REVIEW: Billy Connolly: Made in Scotland

Over the last few months the media has been filled with headlines about how legendary comedian Sir Billy Connolly is nearing death’s door, which has in turn lead to social media being awash with premature outpourings of grief. Yet Connolly’s most recent 2-part documentary series “Billy Connolly- Made in Scotland”, airing over the new year on BBC TWO, proves the Big Yin is very much alive and kicking despite his battle against Parkinson’s disease.

Over two one-hour long episodes, Connolly takes us on a wonderful philosophical journey from the Shipyards and the “Sarry Heid” of his native Glasgow to the cold shores of Loch Ard, ‘Made in Scotland’ does not disappoint and is sure to make you laugh and cry.

The first part of Connolly’s televisual autobiography focuses on his early beginnings in Glasgow, looking back at how the Big Yin went from being a welder on the banks of the Clyde to a world-famous comedian. Starting off in one of Glasgow’s oldest and most famous boozers the Saracens Head or the ‘Sarry Heid’ as the locals like to call it, Connolly joyfully sings the pubs famous own song as he reflects with great passion on the days of old where men would gather after a hard day’s graft for a pint and a good old blether.

With a blend of dazzling old archive footage, clips of Connolly’s stand up from across the years and the Big Yin walking us through some of his favourite places in Glasgow, we get a real feel of his pre-fame beginnings and a good idea of where his humour and love of culture stems from.

Yet perhaps what is most startling about the first part of the series was the way Connolly was able to make his autobiographical documentary as much about his beloved Glasgow and its people than himself. Something Connolly has always been brilliant at throughout his career is being both interesting and interested, always allowing himself to be an opening in to what he sees as bigger and better things. This is most evident when he pops in to a local ‘man shed’ full of old Glasgow ship workers for a cup of tea and fits right in. More interested in their stories than any of his own, he seems genuinely moved by the place.

The second part of the series continues very much in the same fashion, combining old archive footage and stand-up routines from across the decades as this time Connolly takes us to some of his favourite childhood holiday destinations.

Standing on the banks of Loch Ard, an enthusiastic Connolly’s reminisces about swimming in the freezing cold water in woolly trunks. Next, the Big Yin takes us to another favourite childhood place of his, this time the Isle of Rothsey. Laughing to himself fondly about Punch & Judy shows and seagulls pinching his lunch, Connolly seems in his element.

Although just like before in episode one, it’s the way Connolly shifts the attention away from himself and on to Scotland, its people, its culture and its landscapes that are so incredible. Making us feel both in awe with his legacy and the places that made him. This is perhaps best demonstrated on screen, towards the end of the episode when we see fans taking selfies with him from across the series. The way this is edited together is very moving, with Connolly still so humbled by his fame even after all these years. This segment is aided further by cuts to some celebrity talking heads, a line up that includes the likes of Eddie Izzard and Micky Flanagan, all enthusing over their love for the Big Yin.

What is most incredibly moving about Made in Scotland is the way it addresses the idea of death and what it means to grow old in a way that is so positive, so poignant and so uplifting. With Connolly discussing towards the end of the show how his life is “slipping away”, yet these words are not as dour as they may sound. Of course, it is incredibly sad for us as viewers to be reminded of Billy as a young energetic performer and then see first-hand the effect Parkinson’s has had on him. Still, while he’s is clearly frustrated by the limitations the disease has had on him, he appears to have come to terms with it. As he puts it “I’m a damn sight nearer the end than I am the beginning. But it doesn’t frighten me. It’s an adventure.”.

Overall ‘Made in Scotland’ is a great two hours of television, both engaging and interesting whether you’re a fan of Sir Billy Connolly or not. Plus, it’s clear as the Big Yin serenades us off with some excellent banjo playing, that he’s still that same old wandering Welder.