Wonder Fools are delighted to announce their brand new season of ambitious socially engaged theatre

This season is their biggest and most ambitious to date and includes an incredible mix of productions in venues across Scotland.

Article Source: Wonder Fools
Last Updated: 15 May 2024 10:10

Wonder Fools continues to have a proven track record of delivering high quality arts projects and theatre productions with young people and communities across Scotland and beyond, and this season is no different. It starts with The Bunker, a musical, in South Ayrshire in June; Òran, a hip hop retelling of a Greek classic, at the Edinburgh Fringe in August; The Events, a new production of David Greig’s modern classic, in Cumbernauld in October; and to round it all off, their incredibly successful international project Positive Stories for Negative Times, a year long participatory project for young writers and theatre makers working alongside a fantastic line up of international artists, running from September 2024-September 2025. This ambitious and far reaching programme is delivered by a young company who currently receive no regular funding.

The Bunker - 26 June 2024 @ The Gaiety, Ayr
The Bunker, directed by Jack Nurse, is a compelling new comedy musical reflecting on our diverse experiences of lockdown. Created in collaboration with the local community, this original production follows four strangers who gather in a bunker to spend lockdown together. Their disagreements and different worldviews provide plenty of laughs whilst their individual stories, inspired by conversations with local people in South Ayrshire, explore themes around isolation, grief, and a yearning for connection. Songs from artists such as The Clash, Rod Stewart and Dua Lipa will be performed live by a professional cast joined onstage by 50 community performers. This new co-production with The Gaiety has been commissioned by Greenspace as part of the Covid memorial project ‘Remembering Together’.

Òran - @ Pleasance, Edinburgh - 31 Jul-25 Aug 3.15pm
This urgent modern retelling of Orpheus and Eurydice combines spoken word, lyrical storytelling and a pulsating electronic live score. The thrilling story of Òran and his journey to rescue his best friend from the Underworld. Should he arrive there, Hades might grant him the chance to lead his friend home…but at what cost? This visceral piece of contemporary theatre is a collaboration with the acclaimed hip-hop artist Owen Sutcliffe in partnership with Pitlochry Festival Theatre & Pleasance Theatre as part of the Edinburgh National Partnership 2024 with music by VanIves, creating an entertaining modern retelling of the Greek classic. This will be Wonder Fools first ever production at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

The Events - @ Lanternhouse, Cumbernauld – 28 Sep-5 Oct 2024
This thrilling and visceral new staging of David Greig’s modern classic is an exciting collaboration between the professional cast and a community choir specially created for the production. Directed by Jack Nurse, it tells the powerful story about community, empathy and resilience – about Claire, a priest who survives a mass shooting and sets out on a quest to answer the most difficult question of all: why? The Events, produced by Cumbernauld Theatre and in association with Wonder Fools, is a journey that takes her to the edge of reason, science, politics and faith.

Positive Stories for Negative Times: Season 4 – across Scotland - Sep 2024 – Sep 2025
Wonder Fools are delighted and incredibly proud that this will be the fourth iteration of their flagship and ground-breaking participatory project Positive Stories for Negative Times. It commissions some of the UK’s most exciting theatre artists to create new work with young people in Scotland and around the world.

This year it will feature work by an incredible line up of talent including Ella Hickson, Mammalian Diving Reflex, Adura Onashile, Travis Alabanza and James Ley. Over the year it will engage over 3000 young people and 200 youth leaders nationally and internationally and culminate in 4 major youth arts festivals in summer 2025 at partner venues in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Stornoway and Dumfries.

This project, co-commissioned by the Traverse, will also include a national call out for a new young writer giving them the opportunity to have their first professional commission. The new writer will be announced on Wonder Fools social media on 20 May 2024.

PSFNT is created and produced by Wonder Fools in association with the Traverse Theatre, Citizens Theatre, An Lanntair and Dumfries Theatre Royal in association with Youth Theatre Arts Scotland.

Wonder Fools say of PSFNT: “The project started with conversations during lockdown with young people discussing what they wanted the future of youth theatre to look like. Little did we know that those chats would be the catalyst for creating one of the biggest and far-reaching projects of its kind, with 8747 young people from 17 different countries participating. We are genuinely in awe. Anyone can get involved and stage a performance in their local community, and for 20 of the lucky companies, they'll get to perform at one of our festivals.”

Alongside this new season Wonder Fools will continue their ambitious Artist Development strategy including:

• Their Youth Board initiative will see them working with 40 of the most exciting early career artists in Scotland
• 20 CPD workshops for professionals who work with young people led by some of the UK’s most exciting artists.
• Opportunities for 20 associate artists via PSFNT who will offer in-person artist development for teachers and teaching artists working with disadvantaged young people to further their practice and develop their work for PSFNT.
• Hosting open advice sessions for freelancers supporting around 60 people a year.
• 3 New Year New Work events, a paid opportunity for early career and established music and theatre artists to test new material at SWG3 Glasgow.

Co-founders Jack Nurse & Robbie Gordon say of the upcoming season: “We are incredibly excited to announce our first ever season of work including a rich blend of stories and forms all rooted in our socially engaged theatre-making model. We can't wait to collaborate with all the different groups involved over the next year to create these shows - from the 50 community performers onstage at the Gaiety to the choir we're building from scratch for David Greig's ‘The Events’ in Cumbernauld. Live music is threaded throughout the year with well-known songs in The Bunker, hip hop beats for our first Fringe show Òran and the choir's songs at the Lanternhouse. This is a programme combining popular entertainment, ambitious theatricality and the most pressing topics of today all made with audiences, artists and people at its heart.”

