Presenting The Steamie in original setting

Far from taking a seasonal break, the rather exciting Govanhill Theatre Group is steaming ahead with its latest production, presented on location in the last remaining Glasgow wash house, Govanhill Baths.

It could only be

Set in the 1950s, the show follows four working class women getting in one last washing load before the new year arrives.

The original was first made for TV in 1988, and screened on Hogmanay.

Since then it’s become a city treasure, repeated by groups both professional and amateur and even preserved in its original production online, thanks to STV — which also named the comedy second in an online poll of best loved shows.

It’s a small cast of five, and over at Govanhill, the four female leads will be taken up by Alison May, Anne-Marie Feeney, Marianne Boyle and Margaret Burns, as well as Robert William Radcliffe as Andy.

Between the girls, there’s talk of men, Galloway’s marvellous mince, dreams — and a lost way of life, as steamies across the land are rapidly overshadowed by the more modern laundrette.

Still, there are lots of laughs along the way, aided by a strong dose of good old Glaswegian humour.

The baths building has dominated the news recently when it comes to all things creative, with a large scale stage set up in the main pool and hosting everything from Shakespeare adaptations to fashion shows and political rallies.

But the Edwardian bath house holds particular significance for this producton, as original features of the Govanhill steamie can still be seen today.

GTG’s Bruce Downie told The Extra: “The building is well-loved by locals, for many of whom the social issues at the heart of the play still ring true.

“The venue lends a special relevance to this production, drawing audiences from the surrounding area and far beyond.”

The Steamie runs at Govanhill Baths July 21-26, at 7.45pm.

Tickets are £10/£8 conc from 433 2999, [email protected] or www.brownpapertickets.com.