Connolly’s Cumbernauld Flourish: a new community play

First look: A brand-new production from Cumbernauld People’s Theatre Company celebrates Billy Connolly’s life from humble beginnings to his debut at Cumbernauld Theatre in 1972.

Written and directed by Lawrence Crawford and featuring stories from the Cumbernauld community alongside a live band, music, comedy and dance.

Cumbernauld People’s Theatre Company brings a new production to the stage this autumn with Connolly’s Cumbernauld Flourish, a community celebration of Billy Connolly’s life and the legendary comedian’s connection to Cumbernauld.

Few people know that Billy Connolly made his theatrical debut at Cumbernauld Theatre in 1972 with Connolly’s Glasgow Flourish. More than fifty years later, this new play revisits that landmark moment, blending Connolly’s early life and music with personal memories and anecdotes from the local community to create a heartfelt tribute to one of Scotland’s most beloved figures. The play follows Billy’s journey from humble beginnings, celebrating the music and stories that connect him to Cumbernauld, and concludes in 1972 with his first appearance at Cumbernauld Theatre’s former home, the Cottage Theatre.

The play follows Billy’s journey from humble beginnings, celebrating the music and stories that connect him to Cumbernauld, and concludes in 1972 with his first appearance at Cumbernauld Theatre’s former home, the Cottage Theatre. By focusing on his early years, the show shines a light on a part of his story that has rarely been told, showing the role Cumbernauld played in shaping the Big Yin we know today.

I’ve enjoyed learning all the stories about Billy and seeing all the photos that we’ll use in the show… I’ve learned that acting is something anyone can do and that you should put yourself out there even if others don’t believe in you.

Declan Porter, Cast Member

The music, the craic and the dancing have been the best part. I’ve also learned how difficult it is to be funny while being scripted. If you love music, laughter and learning about the life of the Big Yin, please come join us!

Johanne Miller, Cast Member

Written and directed by Lawrence Crawford, Connolly’s Cumbernauld Flourish continues the company’s tradition of telling local stories for local people, following previous productions Night in the Nauld and The Cottage that Became a Theatre.

Connolly’s Cumbernauld Flourish will run at Lanternhouse Main Auditorium from Fri 3 October to Sat 4 October.

Author

Rachel Murphy

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