Fringe Review: Dear Billy

A poignant, colourful and hilarious performance about Scotland’s national treasure, says Ellie Forbes. ★★★★★ My cousin, a long time Billy Connolly fan, recently bought a striking piece by artwork Scotland’s national treasure.  After buying the work he was able to chat to the Big Yin about his process as part of a Q&A put on…

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Glasgow comedian Billy Connolly to release new book this year

A new book by Billy Connolly featuring a collection of his artwork and stories will be released later this year. The Accidental Artist, published by John Murray Press, will be released on 24 October and will feature 200 of Connolly’s artworks alongside accompanying stories from the beloved comedian. Connolly’s three previous books with John Murray Press…

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Life with: Spirit of Glasgow Award winner, Susie McCabe

Rosie Morton chats with comedian and ‘Spirit of Glasgow Award’ winner about her childhood, career and her best ever heckle. Why is it that so many comedy greats come from Glasgow? I have this theory. You have your working class, your heavy industry and your Irish immigration, and you get really good art from that.…

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Billy Connolly turned into National Theatre of Scotland show

THE National Theatre of Scotland has written a show about comedian Billy Connolly. The show was written by Gary McNair, who gathered stories about Connolly from people throughout Scotland. The performance, entitled Dear Billy, is billed as “A love letter to the Big Yin from the people of Scotland” and will tour our nation from 16…

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The life story of the Big Yin – in his own words

I didn’t think it possible to love this comedy stalwart any more than I already did, but then this book landed on my desk. Told through a dictaphone and transcribed by his family, this is the first time Sir Billy Connolly has shared his life story in his own words. He of course treats us…

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An amusing look at 50 of the ‘worst’ Scots

Acclaimed writer Allan Brown has amassed a hilarious collection of portraits of 50 of the most prominent offending villains and numpties. He cast a sharp over those who he considers have hindered rather than helped Scotland throughout its history. The list includes historic ambassadors such as Robert Burns to popular personalities such as Billy Connolly.…

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Searching for Scotland’s most kind people

Do you know someone who deserves the nation’s thanks? A person or group that has gone above and beyond to help others within their local community during 2021? If so, we want to hear from you as Jackie Bird returns with Scotland’s People 2021. Following on from its first outing last Christmas, BBC Scotland has…

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The incredible life of Scottish icon Stanley Baxter

This authorised biography has generated headlines because in it 95-year-old Stanley Baxter comes out as gay, yet there is so much more to this account of the actor’s life than that revelation. This jauntily-written book is a veritable treasure trove of anecdotes that shine a light on one of Scotland’s most beloved, yet most enigmatic,…

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