A theatre production has promised big laughs and catchy tunes as it looks back at the 2014 Scottish Independence Referendum. 

Alba, produced by Action Theatre Scotland, previewed last year to two sold-out performances at the East Kilbride Arts Centre before heading to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival – to high acclaim from audience members and critics alike. 

(Image: Images of Alba taken by Sooz Aitken)

As the company gears up for its first tour of the show later this month, co-writer and director Jack Byrne says he cannot wait to bring the production to Scottish stages.

The 22-year-old told the Glasgow Times: “We are all so excited for the upcoming shows and to give new audiences a chance to see this play.”

He added: “The audience can expect big laughs, some catchy tunes, as well as some hard-hitting, emotionally charged moments.” 

(Image: Images of Alba taken by Sooz Aitken)

The play has been described as a light-hearted and unbiased look at the 2014 referendum through the eyes of 16-year-old first-time voter Paul. The audience follows Paul and his S4 classmates as he comes to terms with the weight of the monumental decision while battling the pressures of exterior influences.

The show - which is all about decision-making and ensuring young people have their voices heard features a host of original musical numbers which takes audiences on a journey through key points in Scottish history. 

(Image: Images of Alba taken by Sooz Aitken)

Alongside Jack, the show was co-written by Jordan Howat, who also wrote the lyrics for Alba – which immediately blew Jack away. 

Jack said: “When I first met Jordan, he pitched the idea for a play that entwined music with Scottish history. 

“Having been impressed with the tracks which had already been written, I agreed to join the project as I knew he had something special on his hands.”

(Image: Images of Alba taken by Sooz Aitken)

(Image: Images of Alba taken by Sooz Aitken)

You can watch Alba at the East Kilbride Arts Centre on September 12 and the Cumbernauld Theatre on September 21. 

The performances come a decade after the actual referendum which ended in an overall no vote from Scots. 

Around 2,001,926 voted no, with 1,617,989 saying yes. 

“It's important to tour this piece now that it's been 10 years since the referendum, to look back and see how things have changed since then, no matter which side of the fence you were on,” Jack said. 

He continued: “It's important for young people to see that their voices matter and we want working-class people to be able to see themselves reflected onstage.”

(Image: Images of Alba taken by Sooz Aitken)
 
The cast of the 2024 tour includes Christopher Nicol as Paul, L.J Aitken as Craig, Brandon Ferguson as Peter, Rachel Hamilton as Carol, Katy Willcocks as Mrs Lindale, Jordan Howat as Mr Lindale, Lynn Mulvenna as Susan, Robert McCahill as Frank with Bethany McGurl, Cara Slavin, Hannah Sinclair and Preston Hill in the ensemble. 
 
For more information on Alba, or to purchase tickets, click HERE