Glasgow Derby weekend kicks off with ‘Singing I’m No A Billy She’s A Tim’

This coming Friday and Saturday, ACSOM’s very own Jerry Taylor is bringing an updated version of the popular play ‘Singing I’m No a Billy He’s a Tim’ to Glasgow’s Pavilion Theatre.  This time, however, there is a twist as the production will run with an all-female cast under the title ‘Singing I’m No a Billy She’s a Tim’.

The play, written by Scottish author and playwright Des Dillon, is a riotous Tour de Force from start to finish and guaranteed to leave the audience in stitches.

Set in a jail cell on Glasgow Derby day, apt considering the game taking place on Sunday afternoon, ‘Singing I’m No a Billy She’s a Tim’ forces two fans – one Celtic and one Rangers – to confront each other’s cultures and beliefs if they stand any chance of being released. The outcome is a hilarious adventure that also shines a light on the stupidity of sectarian bigotry.

The original play has toured theatres across Scotland for the past two decades, selling out venues the length and breadth of the country.  As Jerry explained to Paul John on Monday’s “A Wander Round Paradise”, with a growing number of the audience and social media following for the play being female, the idea was hatched to rewrite the play and relaunch with an all-female cast.

The talented Dionne Frati and Jade McDonald take up the lead roles with Jerry in the Director’s chair.  However, there was a time when Jerry took to the boards himself in the role of Tim in a production that has a special place in his heart.

Having produced and directed plays in his native Ayrshire, Jerry boldly contacted Des Dillon to ask for the rights to Singing I’m No a Billy He’s a Tim as he looked to move into Glasgow theatre.  After selling his TV in order to hire a car to make the meeting with Des, Jerry was told in no uncertain terms that the rights were not up for grabs.

 

 

 

But, instead of leaving empty-handed, Jerry left his meeting with Des in a Girvan chip shop with the role of understudy to Tim and the opportunity to direct some of Des’ other work.

After finishing his initial run as an understudy, Jerry was handed the role of Tim on a full-time basis, playing at some of the biggest venues in Scotland and launching his career.  This time around, Jerry is letting the girls take the spotlight as he takes up the role of director.

‘Singing I’m No a Billy She’s a Tim’ is currently set for a two-day run this coming weekend at the Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow with shows on Friday and Saturday evening, and a matinee showing on Saturday afternoon.  With the big game coming up on Sunday, why not head along for some much needed pre-match fun and laughter?

Tickets are available via the Pavilion from £28 for adults and £25 for concessions, grab one while you can.

Kevin McCluskie