Hurlford and Kilmarnock men in the spotlight on UK theatre tour

May 15 2009 by Lizzie Struthers, Kilmarnock Standard

A HIT stage show is putting a Hurlford musical director and Kilmarnock comedian in the limelight.

Maestro Richard Anderson and comic Johnny Mac are currently on a UK tour with the gospel show The Songs of Sister Act, which will be playing at the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow on Friday, May 22.

Richard, 42, who has a list of West End credits, is in charge of the music for the show performed by X-Factor runner-up Rowetta, also of Happy Mondays fame, and the London Community Gospel Choir.

The show has the audience up singing and dancing to gospel hits from the Sister Act movies like ‘Oh Happy Day’ and ‘Joyful, Joyful’.

Richard, who is better known as Richie, said: “I’ve played piano since I was eight and realised from a young age that I wanted to do something with music.

“I like all sorts of music from soul to funk to jazz and even country.”

Richard, who now stays in Liverpool, said: “There was not enough work opportunities in Scotland so I moved down south.

“I maybe do a few shows in Scotland in a year.”

His parents Robert and Mary Anderson still stay in Hurlford.

John MacDonald, whose stage name is Johnny Mac, plays a madcap American preacher in the show.

The 29-year-old said: “As a stand-up comic, it is nice to be up on stage and touring with other people for a change. The talent in the show is amazing.”

The former St Joseph’s Academy pupil, who now stays in Ayr, recently supported Freddie Starr for four of his Scottish gigs. He will spend the summer season performing at the Hippodrome Theatre in Great Yarmouth.

Johnny Mac describes his “wacky and zany” act as suitable for all ages. He is a favourite for pantomimes and played the title role in Aladdin at the Kings Theatre in Edinburgh last Christmas. John and Richard met and became friends working together at this pantomime.

John’s parents Robert and Ellen and sister Jennifer still live in Kilmarnock.