The Steamie cast confirmed for 2026 tour and final dates at Glasgow King's Theatre
Tony Roper is set to direct his classic Scottish play The Steamie for the last time when it arrives at the King’s Theatre, Glasgow. The venue is the final stop of its Scottish tour where audiences can enjoy it from Monday 2 – Saturday 14 November 2026. The full cast bringing The Steamie to Glasgow are confirmed below.
The Steamie returns for 2026 tour
Tony Roper is excited to bring this team of multi-generational talent to new audiences across the country. He said:
“I don’t know whether to be sad or glad that it’s the last time directing it. I’ll be glad-sad. S-Glad. It’s been almost exactly 40 years since The Steamie was first performed, and a lot has changed since then, but what hasn’t changed is what and who The Steamie represents. Community, friendship, aspirations, the unbeatable Scottish humour presented truthfully, and women presented faithfully for their often ignored worth to the various communities throughout the land.
I’m incredibly proud to see it still resonate with audiences so many years later and look forward to our outstanding new cast continuing to provide what The Steamie has done for so long - a pal to laugh with, a shoulder to cry on and true companionship.”
The Steamie 2026 Scottish Tour Cast and Creative Team confirmed
Joining forces with Tony from Rerr Terr Productions are television, theatre and local comedy legend Louise McCarthy, and director and producer Ryan Dewar: both whose connections and adoration for Roper’s trademark work span further than this next production.
Ryan, who was the live camera director and associate director of the 2019 Hydro production and, decades ago, The Steamie was one of his first professional theatre jobs says:
“When Louise and I sat down to discuss the idea of bringing back The Steamie, we ate some mince and tatties, drank creamola foam and took a whiff of Carbolic Soap before both landing on the same thought: how do we share these memories with the next generation? That’s what we’re most excited about: introducing this tour with the play everyone loves, while welcoming new audiences alongside those who’ve cherished it for generations before.”
Who is in the cast of The Steamie?
Star of stage and screen, and Scottish fan favourite, Louise McCarthy makes a return to The Steamie alongside producing with Ryan, following her starring role in the 2019 Hydro production.
Most recently, McCarthy received praise for her performance in the National Theatre of Scotland’s production of The High Life, alongside Alan Cumming. With her return to The Steamie, this time as the loveably daft Dolly, McCarthy says:
“As an audience member, it’s something that’s been passed down through generations, from my Gran to my Mum and now to me, and that’s what makes it so special. To be part of telling that story. And with this being Tony’s final time directing, it feels even more meaningful to be involved.”
Olivier Award-winning and star of The Wicker Man, Lesley Mackie, makes her Steamie debut as Mrs Culfeathers. A renowned Scottish talent with a decades-spanning career, Mackie is considering this her “come back” after being largely retired in recent years. Mackie says:
“I was asked to do it back in 89 and 94, but somehow it never worked out. I haven't toured for many years so here's to this one, the opportunity to do this smashing play for the first time and to be directed by the writer himself! I hope to meet many old friends and colleagues on the way.”
Off the back of Emma Rice Company tour of Mallory Tower’s this summer, and her stellar Pitlochry Festival Theatre’s 2025 summer programme, Eden Barrie joins the cast as Doreen:
“The Steamie is such a beloved story and legendary piece of Scottish theatre. Playing Doreen feels incredibly special, I can’t wait to tell her and these women’s stories across Scotland this year!”
Rounding out the fabulous four is actor and musician Ali Cleland as Magrit. Recognised for her original “Hen Night Horror”, also touring this Autumn after achieving huge critical success, Cleland says:
“I always watched the Steamie with my wee Granny. Magrit’s always been a dream role of mine, and I’m still pinching myself that it’s actually happening…never mind working with the one & only Tony Roper!”
Last, but certainly not least, is Paul J Corrigan as Andy. Former River City star and Aberdeen Panto favourite, Corrigan says:
“It’s a huge privilege to be joining The Steamie and working with Tony Roper on his last outing. I was lucky I got to work with him years ago on Rab C Nesbitt, when my character got to stick the heed on Jamesie Cotter and steal his chips. Thankfully we laughed about it as a good icebreaker in the audition.”
About The Steamie
Tony Roper’s The Steamie is set inside a 1950s Glasgow washhouse (A Steamie) on Hogmanay, where the water’s hot and the gossips even hotter. Magrit, Dolly, Doreen, and Mrs. Culfeathers share laughter, secrets, and dreams while tackling the final wash of the year. With songs by David Anderson, this Scottish classic fizzes with patter, pride, and plenty of laughs, a joyful celebration of friendship and the heart of working-class life. For the play’s composer, the conversation circles back to gratitude. Few could have predicted that this play would become one of Scotland’s most enduring theatrical successes.
“It’s quite an institution. Nearly 40 years. I’ve had so many wonderful years watching it, and to this day I never get tired of talking about The Steamie. And I doubt I ever will.”
Tony Roper’s The Steamie is produced by Ryan Dewar and Louise McCarthy for Rerr Terr Productions, in association with Neil Laidlaw, Selladoor Worldwide and Dundee Rep Theatre.
See The Steamie in Glasgow
Tony Roper's The Steamie
King's Theatre, Glasgow
Mon 2 - Sat 14 November 2026
MORE: Read my review of The Steamie here: https://www.lisainthetheatre.com/post/the-steamie-review
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