National Theatre of Scotland presents OZ! A Yellow Brick Road Adventure in Paisley
OZ! A Yellow Brick Road Adventure in Paisley will culminate in an interactive promenade performance on the town's streets in June 2023!
Article Source: National Theatre of Scotland
Last Updated: 22 June 2022 14:37
The National Theatre of Scotland with partners OneRen and supported by Future Paisley is taking up a year-long artistic residency in Paisley from June 2022, in collaboration with leading Scottish artists Cora Bissett and Bex Anson.
Inspired by L. Frank Baum’s legendary American classic 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, the talent and people of Paisley will be invited on a creative journey, which will culminate in a high octane, visually arresting carnivalesque performance weaving through indoor spaces and on the streets of Paisley in June 2023. Over 200 local participants, alongside professional actors and artists will be involved in the co-creation of this unique event.
Known and loved by all, the iconic musical fantasy, The Wizard of Oz, inspired by the novel has enduring power and relevance, with its universal themes of self-sufficiency, the quest for truth and the power of unusual friendships. OZ! - A Yellow Brick Road Adventure in Paisley will be inspired and created by the talent of Paisley. The town’s culture of creativity is evidenced by the large number of visual arts programmes, dance schools, choirs, songwriters and theatrical and musical talent in the town.
This spectacular new show will develop and showcase Paisley’s extraordinary talent with dance, theatre, music, puppetry and circus, all being showcased in the final event. Dorothy is a streetwise lassie from Paisley, and there will be twists and tricks aplenty in this new version of the story which will see Paisley transformed into a living stage set.
Set in a parallel Paisley, sometime in the near future, the wonderful world of Oz and the Emerald City will be transported to Paisley Town Centre. Featuring a brand-new script and original songs created with the people of Paisley under the inspirational creative leadership of Cora Bissett and Bex Anson, the Paisley OZ! will revisit the original political satire of the book for a contemporary audience in Paisley and beyond. The world of Oz and the Emerald City in familiar locations around Paisley town centre with scenes inspired by key chapters from the book. The Paisley Centre, Piazza Shopping Centre, public realm space at County Square, The Paisley Cenotaph and the High Street, The Wynd Centre and Outspoken Arts Scotland’s venue The Art Department will all play leading roles in this spectacular promenade experience.
Over the next twelve months, Cora and Bex will lead a team of artists to deliver a significant community engagement programme working alongside local community groups in Paisley including Kibble, The STAR Project – Paisley Men’s Shed, PACE Theatre Company and Art Boss - YOProducers. From August 2022 there will be opportunities for the public and community groups to get involved including an exciting public programme of Oz! themed workshops and creative sessions which will animate the town over the year.
Bex and Cora and other artists will be taking up residency at Paisley Centre, including an evolving window display, created by illustrator Jennie Bates in The Art Department formerly Allders Department Store.
OZ! A Yellow Brick Adventure in Paisley will have a stall at Sma’ Shot Day on 2 July with information about the project, offering sign up opportunities for creative sessions.
The first of the workshops and sessions have been announced including: a song writing workshop for theatre, suitable for all ages and abilities, with Emmy award-winning composing duo Roddy Hart and Tommy Reilly; “A Wee Dander down the Yellow Brick Road” drop-in blether sessions to chat life, dreams and red shoes at Café Su led by Cora Bissett and Bex Anson; monthly social events at the Emerald Lounge in The Art Department; Oz! Wallpaper making workshops to form part of the Emerald Lounge wallpaper, led by illustrator Jennie Bates and “Wooooof!!”” Toto The Dog drama workshop for all 4-legged wannabes led by Bex Anson and Lewis Sherlock
Bex Anson is a visual theatre director and is already creatively connected to communities in Seedhill/Paisley through her sited performance work with her company MHz scenography, which saw the acclaimed dance performance, STRUT take to the streets of Paisley earlier this year. She brings with her extensive experience in street performance, urban outdoor arts, circus and dance.
Cora Bissett is an acclaimed, award-winning performer, director, and film maker. She most recently directed Orphans – a new Scottish musical for the National Theatre of Scotland and Adam, reinvented as theatrical on-screen drama for the BBC which won a Scottish BAFTA for Best TV Scripted.
