From foster child to foster carer: Scott Kyle brings his story of second chances to the Pavilion

Scott Kyle spent time in foster care as a child. Years later, he became a foster carer himself.

That full-circle journey sits at the heart of It's Not Where You Start, the spoken word show the Rutherglen-born actor and producer brings to the Pavilion Theatre in Glasgow on Thursday 22 October.

Kyle is best known for screen roles in Outlander, Kajaki and The Angels' Share. The show shares its title with his memoir, published by Luath Press.

A story about beginning again

The What's On Glasgow listing for the event describes Kyle's story as "one of resilience, compassion, and full-circle transformation".

Luath Press says the memoir follows his path "from foster care to foster carer, from Glasgow's back streets to award-winning stages and Hollywood film sets". The publisher sums up its themes as resilience, identity, second chances and the courage it takes to begin again.

Michael Stewart, chair of the board at Who Cares? Scotland, is quoted on the Pavilion's booking page: "Scott offers a unique perspective on the quiet terror of childhood stigma."

Billy, Tim and Harrison Ford

There is a theatre story in here too. According to the listing, Kyle discovered the play Billy & Tim in his local library twenty years ago.

He built it into what the listing calls "the biggest show in Scotland", before losing the rights. The listing says he has now regained them and is producing the show once again.

The timing is neat. Des Dillon's play returns to the same stage as Billy & Tim – The Widescreen Edition on 23 and 24 October, the two nights after Kyle's solo show.

Then there is the Hollywood moment. The listing says Kyle recalls how he "(unknowingly) almost turned down the chance to work with Hollywood icon Harrison Ford". For the rest of that tale, you will need a ticket.

What to expect on the night

This is not a straight reading. The listing describes a show that blends "heartfelt storytelling with award-winning animations", and calls it "both intimate and visually striking".

It credits the work with two Best Animation awards and two Best Voice Over awards at the West Lothian Film Festival, across 2024 and 2025.

Playwright and director Cora Bissett is quoted calling it "a really well-told TED Talk with beautiful animations", and Kyle "such an engaging, humble and honest performer".

Playwright Nicola McCartney's verdict, also quoted in the listing: "An amazing story and well worth your time… superb animations."

Caroline Morgan, managing director of the Tivoli Theatre in Aberdeen, is quoted describing it as "a compelling, laugh-out-loud and deeply inspiring show". Luath Press quotes her as saying the Tivoli immediately rebooked it.

Need to know

What: It's Not Where You Start – a spoken word experience by Scott Kyle

When: Thursday 22 October 2026, 7.30pm

Where: The Pavilion Theatre, 121 Renfield Street, Glasgow G2 3AX

Tickets: From £31.50, according to the Pavilion's what's on page at the time of writing. Prices can change, so check when you book.

Booking: Through the Pavilion Theatre's official booking page. Group bookings are handled through the same page.

Also on: Billy & Tim – The Widescreen Edition, Friday 23 and Saturday 24 October, from £36.50.