The change in actor Billy Boyd is, no pun intended, quite dramatic.

In the past few months the once-slight creature who could easily slide through tiny crevasses into the subterranean chambers of Middle Earth has morphed into a bloke who could most likely kick the evil Sauron’s ass.

The shoulders of the former Lord of the Rings star are as defined as a Tolkien character and the new biceps are clearly testing the stitching of his grey cotton shirt. Why the new shape? A nod to method acting, he reveals. The 42-year-old is set to appear in a touring production of The Proclaimers’ musical Sunshine On Leith. Boyd plays Davy, a desert soldier who has to come to terms with the blinding reality of returning home to work in a call centre.

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Scots actor Billy Boyd visited the members of the Scottish Youth Theatre as they prepare for their next production.

Lord of the Rings star Billy Boyd has left behind the bright lights of Hollywood to help Scots youngsters seeking their own fame and fortune.

The seasoned actor who has done film, television and theatre was offering words of wisdom to some of the current members of the Scottish Youth Theatre (SYT).

Now in its 33rd year, the theatre programme has seen thousands of budding actors tread the boards, including Gerard Butler, K T Tunstall, actress Blythe Duff and broadcaster Kirsty Young. Lord of the Rings star Boyd helps young hopefuls

Boyd, who is a patron of the SYT, was treated to a sneak preview of the group's next production, Jerusalem: The Song of Deeds, which will be premiered next month.

The young cast were treated to a visit by Boyd who offered words of advice and encouragement for their future careers.

Many household names, including Boyd himself, got the acting bug thanks to the SYT but the star is keen to stress that its more than just another fame academy.

He said: ""If you are a quiet person, a shy person, to be up here and do a scene with someone with people watching, that is going to break you out of something that is maybe holding you in.

"Even if you don't follow that through in your life and don't become an actor, it is still going to take those experiences through to whatever you do."

The SYT's play is a taste of things to come for the star. He will soon be starring in the hit stage production of the Proclaimer's musical Sunshine on Leith.

He said: "Rehearsals start next week. I'm nervous about first day rehearsals, never mind going on stage. It is sort of eight or nine years since I was back on stage and been in a performance that lasted for months. So I am a little nervous but more excited."

Sorry for the inconvenience, I hope it won't happen again ;)

Dundee Rep Theatre’s award winning musical Sunshine on Leith, based on the songs of The Proclaimers is to be re-staged for a major 2010/2011 UK Tour. The acclaimed Sunshine on Leith written by Stephen Greenhorn will be returning to the King’s Theatre Glasgow from 28th September to 2nd October and stars Billy Boyd as Davy.

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I guess I'll take a while until I catch up with all the news, but something for the start I have for you an interview for Pimp movie, which has premiere in May.

Film reviews: 1, 2 and 3.

Lord of the Rings' Billy Boyd to Star in U.K. Tour of Sunshine on Leith Musical

Billy Boyd, best known for his portrayal of Pippin in The Lord of the Rings movies, will star in a U.K. tour of the musical Sunshine on Leith, which will launch from Dundee Rep on August 31. James Brining will direct the production, which will feature musical direction by Hilary Brooks and choreography by Lizzie Gee.

The tour, currently scheduled to continue through November 27, includes engagements in an additional nine venues in cities such as Belfast, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Southampton, Dartford, Northampton, and Oxford.

Sunshine in Leith has a book by Stephen Greenhorn and uses the songs of Scottish pop duo the Proclaimers to tell the story of two soldiers, who return from battle in Afghanistan and find that families and relationships at home are not all smooth sailing.

The creative team will include Neil Warmington (production design) and Oliver Fenwick (lighting design). Additional casting will be announced shortly.

Boyd's stage credits include HOME GLASGOW, Uncommitted Crimes, Trainspotting, Widows, Caledonia Dreaming and The Ballad of Crazy Paola.

For further information, visit: www.whatsonstage.com.

On June 27, Beecake have their "Official Album Launch Party" at the 02 ABC Glasgow. Tickers are available from this Monday (May 17) here as well as more info.

I'm hoping for pics from you all

I like particularly this picture:

So check it out!

And don't forget - the premiere it's already in a month, on May 31!