Rab C Nesbitt star Barbara Rafferty has spent countless hours in the Citizens Theatre over the years.
These days, she spends most of that time on stage in a starring role, but she has fond memories of sitting up in the cheap seats as a youth with another would-be actor who would later become a star.
“I met David Hayman in a drama group we went to when we were just into our teens,” explained Barbara, who plays Ella Cotter in the BBC comedy.
“We would go to the Citz and see some wonderful theatre and then go up to Dino’s on Sauchiehall Street for a coffee we felt so grown up!
“I fancied David madly at the time, but I was just his wee pal.
“We used to say to each other, ‘imagine if we end up there, wouldn’t that be great?’
“Well, it just shows that dreams can come true.
“Sometimes when I’m on stage I give a wee nod to that young girl who used to sit up the stairs watching the shows. I love the place. It feels like the theatre belongs to the people of Glasgow.
“I even had my wedding party in the foyer it’s such a beautiful building inside.”
Barbara is currently starring in a new Citz production of historical drama The Libertine, alongside Martin Hutson, Andy Clark and Tony Cownie.
“Since artistic director Dominic Hill came in, he’s really put it back on the map. He’s brought back class and a buzz to see the theatre full again is a thing of joy.”
The Libertine is at the Citizens Theatre in Glasgow until May 24.
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