Comedy icons making a return to Glasgow stage

Francie & Josie: The Return is at The Pavilion Theatre on May 21-22 as Liam Dolan and Johnny Mac take on the roles made famous by Jack Milroy and Rikki Fulton.

Johnny, who steps into the famous blue suit, revealed the duo were given the blessing of the comedy giants to carry on the act.

He said: “We originally did it in 1997 when we were with the Palace Youth Theatre and I wrote to Rikki Fulton asking if it would be okay and he was very encouraging.

“We grew up watching Francie and Josie so to be given that blessing was just amazing and probably had a big hand in me pursuing comedy as a career.

“Fast forward a few years and we were doing another show at the Palace and decided to invite Jack Milroy’s widow Mary Lee who loved it and said we should do a full tour.

“That gave us the impetus to take the show on the road, we watched all the footage we could to try to include the best bits so rest assured Sweet Violets, La Di Da and the Arbroath gag will all be there, with any tribute act you want to hear the hits.

“We are doing our bit to keep the memory of two wonderful performers alive and our aim is to take the audience on a trip down memory lane, or perhaps introduce them to a new generation, and ensure they leave the theatre with a smile on their faces.”

Johnny actually had the chance to work with Rikki on an episode of Rab C Nesbitt.

He recalled: “I was just an extra while he was the guest star so I never had the chance to meet him one-on-one, but just to be in his company was just brilliant.”

This traditional variety show also stars the wizard of the accordion John Carmichael, The Jersey Notes with their tribute to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons and singing sensation Christy Mac.

For more information visit the Pavilion Theatre website website