Comedian Janey Godley reflects on the life of fellow Glaswegian Bill Connolly as he reaches his landmark 80th birthday.
Billy Connolly - affectionately called ‘The Big Yin’ to differentiate him from his father of the same name - had a tough and troubled upbringing in Glasgow. Comedy, and the urge to entertain, were used as a means of survival and growth. Having achieved cult status in Glasgow, he was propelled to wider fame in 1975 by an appearance on Parkinson, where he shared the infamous bike-parking gag.
Janey finds out why Glasgow was so important to The Big Yin, how he paved the way for other comedians and artists, and why he maintains the influence he still has to this day.
Guests include Elaine C Smith, Barbara Dickson, Rab Noakes, Tony Roper and The Rt Hon The Lord Provost of Glasgow, Councillor Sadie Docherty.
In addition, next Friday at 11.45am you can hear Jim Naughtie in conversation with Bill Connolly in The New Elizabethans.
First broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland in 2022.
Publicity contact: Radio4Publicity