A BUDDING Barrhead actor will take centre stage in Edinburgh at this month’s Fringe as part of a production of Peter Pan. 

Craig Weir, 17, who recently left Barrhead High School, is part of the Pauline Quirke Academy in Glasgow and is set to make his debut at the festival. 

After his mum signed him up for auditions aged eight, Craig has never looked back and is now set to start studying acting at West College Scotland in Paisley this month. 

The Barrhead actor will play Smee, a pirate in the employ of Peter Pan’s arch-enemy Captain Hook. 

He said he can’t wait to get on stage. 

“It is Peter Pan but the whole show is full of humour and has some funny characters in it,” he said.

“It’s just really a good family play, and even has some dancing in it. 

“We have been rehearsing for quite a while now so most of us just want to get up there. 

“We travel up to Edinburgh later in the week and will do five nights. 

“Our last rehearsal is Wednesday so the nerves are starting, but I think for most of us we’re just excited. It will be a great experience.”

Craig is one of 17 students aged between 13 and 18 from the Pauline Quirke Academy who will be in Edinburgh. 

The academy’s principal, Yasmin Bryce, said being selected to perform is a “great honour” for the budding performers. 

The show, which will be on at Riddrie’s Court from August 3 to 7, claims to be a ‘beautiful re-telling of the classic children’s story about the boy who never grew up’. 

The theatre group will also be helping other young people along the way, with performing rights payments for the show going to Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Tickets for the show cost £6. For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.ticket.edfringe.com/whats-on/peter-pan.