Wonder Fools bring their new production, The Kelton Hill Fair, to the Tron Theatre Glasgow
After an incredible sold out and award-winning run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2024, Wonder Fools are delighted to bring their brand new show The Kelton Hill Fair to Glasgow.
Article Source: Wonder Fools
Last Updated: 4 February 2025 13:44
This thrilling new production will be opening at Theatre Royal Dumfries on 21 & 22 March before travelling to the Tron Theatre, Glasgow 25-29 March.
Written by Robbie Gordon and Dumfries & Galloway’s Jack Nurse, The Kelton Hill Fair tells the gripping story of Flora, a defiant and desperately alone care experienced teenager from Castle Douglas. As a mighty storm gathers, Flora runs away and stumbles upon a mysterious fair run by the legendary Billy Marshall ‘The King of the Travellers’. The Kelton Hill Fair, is a place where time stands still, especially as Billy was supposed to have died in 1792 and is buried nearby in Kirkcudbright. Yet here he is at the fair in 2025 and accompanied by other famous Scottish faces connected to Dumfries & Galloway including none other than Robert Burns, William Hare (of Burke and Hare fame) and Lady Florence Dixie. But that’s impossible. Isn’t it?
Rooted in Dumfries & Galloway and co-created with five local young people, this unmissable new production brings captivating storytelling, music and song and explores themes around community, myth, legacy and morality whilst telling the extraordinary story of Billy Marshall who, across his 120 year life, participated in some of the most significant historical events that shaped modern Scotland. As the company’s first new mid-scale production since 549: Scots of the Spanish Civil War and featuring Wonder Fools’ signature theatrical style focussing on storytelling, movement and music, The Kelton Hill Fair offers a fascinating exploration of contemporary Scotland, as seen through the eyes of the nation’s folklore and legends.
The Kelton Hill Fair will be performed by an incredible cast of six including Pericles Snowdon who is playing the main character of Billy Marshall. Lady Dixie is played by the wonderful Julie Wilson Nimmo, and Martin Donaghy plays the role of the Bard,
Robert Burns. Michael Dylan takes on the character of William Hare and Laura Lovemore is playing Lizzy. The role of the troubled teenager Flora is played by recent RCS graduate and Wonder Fools Youth Board alumni Ava Hickey.
The history of Wonder Fools’ The Kelton Hill Fair started back in 2021 when they delivered theatre skills workshops to schools across Dumfries & Galloway and recruited five young people for paid apprenticeships to work on their show And Then Come The Nightjars. These young people - Charlie McAdam Dorans, Emma Forsyth, Holly Marie Chapman, Sara Thomson, Eilidh Thomson - were then given the opportunity to research and develop a local story for a new Wonder Fools show as well as developing their theatre-making skills with bespoke support from the company. Over the past three years, during multiple residencies, the young people have been central in developing this seed of an idea into this new full-length play – The Kelton Hill Fair.
Again, for this show, Wonder Fools will be offering apprenticeships to five young people from Dumfries & Galloway to work on the show.
Jack Nurse and Robbie Gordon say of the production: “We are absolutely thrilled to bring our new production to audiences this spring. It’s been a joy to work so closely with the Young Collaborators in Dumfries & Galloway to create a new show that has such deep roots in the region whilst also holding a wider appeal through its universal themes and bold theatricality. We hope and feel that this is the most ambitious Wonder Fools production yet – we have an unbelievably talented cast and creative team bringing this timeless story to life, and we can’t wait to see people’s reactions in the audience.”
Emma Forsyth, one of the young collaborators says of her experience: “To see an idea that was batted around Dalbeattie town hall be something that's going to appear as a whole world onstage is unreal. The chance to work as an apprentice stage manager in the town next to where I grew up years ago was unheard of, and really motivating for me as an artist to see things can be done down here. I wouldn't have thought I'd then be involved from the start in creating theatre about my region. Being included in all the stages has been really special and has shaped and consistently motivated my work to add to the rich arts culture in Dumfries and Galloway. It's just all pretty amazing!”
Building on their momentous and prolific 2024 and recent Multi Year Funding announcement, this ambitious production marks an exciting new chapter for Wonder Fools theatre company.
Find out more about The Kelton Hill Fair at www.wonderfools.org
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
Sunday mornings just got a lot more interesting...
El Perro Negro is bringing back its cult-favourite Breakfast Club menu. And this time, it's popping up once a month at the award-winning Woodlands Road restaurant - starting 29th June!
READ MORE
Talent shines at 39th edition of Glasgow Jazz Festival
The curtain has closed on the 39th edition of Glasgow Jazz Festival, reaffirming its place as one of the UK's premier and much-loved jazz events.
