New musical set for Fife theatre

‘Fat Boy Swim’ based on the novel of the same name by Cathy Forde will take in the Byre Theatre in St Andrews on a tour of Scottish theatres next year.

The show has been developed by the award winning Glasgow-based live performance company Visible Fictions, with script and lyrics from Fat Boy Swim’s original author Cathy Forde (winner of the Grampian Children's Book Award and shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book Award and Booktrust Teenage Prize), and music and additional lyrics by Michael John McCarthy, this live gig series sees secondary school pupil Jimmy Kelly’s story given a 90’s inspired, soul-stirring soundtrack.

Artistic Director Dougie Irvine, said: “Cathy's novel is so rich and moving. The characters, their stories and themes presented within it make for the perfect musical.

“Working in development with such a talented team has been so inspiring and now that we are ready to share our gig version of the musical with audiences across Scotland, it feels like we are at the beginning of a very exciting theatrical and musical journey.

“I can’t wait to share the songs - that I guarantee you’ll be singing for years to come.”

Cathy Forde said adapting her novel had been a fascinating experience.

“To get the opportunity to revisit characters and interrogate them all again has been a joy and a challenge,” she said.

“I think it works because the characters are strong and believable – and analysing them with Dougie Irvine has ensured they are even stronger and more believable than they are in the novel – and the broad themes of the novel still chime.

“All the characters harbour either secrets or desires and wishes they cannot express so song provides the perfect medium for revelation.

“I am beyond excited that Jimmy’s story will come alive in 2027.”

‘Fat Boy Swim’ will be at the Byre Theatre in St Andrews on February 4 at 7pm – tickets are available here – then 24 hours later at the Assembly Roxy in Edinburgh at 7.30pm. Tickets will be on sale soon.