Allan Stewart's Big Big Variety Show returns to King's

IT'S becoming a bit of an annual tradition at The King's; resident panto dame Allan Stewart gathers together a few of his showbiz pals and pulls together a good old-fashioned music hall variety show.

Allan Stewart

And so, Allan Stewart’s Big Big Variety Show is back at the Old Lady of Leven Street this week with its most exciting line-up yet.

For the first time ever, Stewart will be joined by the hilarious Elaine C Smith, giving audiences the first ever opportunity to see the pair performing together.

One of Scotland’s best loved performers, Smith is still fondly remembered for her role as the lovelorn Irene whose lament of wistful lament “Pure dead brilliant” became an instant catchphrase.

She also starred as Mary Nesbitt in 10 series of Rab C Nesbitt and is currently raising the laughs as Christine in Two Doors Down as well as STV’s A Burdseye View.

Providing the show with some classic hits, there’s a blast from the past when Edinburgh band Pilot, formed in 1973 in Tollcross by David Paton and Billy Lyall, performing their 1970’s hits Just A Smile, January and Magic.

Britain’s Got Talent favourite Edward Reid also brings his unique mix of comedy and music to the line-up.

Showing his great versatility in style and spot on comic timing, Reid scooped Radio Forth’s Best Fringe in 2012 for his one man show Living The Dream One Song At A Time and was awarded Bighearted Scotland’s Entertainer of The Year in 2013.

Finally, Stewart’s partner in panto Grant Stott will be back at the King’s playing it for laughs as Big Boaby in a series of McRobert Brothers sketches.

Expect a night of big names, big laughs, big songs and big fun.

Allan Stewart’s Big Big Variety Show, King’s Theatre, Leven Street, tomorrow-Saturday, 7.30pm (matinees 2.30pm), £26, 0131-529 6000