THE Andrew Carnegie musical – which starts its two-night run at the Carnegie Hall tomorrow (Friday) – is to be featured in a new book about how people have linked Britain and America.

The book, being written by award-winning journalist, writer and broadcaster Lindsay Sutton, will include a chapter on Andrew Carnegie.

He explained: “It’s about the links between Britain and America through people. People like Carnegie and John Muir who are major players in the social history of both countries. My working title is 'Anyone else for the Mayflower?'

“I’m still deciding whether to focus on 25 individuals, or whether to go for 50. Whatever the number, Scotland will be well represented, that’s for sure."

When Yorkshire-based Lindsay heard 'Carnegie – The Star Spangled Scotchman' was being performed to mark the centenary of Carnegie's death with the tycoon’s great-great-great grandson, Joe Whiteman, in the lead role, he knew he had to see it and interview Joe.

"I immediately took measures to get myself there to see it, interview its author Ian Hammond Brown, and, of course, Joe," added Lindsay. “Joe is descended from Carnegie's mother's side of the family and that interests me – she was a strong woman and a major influence in his life. He didn't marry until she had died.

“I'm a great admirer of the Scots. My fascination with such prime movers as Andrew Carnegie and the great environmentalist, John Muir, leaves me full of admiration for their legacy. Even so, they were not without fault or blemish and that aspect has to be part of the story.

“I’ve already been to the remains of Carnegie's Homestead steel plant in Pittsburgh, where a terribly bitter strike took place – dividing his workforce from him. The show deals with the issue head on. Full marks for tackling this aspect as well as the benefactor aspect of the Carnegie story, great though that is.

“I'm really looking forward to meeting both Ian and Joe and seeing the musical. It shows great imagination and application to think up the idea, create the musical itself, then put it on during the centenary of his death in the summer of 1919. I’m sure I will enjoy it and learn a lot too."