Inside the drama group founded by legendary star Rikki Fulton

But for the Giffnock Theatre Players (GTP), this is exactly what makes them so special. 

"We bring people of all ages together," David Pearson tells the Glasgow Times. 

David, a loyal member of the GTP and who is also production assistant for the group, added: "Our group is completely intergenerational. 

"We have people as young as 11, right through to people in their 70s. 

"Some of the older people are retired, and it is great for them to mix with younger people and form links with them. 

"There is also a number of our members who live alone, so we like to push for that inclusivity and diversity, and the younger folk get to learn new skills from those who are older. 

"Working together and teamwork is at the heart of what we do."

Member Mairi Coyle rehearsing. The club was formed in 1949 by Tom Craston, Alan Mackill and Major Gray, with Dennistoun-born Rikki Fulton (Scotch and Wry) as a founding member.

Despite forming decades ago, it wasn't until the 1980s that a permanent space was found for the group to rehearse. 

David, who joined the group in the seventies before leaving in 1980 and returning in 2014, reminisced on the many curious spaces the club tried to set up shop over the years. 

(Image: Jack Hodes and Mairi Coyle rehearsing for Agatha Christie’s And Then There We’re None) David said: "In July 1955, rehearsal rooms were found in Pollokshaws. GTP had exclusive use of the ground-floor flat, which was very cold and damp. The kitchen and toilet were awful. To reach them you had to go through the close.

"Another venue was a local scout hut – the main drawback here was the toilets which, being installed for children, were uncomfortably small for adult club members." 

In the eighties, the group finally purchased a former Bradfords Bakery Premises in Giffnock, which has been their home ever since.

“It’s an amazing place,” David said.

He added: “We are so fortunate to have such a place where every aspect of production is born and grows.

"We have a generously sized rehearsal space where the cast come together, usually three times a week for three months or so, to bring the chosen play to life, under the guidance and encouragement of the director, often a fellow GTP member."

(Image: Alex McEwan as Mary McGregor) (Image: Image of actors Holly Ferguson, Jay Norwood and Hannah Waugh in rehearsal) The group's next play will be The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, based on the 1961 Muriel Spark novel of the same name and the play by Jay Presson Allen. 

The production follows Jean Brodie - played by Jane Blackwood - who is strong-willed Edinburgh schoolteacher who exerts a powerful influence over her students, ultimately leading to unforeseen consequences.

The play will be directed by Glynis Poole. 

David said: "Our cast for this production has both seasoned club players and several new faces making their GTP debut, the youngest is 12.

"The rapport and enthusiasm are terrific, and there is a real team spirit."

The group put on three plays a year at the Eastwood Park Theatre and The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie will be their first of 2025. 

(Image: In the back : Hannah Waugh (Sandy) Holly Ferguson (Monica) and Amy Paisley (Jenny). In the front: Po) The production will run from Wednesday to Saturday, February 19 to 22.  Performances are at 7.30pm with an additional Saturday matinee at 2.30pm.

Tickets cost £17.50 and are available from the theatre Box Office on 0141 577 4956 or by visiting ercultureandleisure.org/theatre.

For more information on the Giffnock Theatre Players, visit www.giffnocktheatreplayers.com.