Dogstar Theatre is bringing its award-winning production The Tailor of Inverness to Paisley Town Hall on Tuesday 3rd November 2026 as part of a Scottish tour.
Written and performed by Matthew Zajac, the play is inspired by the life of his father, who grew up on a farm in Galicia, then part of Eastern Poland and now in Western Ukraine, before eventually settling in Inverness.
The production follows his journey through Europe, the Middle East and the Soviet Union during the Second World War, before he established a new life in the Scottish Highlands.
After settling in Inverness, he became a tailor, making clothes for thousands of people and becoming part of the local community.
The play explores themes of identity, family history, displacement and the impact of war, as well as Zajac’s relationship with his father and the story he left behind.
The Tailor of Inverness first premiered at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2008, where it won several awards, including a Scotsman Fringe First and The Stage’s Best Solo Performance award at the Critics’ Awards for Theatre in Scotland.
Since then, the production has toured internationally, with performances in New York, Adelaide, Malmö and Berlin, alongside appearances in community venues across Europe.
Directed by Ben Harrison, the production combines storytelling, poetry, music and projection. It features music by Scottish traditional fiddlers Jonny Hardie and Gavin Marwick, with design by Ali Maclaurin.
The latest Scottish tour also coincides with the publication of a new edition of Zajac’s book The Tailor of Inverness, published by Luath Press.
The updated edition includes a new epilogue reflecting on subsequent events and the author’s continuing involvement in Ukraine.
Dogstar Theatre, based in the Scottish Highlands, has presented productions in 14 countries and continues to tour both major theatres and smaller community venues.
The Paisley performance takes place on Tuesday 3rd November at Paisley Town Hall.
Further information and ticket details are available from www.dogstartheatre.co.uk.
Photo: Matthew Zajac performing in Dogstar Theatre’s The Tailor of Inverness, which comes to Paisley Town Hall on 3rd November.
Photo credit: Tim Morozzo
Photo credit: Tim Morozzo
Photo: Matthew Zajac performing a scene from The Tailor of Inverness, which tells the story of his father’s journey from Eastern Europe to Scotland.
Photo credit: Tim Morozzo