Future Paisley is a partnership—led by Renfrewshire Council with OneRen, supported by local and national partners who care about Paisley and are passionate about the positive difference culture can make to a place and people’s lives. Future Paisley includes Renfrewshire Council’s £100m investment to transform Paisley’s unique historic venues and public spaces and create new homes for cultural activity.
By summer 2023, Paisley’s unique cultural venues – including it’s A-listed Victorian Town Hall, and its Arts Centre – are due to reopen after extensive refurbishment, and National Theatre of Scotland in partnership with OneRen, supported by Future Paisley invites the communities of Paisley to celebrate this rejuvenation, and join them on an exciting new theatrical yellow brick road adventure.
Cora Bissett and Bex Anson co-creative lead artists said: “We met as working mums madly trying to entertain our young kids in Queens Park during lockdown and decided to combine forces to take on this massive and exciting challenge of creating a new large-scale work with the people of Paisley. We are already bowled over by the amount of talent, ingenuity and passion of the people of Paisley and by the town’s rich history and quirky buildings. We are looking forward to bedding ourselves into Paisley over this next year and dreaming up a contemporary, fantastical reimagining of this timeless classic which everybody knows and loves.”
Jackie Wylie, Artistic Director of National Theatre of Scotland said: “The National Theatre of Scotland is at its best when its working alongside a like-minded partner on a project that celebrates and casts a spotlight on the brilliance of a particular place and its people.
As we embark on this wonderful adventure down the yellow brick road in Paisley, I want to acknowledge the vision of both One Ren and Future Paisley and our lead artists Cora Bissett and Bex Anson. We have between us the courage, the heart and the brains to bring together all of Paisley in this ambitious celebration of talent, storytelling and creativity, building up to OZ! an unmissable, spectacular event across the town in 2023.”
Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes, Chair of OneRen and the Future Paisley partnership board, said: “This is a fantastic addition to Paisley’s annual events programme – and one that helps strengthen the area’s growing reputation as one of Scotland’s must-visit destinations for top-class cultural events. What excites me most is that community engagement and participation is at the very heart of it. Oz! will provide opportunities for local freelance artists and organisations but also employment for local people, as well as the chance to learn from and be inspired the team of nationally-recognised artists and performers which National Theatre of Scotland have pulled together.”
How people can get involved:
Online Booking opens for all workshops from July 2.
In person booking for workshops at Sma’ Shot day on July 2.
Paisley people can get involved by signing up online or emailing oz@nationaltheatrescotland.com or visit the web page for more information: nationaltheatrescotland.com/oz
Sponsored Links
Latest Renfrewshire News
Can you give a pair of PJs this Christmas
Fresh new pyjamas are a Christmas essential, and Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron is looking for your help to make sure every child feels cosy and warm this Christmas.
READ MORE
The Doddie Weir match ball delivery is voted Greatest Murrayfield Moment
Doddie Weir’s emotional match ball delivery at Murrayfield in 2017 has been voted the greatest moment in the stadium’s 100-year history, after thousands of fans took part in a nationwide poll.
READ MORE
More free parking in Paisley town centre for festive period
Free parking is being extended during December in Paisley town centre council car parks.
READ MORE
Travelling Gallery transported Paisley visitors to Another Realm
Children in Paisley were transported to Another Realm as they were challenged to think creatively about the impact of the climate crisis.
READ MORE
Much loved classic Scottish play, The Steamie, is set to return to venues in 2026
The Steamie has been scrubbed up ahead of making a return to theatres across the country next year as part of an exciting new chapter in its long-standing story in the theatre landscape.
READ MORE
Medea to tour Scotland in 2026
Bard in the Botanics will be launching their 25th Anniversary year with a Scotland-wide tour of their award-winning version of Medea, by Kathy McKean (after Euripides).
READ MORE
Imagine Theatre prepares for an exciting season of pantomimes across Scotland
Imagine Theatre proudly presents a spectacular lineup of family pantomimes across Scotland bursting with laughter, music, sparkle, and dance starring some of Scotland's best-loved entertainers!
READ MORE
Renfrewshire falls silent to pay respect to the Armed Forces
Renfrewshire has paid tribute to the Armed Forces as residents attended services across the area to mark Remembrance Sunday.
