THE world premiere of John Byrne's new musical play, Underwood Lane, is being staged at Johnstone Town Hall this summer.
Byrne's latest play is set in his home town of Paisley and was written in memory of his lifelong friend and singer-songwriter Gerry Rafferty.
Tickets are now on sale for the shows, which run from Thursday, July 7 to Saturday, July 9.
Underwood Lane is produced by the Tron Theatre in association with OneRen and supported by Renfrewshire Council’s Future Paisley programme.
Two of the actors in the production are from Paisley, with Martin Quinn playing the part of Gill and Dani Heron performing as Maureen in the show.
Directed by Andy Arnold, the show was originally to be staged two years ago but was postponed due to the Covid pandemic.
Following the performances at Johnstone Town Hall, the show will move to the Tron Theatre, in Glasgow, for a run between July 14 and 30.
Andy said: "When we realised that Underwood Lane would have to be postponed from 2020 to 2021, John Byrne said to me, 'I've waited 16 years to get this show on, I can wait another year.'
"Well, as we now know, we have had to wait not one but two years - John and I, as well as all the cast and creative team, are champing at the bit to stage this brilliant piece of musical theatre."
Rikki Payne, arts manager at OneRen, said: "They say that all good things come to those who wait and now that Underwood Lane is finally being premiered in Renfrewshire, it’s more than good – it’s brilliant.
"It’s fitting that one of Paisley’s favourite sons, John Byrne, has his latest musical play – set in his home town and inspired by another famous Buddie Gerry Rafferty - premiered on stage in Renfrewshire."
The play, set in the 1950s, is about fierce rivalry in life, love and the music business.
Underwood Lane's Dessie (Marc McMillan) and Darkwood Crescent's Joey (Scott Fletcher) get a skiffle band together for an impromptu gig – uniting a group of young people whose paths might not ordinarily have crossed and whose lives are irreversibly changed by the catalogue of events that unfold.
A total of 10 actor-musicians drive forward the story through timeless late 50s and early 60s songs, under the musical direction of Hilary Brooks.
Tickets are still available and can be booked online at www.oneren.org/whats-on.
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