READ MORE
ParalympicsGB athlete Stephen Clegg visits Cadder Primary School for special workshop
ParalympicsGB athlete Stephen Clegg made a special appearance at Cadder Primary School to help deliver an exciting workshop on the importance of energy saving in partnership with British Gas.
READ MORE
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!
READ MORE
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!
READ MORE
Guts UK, the national digestive charity, brings interactive awareness event to Glasgow
Guts UK and Colin the Colon, a giant, walk-through inflatable replica of a colon will be in Glasgow to raise vital awareness of digestive health conditions.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
Chef Modou Diagne to open new restaurant TRUST in Glasgow
Critically acclaimed chef Modou Diagne, known for his innovative approach and celebrated success at 111 by Nico, is set to open his second Glasgow restaurant this summer.
READ MORE
Poets line up for special Refugee Festival Scotland event
An inspiring event celebrating togetherness, diversity and human connection is set to be staged in Glasgow this week as part of Refugee Festival Scotland 2025.
READ MORE
Soulful start for Glasgow Jazz Festival
The 39th edition of Glasgow Jazz Festival gets off to a soulful start today as it opens at venues across the city, officially kicking off five extraordinary days of music.
READ MORE
Aldi Supermarket Sweep is coming to Glasgow
Aldi Scotland’s Supermarket Sweep challenge is back again for another year, giving customers in Glasgow the chance to raise funds for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).
READ MORE
Casting Announced for FRIENDS! The Musical Parody coming to Edinburgh and Glasgow
Today, the producers of the 2025/26 UK and Ireland tour of FRIENDS! The Musical Parody are delighted to announce casting for the side-splitting musical comedy.
READ MORE
First Scottish Shopera experience comes to Glasgow
Buchanan Galleries is opening its doors to the world of opera, hosting Scotland's first-ever 'shopera' – a student-created bold and original production staged in a shopping centre.
READ MORE
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!
READ MORE
Over 1,000 yogis set to downward dog at Emirates Arena for largest event of its kind
Over 1,000 yoga enthusiasts will be namaste-ing at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow this Saturday as part of a World Yoga Day event with renowned PYPT practitioner, Sadhvi Devaditi.
READ MORE
Global fashion retail brand Hollister now open at Silverburn
Leading retail and leisure destination Silverburn has announced that global fashion retailer Hollister has opened its doors today, joining its line-up of leading fashion brands this summer.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
Unique displays set to tour Glasgow during its momentous 850th anniversary year
As part of the Glasgow 850 programme, two special displays celebrating Glasgow's development through the centuries and rich social history are about to go on a citywide tour.
READ MORE
Nine works by eminent Scottish artist Alasdair Gray go on display in Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Nine works from the significant collection will be on show for the first time, in Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, from Saturday 14th June.
READ MORE
Justin Fletcher announces final tour dates as his brand new rocktastic live theatre show extends into 2026!
CBeebies megastar Justin Fletcher has announced that his brand-new live theatre tour Justin Time To Rock will now continue into Spring 2026, with final tour dates just announced.
READ MORE
Double the Cheers: VEGA Unveils Fathers Day x National Beer Day Experience
With Father's Day and National Beer Day falling on the same date, VEGA at YOTEL Glasgow is serving up the ultimate experience for dads, blending both celebrations into one amazing offer.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
Adele Anderson to star in UK and Ireland tour of Priscilla Queen of the Desert
Fascinating Aïda's Adèle Anderson will play the role of Bernadette in the UK and Ireland tour of Priscilla Queen of the Desert coming to Edinburgh and Glasgow in 2026.
READ MORE
This activity bar is the ideal way to celebrate Fathers Day
If you're trying to think of something more than socks and slippers to treat your dad to this Father’s Day, an activity bar like Flight Club is a great option.
READ MORE
Glasgow, your ultimate beauty destination has arrived
Today H Beauty opens its doors at Silverburn unveiling a next level beauty experience in the west of Scotland.
READ MORE
North at Address Glasgow launches fresh summer menu, seasonal cocktails & weekend brunch
The Address Glasgow has unveiled an all-new summer offering at its signature restaurant, NORTH, featuring bold seasonal flavours, expertly crafted cocktails, and a new weekend brunch menu!
READ MORE
Raise the steaks for dad
A popular Scottish beer brand is serving up the ultimate rare treat this Father's Day!
READ MORE
Saturday walking tours start at Rickshaw & Co.
Vibrant award-wining Indian and Bangladeshi restaurant Rickshaw & Co. is proud to be featured in Stories Behind Glasgow's Hospitality, part of the city's 850th anniversary celebrations.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
Books and Beats: Fundraising book launch for Elephant by Gillian Shirreffs in aid of Beatson Cancer Charity
A not-to-be-missed literary afternoon celebrating the power of words, music and community will take place on Saturday 14th June at Glasgow University Union.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links