2025!

Curious is a festival of ideas – open to all and driven by connection, conversation, and discovery. It’s a chance to explore ideas and questions that matter with some of Scotland’s leading thinkers – and with people who bring their own lived experiences, insights, and curiosity to the table.

From science and society to arts and innovation, the programme spans a wide range of topics – with each event designed to spark dialogue, invite different perspectives, and encourage knowledge exchange.

Curious is an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, plus those who see the world differently, and be part of discussions where everyone is welcome to share, learn, and be inspired. Full programme of events here.

Accessibility

We aim to make events as accessible as possible. If you have any accessibility requirements or have any questions related to how we can support this event, please contact public_engagement@theRSE.org.uk. Accessibility information for the RSE building can be found on our website: Accessibility - Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) : Royal Society of Edinburgh

The RSE is trialling the WelcoMe app for our public events. This app enables visitors with accessibility needs to discreetly inform our staff of any assistance required before their visit. Simply fill out a quick form with your needs and estimated arrival time, and our team will be ready to accommodate you.

Wheelchair spaces: If you would like to book a space as a wheelchair user, please select the ticket type 'wheelchair space ticket' during the booking process. If this is sold out, please contact the Curious team on curious@therse.org.uk.

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