The full tour for National Theatre of Scotland’s new production Dear Billy has been announced. The show is a love letter to Billy Connolly from the people of Scotland.
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 us.
Dear Billy is a unique touring production that will evolve on the road. It will travel the length and breadth of Scotland, visiting local theatres, art and community centres, building up to a final run at the Kings Theatre in Glasgow. The production was announced last year to mark Billy Connolly’s 80th birthday year.
Gary is hitting the road with musicians, collecting more stories from audience members which may become woven into the show as the tour progresses.
Each show offers a unique chance to audiences, to laugh, sing, and celebrate the man and the legend.
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 on the road will be Simon Liddell and Jill O’Sullivan.
Touring to Palace Theatre Kilmarnock; Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh; Ayr Gaiety, Ayr; Dundee Rep, Dundee, East Kilbride Arts Centre; Heart of Hawick; Theatre Royal Dumfries; Lyth Arts Centre; Strathpeffer Pavillion; Nairn Community & Arts Centre; Byre Theatre, St Andrews; Lanternhouse, Cumbernauld; Dunoon Burgh Hall; Perth Theatre; Kings Theatre Glasgow.
