Citizens Theatre Presents CUTTIN' A RUG

Now considered one of Scotland's defining literary works of the twentieth century, the second installment of the much-loved Slab Boys trilogy, Cuttin' A Rug will be staged by Citizens Theatre in Glasgow and Edinburgh this February and March.

Capturing the mood of a post-war generation, John Byrne's funny and poignant text paints a vivid picture of the tough, rebellious, working-class culture of 1950s industrial Scotland. Following the hugely-popular production of The Slab Boys in 2015, the Citizens Theatre presents the next installment in the era-defining trilogy.

Brothers Ryan and Scott Fletcher join forces once again to take us a few hours on from when we left the boys in the slab room. It's not the first time the brothers have worked together, having appeared in River City, Gary: Tank Commander, The Infamous Brothers Davenport (Vox Motus) and toured in National Theatre of Scotland productions Black Watch and 365. Scott may have some tips for his brother, having appeared in Slab Boys in 2015 at The Citizens, however Ryan is no stranger to the theatre, with his recent role in The Choir.

Sean Scanlan will be keeping a close eye on the brothers in his role as gaffer, Willie Rennie. Scanlan, who has appeared in countless TV and film productions such as The Tales of Para Handy, River City and the recently remade Whisky Galore, will be joined by his off stage partner Barbara Rafferty. Clydebank born, Rafferty is a Glasgow favourite and has seen her career continue to soar since her days in Rab C Nesbitt, appearing in countless theatre productions and films such as The Last King of Scotland with James McAvoy and the popular family favourite TV show Katie Morag.

They are joined by Anne Lacey (Uncle Vanya, West Yorkshire Playhouse), Helen Mallon (MILK, Traverse), Louise McCarthy (Yer Granny, National Theatre of Scotland), Mark Barrett (Monstrous, Govanhill Theatre) and Paul James Corrigan (River City and Gary Tank Commander, BBC).

Cuttin' A Rug is directed by Caroline Paterson, best known for her TV role as Ruth Fowler in EastEnders. Caroline has previously appeared as Lucille in productions of The Slab Boys starring Robert Carlyle and Alan Cumming, and received acclaim for her direction of the trilogy for Rain Dog starring Gerard Kelly, Andy Gray, Barbara Rafferty and David Hayman. Talking about returning to the play with which she has such a long association, Paterson said: "I was 17 when I was first introduced to the Slab Boys plays, the same age as the characters. It was the first time I had seen a play that represented me, and I completely identified with them and their sense of humour. I'm delighted that the Citizens is giving a new generation the chance to see Cuttin' A Rug and feel extremely fortunate to be asked to direct. The plays are very close to my heart and inspired me to become an actor. They are Scotland's treasure and I look forward to seeing the next generation of teenagers enjoying these plays."

Former Head of Design/Associate Director of the Citizens, Kenny Miller, returns to the theatre as Designer of Cuttin' A Rug. Kenny has worked in theatre and opera both nationally and internationally, designing and directing for many companies such as: Royal Court Theatre London, Royal Shakespeare Company, Donmar Warehouse, Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh, Oldham Coliseum Theatre and Dundee Rep Theatre.

Cuttin' A Rug will tour to the King's Theatre Edinburgh from 7 - 11 March.

For more information visit the King's website http://www.edtheatres.com/kings

Tickets are available to buy now from the Citizens Theatre Box Office by calling 0141 429 0022 or by visiting the Citizens' website citz.co.uk

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