Bay City Rollers help celebrate the cast announcement for Rollers Forever, ahead of the fan-favourite musical’s expanded 2026 Scottish tour

Martin Bone - Editor-In Chief 1 week ago

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Beloved Scottish group Bay City Rollers help celebrate the cast announcement for Rollers Forever, ahead of the fan-favourite musical’s expanded 2026 Scottish tour

“This show will have you smiling from ear to ear, laughing your heart out and for some of us playing that Bay City Rollers back catalogue on repeat and questioning previous fashion choices.” – Glasgow Times

“It is a nostalgic exploration of friendship and adventure, underpinned by fandom and how it materialised for the act that set a path for Scottish rock and roll and inspired generations of hopeful musicians.” -Glasgow World

“An infectious, feel-good vibe” – The Herald

“The cast can’t be faulted, either for their musical talent or their ability to deliver a punchline.” – The Reviews hub

The full cast has been revealed for Rollers Forever – the smash-hit musical celebrating the songs of the beloved Bay City Rollers – which returns by massive popular demand in October 2026 with an expanded Scottish tour across Glasgow, Aberdeen and Edinburgh.

L-R Clare Nolan, Liam Harkins, Ian Thomson, John McLaughlin, Stuart ‘Woody’ Wood, Rachel Campbell, Fiona Wood

Photo credit: Michael Hunter

To launch the return of this uplifting musical extravaganza featuring the band’s iconic hits and plenty of tartan spirit, the Rollers Forever 2026 cast went out on the road to Glasgow’s Pavilion Theatre on Wednesday 27 May. They arrived at the theatre in a bespoke tartan-clad, open-top double decker bus, complete with members of the legendary Bay City Rollers playing atop the bus alongside the lead cast members Fiona Wood and Liam Harkins alongside Rachel Campbell from the production.

The tartan-filled trip also made a stop in Edinburgh at Calton Hill. Bay City Rollers’ members Stuart ‘Woody’ Wood, John McLaughlin and Ian Thomson appeared alongside the musical’s cast, bringing a touch of Rollermania to the city’s iconic backdrop.

And the celebrations continue tonight, with Bay City Rollers heading to Glasgow’s West End for a special pop-up acoustic performance at The Left Bank from 5pm. Entry is free for the first 100 fans, with audiences encouraged to bring their tartan and join the fun

Magnetic talent Chiara Sparkes will reprise her starring role as Susan and widely-recognised and acclaimed performer Fiona Wood plays Jenny, in this hugely fun and feel-good story that spotlights two lifelong fans who reconnect on a Saturday night and relive their teenage obsession with the Rollers. Liam Harkins will also reprise his role as Susan’s brother Alec, bringing his impressive stage presence to the production following his lead role as Danny Carlton in Tom Nicoll’s debut feature film, ‘Salvation’.

The cast also features a who’s-who of leading performers from across Scotland and the UK, bringing together Rachel Campbell, Gregor John-Owen, Andy Clark, Clare Nolan and Tyler Collins, in this heartfelt, tartan-clad musical that is a must-see for fans of the iconic Bay City Rollers.

Speaking on his return to the show, Liam Harkins said: “After the success of last year’s shows I’m so excited to get back together with the team and make this years’ experience even bigger and better for the audiences of Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Aberdeen. It was incredible to witness the energy and deep appreciation that fans, from all over, still hold for the Rollers, and I can’t wait to see that again this year.”

The feel-good new musical will begin its return run at the Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow (Wednesday 14 to Saturday 17 October 2026) for six performances including Thursday and Saturday matinees. It then moves to His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen (Wednesday 21 to Saturday 24 October 2026) for another six shows, before concluding with seven performances at the King’s Theatre, Edinburgh (Tuesday 27 to Saturday 31 October 2026), including Wednesday and Saturday matinees.

Chiara Sparkes toured Scotland this spring as ‘Maggie’ in the National Theatre of Scotland-produced Stand and Deliver. Sparkes, whose theatre credits also range from Mamma Mia! and Glasgow Girls to Sleeping Beauty and The Yellow on the Broom, says: [add quote]Fiona Wood, who has captivated audiences with her performances in Pitlochry Festival Theatre’s productions of Grease and Sunshine On Leith, as well as her numerous television roles, said: “After seeing how much audiences enjoyed the show last year, I can’t wait to be up there getting everyone dancing in the aisles”

At the heart of the show are Jenny and Susan, two lifelong fans who reconnect on a Saturday night and plunge back into the chaos, camaraderie and thrill of their teenage obsession with the Rollers. As the evening unfolds, they’re joined by Susan’s brother Alec, whose larger-than-life presence and fierce football loyalties bring an extra dose of humour and heart, stirring up memories, rivalries and the kind of unshakeable bonds that only music and a shared past can create.

Written by award-winning playwright Danny McCahon and directed by acclaimed theatre-maker Liz Carruthers, Rollers Forever brings together a stellar production team including producer Ed Crozier, Musical Director Dale Parker and music industry veterans Mark Mackie, David Low, Donald MacLeod and John McLaughlin – the latter also a current Bay City Roller and the man behind the band’s sell out 2015 reunion.

Writer Danny McCahon said: “This is a play about anyone who ever fell in love with a band – the obsession, the passion and the fun. A show about the fans for the fans, sprinkled with a homage to life before technology. It was a treat to work on and audience reaction during the first run last year made it even more rewarding. For many, it was a chance to celebrate their youth – even to relive it for an evening – in the carefree poptastic seventies. For others, it was a fun introduction to the music of the Bay City Rollers with a few laughs along the way. I am delighted that the show is now moving on to other venues, giving more people the chance to rejoice in nostalgia soundtracked by some of the greatest pop music ever created.”

Director Liz Carruthers, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that Rollers Forever is going on the road! After the phenomenal reception for the show at the Pavilion last year, we are really happy to be back to Glasgow and then heading for Aberdeen. It is particularly exciting to be bringing the show home to Edinburgh in the newly reopened Kings Theatre.
With many of our talented original team back on board as well as some new faces, we can’t wait for audiences to join us for a fun night of nostalgia, laughter and brilliant Bay City Rollers songs.”
Tickets are on sale now.