Some people felt like there was no choice but to fight

With it's origins in touring small venues in the Central Belt of Scotland, Geezabreak Production's WHEN WE WERE YOUNG returns to the Pavilion Theatre on the 16th and 17th August.

Article Source: The Pavilion Theatre
Last Updated: 8 August 2024 15:01

“The full team are so excited to be bringing WHEN WE WERE YOUNG back to the Pavilion,” says Liam Lambie, creator of the show.

“The production was so well received that due to demand we are now on [our] fourth tour and there is no sign of it slowing down… Next year it embarks on it longest and furthest-traveled tour as we visit venues all over Scotland.”

But it’s the Pavilion Theatre that has caused the biggest stir through the team.

“I have visited the Pavilion for years as an audience member so it was a massive achievement getting to stand up on that stage last year,” Lambie continues. “As not only an actor but as a writer, director and producer - I can't wait to get back up there in August!”

“I am beyond excited to be back,” adds actor Candace Nicolson, who plays Sammy. “The Pavilion is such an iconic and important part of Glasgow, I remember going every Christmas to the Pavilion to watch their Pantomime.”

The show itself is described as a nostalgic and heartbreaking tale of 90s gang culture, when the highly feared and stigmatised “Young Teams” ruled the streets of the Southside. Creator Liam adds: “This show looks beyond the tabloid stereotype of NEDs to tell a hilarious, heartbreaking and relatable story of friendship, poverty and stolen youth… The production has many layers; on one hand you have a laugh-out-loud comedy that will have the audience in stitches but there are also moments that will have them in tears.”

The show follows gang member Mooney, played by Lambie, and his friends and family including his long-suffering mother Mags, played by Claire Rooney: “Mags is more than just a Mammy to her two Boys - she is a guardian angel to the full scheme,” says Rooney. “I can relate to the character in so many ways - her upbringing in the schemes of Govan, rife with poverty and lack of opportunity - but what I relate to most is her love for her boys! “Any parent will relate to the role and her unconditional love for her children, be it for right or wrong.”

Then there’s Michaela, Mooney’s girlfriend, played by Dionne Frati: “I feel [Michaela] does have a choice and she can leave the gang but she chooses Mooney every time even when it's the wrong choice,” says Frati, “I would say I'm not like Michaela in real life but growing up in a scheme I can definitely relate to a lot of the characters and their stories.”

Joining the above cast are Candace Nicolson, Kyle Martin and Ross McAree who play Sammy, Joe and Tam respectively.

“Joe is the comic relief within the group,” explains Martin. “He's not the sharpest tool in the shed, and often masks that with a bravado which the audience gets to see beneath at a point.”

“I play the role of Tam Mooney, the leads younger brother. Tam is in the young team due to circumstance, he doesn't necessarily want to be there and is also a softer, more caring character in the story,” adds McAree.

But it’s more than just a funny show about the characters on your local street corner. It’s a story, ultimately, of survival.

“It's about the trials and tribulations of growing up in an environment where young people feel they have no choice but to join a gang in order to survive,” says Nicolson, “It tells the story of the roads they choose to take and the cards they have been dealt in life and how they navigate their way through this.”

And what do the cast hope the audience takes away with them after the show?

“The fact that life is short and we should all look after each other no matter what,” says Nicolson. “I hope they come away feeling a deep nostalgic feeling and have tears dripping from their faces, mainly of laughter.”

McAree adds: “I'm hoping people will leave the theatre more educated about how serious this subject was then, and even still is today. So many young folk are still out fighting and throwing their lives away for absolutely nothing. It needs to stop, we need to raise awareness and I truly believe this show lets audiences see just how serious things really are.”

Lambie agrees: “The production delves into a lot of topics that are just as relevant now as they were in the 90s when the show was set so I'm sure everyone will be able to relate to it in one way or another.

“But above all else we hope they have an amazing and enjoyable night watching a piece of theatre that we hope will stay with them long after they have left.”

Final tickets for When We Were Young are available at trafalgartickets.com

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

Latest Glasgow News

Glasgow Royal Concert Hall to host London Philharmonic Orchestra

Glasgow Royal Concert Hall is set to welcome back one of the world's best and most famous orchestras.

Autumnal styling, sandwiches and scones with Dobbies

For October, Dobbies Garden Centres has launched a brand new autumn edition of its hands-on planting experience, combined with a tasty Afternoon Tea.

Brand new live psychological skill game show with cash prize will storm the nation this Christmas!

A game of lies, skill, deceit and manipulation. The ultimate psychological gameshow experience is coming to Glasgow, how far will you go for a £1000 cash prize?

Big Scottish Breakfast Ambassador, Anton Danyluk serves breakfast at Skypark

Skypark hosted the Big Scottish Breakfast on 11th September, to raise funds for the campaign while STV Big Scottish Breakfast Ambassador Anton Danyluk helped to serve breakfast.