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Stirling News

SAY Award opens submissions for eligible albums

Scotland’s national music prize – the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award – has opened submissions for 2025’s £20,000 prize.

Innis & Gunn Joins Forces with Stirling Highland Games in a 3 Year Cultural Celebration

The Stirling Highland Games has proudly announced a new three-year partnership with one of Scotland’s most iconic brewing brands, Innis & Gunn.

Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres

This summer, gather the whole family and head to Dobbies Garden Centres for a day of fun-filled activities that will keep costs down.

FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 5th and 6th July

Summerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 5th and 6th of July with lots of things to see and do!

Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show

The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!

July events at Dobbies Garden Centres

Check out July at Dobbies with it's Little Seedlings Club on rainforests and Grow How on pest control and healthy gardens!

Historic Environment Scotland calls for public stories for national wellbeing exhibition

Historic Environment Scotland is calling for people across the country to connect with heritage to boost their wellbeing as a part of a national campaign, Historic Places, Breathing Spaces.

Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 adds two new categories and voting deadline extended!

Scotland's hospitality industry and customers have spoken, and the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 has listened!

25th year of Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway

Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway today, kick-starting nine days of dance performances, film screenings, visual art and photography exhibitions and community events across the country.

Exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland

Tickets are on sale for an exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland, with fans in for an extra special treat to take home.

Acclaimed debut Only Here, Only Now from Tom Newlands chosen as Waterstones Book of the Month in Scotland

The paperback edition of Only Here, Only Now by Tom Newlands has just been released - and is already making waves.

Feedback sought on new Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling project

To mark Bike Week UK, people across Stirling are being encouraged to take part in a new survey that will help shape active travel in the area and support the shift to sustainable modes of transport.

Stirling BID team brighten up City Centre with Blooming Planters

Pollinator-friendly plants, funded and organised by Go Forth Stirling BID have added a welcome splash of colour across Stirling city centre.

Funding Boost for Charities at Scottish Building Society AGM

Scottish Building Society marked its Annual General Meeting (AGM) by announcing funding to support eight local charities and good causes across the country.

Classic car enthusiasts set to visit Loch Lomond Shores

Visitors are invited to come along and get up-close to some amazing cars, set against the beautiful backdrop of Loch Lomond, as part of a great day out.

Paws, play and heritage on parade

Bark by popular demand, the Gordon Setter Parade returns on Saturday 5th July as part of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair, held at the stunning Scone Palace.

Dobbies hosts brand new Fairy Garden Tea Party

Dobbies Garden Centres are inviting families across the UK along to its stores on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th of June to spend a magical afternoon filled with fun activities and good food.

Stirling celebrates its rich history at the Walking of the Marches

Stirling’s rich history and heritage was celebrated at its annual Walking of the Marches, which dates back to at least the 12th century, on Saturday (31 May).

Have your say on plans for a sustainable transport system in Stirling

People will have the opportunity to shape a future transport system for Stirling that is fair, clean and affordable with the launch of a new consultation.

How to train your Dad in 4DX Cineworld enlists Gerard Butler

Cineworld is launching a brand new 4DX Father's Day gift experience, containing two 4DX tickets and ponchos, perfect for experiencing the new live-action "How to Train Your Dragon" film.

Summer of Roses: Free gardening workshop at Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a free Rose-themed Grow How workshop this June, sharing top tips for caring for this beloved flowering plant.

William Wallace Running Festival seeks Teams of Bravehearts

Teams of runners have the chance to race through Scotland’s most historic battlefields and stunning landscapes during an exciting new event - the William Wallace Running Festival.

Cheers to 30 years: Scottish Bar and Pub Awards celebrate with public voting now open

Scotland's longest-running hospitality awards turn 30 - and they want you to have your say!

Loch Lomond Unplugged is coming this weekend!

Loch Lomond Unplugged, our FREE showcase of talented buskers and singer/songwriters, is this weekend and we’re super excited to welcome great acts from across Scotland and beyond!

Restored Memorial to be unveiled in Stirling

Restored memorial to be unveiled in Stirling's old town cemetery to mark the 250th anniversary of the American War of Independence.

Dig into summer fun at Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting children to come along to its free-to-attend Little Seedlings Club, taking place across the country this June.

Aldi to gift year supply of free beer to biggest beer lover in Scotland

Aldi Scotland is on the hunt for the nation's biggest beer lover, as it revamps its popular Best Home Bar Competition by expanding the criteria.

Milestone year for Refugee Festival Scotland

Refugee Festival Scotland has officially unveiled the programme for its highly anticipated 2025 edition, running from 13 – 22 June.

Vue to host marvellous superhero season welcoming classic X Men films back to the big screen for 25th anniversary

Film fans, families and comic book enthusiasts are invited to rediscover the original big screen superhero team as a series of classic X-Men films return to the big screen at Vue this month.

Kids Fly FareFREE on new Loganair routes

Families can take advantage of Loganair's new Kids Fly Fare-FREE offer, allowing children aged 11 and under to travel without paying an airfare.

Popular Listings

Macrobert Arts Centre Stirling Castle The Albert Halls Stirling The National Wallace Monument Tolbooth Stirling

Wonder Fools are delighted to announce their brand new season of ambitious socially engaged theatre

This season is their biggest and most ambitious to date and includes an incredible mix of productions in venues across Scotland.

Sponsored Links

Latest Stirling News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings