Melanie Gall presents The Ballad of Isobel Gunn
Musicals and Opera
8+
A new Scottish-Canadian musical recounting the extraordinary true tale of Isobel Gunn, a Scottish Orcadian woman who explored Canada in 1806, living as a man and working for the Hudson Bay Company. After journeying from the remote Orkney Islands, Isobel traveled 1800 miles across the Canadian wilderness as John Fubbister, a labourer in the fur trade. But when she unexpectedly gives birth, Isobel's identity is revealed.... A celebration of a long-forgotten hero who had the courage to live freely and the tenacity follow her dreams. 'Glorious singing and first-rate storytelling' ★★★★★ (Adelaide Advertiser).
❝ a natural story-teller, and has such a beautiful clear, soaring voice ❞★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Theatre and Arts Review
❝ A moving, sweet tale of unsung courage. ❞★ ★ ★ ★
Disobedient Magazine
❝ Gall has created an evocative piece of theatre. ❞★ ★ ★ ★
Theatre Scotland
This show was part of our Edinburgh Fringe Programme 2026
