Last night in Glasgow at a Burns Night, I recited Holy Willie's Prayer, i was told that i could change in the cellar, so around about 10pm I made my way down the very steep stairs into the cellar and what a wee place it was, i could not stand up straight in it, The height being about 5 feet and I'm over 6 feet.
Anyway off with the kilt and on with the nightshirt, slippers and wee willie winkie hat, really looking ridiculous with my lit candle and bible in hand but all good fun
Nevertheless the recitation turned out well, the only thing was that the audience were not interested in learning the background to the poem and someone shouted out 'get on with the poem'.
So I've learned cut out the patter and just get down to the poem.
Its only the second time I have done Holy Willie, normally its Tam o'Shanter, so would you agree that its best not to prelude the poem but just get on with it?