Charles Lawson as Jim McDonald in full flow on Coronation Street
A YOUNG actor who runs his own theatre company from his bedroom has signed up Coronation Street star Charles Lawson for his latest production.
Scott Kyle was determined to bag the actor best known for playing fiery Irishman Jim McDonald for the starring role in his version of the Des Dillon play Blue Hen. However, the 26-year-old knew his shoestring theatre company couldn't afford to pay big-name acting fees.
But he was delighted when Lawson agreed to play the main character in the play about the demise of the steelworks in Lanarkshire which has been updated to tackle the credit crunch.
Charles, who pops in and out of Coronation Street, will take the role of John who decides to rear hens for profit with his best mate Paddy after losing his job.
The actor is fresh from a starring role in Educating Rita at Glasgow's Citizens Theatre, which will also stage the new play.
Scott, who is from Rutherglen, said: "I've always admired Charles as an actor. The Citizens Theatre basically couldn't guarantee the booking unless I got a big name.
"Charles said he had some TV work coming up and couldn't confirm but the next day he telephoned me to say he really liked the script and would do it. It's amazing to get someone of his stature."
Charles said: "I really love theatre and thoroughly enjoyed my recent appearance at the Citizens doing Educating Rita.
"I've always been very excited by new writing so this job was a perfect opportunity."
Scott set up the No Limits theatre company after graduating from Glasgow Nautical College as he wanted to help struggling actors and encourage more people to go to the theatre.
Scott produced Dillon's smash-hit anti-sectarian play Singin I'm No a Billy He's a Tim at the Citizens earlier this year.
A poll showed 70% of those who came to see the production of Singing I'm No a Billy, He's a Tim, which Scott also starred in, had never been to the theatre before.
He toured Singing I'm no Billy in a friend's work van and received rave reviews during a sell-out tour across the country.
He said: "I read a survey which said around 96% of actors are out of work. I would rather create some work rather than adding to the problem."
Blue Hen is set to run at the Citizens Theatre in May 2010. A new Scotland-wide tour of Singing I'm no a Billy, He's a Tim kicks off in September.
Publication date 20/07/09
