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Falkirk show takes Jack, Victor and crew right
back to their roots
The Still Game cast enjoy a natter
’Still Game’ is a Scottish institution, up there with tablet, bagpipes and Irn Bru.
So when Glasgow-based production company Sonic Boom was approached to stage a production about Scotland’s grumpiest pensioners they were determined to do good job.
After a sell-out run at Glasgow’s Tron Theatre, the show is heading to Falkirk Town Hall tomorrow (Friday) as part of the Funny in Falkirk comedy festival.
Sonic Boom, run by Kenny Boyle and Clare Sheppard, has staged various successful productions of original and well-known plays but ‘Still Game’ was possibly the most challenging to date.
Kenny said: “When we were asked to stage ‘Still Game’ we knew it would be great for the company, but I don’t think we had any idea just how popular the show was.
‘‘The characters are so well loved and it was the first show we didn’t have to work to sell tickets – it sold out weeks in advance in Glasgow with very little advertising.”
Sonic Boom were approached by Gary Miller, the actor playing the role of Winston. He had been desperate to stage the play, which preceded the television show, and after two years of correspondence with creators Ford Kiernan and Greg Hemphill it was given the go-ahead.
Clare said: “After getting permission, Gary came to us and asked if we would stage it. I directed and Kenny produced and we recruited two actors to play Jack and Victor.
‘‘It’s actually the first show we have put on neither of us has had a part in, so it’s been a really strange experience. However, the guys are great in their roles.”
The play was first performed over a decade ago and the characters are slightly different to the way they appear in the TV programme.
Kenny added: “You can still tell the characters are Jack, Victor and Winston but they are not exactly the same.
“Greg Hemphill came to one of the Glasgow shows and he was so positive about it. He said it was like going back a decade and seeing them when they first came up with the characters.
‘‘He compared it to an early episode of ‘The Simpsons’ where they are drawn a little differently and the voices aren’t quite what you’re used to.
‘‘We’re really proud of the show and looking forward to bringing it to Falkirk.”
‘Still Game’ will be on for one night only tomorrow (Friday) at 8 p.m.
Tickets priced £12 (£10) are available from.funnyinfalkirk.com or by calling 0844 4818108.
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Weather for Falkirk
Saturday 25 May 2013
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 7 C to 16 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 10 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: South west
