Brian Beacom

BBC SCOTLAND’S cult comedy Scot Squad is set to become a theatre show.

It has been revealed today the BBC hit, first broadcast in 2012, will be staged at Glasgow’s Armadillo in the New Year.

The number of dates has yet to be finalised.

However, producers The Comedy Unit will provisionally commit to two nights in April and add further dates as audience reaction demands.

A showbiz insider said Scot Squad, the adventures of Scotland’s first unified police force seen through the lens of satire, is likely to be a hot theatre ticket.

“The show is hugely popular, especially with young people,” he said.

“It really makes sense to transfer it to the theatre.”

Scot Squad, filmed in mockumentary style, features a range of Scotland’s top acting talent.

Cops are played by the likes of Jordan Young, Sally Reid, Grado. Karen Bartke and Jack Docherty.

More recently, Julie Wilson Nimmo and Louise McCarthy have been added to the series in which actors often improvise their own lines and come up with comedy scenarios.

However the insider adds that negotiations between The Comedy Unit and Scot Squad actors have arrested plans to announce specific dates for the show.

“There are heavy talks going on at the moment over money. Some actors feel they have been offered a ‘derisory’ amount for rehearsing and performing two show at the iconic Glasgow venue.”

The actors, it’s claimed, are prepared to accept a low pay deal for rehearsing and performing, but argue if more nights are sold they should reap the benefit.

The insider maintained; “The problem is when you have a cast of 14 it is hard to get a consensus.

“Some people feel they are being strong-armed into accepting the deal, whilst those with good agents and a bit more experience are sitting back because they believe they are being short-changed.”

One actor, who preferred to remain anonymous said: “We aren’t asking for a fortune, but people don’t realise we improvise and effectively write the TV show as well as appear in it, so I don’t think sharing in the profits is too much to ask.”