Borders Youth Theatre stage premiere of Tibbie Tamson's sad story

Despite leaving his native Selkirk for the Berwickshire coast, where he has been a GP for many years, Michael Fenty has never forgotten the history and folk lore of his birthplace.

In particular, he has been haunted by the story of Tibbie Tamson, the sad, persecuted woman driven to suicide by spiteful neighbours. For many years now he has been working on a play to bring Tibbie and her times to life.

As soon as Oli Bisset, the Border Youth Theatre’s workshop leader, read the script, he was determined to bring it to the stage.

“It’s been a great challenge,” says Bisset. “The cast have only been chosen, and had their scripts, since last week – I can’t praise their commitment too highly. And grappling with 18th century Scots is no easy matter.”

“But I know that they will do justice to Dr Fenty’s play, and to the memory of Tibbie. And I am sure that many of the lines spoken by 18th century local politicians will resonate with a 21st century audience.”

Tibbie Tamson will be premiered at the County Hotel, Selkirk on Friday 1 and Saturday, July 2 at 7.30pm. Tickets, costing £5, are available on the door.