FOLLOWING a run of 19 sold-out shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Alex Salmond is refusing to rule out an early return to the stage.
The show, one of the entire Festival's most popular this year, featured a total of 23 mystery guests in conversation with Mr Salmond over its run. The original 15 planned shows were supplemented by four extra features which all sold out within hours of being announced.
The guest included Cabinet Ministers from the world of politics, top Hollywood actors and personalities from showbiz and sport. The run started with UK Brexit Secretary David Davies and closed with Scottish Brexit Secretary Michael Russell.
After an engaging discussion on Brexit and Scotland's future Russell asserted that UK Ministers were unpicking the foundations of the devolution settlement and agreed that the timing of the next test on the Scottish constitution would be determined by the outcome of the Brexit negotiations.
Salmond then welcomed resident comedienne Janey Godley for one final routine - once again leaving the audience in stitches with Glaswegian voiceovers of Melania Trump, Ruth Davidson, Theresa May and Nicola Sturgeon.
They were then joined by a last surprise guest, singer Sheena Wellington, who led a rousing chorus of 'A Man's A Man For A' That'' with the assembled cast and audience, reprising her role in the opening of the Scottish Parliament of 1999.
Following the music, a dinner with Salmond was auctioned, raising £1000 for two charities nominated by Mr Russell.
This final auction of Alex Salmond... Unleashed brought the overall charity total to £22,350 for the run of shows. It is unprecedented for a Fringe Show to raise such a sum for charities operating in Scotland, London and across the globe.
Following the show, Russell wrote: "I thoroughly enjoyed taking part in such a vibrant , entertaining and fast paced show, so thanks to the whole team and to Sheena Wellington who also made a surprise appearance at the end to reprise her performance of Burns' great anthem of equality "A Man's a Man" at the official opening of the Scottish Parliament 18 years ago.
"Thanks also to the very generous bidders for dinner with Alex afterwards, which raised £1000. Quite Incredibly,in addition to entertaining over 6500 people and receiving many rave reviews, the performances have also raised over £23000 for charity."
Salmond said: "The only thing left to say is: That's all folks... for now. The show has been a tremendous success and we have welcomed a host of amazing guests to the Fringe stage, raising money for good causes far and wide.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time treading the boards at the Festival and I relished being Alex Salmond... Unleashed for nineteen shows in a row. Thank you to all the backroom staff involved in such a top class production. That's all - but only for Now!"
Producer, Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh added: "This has been a fantastic production all round and the city of Edinburgh has been a great host. After a variety of enquiries and requests, we are now in discussions to take 'Alex Salmond ... Unleashed' on tour, so watch this space!"
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