LIST YOUR EVENT FOR FREE

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.

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

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.”

Sponsored Links

City Sightseeing Glasgow
Glasgow's Leading Attractions
Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust
City Of Glasgow Chorus
Chilcren's Classic Concerts
Media Shop
East Renfrewshire Culture

Latest Glasgow News

Final acts announced for Specsavers Scottish Music Awards

Final acts announced for Specsavers Scottish Music Awards

With just two days to go until the sold-out 2024 Specsavers Scottish Music Awards at Barrowland Ballroom, the prestigious awards ceremony has announced its latest winners and performers on the night.

READ MORE
A Haunting Return... 2:22 is back in Glasgow

A Haunting Return... 2:22 is back in Glasgow

To celebrate Halloween, Producer Runaway Entertainment is delighted to announce that the critically acclaimed, smash hit, supernatural thriller 2:22 - A Ghost Story will return to Glasgow

READ MORE
French Film Festival UK 2024 Programme Announced

French Film Festival UK 2024 Programme Announced

The French Film Festival UK have announced the 2024 programme with more than 200 screenings of 60 French-language films across more than 25 different locations.

READ MORE
Elf School returns to Princes Square this Christmas

Elf School returns to Princes Square this Christmas

Little Sunshine Entertainment return to Princes Square this Christmas to host Elf School - giving children an unforgettable festive experience!

READ MORE
First Bus teams up with Glasgow businesses to spread kindness citywide throughout November

First Bus teams up with Glasgow businesses to spread kindness citywide throughout November

To celebrate the spirit of community and kindness, First Bus has launched its 'Acts of Kindness' campaign in Glasgow throughout the month of November.

READ MORE
Mogwai: If The Stars Had A Sound is coming to the cinema for one night only!

Mogwai: If The Stars Had A Sound is coming to the cinema for one night only!

Lightbulb Film Distribution have announced that Mogwai: If The Stars Had A Sound will be released in UK & Irish cinemas for one night only on November 19th.

READ MORE
Glasgow Science Centre unveils Winter events programme

Glasgow Science Centre unveils Winter events programme

Glasgow Science Centre has unveiled its enchanting programme of winter events for the festive season in the run-up to Christmas and beyond.

READ MORE
First announcements for the 21st edition of Glasgow Film Festival

First announcements for the 21st edition of Glasgow Film Festival

Glasgow Film Festival (GFF) has announced the first films from its 21st edition, taking place 26th February to 9th March 2025.

READ MORE
Dobbies offers free festive inspired workshops in November

Dobbies offers free festive inspired workshops in November

Dobbies Garden Centres will host free festive-inspired events, giving people of all ages the chance to create garden-inspired gift ideas and Christmas decorations through fun, hands-on activities.

READ MORE
Huge Charity Partnership Between Cash For Kids and Three Major Seasonal Events

Huge Charity Partnership Between Cash For Kids and Three Major Seasonal Events

25p from every ticket sold for Fawkes Festival, Starry Nights at Dean Castle and the brand-new Starry Nights experience at Beecraigs Country Park will be donated to Cash for Kids.

READ MORE
Great food for a great cause

Great food for a great cause

Introducing Bamboleo, a neighbourhood Spanish Steakhouse & Wine Bar, supporting Beatson Cancer Charity, opening on Friday 8th November.

READ MORE
Citizens asked to step forward to volunteer for Glasgow 850

Citizens asked to step forward to volunteer for Glasgow 850

Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are being sought to support the celebrations around Glasgow 850’s yearlong programme of activities, next year.

READ MORE
OVO Hydro announces new and exclusive VIP Customer Lounge with Sky

OVO Hydro announces new and exclusive VIP Customer Lounge with Sky

Sky is giving customers VIP access and star treatment closer to home through the launch of the Sky VIP lounges at arenas across the UK, with OVO Hydro opening this weekend.

READ MORE
The Wedding Singer showing this Halloween at Platform Theatre Glasgow

The Wedding Singer showing this Halloween at Platform Theatre Glasgow

Acclaimed Glasgow based community theatre group; Green Door Theatre, are bringing the 1980s back to Glasgow this Halloween weekend!

READ MORE
Become a ghost hunter as VisitScotland reveals the most haunted castles

Become a ghost hunter as VisitScotland reveals the most haunted castles

The spooky season has arrived and VisitScotland reveals the most haunted castles and shares expert tips for capturing real ghosts.

READ MORE
Wonka Experience viral star shocks guests with an appearance at GlasGLOW

Wonka Experience viral star shocks guests with an appearance at GlasGLOW

Viral sensation, The Unknown surprised visitors at the preview evening of GlasGLOW last night!

READ MORE
Tickets go on sale for the largest wedding showcase in Scotland

Tickets go on sale for the largest wedding showcase in Scotland

Following a successful event at the SEC last weekend, tickets for the 2025 Scottish Wedding Show are on sale, giving brides and grooms-to-be the chance to secure tickets to the upcoming event.

READ MORE
Silverburn brews up Halloween mischief with cauldron selfies and creepy crafts

Silverburn brews up Halloween mischief with cauldron selfies and creepy crafts

Brew up some Halloween mischief at Silverburn's spellbinding installation, perfect for families and social media enthusiasts alike!

