Scots Language Awards 2024: Elfie Picket Theatre

Weel duin tae Elfie Picket Theatre wha hae bin nominatit in Scots Stage Production o the Year in the Scots Language Awards. Vote now!

The Scots Language Awards are in the Cumnock Toon Ha, Cumnock in pairtnership wi East Ayrshire Cooncil on 14th September at 7pm. Tickets fir the ceremony are available tae buy here: https://eastayrshireleisure.com/events/scots-language-awards/.

We askit Taylor & Calum Dyson and Kelly o Elfie Picket Theatre thae speirins.

Tell us aboot yersel or yer ootfit.
Elfie Picket Theatre are a theatrical duo based in Dundee. We mak social and political work wae a focus oan working class stories and Scots Leid. Since 2019 we hae staged numerous productions and events across Scotland including Ane City, Dolly Parton Saved My Life and maist recently Pushin’ Thirty at A Play, A Pie and A Pint.

BLETHER is also co-produced by Sweet Productions with us.

We’re all so excited to be nominatit for BLETHER, an idea we’ve had for a lang time and finally brought tae life by a small Scots Language grant allowing us tae stert up the event at the stert o’ this year. We are working with Sweet Productions tae continue tae bring a dedicated Scots performance nicht tae Dundee. We’re able to pay two guest performers every month and always hae an open mic section for anybody tae get up and tak a turn. It’s a fun, warm and safe space for fowk tae try new things and share their work to ithers interested in Scots. We’re absolutely loving it, so tae be nominated is lovely.

Whit wis it got ye involvit wi the Scots leid?
Taylor grew up in Dundee, speakin Scots and became inspired beh the wurk o’ Liz Lochhead as a young lassie, seeing Scots oan the stage and in poetry. We baith believe in representing real lives oan stage and this includes the wiy fowk speak. We are currently running a Scots Language performance nicht in Dundee, tae give fowk a space to treh new work.

Why dae ye feel it is important tae use Scots in everyday life?
Tae keep the language goin and no feel ashamed o’ yir voice! Also just tae embrace that it is normal!

Dae ye hae a favourite Scots phrase or saying?
Calum’s favourite Scots saying is fae a recent art installation in Dundee “Maks ye think, eh?”

Taylor’s favourite saying is “Tak tent o’ sma ‘ things

Is there a Scots speaker who inspires you?
Taylor’s iywis been inspired by the work o’ Liz Lochhead, includin her poetry and plays and the work o’ Dundonian, Mary Brooksbank.

Calum’s inspired by the work o’ novelist James Kelman.

Do you hear Scots spoken regularly in your local area? Have you noticed any changes over time?
In Dundee we hear Scots a’ the time fae family, tae onywhaur in the streets and shops. And I personally havenae noticed that changin ower time yet.

Ony particlar career heighlichts
Ane o’ oor career heighlichts wis performing Ane City at Dundee Rep in 2023, we had it postponed due tae COVID in 2020 and we were finally able tae bring the show tae Dundee. The show was nearly sold oot and we received the best standing ovation. Meh mum wis in the audience and managed tae see that afore she passed awa and it is a sentimental, joyous and emotional memory for us.

Wha’s yer plans fir the days aheid?
Just tae continue makin’ work that’s important tae us and tae continue championing the arts in Dundee.

The Scots Language Awards are in the Cumnock Toon Ha, Cumnock on 14th September at 7pm. Tickets are available to buy here: https://eastayrshireleisure.com/events/scots-language-awards/ There wull be some grand entertainmint oan the nicht tae, includin a recital fae Billy Kay, Susie Briggs, alang wi musical performances fae Claire Hastings an Sèan Gray.

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