LEAH MacRae’s face beamed a giant smile while rummaging around boxes back at her mum’s.

Not only did the River City star discover diaries she had kept when she was a schoolgirl, they offered up great ideas for her new stage show.

“I’ve been doing a lot of cabaret in recent years,” says Leah, “and I realised I was talking a lot in between songs.

“So I decided to come up with a show in which that became the structure.”

But what to talk about? “I know people have loved Bridget Jones, and Secret Diary of a Call Girl, which revealed aspects of people’s lives that have been fascinating.

“And since doing more television people want to know about me as a person I’ve gone to the diaries for memories.

“I talk about their content and use this as a heightened way to tell people all about me, where I’m from, growing up. And how I got to where I am.”

The diary revelations aren’t all tales of a sugar-sweet schoolgirl from the south side of Glasgow.

“One minute I was excited about turning into a teenager and the day later I’ve written; ‘Who does she think she is my so-called mum? What sort of present was that to give me?’”

Leah, who links the on-stage stories with songs including character comedy pieces and a few ballads adds, laughing; “I was just so petulant.”

Another trigger for the show was a school worksheet Leah found.

“It had asked me questions, about what I like, what I thought was fun.

“It was nice to get an insight into a wee girl’s mind and it was funny to see me writing about dancing and dreaming of being on the stage.

“I read this and thought ‘Oh, doll, you have so far to go.’”

There is also talk of boys. “Oh yes. I go from being ‘so in love’ one minute to talk of being dumped. And I go into detail about that happening when you’re older, which is really hurtful.”

Her voice softens; “That’s the real poignant moment in the show. You can have laughs but you also need a real moment when the audience can connect with you and understand the pain you’ve felt.”

And with this pain comes the chance to perform a really strong ballad?

“Exactly,” she says, grinning.

The stage show will reveal Leah hasn’t always been an entirely confident performer.

The actress remembers terror took hold even when appearing in hugely successful comedy parody 51 Shades of Maggie, with the comfort blanket of a pre-written script.

“During rehearsals I knew the show was sold out, the biggest selling theatre show since Mrs Brown.

“But still I began to go into a nervous panic. I was full of self-doubt to the point my eye began to twitch. I began to think I wasn’t good enough to front the show.

“Yet, I guess after I did that show I realised if I could do that I could do anything.”

Leah admits the fear hasn’t left her entirely. “I’m quite frightened about this show,” she admits. “It’s scary when you do your own material.”

Leah also talks about rejections she has suffered professionally. It’s a given that actors have to deal with not being wanted in a way few others have to contend with.

“I’ve gone up for endless auditions for jobs I didn’t get, especially in my early twenties.

“You put yourself out there and then someone says ‘No thank you,’ and that really affects you.

“Even at this stage in my career, with the likes of River City going on, you remember how tough it was. You realise how quickly you could end up back at that point, struggling.”

Leah adds; “I know there are lots of people out there right now worrying about their jobs being at risk. But generally, if someone is good at their job they keep it.

“Acting however is a different kettle of fish. You never know when you will get written out.”

The new show has it’s serious points but essentially it’s a comedy, with Leah laughing at herself.

“And there is a message in my show about self-belief, because it took me such a long time to believe in myself.

“I had to go through an awful lot of rejection before I got to that point.”

Leah’s career is flying at the moment. She enjoyed a fantastic year last year, appearing at the Hydro in Gary: Tank Commander, as well as River City and her own Festival show.

She’s currently lining up panto for this year and River City success will continue. Her character, Ellie, has some ‘lovely storylines coming up.’

Ellie’s mum Maggie, (Cath Howden) has arrived on screen. “What I can say is my mum arrives with a whole load of baggage,” says Leah, grinning.

“And she’s given Ellie something of a back story. I just love the show.”

Leah will love her own new one-woman show.

“Once I get up there on stage,” she says, grinning.

“I’ll be fine. Oh, and there’s a wee bit of karaoke to look forward to at the end.”

• My Big Fabulous Diary, Eastwood Park Theatre, March 2, The Village Theatre East Kilbride, March 31, Rutherglen Town Hall, May 5.