SPORTS day - undiluted agony or endless joy?

Whether a star athlete or a hopeless failure, everyone remembers their own school sports day.

Now, as the city hurtles towards the Commonwealth Games, a new, large scale community show brings to life the world of soaring successes and shattered dreams.

A cast of Glaswegians from all sections of the community will take to the Citizens stage next week for Sports Day, featuring material from a host of well-known writers including Davey Anderson, Julia Taudevin and Douglas Maxwell.

It also includes new songs written especially for the occasion by the likes of The Vaselines' Eugene Kelly, Chemikal Underground boss and ex-Delgado Alun Woodward and Jill O'Sullivan who, as well as releasing material with her band Sparrow and the Workshop, is also a member of Fruit Tree Foundation, led by Idlewild's Rod Jones and Emma Pollock.

For star Joyce Falconer, well known for playing Roisin in River City, sports day holds only happy memories.

"I was a bit of a sports star at my primary school," she says, proudly. "I was a sprinter - 100m and 400m. I didn't like the longer distances much but as I lived close to the school I could nip home during the cross country for a glass of orange squash."

Joyce plays Geraldine, the school janitor, who is retiring after 30 years in the job.

"Sports day happens to be the day after her 'big night out' to celebrate, so she is nursing a sore head," grins Joyce. "It's a fantastic production, with some really great writing and wonderful songs.

"I'm chuffed to bits that Alun Woodward, of Chemikal Underground, has written one of my songs."

She adds with a laugh: "One of my favourite sketches is Peter Arnott's autobiographical tale about winning the 'wrong' race - he was so far behind in the 800m that the 1500m had started while he was still running, and everyone thought he had won it."

The Citizens Theatre learning team works throughout the year with a range of community groups in Glasgow, from drama classes for adults, children and those with additional learning needs, to professional development for teachers and drama practitioners.

Sports Day co-director Guy Hollands says: "All eyes will be on Glasgow this summer and we are looking forward to making our own contribution here in the Gorbals to the excitement of the upcoming Commonwealth Games.

"We are delighted that so many writers have stepped up to the challenge we set to create some fantastic new work.

"We are looking forward to taking audiences in Glasgow on a funny trip down memory lane."

Tickets for Sports Day, which runs from tomorrow until Saturday, are available at 0141 429 0022 or from www.citz.co.uk