Harry's play about Coatbridge

Dec 5 2012 Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

Harry Barry

Coatbridge is the setting for a brand new play... and it even features your favourite weekly paper.

Musician Harry Barry, from Blairhill, is keen to involve as many local people as possible in the production, entitled The Hauf and Half, which showcases the unique Coatbridge language.

He’s appealing to readers with acting, sound and lighting experience to get in touch ahead of the launch in April.

Harry said: “The play has been a labour of love. It is deep rooted in Coatbridge and is an affectionate look at life here.

“Local people have a distinctive way of speaking and a wonderful turn of phrase.

“As the show is about Coatbridge and the world premiere will be in Coatbridge, it makes sense that it is performed by local people. In fact, it’s crucial to its success.”

The production is set in the present day and contains original songs and music by Harry, who is in his 60s and has been involved in the music business for 50 years.

He explained: “There are four main parts - a boy of 16, a man in his late 60s and a man and woman in their mid 40s.

“Ideally, I’m looking for people who can also sing and dance.

“It’s an opportunity for performers to showcase their skills as leading lights from the worlds of theatre, television and radio will be present at the premiere.”

Harry has written and recorded hundreds of songs, TV and radio jingles. He is responsible for perhaps the longest running jingle in the UK – The Barras are Better.

He played and sang on Ally’s Tartan Army and wrote most of the songs for the official Scotland World Cup Squad album. He also penned European Song for Aberdeen Football Club and co-wrote the celebrated Scotland Again.

Nowadays he is the man behind The Big Elastic Band, which features guitarist, Billy Young, of Airdrie.

If you fit the bill and want to be part of the team contact Harry at harrybarrymusic@gmail.com