Doctor Johnson is one of England’s greatest literary figures: poet, essayist, biographer, lexicographer, legendary curmudgeon and coffee house philosopher. In 1773 he was enticed by his Scottish friend James Boswell to accompany him on a tour through the Highlands and Western Isles of Scotland. Both published books based on the journey. Johnson described his experience of Scotland. p>Boswell described Scotland’s experience of Johnson.


Late But Live gives the two bilious bores the chance to try and flog their travel guides to a new audience, 230 years after they made their journey. Boswell hosts a book launch, interviewing Johnson, discussing Scotland ancient and modern, and taking questions from the audience. Haggis is eaten. Pipes are played. And sacred Highland cattle are ritually slaughtered.

By Stewart Lee