THE doors of the Magnum will close for the last time next month - but not before going out with a bang.

Comedian Billy Kirkwood is returning to his hometown to give the famed venue its’ farewell performance.

And the significance of the occasion is one that is not lost on him.

“It will be great to give the venue a proper sending off,” said Billy, “It’s really exciting to get to go and perform there, but it’s sad as well. It’s a gorgeous theatre and a real institution.

“I’ve always had a connection to it; my mum used to be one of the cleaners there.

“It’s a dream gig and a huge honour for me to be the last act to ever perform there.

“There have been lots of names that have played there over the years. I remember seeing Ardal O’Hanlon there in 1997. It was right off the back of Father Ted and the place was rammed.

“It’s a real sort of Cinderella story for a local boy to come back here and play this gig”.

Having established himself as one of the main figures on the Scottish comedy circuit, Billy has performed all across the country and has featured on BBC Radio Scotland’s satirical news programme ‘Breaking the News’ with Des Clarke.

However despite his success, Billy has not forgotten his origins in Ayrshire and indeed owes much of it to the place where he grew up.

He said: “The people of Irvine and Ayrshire have been instrumental in the success I’ve had. It’s great if I am able to pay them back in some way for all the support I’ve had from them.

“I’ve definitely drawn from many of the experiences I had growing up here and added it into my act.

“It’s a very creative place and there are a lot of stories about living in Ayrshire that have certainly been an inspiration.”

The gratitude that Billy feels towards those back home who backed him over the years is genuine and heartfelt.

Even during difficult times, Billy has a passion for giving people something which can help to put a smile back on faces.

He explained: “I want to be able to make people laugh no matter what sort of day they’ve had.

“The association with Freckfest will also see half of the money go to charity. So it’s an opportunity to put money toward a good cause as well.

“When you see things such as how many foodbanks there are for example, and times are tough, I want to try and help people to feel good.”

With the event marking the end of an era for an institution of the community, Billy has something truly unique saved up for the evening.

He explained: “It will be an Irvine-centric type of show.

“There will be things about Irvine to get off the chest and I’ll be discussing how we are perceived by others too.

“The people here really are one of the best crowds to play to.

“They have a unique ability to be able to let themselves to go - and they like a drink as well!”

Billy is encouraging the people of Irvine to come along to the show, which promises to be a good night.

He concluded: “Put all the stresses behind you and come along to see the Magnum out.

“I want to be able to shine a beacon on the people in Irvine”.

‘Billy Kirkwood: Last Magnum Standing’ is on at The Magnum on September 16. Tickets are priced at £10 and can be purchased on www.ticketweb.co.uk