A GREENOCK drama king is exiting the stage after being in the spotlight for 23 years.

Mark Barclay, director of Kayos Theatre Group, has directed more than 40 productions, including Les Miserables, West Side Story, Fame and plays such as The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.

The 54-year-old says the time is right to step aside and pass the baton onto former pupil Pamela Barnes.

He said: “I’ve decided to step down because the worst thing I could do or that could happen is if I decided to go and there was no-one to take over.

“It’s been a huge commitment for 23 years and I wouldn’t want it to stop when I left.

“I’m in a position where Pamela is willing and able to take it on.

“She joined Kayos when she was 16 and she understands the ethos of the group, which is very important.” Mark started the group with just eight people on a Saturday afternoon in the old Wellington Academy.

It has grown over the years and now has three sections — Absolute Kayos for six to nine-year-olds and Total Kayos for 10 to 14-year-olds and the main group, which caters for people aged up to 21.

Mark is an English tutor and also runs a musical theatre summer school at the Beacon with his partner Lynn Anderson, who is MD of Kayos.

He says he is leaving with a heavy heart but in the knowledge that the group will go from strength to strength.

Mark said: “I’m really sad about going but I feel confident I am leaving it in capable hands.

“I could have waited until it was 25 years but Pamela might not be available in two years’ time.

“I’m going to reclaim my weekends but I’ll still be on the committee.” Mark says the most rewarding thing about his time working with young people was seeing their confidence soar.

He said: “The best thing was seeing people improve and become more confident.

“Some people who came along were not very confident, they maybe struggled to read or had dyslexia. They learned the words and started to read better and got reasonable jobs.” Pamela, 31, of Inverkip, who’s directed Total Kayos for the last 10 years, says she is honoured to take over the drama group and knows Mark will be a hard act to follow.

She said: “I’m excited but these are big footsteps to jump into. It’s a great opportunity for me.” Mark taught Pamela when she was studying for a national certificate at James Watt College.

She is now completing a PHD in performance and community engagement at the University of the West of Scotland.

Her former mentor will go out on a high with his last show – iconic musical Miss Saigon.

It’s on at the Beacon 25-28 March. To book tickets call 07807694633.