Wax Fruit TV: An Evening of Victorian Variety proved a triumphant celebration on Sunday evening as audiences were transported back to the bawdy, bustling days of Victorian Glasgow at Barras Art and Design in the east end of the city. The sold-out, one-night-only event saw 300 guests celebrate the republication of Guy McCrone’s Wax Fruit Trilogy, while also building anticipation for the in-development TV series adaptation.

Hosted by the sensational Elaine C. Smith, the evening featured an all-star line-up, including performers from Outlander, Shetland, Dept Q, Two Doors Down, Vera, and more.

The Wax Fruit House Band, led by master musician and BBC Scotland presenter Gary Innes, set the heady pace for a riotous evening of music and variety and had the room jumping til 10pm.

Highlights included BAFTA award winning actress Kathleen McDermott delivering powerhouse vocals on a Simple Minds track, Frankie Corio, the 15-year-old breakout star, received a standing ovation for her performance with her Mum Leona.

Ashley Jensen and Kenny Doughty had the audience on their feet during the charity auction of a painting of Glasgow boy Sir Thomas Lipton of the tea empire. The painting by artist Johdi Lauren raised £1000 for Action for Children and will go towards Christmas gifts for children across the city. The winning bid was made by Rebus actor Richard Rankin outbidding Blood of my Blood actor Tony Curran.

Singer songwriter Jerry Burns performed a heartbreaking rendition of Auld Lang Syne whilst Rosie Graham lit up the evening with Wild Mountain Time. Jamie MacDougall stole the show with his rousing turn as Sir Harry Lauder, Scotland’s first global superstar.

The packed crowd revelled in the mix of sharp wit, raucous humour, and heartfelt performances, with feathers, tartan, and corsets filling the room in line with the bold “Vivienne Westwood meets The Glasgow Boys” dress code.

Executive Producer Sarah Purser, who is leading the commissioning of the series, said: “Last night proved what we’ve always believed—that the world of Wax Fruit resonates deeply with audiences today. Music Hall is at the heart of Victorian Glasgow and bringing it to life with such energy and talent was the perfect way to celebrate the books’ republication. The response from the audience gives us even greater momentum as we work towards bringing Wax Fruit to TV, right here in Glasgow.”

With a cast set to feature Martin Compston, Molly Windsor, Ashley Jensen, Kenny Doughty, Bill Paterson, Shirley Henderson, and many more, the Wax Fruit TV adaptation continues to attract widespread public and media interest. In 2024, Glasgow welcomed filming for 140 productions, injecting £33 million into the city. With its rich architecture and dramatic history, the city stands ready to provide the perfect backdrop for McCrone’s classic family saga. Every guest took home a copy of Antimacassar City, the first book in the Wax Fruit trilogy.

And this weekend, Glasgow’s Holmwood House plays host to a special Wax Fruit weekend featuring the breathtaking bespoke costumes created by Eleanor Baker for the Wax Fruit teaser trailer which is currently with tv commissioners. For more info follow @waxfruittvseries.