Alan Cumming - I Bought a Blue Car Today

It's been a busy time for Alan Cumming. I Bought a Blue Car Today follows his recent "leftfield" knighthood, which honoured both his contribution to the acting world and his ardent championing of gay rights - as he says, "Who knew the Queen would be such a fan of queens?" After touring internationally, with an enthusiastic reception, he finally brings his one-man cabaret act to the home-crowd.

Despite playing one of the largest Festival venues, he manages to captivate the entire audience for the duration, regaling them with audacious tales about his love-hate relationship with America. It says much about Cumming's storytelling talents that when the hall is not rocking with laughter, it collectively listens in stilled silence. Though the stories he spins are tinted with the glitzy lights of A-list America, it is obvious from his first sarcastic put-down that Cumming's humour is still well-grounded in traditional Scots banter.

Musically, the set-up is fairly modest: a pared-down stage consisting of himself, cellist and pianist. Yet, just like his storytelling, he enchants the audience with every emotional note. One particular highlight is his tribute to John Cameron Mitchell, creator of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, where Cummings sings 'Wig in a Box.' The power of his lilting voice alone is pure show-stopping glory.

A loose theme of the show evaluates his insecurities about the ageing process, something which seems in direct contrast to the traits—youthful exuberance and overwhelming charm—which make I Bought a Blue Car Today so special.