SAY Award unveils Longlist

The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, today reveals the 20 outstanding Scottish albums on 2024's Longlist.

Celentanos teams up with The Gate for a culinary takeover to celebrate Negroni Week next week

Modern Scottish pub, The Gate is teaming up with foodie favourite, Celentano's and Campari to host a culinary takeover to celebrate Negroni Week next weekend.

Unsigned band wrest sell out 2,000 capacity Barrowland Ballroom

Unsigned Edinburgh indie rock band wrest have sold out the legendary Barrowland Ballroom in Glasgow - without industry support, a manager or label backing.

New drinks delivery service launches in Glasgow

Glasgow's newest drinks delivery service is the first in the UK to offer TikTok's hottest trending drinks – and some households might get a surprise visit from a leading mixologist

Fat Hippo Glasgow launch brand new breakfast menu

Is BURG-fast the most important meal of the day? Burger giants Fat Hippo would agree as they throw their buns into the breakfast menu ring this month.

BBC Debate Night returns for 2024

BBC Scotland's topical TV programme Debate Night returns later this month and they are searching for people to be part of the big studio audience.

New Scottish music awards receives over 3000 nominations in first 48 hours

The recently launched Scottish Live Music Awards (SLMA), in association with GO Radio, has seen an overwhelming response, receiving over 3000 nominations in just the first 2 days.

Courtney Bowman to star as Lauren in Kinky Boots

Courtney Bowman will join Strictly's Johannes Radebe in Kinky Boots at the King's Theatre Glasgow in February!

First look at new production of War Horse, the award winning National Theatre production coming to the Theatre Royal Glasgow

Brand new production images have been released for the National Theatre's acclaimed production of War Horse, based on Michael Morpurgo's beloved novel.

Govan walking group hailed as a highlight of the week by Care Home Residents

A Govan social enterprise has partnered with a local care home to provide much-needed exercise, stimulation and entertainment for residents.

Festive Fever: Best Christmas Party Nights in Glasgow for 2024

'Tis the season to eat, drink, and be very merry, so make sure you do it in style this year at one of Glasgow’s top shared party nights!

Gravity Active launches incredible new deals, just in time for Autumn

Gravity Active is excited to introduce two brand new offers, set to provide families with unforgettable experiences this Autumn.

Platform brews up new craft beer experiences including Oktoberfest & Hands On Brew School at microbrewery

Multi-faceted venue, Platform is gearing up for a season of craft beer with two brand-new experiences launching this autumn.

Sports clubs across Glasgow and the west awarded funding from Aldi Scotland Awards

Aldi Scotland has invested £7,500 in nine local sports clubs across Glasgow and the West, as part of its annual Scottish Sport Fund initiative.

Sunny Govan lives up to its name as it puts best foot forward for Footbridge Festival

Govan put its best foot forward as it staged a free one-off festival on Saturday to mark the opening of the new Govan-Partick Bridge.

Edinburgh Butter Company announces search for the Best Croissant in Scotland

The Edinburgh Butter Company is excited to announce the launch of Scotland’s first-ever croissant competition, open to bakers across the country.

Get ready to be blown away... Twisters returns to 4DX at Cineworld

Hold onto your popcorn, because Cineworld is thrilled to announce the whirlwind return of the blockbuster hit Twisters to 4DX screens nationwide, due to an overwhelming tornado of popular demand!

The Force reawakens at Vue venues in Scotland this September as the Star Wars saga returns to the big screen

Film fans are invited to revisit a galaxy far, far away this September as every main Star Wars film brings some of cinema's most iconic heroes and villains back to the big screen.

Great Scottish Run: 4 weeks to go

Are you ready to take on Scotland's greatest running event at this year's AJ Bell Great Scottish Run in Glasgow on Sunday 6 October?

Govan care home residents embrace street art at the first purpose built graffiti studio in Scotland

Care home residents unleashed their creativity during a day out at SWG3’s Yardworks Studio which saw them trying their hand at graffiti art.

Cast announced for Aladdin, the first ever Disney production to come to Glasgow!

Disney Theatrical Productions present the critically acclaimed Broadway and West End musical Aladdin which will land in Glasgow for a limited season!

Freshers... this bar NEEDS to be on your bucket list

What better way to break the ice with your new flatmates than with some competitive fun and few drinks? Cue Social Darts at Flight Club!

Unique venue offers the perfect stage

Festival-goers attending the fourth Music at the Multiverse festival at the weekend enjoyed fantastic live music, sunshine and showers in one of Scotland’s most spectacular outdoor venues.

Thousands from Northern Ireland set sail for Scottish universities

Students go FREE with Stena Line on Cairnryan and Liverpool routes.

Buchanan Galleries honours emergency service heroes with shopping discounts

Glasgow shopping centre, Buchanan Galleries, announces savings and discounts for National Emergency Services Day available to local NHS and emergency service heroes.