Page 250 - WDT MAGAZINE IRELAND ISSUE WINTER 2018

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY LAUGHING HOUSE

Even before my train arrives at Glasgow Central Glasgow is not only home to the Scottish Opera,
station, I’ve begun to appreciate that Scotland’s larg- but also to the Scottish Ballet, the National Theatre of
est—and arguably its most creative—city is going to Scotland, and countless smaller venues showcasing
have its quirks. performances of all sorts. One of the more unlikely
Sprawled beside the River Clyde, Glasgow is re- locations is Òran Mór. This former parish church
nowned as rich ground houses a bar, restaurant,
for art and architecture, and a basement theater
food and drink, and hosting musicians
perhaps above all, as a (including the late Amy
UNESCO City of Music, Winehouse), as well as
hosting more than 100 “A Play, a Pie and a Pint,”
music performances a providing food, drink and
week. yes, a play, at lunchtime
I just hadn’t expected Monday through Satur-
that one of those gigs day.
would be taking place This university city
in a train toilet. Yet also boasts the Royal
sure enough, there’s a Conservatoire Scotland
woman in there…sing- (ranked among the top
ing opera. five places in the world
Sure, we’ve all done our share of singing in the to study the performing arts) and The Glasgow School
shower. But belting out Madame Butterfly in a public of Art, designed by Glasgow’s native son, the Art Nou-
loo hurtling through the countryside is not an everyday veau architect Charles Rennie McIntosh. So there’s
occurrence. plenty of honey to nurture Glasgow’s buzzing artistic
When this mysterious soprano finally falls silent, I do hive, which has grown steadily since the 90s, when it
something I haven’t done in the proximity of plumb- was named a European City of Culture and a UK City
ing since my niece and nephew were toilet training. I of Architecture and Design.
applaud. For a local’s perspective, I meet up with Alison
The young lady emerges shortly thereafter, blushing Stroak of the Glasgow Music City Tour. Interestingly,
and stammering apologies. “I’m sorry I took so long, she credits Glasgow’s heritage as a shipping center
but I have an audition as soon as I get off the train!” and international port for fertilizing its melodic roots.
No worries, I tell her, wishing her luck and assuring her “We exported our traditional folk songs, and in re-
that she has “rail” talent. (Ahem.) turn, we got our taste for blues and soul. And Glasgow

250 WDT MAGAZINE WINTER 2018