John Byrne talks to theatre critic Joyce McMillan about the richness and diversity of his life and work. In this unique conversation we are offered insights into his creations that have for decades run unmistakably against the main currents of theatre, art and writing in ways that inspire his audiences and peers and which have earned him numerous awards and accolades.

As a designer of theatre sets and record covers, John Byrne has lent his diverse talents to The Beatles and Billy Connolly amongst others. As a playwright, he won critical acclaim for ‘Slab Boys’ and again for the six-time BAFTA award-winning television series ‘Tutti Frutti’. His work is held in major collections in Scotland and abroad, including the Scottish National Portrait Gallery and the museum of Modern Art.

Photographer Jim Mackintosh