A celebration of Billy Connolly is coming to Ayrshire revisiting theatres once graced by 'The Big Yin'.
A trip down memory lane is in store for the Ayr Gaiety and the Palace Theatre in Kilmarnock.
The two venues have starred in the legendary entertainer and comedian’s story, where the famous comedian enjoyed two sell-out shows, and a grand opening.
This month they’ll host a tribute dedicated to the man himself, as ‘Dear Billy, A love letter to the Big Yin, from the people of Scotland’, rolls into town.
The National Theatre of Scotland show will pay homage to the Scotland’s favourite comedian to mark the legend’s 80th birthday.
The show will kick off its tour at the Palace Theatre in Kilmarnock on May 16 before heading down the A77 on May 23 at the Gaiety Theatre in Ayr.
A spokesperson for the National Theatre of Scotland said: “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.”
The show has been written and performed by top theatre-maker Gary McNair.
The first stop at the Palace Theatre is a place where Billy has quite literally left his mark.
That’s because the Kilmarnock venue was reopened by the man himself who visited after a fire ravaged the former Grand Hall.
The funnyman sold out the old theatre before returning to open it in 1985 as the Palace Theatre.
And the witty showman was cracking the jokes as he pulled the ceremonial curtain.
Billy said at the time: “I love the way you change the theatre everytime I come here. I've never seen this place the same twice”
From the Kilmarnock stage to the Ayr stage where Billy still holds a record for having the fastest sold out show at the Gaiety Theatre.
His popular play ‘When Hair Was Long & Time Was Short’ took to the Carrick Street venue in April 1977, with every ticket flying out the door in just 25 minutes.
Billy’s connection to the Gaiety stems even further, with Borderline Theatre Company – the founders of the Ayr Gaiety Partnership, the current owners of The Gaiety – also featuring in his past.
Borderline Theatre toured Billy’s show ‘An’ Me Wi’ a Bad Leg Tae’ in 1976 which sold out a trhee-week run at London’s Royal Court.
The audience response was overwhelming, with demand resulting in two additional tours shortly afterwards of over 100 performances – including an appearance at the Gaiety.
Both shows toured with Borderline again in 1995.
Dear Billy writer, 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.”
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