Mr Pantalone (pictured), an Italian, originally from Palermo but now living in Auchtermuchty, writes in-depth for many top magazines including Chat, Bunty, The Beano, Exchange & Mart, Tractor World, The People’s Friend, Practical Woodworker, Spreadsheet Enthusiast and The Knitter.

It will be his first visit to Falkirk when he joins the Tryst cast in Behind the Wall for their new “Pizza & Play” season. He is especially looking forward to the pepperoni version.

He has, we understand, been given a commission to write an article for Scottish Field on the unexpected popularity of Nitshill writer FS McDade.

“He’sa wha yoo mighta call ana overnighta senasation so I wanna finda outa more about thisa fantastica guy. He soundsa, how yoo say in Scotch, aff his heed,” explained Mr Pantalone (94), known internationally for his flamboyant dress-sense and eccentric views.

Mr Pantalone will join the many bizarre characters who flit in and out of Writer’s Cramp, a joyous tale of the talentless McDade who starts out as a rubbish writer and gets even more rubbish … though admittedly his range is huge, scribbling as he does about quilts, boils, jodhpurs, moths, furry woggles and number ones. Good isn’t the word!

Jim Allan (who also directs), Alan Clark, Rhona McColl and Brian Patreson star in the hour-long comedy in Falkirk’s Behind the Wall from Monday April 25 to Friday April 29.

Tickets, £12, are going fast, with Friday already sold out. Get your tickets now for a pizza, a drink and Writer's Cramp at www.ticketsource.co.uk/trysttheatre ... and book your chance to meet the celebrated Mr Pantalone.