Cast of Lockerbie play unveiled

THE 14 actors who will star in a new musical play about the bonds forged between Lockerbie residents and Americans after 1988 have been named.

The Citizens Theatre in Glasgow this week revealed the full cast for Small Acts of Love, which will premiere on September 12.

It will be the first production to be performed on the theatre’s stage in more than seven years.

The show was commissioned by the theatre’s artistic director Dominic Hill and is described as a ‘theatrical and musical collaboration’ between playwright Frances Poet and composer Ricky Ross, of Deacon Blue fame. It is presented in association with the National Theatre of Scotland.

Spanning 36 years, Small Acts of Love follows the journey of the two communities brought together under extraordinary circumstances after the bombing of Pan Am 103.

The team behind the project say it has been “painstakingly researched” and contains representations of real people built from an extensive series of interviews with families and individuals who were directly affected, both in Scotland and the USA.

The actors, who will bring to life the profound stories of the two communities, range established stars of stage and screen to emerging artists.

They are: Ewan Donald, Simon Donaldson, Blythe Duff, Barrie Hunter, Robbie Jack, Beth Marshall, Hilary MacLean, Jayne McKenna, Jo Servi, Naomi Stirrat, Mandi Symonds, Lewis Fleming, Holly Howden-Gilchrist, and Nicholas Marshall.

Two of them, Robbie Jack and Beth Marshall, both recently appeared in BBC drama, Lockerbie: The Bombing of Pan Am 103.

Director Dominic said: “To be announcing our cast for Small Acts of Love is an exciting and pivotal moment in our journey home. Ranging from some of the most experienced and well-known actors in Scotland to newly graduated stars of the future, this cast and this production announce the ambition and quality of the new Citizens Theatre.

“With only a few weeks to go until the start of rehearsals, the whole company is preparing to welcome artists and audiences to our fantastic new building.”