Young actor hopes for hit with WWI play
Lanarkshire actor and writer Liam Lambie is hoping for another smash hit.
Liam and Geez-a-Break productions will tour theatres next month, beginning in Rutherglen, with their new production ‘O’er the Tap marking the 100th anniversary of the Great War - transporting audiences back to the trenches of the Somme as a group of life-long friends are thrust into horrors of war.
When a group of young Glesga men sign up to join The City of Glasgow Battalion they could never have known they were about to embark on a journey that would not only change their lives, but those who loved them, forever.
This hilarious, touching and eye opening show takes the audience on a roller coaster of emotion as they join the men who fought, and their loved ones, from the day war was declared in 1914 until the final shot was fired in 1918.
Liam, one of the country’s foremost talented playwrights and actors, told the Reformer: “This isn’y a game of Sodjers - This is war.
“O’er the Tap is a project that we have had in the pipeline for a few years, but held off until now so it could play a part in the 100th year anniversary of the Great War.
“The show is a mix of humour and drama as you see a group of young men from Glasgow thrown head first into, what can only be described as, hell - with only their friendships and humour to keep them going.
“The cast were all instantly in love with the project since the first rehearsal and have enjoyed, not only bringing the script to life, but also learning of the horrors and dilemmas faced by both the men who fought, and the women who loved them.
“This production will be the company’s fourth theatre tour and we cannot think of a more worthwhile project than ‘O’er the Tap’ as it allows us to remind audiences of a time that should never be forgotten.
“We have some amazing props which include an actual pair of binoculars used in the Somme.”
The cast includes Robert Blair played by Liam Lambie; Hugh McDonald - Euan Ferguson; John Blair - Ross McAree, also from Plains; Sgt James McKay - Jamie Stewart; Maggie Blair - Clare Rooney; Nancy Blair - Dionne Frati; Doreen McDonald - Talia Stirling; and Ms Lauren - Glynis Wozniak.
It has been written and produced by Liam and co-produced by Ross McAree and directed by Glynis Wozniak.
The show can been seen on October 11 at Rutherglen Town Hall; October 12 in East Kilbride Art Centre; and October 21 at Websters Theatre, Glasgow.
Ticket prices range from £10 to £13.50, available from the relevant box offices or at www.facebook.com/ oerthetap/.