A NEW show celebrating the Big Yin is coming to Glasgow.

Gary McNair, one of Scotland's best theatre makers, has turned a collection of moving and hilarious tales about Billy Connolly from expert story gatherers into a special show celebrating him and what he means to Scotland. 

Dear Billy is a unique touring production that was announced last year to mark his 80th birthday year, and will have its final run at the Kings Theatre this month, with more stories having been collected along the way.

Each show offers a unique chance to audiences to laugh, sing, and celebrate the comedy legend. 


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Glasgow Times: Gary McNairGary McNair (Image: Tommy Ga-Ken Wan)

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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Jackie Wylie, artistic director of the National Theatre of Scotland, said: "Billy Connolly is arguably Scotland’s most loved artist.

"We thought it fitting that his National Theatre should honour him with a theatrical love letter, in the form of a special new show.  

"Dear Billy is created with the words, collected from the people of Scotland about what Billy means to them and written and performed by the brilliant Gary McNair which is touring the length and breadth of Scotland in May and June 2023."

Dear Billy will be at the King's Theatre from Thursday, June 22 to Saturday, June 24.