June 2008 Archives

NON-SECTARIAN SONG

By Gareth K Vile

The Citizens has always been a breeding ground for new talent, whether through its own children`s projects or supporting Glasgow`s many companies.

This month sees the southside debut of a brand new drama outfit, performing the ever topical "Singin I`m No a Billy He`s a Tim". The NLP Theatre Company are staging the anti-sectarian classic between 10th and 14th June, providing an introduction to the company`s lively and engaged approach.

Scott Kyle, artistic director, is charmingly forthright in his reasons for setting up the company. "I formed NLP Theatre Company after hearing that only 6per cent of actors are in paid work at any one time, and I didn`t want to be part of the 94 per cent. As well as this, I wanted to change that statistic."

However, in picking Des Dillon`s perennial three-hander, he has demonstrated a taste for socially aware, if not political drama. He is concerned to create a performance that is not just for the usual audiences. Kyle continues: "I have played for a football team all my life and when I became an actor, I invited all the guys from my football and they weren`t that interested in coming to see a play. However all the guys are calling me asking for tickets for this play."

"The other reason is that I want people that have never been to the theatre to come along and enjoy the experience."

Singin I`m No a Billy He`s a Tim does grapple with some hard issues. Set on the day of an old firm match, two rival supporters find themselves in the same cell, and are forced to confront their own bigotry.

NLP may be a new company, but Scott Kyle is a performer and director with a clear vision, who has strong tastes and a real enthusiasm for the southside venue.

"The first play that I ever went to see was Therese Raquin, by the Citizens Theatre and was very impressed by the production. I also went to see the Razor King and thoroughly enjoyed the performance."

Kyle admires other local companies. "Companies like Theatre Babel who produced Valpone  last year also inspired me," he acknowledges - but this goes beyond the performance itself. "I have been working with Baldy Bane for the last year and I was very impressed with how the company is run and how welcome the company makes its actors feel"

'Singin I'm No Billy He's a Tim'

The play is one of a number of events being held at the college as part of a Diversity Week - celebrating cultural diversity, equality and inclusion.Scott Kyle completed an acting course at the Nautical college last year and decided to set up his own theatrical company when he graduated. No Limit People Theatre Company brings together professional and non-professional theatre makers and artists in dynamic ways: through school and community projects, touring theatre and workshops. The company work to celebrate Scotland's diversity.

Scott Kyle chose Des Dillon's play as one of the company's main productions due to the strong message it promotes.

The twenty-four year old, said: " Des Dillion's play is very important as it addresses sectarianism in our society. It brings people from different backgrounds together, sending out a strong and important message to everyone."

'Singin I'm No Billy He's a Tim' is a humorous and insightful look at the bigotry that exists between Glasgow's famous football giants Celtic and  Rangers. The play is a powerful comedy with a serious anti-sectarian message.

Scott, who lives in Rutherglen, added: "Des has attended rehearsals and given the cast some guidance. We are delighted that we have his support."

Scott is being backed by Nil by Mouth and Strathclyde Police and is hoping to receive funding to take the anti-sectarian play on a tour of schools and colleges across Glasgow and beyond, encouraging children and young people to embrace all cultures and all diversities.