Visible Fictions will tour Fat Boy Swim, a new musical adapted from Cathy Forde’s novel, across Scotland in January and February 2027. The production explores themes of weight, bullying and relationships through a contemporary 1990s-influenced soundtrack.

Visible Fictions is presenting Fat Boy Swim, a musical adaptation of Cathy Forde’s novel, with performances scheduled at eight theatres across Scotland between 28 January and 5 February 2027. The story centres on Jimmy as he navigates challenges around his weight, bullying at school and home life.

Forde, who wrote the book and lyrics, collaborated with Michael John McCarthy who composed the music and supplied additional lyrics. The soundtrack blends contemporary music with 1990s influences, incorporating indie folk and melodic songwriting elements.

Dougie Irvine directs the production, bringing to life Forde’s revisited characters on stage. The author described the adaptation process as both “a joy and a challenge,” highlighting how theatre’s use of song deepens character revelation and emotional expression.

The tour includes stops at Eastwood Park Theatre in Giffnock, Perth Theatre, The Beacon Studio in Greenock, Eden Court in Inverness, The Lemon Tree in Aberdeen, Macrobert Arts Centre in Stirling, The Byre Theatre in St Andrews and culminates at Assembly Roxy in Edinburgh.

Forde commented that revisiting the characters with Irvine strengthened their believability beyond the novel, while the broad themes of the source material continue to resonate. The musical aims to bring Jimmy’s story vividly to life for audiences.

Fat Boy Swim’s focus on an adolescent’s personal struggles reflects ongoing theatrical interest in narratives about identity and social challenges through innovative musical forms. The upcoming tour’s regional reach promises to engage diverse Scottish audiences.