Dear Billy: A Love Letter to Scotland's National Treasure

A poignant, colourful, and hilarious performance celebrating the life and impact of Billy Connolly, says Ellie Forbes.

★★★★★

A recent encounter with Billy Connolly left a lasting impact on one of my cousins, a lifelong fan of the Scottish comedian. After purchasing a striking piece of artwork by Connolly, my cousin had the opportunity to chat with the Big Yin himself during a Q&A session organised by the gallery.

During their conversation, my cousin shared his recent kidney transplant, a significant event after years of battling kidney disease. He didn't give much thought to their brief encounter until a few weeks later when a copy of Billy's book arrived in the post, accompanied by a handwritten note from the comedian himself.

To his delight, Billy had signed the book with a cheeky quip, "Good luck with your recovery, you know more about kidneys than the butcher." It's safe to say this anecdote has become a cherished family story, one that perfectly encapsulates the joy and warmth that Billy Connolly brings to the lives of so many.

As theatre maker Gary McNair aptly observes, everyone has a Billy story—a hilarious anecdote or a moving tale that speaks to the comedian's profound impact on Scottish culture. Over the past seven years, McNair has been diligently collecting these stories from ordinary people, all of whom have been touched by the shipyard welder-turned-comedian, transforming them into a joyous one-man show that celebrates Sir Billy and his enduring legacy.

Joined on a carpeted stage by the talented musicians Jill O'Sullivan and Simon Liddell, the production is stripped back, yet its simplicity only serves to amplify the astonishing storytelling.

Taking the audience chronologically through Billy's life, as narrated by those who claim to have met him, worked with him, or simply knew him in some way, McNair presents Connolly as an ordinary man who has had an extraordinary impact on the people of his nation.

"Dear Billy" revels in the quirks of everyday conversations, with McNair delivering each story perfectly, capturing the mistakes, digressions, and unique accents that colour our everyday interactions.

One particularly heartwarming story recounts the tale of a man who credits Billy with saving his life, as watching the comedian's routines provided him with much-needed laughter during a difficult period.

Other stories highlight Billy's generosity, his willingness to embrace his differences, and his innate ability to inspire others.

McNair weaves his own personal tale of meeting the Big Yin into the performance, recalling how the encounter felt like a conversation with a lifelong friend, despite never having met him before – a recurring theme throughout many of the shared stories.

The cumulative effect is a poignant, colourful, and funny performance that captures the essence of a man deeply woven into Scottish culture, a man who continues to bring joy to countless lives today.

Assembly Rooms – Music Hall<br/>
Aug 20, 22-25.

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