A former BBC comedian, Stuart Hay, is facing accusations of failing to pay wages to actors and refunds to fans for his stage show, 'The Journey Back,' which chronicles the financial collapse of the Rangers football club.
At least ten actors allege they are owed thousands of pounds by Hay and his company, Stuart Hay Productions. Some actors have initiated legal proceedings and are attempting to prevent the dissolution of Hay's company, believing it would hinder their ability to recover unpaid wages.
Colin and Gill McGowan, a husband-and-wife acting duo, claim they are owed a combined £10,000 for approximately 11 shows performed since March. "I feel like we’ve been taken a loan of," Gill McGowan stated. "It’s been horrendous, a horrible mess, and we’re probably not going to see any of the money we’re owed."
Audience members have also reported not receiving refunds for cancelled performances. Social media posts indicate that individuals are owed money for shows that were scrapped months ago.
Stuart Hay, who previously created football-related comedy sketches for the BBC and appeared on shows like 'Only An Excuse?', penned 'The Journey Back' in 2023. Actors reported that payment issues began earlier this year, with Hay repeatedly promising to settle outstanding wages while citing reasons such as venues not paying, bank seizures, or needing to issue refunds to customers.
Trade unions Cairn and Equity have attempted to mediate the dispute but report that Hay has ceased communication. "The only recourse open to our members is to individually initiate Small Claims Actions," said Julie Coombes, a spokeswoman for Cairn union. "Should they decide to do this we will offer all the support we can but as the producer is now possibly entering the process of liquidation there might be no cash to accompany any judgement in their favour."
Hay stated that his company began suffering major financial losses due to high production costs and poor ticket sales, leading to show cancellations. He explained that a planned series of shows in early September was intended to cover outstanding wages, but the necessity of issuing refunds depleted these funds, forcing the company to seek rescue options. "The situation will be resolved and all outstanding debts are being looked at to find the best possible solution for all involved," Hay said, acknowledging the stress and anger caused to both customers and cast members.