IF Billy Connolly comes to Barrfields for his tribute show in the summer he can have the top seat in the house, a proud theatre boss has declared.

Johann MacDougall says that the grand old venue is back with a bang after the pandemic, with sold out audiences enjoying a string of top shows during the past six months.

The Connolly tribute show, which comes to the town in June, sold 85 per cent of its ticket within the first two days of it being announced.

The volunteers behind the Barrfields Users Group (BUG) say they are hopeful 2023 will be a successful year with a strong line-up scheduled.

A seat has been reserved at every theatre where 'Dear Billy' - a love letter to the Big Yin - is being performed around Scotland in the hope the famous comedian might pop along to one.

Johann, who is BUG chairperson, said: "It shows you the power of Billy - everyone loves him and he is such an iconic figure. It was a great idea for a theatre tribute off the back of his 80th birthday.

"If Billy was to come to Barrfields again it would be amazing. He is seat would be pride of place!

"I think there has been a fantastic response from the public to going back to the theatre - there is a real thirst to get out and have fun again.

"From a string of sell out shows to volunteers numbers, which have noticeably increased, it is great to see."

KA Leisure are involved in booking some of the acts direct while the BUG generate bookings and staff the event, sharing ticket and bar sales to sustain themselves.

Any money raised goes back into Barrfields to help with upgrading the 93-year-old theatre. At present there are 60 members of BUG including front of house.

Johann added: "We have had sell out shows since we came back, and long may it continue."

Comedy Club evenings were introduced in 2018 and 2019 and might return at a later date to the Vallhaladrome -with top class comedians including Des Clarke and Scott Gibson among those who have appeared.

Other big events coming include Largs Amateur Operatic Society bringing Calendar Girls to the venue in March - and it is very much all systems go with a 60s tribute night and other shows in the planning.

Asked for the secret of Barrfields' long-running success, Johann said: "I would say the hard work of the people behind the scenes.

"We have an active committee promoting the theatre and upgrading it and that effort is what is behind keeping the memories alive."