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Glasgow Times
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
True crime tale of Glasgow poisoning turned into city play
The Glasgow Poisoner is one of 12 new works to take centre stage at Oran Mor's lunchtime theatre series, A Play A Pie and A Pint, in the autumn. Written by Tom Cooper and Jen McGregor, the musical is inspired by the scandalous tale of 19th century femme fatale Madeleine Smith, who was accused of poisoning her lover but given a rare Not Proven verdict. The truth as to what happened is still questioned to this day. Also this season at the West End venue, award-winning poet and playwright Kevin P Gilday makes his PPP debut with Gravity, a drama about a man who refuses to vacate his flat in a condemned Glasgow high-rise, and the unconventional social worker determined to help him before tragedy unfolds. Brian James O'Sullivan (Image: Tommy Ga-Ken Wan) Katy Nixon, writer of the David MacLennan Award-winning Jellyfish, returns with new drama Cheapo about two teenagers who play chess in their local KFC, while a fading starlet holding onto the hope of playing the role of a lifetime is the subject of Maybe Tomorrow by PPP favourite Brian James O'Sullivan and performer Hannah Jarrett-Scott in her playwriting debut. The season also includes two spooky productions - Righ Isagair: The Fisher King, a folk thriller from writer and performer Kenny Boyle, about two best friends who discover they are not alone on the dark Outer Hebridean moors; and Hauns Aff Ma Haunted Bin! by Éimi Quinn, about an auntie and niece attempting to hide a murder. Éimi Quinn (Image: Tommy Ga-Ken Wan) The autumn line-up, which runs from September 1 to November 22, also includes a contemporary hip hop musical exploring the legend of William Wallace. Co-produced with Raw Material, Wallace is an exciting collaboration between playwright Rob Drummond and acclaimed rapper-songwriter Dave Hook, that explores Wallace's contested place on the spectrum between myth and history. Brian Logan (Image: Calum O'Brien) Brian Logan, PPP's artistic director, said: 'The nights may be drawing in but the lunchtimes will be brighter than ever at Òran Mór this autumn, with a scintillating line-up of pastry-assisted theatre. 'As usual at PPP, this season balances broad comedy with big-hitting drama, rookies with well-loved talents, shows about the past with shows thrillingly about the here and now. 'We couldn't be more excited to kick off with Wallace, the hip hop musical they're already calling (well, I am…) Scotland's Hamilton. 'Throw in some spine-chilling Gaelic folklore, a cracking Glasgow drama in a doomed high-rise, and a generational set-to between TikTok and the stage, and you've got twelve weeks of brand new theatre that you really wouldn't want to miss.' Tickets are on sale now for all performances.
Glasgow Times
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Musical play about 'the rise of influencers' on way to Glasgow
The question is at the heart of Andy McGregor's new musical, Meme Girls, which delves into the world of fame and friendship. It's coming to Glasgow's Oran Mor in June as part of lunchtime theatre series A Play, A Pie and A Pint. 'I wanted to explore two things that fascinate me,' says Andy. 'Firstly, the rise of online influencers – this new breed of celebrity who often don't have the 'traditional' talents we associate with fame, and I'm keen to unpack what captivates us about them. 'Secondly, I'm interested in the intensity of friendships and their breakups. Losing a friend can be as devastating as any romantic split, and that sense of loss can linger forever if it's never mended.' (Image: Tommy Ga-Ken Wan) Meme Girls is the story of Jade and Clare, who have been the best of pals since primary school while chasing their seemingly impossible dream of becoming successful musicians. Then, in a drunken stupor, Clare is caught 'being a daftie' on camera and quickly becomes a viral hit. Fame, not fortune, follows and the girls' relationship is pushed to its limits. Yana Harris and Julia Murray star as Jade and Clare, in a production which will feature brand new original songs. Andy McGregor (Image: Tommy Ga-Ken Wan) This is Andy's 10th show for A Play, A Pie and A Pint. 'I love making shows at PPP, and I believe Meme Girls delivers exactly what I enjoy in theatre, and what I know the Oran Mor audience appreciates: fantastically talented performers, a generous dose of laughs, perhaps a few tears, and an intriguing story that, for a wee magical hour, completely absorbs you in a world you never knew existed,' he says. READ NEXT: 'Townhead was obliterated': Billy Elliot star on his Glasgow roots 'We're so lucky to have the Citz': Free drama lessons as Glasgow theatre re-opens Hit Scottish TV comedy returns as musical 30 years on 'It's a place that has been key to my career. 'Highlights for me are having my show about Irn Bru and chips, called Spuds, voted back as an audience favourite and having my one-man musical set in Millport - Crocodile Rock - appear on the BBC.' Andy adds: 'PPP takes chances on Scottish artists that other theatres don't seem as willing to take. 'It trusts in us to follow our own artistic noses and put something on stage that is uniquely us, and I thank them very much for those opportunities.' Meme Girls runs from June 2 to 7.