READ MORE
Immerse in Nordic soundscapes across Glasgow

Immerse in Nordic soundscapes across Glasgow

Next week, one of the world's oldest celebrations of new classical music and sound works, Nordic Music Days is set to take place in Scotland for the first time in its 136-year history.

READ MORE
rEDOLENT wins The Scottish Album of the Year Award

rEDOLENT wins The Scottish Album of the Year Award

rEDOLENT ‘dinny greet’ was last night announced as winner of The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award in Stirling’s Albert Halls.

READ MORE
Heroic efforts to champion Glasgow West End honoured

Heroic efforts to champion Glasgow West End honoured

Scotland Loves Local Awards 2024: Celebrations as Visit West End is named as High Street Hero.

READ MORE
People of Scotland invited to have their say on priorities for heritage in Scotland

People of Scotland invited to have their say on priorities for heritage in Scotland

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is looking to the people of Scotland for input on draft plan to help country’s heritage deliver real, lasting benefits for all.

READ MORE
First look at GlasGLOW: Trick or Treat

First look at GlasGLOW: Trick or Treat

The first look at GlasGLOW: Trick or Treat is here as organisers from itison have shared spectacular new images giving a sneak peek of what to expect from this year’s annual Halloween blockbuster!

READ MORE
Santa and Beatson Cancer Charity mascot Bella spotted in Glasgow spreading festive cheer ahead of Santa Dash!

Santa and Beatson Cancer Charity mascot Bella spotted in Glasgow spreading festive cheer ahead of Santa Dash!

Glasgow got a little taste of Christmas this week when Santa Claus made an early appearance in the city!

READ MORE
Pubs in Edinburgh and Glasgow to sell limited edition glasses for Poppy Appeal

Pubs in Edinburgh and Glasgow to sell limited edition glasses for Poppy Appeal

Marston's and The Royal British Legion have partnered to create brand new, poppy-themed glasses to raise vital funds for veterans during this year’s Poppy Appeal.

READ MORE
Stravaigin celebrates its 30th anniversary with a weekend of treats and a new prestige partnership with the Sassenach Scotch Whisky

Stravaigin celebrates its 30th anniversary with a weekend of treats and a new prestige partnership with the Sassenach Scotch Whisky

It has been a much-loved cornerstone of Glasgow's West End since 1994, inspiring folk to wander off the beaten path to enjoy its unique proposition.

READ MORE
Royal Military Tattoo joins Hoolie 100 line up in celebration of 75 years

Royal Military Tattoo joins Hoolie 100 line up in celebration of 75 years

Scotland's biggest night of traditional music, Hoolie in the Hydro, is set to be even bigger this year with the addition of performers from the renowned Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

READ MORE
New winners announced for the 2024 Specsavers Scottish Music Awards

New winners announced for the 2024 Specsavers Scottish Music Awards

With just over a week to go until the sold-out 2024 Specsavers Scottish Music Awards at Barrowland Ballroom, the prestigious awards ceremony has announced its latest winners.

READ MORE
All aboard as Somewhere By Nico presents Murder on the Midnight Express

All aboard as Somewhere By Nico presents Murder on the Midnight Express

Now open for bookings until 24th November, guests are invited to indulge in the new and thrilling cocktail experience inspired by the classic game of suspense.

READ MORE
The biggest gin, rum & vodka festival in the UK returns to Glasgow this weekend

The biggest gin, rum & vodka festival in the UK returns to Glasgow this weekend

Winner of Best Event, an Aladdin's cave of craft spirits await all that attend as craft distillers old and new unite to take you on the ultimate spirit filled adventure.

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

ATG
Tea Green
Fayre Play
Pace Youth Theatre
Hilton Glasgow
Kids Pass
Rabbies

Sponsored Links

City Sightseeing Glasgow
Glasgow's Leading Attractions
Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust
City Of Glasgow Chorus
Chilcren's Classic Concerts
Media Shop
East Renfrewshire Culture
ATG
Tea Green
Fayre Play
Pace Youth Theatre
Hilton Glasgow
Kids Pass
Rabbies

Popular Events

GlasGLOW
GlasGLOW will return to the city's Botanic Gardens for its seventh year with a nail-biting new Halloween adventure entitled GlasGLOW: Trick or Treat!
Glasgow Winterfest
Glasgow Winterfest, the city's most anticipated winter celebration, is back for 2024, set to transform George Square and St Enoch Square into enchanting wonderlands!
Glasgow Christmas Markets
Glasgow Winterfest will host two Christmas Markets in St Enoch Square and George Square this festive season... it's a winter wonderland right in the heart of the city!
The Rocky Horror Show
Australian superstar Jason Donovan comes to The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow in Richard O'Brien's legendary rock 'n' roll musical, The Rocky Horror Show, as part of a new world tour!
Dumbarton Firework Display
West Dumbartonshire Council's annual firework display will be held at Levengrove Park, Dumbarton on Tuesday 5th November!

Popular Listings

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum King's Theatre Glasgow King Tut's Wah Wah Hut O2 Academy Glasgow SEC Armadillo Theatre Royal Glasgow The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow The Glasgow Barrowland Ballroom The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall The OVO Hydro