When Billy Met Alasdair
★★★☆☆ Reassuring
Scottish Storytelling Centre (Venue 30): Thurs 31 Jul – Sun 24 Aug 2025
Review by Hugh Simpson
When Billy Met Alasdair, from Alan Bissett at the Scottish Storytelling Centre throughout the Fringe, is an enjoyable romp through Scottish culture.
Bissett started out as a novelist but has branched out into the theatre, notably in the riotously successful series of Moira Monologues he has written and performed.
Alan Bissett in When Billy Met Alisdair. Pic: Alasdair Watson
Here, Bissett’s one-hander is based on a photograph, now in Bissett’s possession, of comedian Billy Connolly and writer-artist Alasdair Gray. Taken at the Third Eye Centre launch of Gray’s monumental debut novel Lanark, the picture provides the jumping-off point for speculation as to what actually happened at the meeting.
Much of the show is actually concerned with biographical details about the pair, which is done with economy and skill, even if it (particularly in the case of Connolly) largely confines itself to familiar ground. Kirstin McLean’s direction is assured, meaning that that the production has enviable momentum and flow.
There is a contrast between the depictions of the two men. Connolly is instantly recognisable, with Bissett tossing an imaginary mane of hair, managing much of the Big Yin’s physicality and producing a voice that is instantly recognisable.
an objection anticipated
The other protagonist is another matter. Bissett obviously realises this; at the play’s beginning, he admits that his attempt at Gray’s voice is far from being accurate. Still, as Gray himself says in Lanark, ‘to have an objection anticipated is no reason for failing to raise it’. So it has to be said that the writer’s idiosyncratic way of speaking and peculiar laugh are completely absent, although the hunched posture is pretty good.
Alan Bissett in When Billy Met Alisdair. Pic: Alasdair Watson
While there are many crowd pleasing moments in the narrative (yes, he does tell the joke that propelled Billy to stardom on Parkinson), it never quite coheres around what is admittedly a terrific concept for a show.
Aside from a similar childhood and struggles with alcohol, it never makes a convincing case for particular kinship between the two men, and the depiction of the actual meeting does disappoint a little.
undoubtedly fun
Interestingly, by far the most convincing part of the production is when Bissett (as Gray famously does in Lanark) inserts himself into the story and explains its genesis. As himself, Bissett is thoroughly convincing and touching – which he never completely manages as Gray or Connolly. He also explains why the two men mean so much to him; once again, this is something that doesn’t entirely come across elsewhere.
There can be no doubt that Bissett has proved himself an excellent stage performer and writer, but is probably most effective when the character is one he has created himself. This production, however, is undoubtedly fun.
Running time: One hour and 10 minutes (no interval).
Scottish Storytelling Centre (Netherbow Theatre), 43-45 High St, EH1 1SR. (Venue 30).
Thursday 31 July – Sunday 24 August 2025.
Daily (not 1, 6, 8, 13, 14, 20, 21): 8.30pm.
Tickets and details: Book here on EdFringe.com.
Venue website: www.scottishstorytellingcentre.com
Alan Bissett website: alanbissett.com
Facebook: @Bissettism
Instagram: @boyracerbissett
ENDS
