Liam Rudden: Broons have big baffies to fill

AS quandaries go it is up there with what would Oor Wullie be without his bucket?

The Broons. Picture: contributed

Yes, Scotland’s best-loved comic-strip family, The Broons, are coming to The King’s in November, part of the Old Lady of Leven Street’s just released Winter Season.

But do I really want to go to see them? Do you?

Here’s my problem. Maw, Paw, Granpaw, Hen, Daphne, Joe, Maggie, Horace, the twins and the Bairn, have all been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.

Not just mine either, they were part of my old man’s life for an equally long time seeing as how they made their debut in The Sunday Post way back in 1936.

Over eight decades, The Broons have become iconic ambassadors of a Scotland caught in a monochrome snap-shot of more innocent times. By the very nature of their longevity they have become part of the national psyche.

Reading The Broons, I hear every voice in my head. Each one distinctive and familiar. In my mind’s eye I picture the way they move. I know how they interact. Sense how they share their frustrations and joys, calamities and more tender moments.

Therein lies the dilemma. Do I really want a bunch of actors slipping on their shoes, or in the case of Paw, his baffies.

What if they spoil the characters I have created in my head. What if Hen isn’t lanky enough? Daphne not plump enough? The concerns are endless.

Be in no doubt, The Broons stage play will stand or fall on the casting of the family members, not least Maggie, around who the action revolves. Little is known yet about the content of the piece other than this little teaser: Can Maggie really, finally be getting married? Join the Broons of Glebe Street at the King’s to find out.

Let’s hope they get it right or The Broons’ journey from page to stage will be a short one.