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Paisley audiences are in for a theatrical treat this September, as award-winning writer and performer Alan Bissett brings his brand-new one-man show When Billy Met Alasdair to Paisley Arts Centre on Saturday 13th September 2025.
Fresh from critical acclaim at the Edinburgh Fringe – where it was named one of The Guardian’s “must-see” shows – Bissett steps into the shoes of two of Scotland’s most iconic figures: comedian Sir Billy Connolly and novelist Alasdair Gray.
Inspired by a photo of Billy and Alasdair chatting when Connolly attended the launch of Gray’s 1981 masterpiece Lanark. Through wit, warmth and sharply observed storytelling, Bissett imagines the sparks that might have flown as he explores the struggles, humour and triumphs of both men, unearthing the human stories behind two cultural giants.
Originally commissioned by the Alasdair Gray Archive and the Glasgow International Comedy Festival, the show is directed by Kirstin McLean and has already been longlisted for the Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award 2025.
Talking about the play and being able to take it on tour, Alan said: “It’s been an honour for me to perform as the absolute legend that is Billy Connolly at the Edinburgh Fringe this year, in my one-man play, When Billy Met Alasdair, about the time that Connolly.
I am excited to take the show on tour and bring it to a wider Scottish audience.
Speaking to people after the show makes me realise how much deep affection there is for him from the people of Scotland. His warmth, charisma, wild improvisational skills and earthiness make him such a joy to depict and explore in theatrical form, and I honestly don’t think I’ve had quite as gratifying a stage experience as this one. Long live the Big Yin.”
The performance lands at a time when Sir Billy has released four limited edition art works under his Born On A Rainy Day series, recalling some of the fondest memories from his life.
Details of a wider Scottish tour of When Billy Met Alasdair will be announced in September.
Event Details:
When: Saturday 13th September 2025
Where: Paisley Arts Centre
Tickets: Available via Paisley Arts Centre box office
