A lesson in true friendship

Educating Ronnie is a personal story from Joe Douglas (associate director of the National Theatre of Scotland’s Black Watch), exploring the nature of charity, friendship and the miles between the developed and developing worlds.

The play chronicles Joe’s 2002 gap year to Uganda, visiting an aunt who was working for a charity. During the six week trip, Joe (then 18) befriended Ronnie — two years younger than him and with similar interests, including the fact that both were Manchester United fans.

Six months later, Joe received a text message: ‘Brother my sponsor has pulled out on me and I want to stay in school. Can you help? Ronnie x’

The message would change both their lives, and link the boys together for the next decade.

Writer Joe takes to the stage himself to perform the piece as well — detailing the murky process of gaining an education in Uganda, and the bond of friendship tested from 4,000 miles away.

Educating Ronnie arrives at Eastwood Park Theatre tonight (Thursday) for a 7.30pm show — tickets (£9-£13) available from 577 4956.

And if you miss the southside performance, you catch the show next month, as it arrives back in Glasgow for a run at the Tron Theatre from October 15-19 — more info available on 552 4267 or from www.tron.co.uk.