Dear Billy, a tribute to the Big Yin, comes to Glasgow for 3 nights only

New 5* show from the National Theatre of Scotland Dear Billy ends its tour of Scotland with a special three day run at the King's Theatre Glasgow!

Article Source: National Theatre of Scotland
Last Updated: 14 June 2023 10:23

A Love Letter to the Big Yin 
From the People of Scotland 

Written and performed by Gary McNair, Directed by Joe Douglas 

Music performed and composed by Simon Liddell and Jill O’Sullivan, Set and Costume designed by Claire Halleran, Lighting design by Kate Bonney and Simon Hayes.

At the King's Theatre Glasgow Thursday 22 June to Saturday 24 June, concluding a tour of Scotland, extra tickets have been released due to unprecedented demand. Book now via www.atgtickets.com

There’s a guy. You know him. You know… big hair, wee beard, glasses, talks like that. You know? You know. The guy…The Big Yin.   

Billy Connolly needs no introduction. He is a national treasure. From the shipyards of the Clydeside to his trailblazing and extraordinary stage and movie exploits, he is woven into Scottish culture. 

Everyone has a Billy Story. An expert team of story gatherers has created a collection of these moving and hilarious tales. Gary McNair, one of Scotland’s best theatre makers, has turned these stories into a special show celebrating the Big Yin and what he means to the people of Scotland.

Dear Billy is a unique touring production that has evolved on the road. It has travelled the length and breadth of Scotland, visiting local theatres, art and community centres, building up to this final run at the Kings Theatre in Glasgow, having gathered some stories along the way.  The production was announced last year to mark Billy Connolly’s 80th birthday year.

Gary has hit the road with musicians, collecting more stories from audience members which have been woven into the show as the tour progressed.       

Each show offers a unique chance to audiences, to laugh, sing, and celebrate the man and the legend.   The King's Theatre is the final stop on the tour, and due to popular demand, the Gallery in the Theatre has been opened up for audiences, with tickets available at £13 pounds. There are also £5 tickets available to those aged 16-25, or claiming Universal Credit, as part of our Theatre for a Fiver scheme.

Dear Billy is written and performed by leading Scottish theatre-maker Gary McNair, who work has been celebrated on the international stage and directed by Joe Douglas (The Cheviot, The Stag and the Black Black Oil). Musicians joining Gary will be Simon Liddell and Jill O’Sullivan. 

Gary McNair said: “It’s an honour to be doing this show. To take on a subject and a figure as beloved by the public as Billy, with our National Theatre is a very proud moment indeed and one that I will cherish.  

It has been a joyous production to be a part of with so many wonderful artists involved in its research and development.  I hope we can continue that feeling of joy when we get on the road and share it with audiences up and down the country.  

There will be a seat for Billy every night and we hope he can come along and see just what he means to the people of Scotland.”

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

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