Brian Beacom

WHEN Andy Paterson wakes up in a couple of weeks’ time, there’s a real chance he’ll wonder who he’s supposed to be.

The actor is set to play the lead role in THREE plays at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

For the first part of the day, Andy will become the late Scots politician Willie MacRae in his play 3000 Trees.

Andy, who lives who lives in Bridge of Weir in Renfrewshire, will play the anti-nuclear protester who was alleged to have fallen victim to the security forces.

“It’s great to play Willie again,” says Andy. “The play has returned because of the really positive crit we got last time around.”

That play beings at noon, then mid-afternoon, the former RSAMD actor will appear in another one-man show, The Tobacco Merchant’s Lawyer.

Iain Heggie’s delightful comedy play is set in Glasgow in 1780, and features the story of Enoch Dalmellington, a man full of contradictions.

Dalmellington, we learn, yearns for the restoration of Scottish independence, yet can’t resist the trade provided by the Union.

He believes all men are equal, except black slaves.

“I love appearing in the play,” says Andy. “Iain Heggie has written a brilliant comedy piece that really captures the history of the time.”

Andy will have just have time to grab a shower and a bite to eat before heading back on stage.

For his final performance of the day, the actor will star in Sex Offence.

It’s a new play he has written, produced and will direct.

The first thing the actor points out, smiling, is that neither of the characters featured in the play is based upon an actual person.

Sex Offence is the story of a corrupt cabinet minister and a ruthless tabloid editor who cross swords over a historic abuse allegation - with fatal consequences

“It has been inspired by lots of stories and rumours going around Government circles,” says Andy.

“There was talk of former Prime Minister Edward Heath being involved with children.

“And there was the story about Geoffrey Dickens taking the dossier containing details of a government paedophile ring to Leon Brittan.

“But Sex Offence is totally a work of fiction.”

It will however strike a chord with those who believe power and privilege has been used many times in the past to cover up institutional child abuse.

The play, which also stars former High Road star Rachel Ogilvy, features on the story of Home Secretary, Archie Cornwall, an Old Etonian who was helped on his way to the top by his ex-father in law who is a Peer.

We learn Cornwall has had an affair with Fiona Myles, a one-time BBC reporter. But he played a part in her sacking, as revenge for her blowing the whistle on their affair.

“All is going well with his life but then Fiona Myles comes back to haunt him,” says Andy.

“Now she’s a tabloid editor with a hunger to exact revenge.”

Myles has learned of a paedophile scandal at a children’s home in South London.

“And she remembers Archie Cornwall was once on the board of the children’s home.

“Meantime, there’s been a mass shooting in London, and we discover the shooting is related to the children’s home scandal.”

Andy adds; “I wanted to explore and portray this attitude of those with enormous power and influence who feel they are above the law.

“And the truth is they are. Even when they’re uncovered they know so much about others they are protected.”

The actor reminds that abuse takes part in a range of institutions, regardless of class.

“What we’re also taking into account is the abuse that went on in public schools, particularly a generation ago.

“And of course, what can happen is the abused becomes the abuser.”

The play, three years in the writing, will certainly capture public imagination.

“It’s taken a while to get to this point. And we’re producing the play ourselves and using crowd funding to cover the expenses.”

Andy grins as he knows he will be shifting from playing a politician who is a victim of the System – to someone who is an architect for evil.

“There’s a commonality with both men,” says Andy, a former journalist who is also an accomplished musician.

“Both are involved in politics. Both have a considerable ego. Both are charismatic. And both plays have their very dark moments.”

Thankfully, the light of The Tobacco Merchant’s Lawyer will leaven the load.

Iain Heggie’s delightful play is set in Glasgow around 1780.

The one-man play tells of Enoch Dalmellington, a man full of contradictions.

The lawyer yearns for the restoration of Scottish independence, yet cant resits the trade provided by the Union. He believes all men are equal, except black slaves.

The comedy abounds. It’s an immensely clever piece, and a great challenge for any actor.

“I love it,” says Andy.

But will he survive the challenge of playing three characters in one day, over a period of weeks?

“I hope so,” he says, grinning. “And because I’m working constantly I won’t have the chance to see any other shows.

“It will be a way to save money.”

Andy is hoping crowd funding will allow for the touring of his new play.

“We’re hoping to raise £6k,” he says. “Hopefully we will make it because there has been a lot of time and effort invested in getting it out there.”

• The Tobacco Merchant’s Lawyer, Sweet Holyrood, Venue 24, August 3-23, 26-27 at 12 noon.

• 3000 Trees: The Death of Mr William MacRae, New Town Theatre, August 3-14, 16-27, 2.50pm,

• Sex Offence, New Town Theatre, August 3-14, 16-27 at 8.10pm

Crowdfundinghttps://www.indiegogo.com/projects/sex-offence-a-new-drama-by-andy-paterson#/