A Cut Glass Classic

Roddy McMillan's classic celebration of Glasgow working life returns to the Citizen's 34 years after the original version made it's Glasgow premiere. This maintains the theatre's tradition of producing quality, homegrown Scottish works.

A snapshot of a forgotten way of life, The Bevellers recreates a time when glass bevelling was regarded not only as highly skilled work but an art form and a good mirror was a precious commodity. Now an almost extinct industry, mirrors and other glasswares were made using the old hand-operated bevelling machines - the grinder, smoother, polisher, rouger and edger.

Set in the East End of Glasgow, this superbly written play deals with the brutal realities of working life and the camaraderie of the men. The production uniquely captures a slice of Glasgow's social history, providing a nostalgic look back for those who lived and worked at the time and an intriguing insight for others.

Artistic Director Jeremy Raison has assembled a fine cast of Scottish actors to bring to life the patter of the shop floor. Rising stars William Ruane (Sweet Sixteen, The Wind that Shakes the Barley, River City) and Steven Rae (Snuff), appear alongside some familiar faces, including Brian Pettifer, and Billy Riddoch.

Writer Roddy McMillan is perhaps best remembered for his title role in Sixties television series, Para Handy, as well as numerous other roles for film and television. Many believe that in writing The Bevellers he paved the way for other prolific Scottish works such as The Slab Boys and The Steamie.

The charm and truth of The Bevellers struck a chord with audiences at the time of the original staging, and saw it televised for BBC's Play for the Day in 1974. Raison's production is set to be a convincing and poignant take on the original. -- www.citz.co.uk