READ MORE
Step into the magic at Dobbies Garden Centres
Dobbies Garden Centres has a fantastic line up of Santa’s Grotto and Quiet Grotto experiences, with an exciting North Pole adventure inspired theme, running from 23rd November - 24th December.
READ MORE
Scottish Ensemble announce projects for Spring and Summer 2026
Scottish Ensemble, a pioneering collective of musicians championing music for strings, announces its series of events for Spring/Summer 2026.
READ MORE
It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Paisley
Paisley will welcome the festive season in style this weekend at the town's Christmas Lights Switch-On event which returns to a Saturday for the first time since 2019!
READ MORE
Aldi Scotland is turning up the Christmas cheer with its first ever festive Supermarket Sweep
Aldi Scotland is giving one lucky customer the chance to take part in a seasonal edition of its popular shopping challenge, all while raising vital funds for Children's Hospices Across Scotland.
READ MORE
Hidden treasures of Murrayfield
Murrayfield heritage lead Laura Tinch reveals hidden collection of 5,000 artefacts charting a century of Scottish rugby history.
READ MORE
Santa clocks in early: Scotland shift heroes among 30,000 invited to claim free festive meal
Greene King pubs is raising the spirits of Scotland's hardest workers this festive season, hosting 'The Big Christmas Shift' across 700 pubs nationwide, giving away 30,000 meals on Monday 1st December
READ MORE
Festive days out to make the most of the season
From wreath-making workshops through to New Year’s Eve street parties, here's a rounded up some of the best events to help make the most of the season with loved ones in a fun and creative way.
READ MORE
SAY Award winner announced as Kai Reesu
Kai Reesu’s ‘KOMPROMAT vol.i’ was tonight announced as winner of The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, as the country’s national music prize Ceremony took place in Dundee’s Caird Hall.
READ MORE
Public vote opens for Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 as scene flourishes
A stellar lineup of nominees has been announced for the Scottish Jazz Awards 2025, showcasing the exceptional talent flourishing across Scotland's vibrant jazz scene.
READ MORE
Heroes call on Scottish rugby fans to vote for the greatest Murrayfield rugby moment
SCOTTISH rugby fans have been called upon to cast their vote for the greatest ever Murrayfield rugby moment as part of celebrations marking the national stadium’s centenary.
READ MORE
The Christmas tradition of the year is back...
Scotland's biggest Christmas drive-in returns: 11 days of Elf, Home Alone & more at Loch Lomond Shores!
READ MORE
First Bus gives Remembrance free travel for all Armed Forces, veterans and cadets
First Bus is offering free travel for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance Day activities of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.
READ MORE
Scotland Meats Germany
Scotland's favourite beer, Tennent's Lager, has unveiled the world's first ever Square Wurst - a Scottish classic with a German twist - to mark the launch of Tennent's Bavarian Pilsner.
READ MORE
Scottish Ensemble brings warmth to wintry nights with Concerts by Candlelight tour
Concert by Candlelight, Scottish Ensemble's celebrated long-running winter tour, returns for eight awe-inspiring performances in intimate settings around Scotland this December.
READ MORE
Feel the festive cheer at Dobbies Charity Christmas Shopping Night
Dobbies is encouraging customers to come along to their nearest store and to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.
READ MORE
Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.
READ MORE
The Scottish Excellence Awards are open for entries
Nominations are open for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026, a celebration of Scotland's hospitality, foodservice and tourism sectors.
READ MORE
Paisley Halloween Festival delivers a frightfully fun weekend for all
Spooky season descended on Paisley at the weekend as thousands of visitors turned out for the annual Halloween Festival!
READ MORE
Dobbies Garden Centres hosts free to attend winter gardening workshop for kids
Dobbies is hosting a free-to-attend monthly gardening workshop on Sunday 2 November, for children across the country to discover how they can encourage winter birds into the garden.
READ MORE
A decade of cultural impact to be celebrated at anniversary concert
Celebrated traditional music and Gaelic arts charity, Fèis Phàislig, has announced details of a major anniversary concert to mark ten years of providing cultural opportunities for young people.
READ MORE
Paisley Halloween festival shows visitors a wicked good time!
Paisley Halloween Festival is back at its spooky best as thousands of visitors attended the first night of the festival.
READ MORE
The Beat the Street Renfrewshire winners are announced
The winners of the latest Beat the Street challenge in Renfrewshire have now been announced!
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links