Concert explores creations of Robert Burns and Robert Tannahill in a reminder that love, romance and heartbreak are as old as poetry itself
Songs, tunes and plenty of laughs are provided in a show which honours Scotland’s most famous poet and a lesser-known wordsmith.
Pauline Vallance and Penni McLaren Walker will bring Robert Burns and Robert Tannahill into the spotlight in their show The Twa Roberts which is touring to Chesterfield.
A fine folk singer and a dab hand on the clarsach (harp), Penni has a soft spot for Tannahill’s poetry and knows how to bring history to life on stage. Penni is a guitar wizard who can turn poetry into musical gold.
Their performance at St Leonard’s Church, Spital, Chesterfield on May 2, 2026 will include original tunes as well as the classics from Burns and Tannahill, who had very different attitudes to love and romance.
The show asks the big question….how would the two Roberts fare in today’s dating scene? Burns was a bit of a lad, but what if he had to endure Tinder, and would Paisley poet Tannahill's quiet charm still win hearts today?
This is history with a twist, two superb musicians bringing the Roberts back to life in the here and now. It's a good mix of fun and food for thought (as well as the famous Spital Arts cakes), reminding us that love, romance and heartbreak are as old as poetry itself.
The Twa Roberts will appeal to a wide audience and it's definitely a show not to be missed.
Tickets cost £15 from [email protected], Spital Arts Facebook page, spitalarts.org, Spital Arts instagram or call 01246 220741.
The performance starts at 7.30pm, doors open at 7pm.