Rutherglen BBC Shetland star to stun Edinburgh Fringe audiences in mental health play

A Rutherglen actor is preparing to stun audiences at the Edinburgh Fringe by starring in a play that delves into the effects of social media on one’s mental health. Craig Barclay, who recently appeared in BBC’s Shetland, will star in ‘Addict’ – an explosive, 60-minute rollercoaster ride portraying the power and perils of social media and its potential impact on mental health. The play explores the consequences of posting online through the eyes of paramedic John, who catapults from an ordinary guy to an overnight sensation when his tweet ignites a viral storm. But not everyone ‘likes’ what he has to say, so creating an alter-ego, John arranges a meeting with an abusive troll, which ends in violence, and John is arrested. As he awaits trial, his life devastated, John questions whether he is the criminal or the victim. Rutherglen’s Craig spoke to Lanarkshire Live about his background and his excitement for his second Fringe appearance. He said: “I always strive for new challenges in my career and when Addict came along, I literally jumped at the opportunity. “It’s me for an hour on stage creating a world for the audience to live in where I’m playing multiple characters and switching between them quite fluidly. “It’s challenging but also incredibly fulfilling, and it’s amazing to explore as an actor. “I think what Tony’s done so beautifully with Addict is presented a scenario to the audience which everyone in the modern world can relate to, we all have a phone in our pocket and we’re always checking it, right? “But he’s taken that idea to the extreme and shown what that addiction can lead to. It’s a damn good play. “I’m from Rutherglen originally and I love being at the Fringe. It’s just an infectious atmosphere of creativity that just takes over everyone. I love being there and, of course, I love being at home.” Addict will be performing from August 2 to 10 and from August 12 to 17 in the Space on the Mile, with tickets available now. *Don’t miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here. And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.