Joe McGann returns to Theatre Royal after leg break

Just don’t tell Joe: ‘Break a leg’.

Joe McGann has unfinished business when it comes to Glasgow.

The Upper Hand star is back in the city this month and on stage at the Theatre Royal in rom com, April in Paris.

The last time the Liverpudlian took to the famous old stage, the curtain came down early on his performance after a nasty accident left him badly injured.

But the 56-year-old has fonder memories of Glasgow than just that unfortunate experience.

Not only were he and his wife, Tamzin, married in the city but they lived there for several years. Just like his theatre role, that too was cut short due to unfortunate circumstances.

“We would still have been living there had Tam’s father not become ill and we moved to be close to him,” Joe said. “Only a few days ago we said to each other that our story up north hasn’t finished.

“For people with our interests, Glasgow is perfect. The arts, entertainment and it’s only half an hour’s drive to the wilderness. We miss our trips to Rowardennan with the dogs and swimming in the loch.”

Joe’s memories of the Theatre Royal aren’t quite so positive.

“The last time I was there, five or six years ago, I slipped on some water, broke both ends of my tibia and badly broke my arm. My understudy landed on top of me and helped break the arm!

“I was told it would take three or four years before it was properly healed. So I have unfinished business.”

Joe will attempt to complete that business alongside former Corrie star Shobna Gulati in John Godber’s play.

“I first saw the show in 1993 and thought it was beautiful and charming, with a great deal of humour. We all know a couple who have been together for such a long time and are always arguing. A lot of what they say to each other is funny.

“It’s only the two of us on stage, which is definitely harder than a one-man show, where you can easily adjust any mistakes. So we need a trust and to know each other inside out.

“Every day before the show, we try to work on things that were iffy the night before. The audience sees we’re relaxed and they react to that.”

April in Paris, Theatre Royal, Aug 26-30.