Article Source: Sleeping Warrior Theatre Company
Last Updated: 11 July 2024 14:38
To Save the Sea is a vibrant, sung through musical from Isla Cowan and Andy McGregor, the team behind the smash hit Battery Park, about a group of dedicated Greenpeace activists who take on oil giants Shell when they occupy their Brent Spar oil store in the middle of the North Sea.
It’s 1995 and Shell plans to dump their defunct oil structure in the ocean, but a determined group of Greenpeace activists from across the world decide to take action and launch their biggest protest ever – on the Brent Spar in the North Sea. Despite Shell’s best efforts to stop it, using all means necessary, the activists determinedly stay on the platform for 3 weeks. As the campaign gains momentum, pressure mounts on those in power and political battles ensue at sea and on land and across Europe.
To Save The Sea has everything you need in a musical – from dramatic real life events to entertaining interludes, there are good stories and good tunes. There are vibrant characters, battles, celebrations, giant water cannons and unexpected explosions. Heart-breaking ballads, outrageous villains, rock music and even comedic cabaret songs featuring a surprisingly sexy John Major. There’s homesickness, seasickness, and epic sea-shanties. All the while asking important questions about Scotland, oil, and the environment.
This environmental and history making story of people power is told by a stellar cast of eight – Kara Swinney, Katie Weir, Kaylah Copeland, Matthew McKenna, Nathan French, David Rankine, Ewan Somers and Helen Logan playing the protesters, Shell executives and scientists.
To Save the Sea is an epic adventure story about Scotland and the world, about saving the environment and standing up for what you truly believe in. Full of heart, hope, and a touch of satirical comedy, To Save the Sea is a David vs Goliath story with hope and a song at its heart.
How the show came about - looking for inspiration during lockdown, Andy searched for a new writing partner on Twitter and found Isla. Isla’s interest in eco-drama had led her to the story of the Brent Spar and, without ever meeting one another in real life, the duo completed a first draft of the show. Fast forward four years, and many drafts later, and the show is ready to hit the stage.
Andy McGregor says of To Save The Sea: “Sleeping Warrior is known for creating high quality musical theatre. Having built our reputation on shows like Spuds, Crocodile Rock and Battery Park, we are delighted to be bringing the amazing true story of the Brent Spar occupation to the stage. This is a unique show, unlike anything Scotland has seen before, and we are very excited to be bringing it to life before touring all over the country”.
Creative team: Writer/ Director Isla Cowan & Andy McGregor; Designer Claire Halleran; Lighting Designer Simon Wilkinson; Musical Director Alan Penman; Sound Designer Fraser Milroy; Dramaturg Debbie Hannan; Assistant Director (FST) David Hewitson; Outreach Associate Jordan Blackwood; Producer: Steph Connell
Isla Cowan says: “When I first came across the story of the Brent Spar, I was struck by how dramatic and theatrical and epic the real-life events of this protest were – it just *had* to be made into a show! The story of the Brent Spar is a story for today – it speaks to our current concerns over oil and the environment, but – most importantly – shows how normal people really can make a difference when they stand up for what they believe in. I’m absolutely thrilled to be sharing this inspiring story with audiences across Scotland, in an epic and entertaining new musical.”
To Save The Sea is touring to 12 venues across Scotland in 2024. The tour kicks off on 25 September at the Tron Theatre (Glasgow); Perth Theatre; Macrobert Arts Centre (Stirling); Traverse Theatre (Edinburgh); The Gaiety (Ayr); Byre Theatre (St Andrews); Beacon Arts Centre (Greenock); Howden Park Centre (Livingstone); Dundee Rep; Cumbernauld Theatre (Cumbernauld); Tivoli (Aberdeen) with the final performance at Eden Court (Inverness) on 02 November.
Celebration of the iconic late Beatle's life and music will be performed at 26 venues nationwide.
READ MOREThis June, Dobbies Garden Centres is presenting a brand-new way to celebrate Father’s Day, combining a hearty Sunday roast with a hands-on grow-your-own herb planting workshop.
READ MORENominations for the Blue Light Awards Scotland, recognising the courage, commitment and community spirit of our Blue Light Services, are now open.
READ MOREThe Urban Forestry Programme is supporting projects in urban areas to help more people experience the benefits of trees.
READ MORENewly-crowned Masters Tournament champion Rory McIlroy is set to compete for a second Genesis Scottish Open title!
READ MORETo celebrate 40 years of legendary music, Simply Red are releasing their concert film 'Holding Back the Years: 40 Years of Simply Red, Live in Santiago' on the big screen.
READ MOREPavilion Festival 2025: From Big Top, live music to secret gigs - here's what to expect!
READ MOREThe Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair is back for its 36th year at Scone Palace, taking place 4th - 6th July 2025.
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres are welcoming children across the UK to join in on the fun this May to uncover all there is to know about grass at its free Little Seedlings Club workshop.
READ MOREA legendary author, celebrity chefs and musical heroes helped to write a fantastic new chapter for Paisley Book Festival.
READ MOREPaisley Food and Drink Festival saw thousands of people turn out to enjoy a fantastic range of street food and entertainment over the weekend.
READ MOREBluey at the Cinema: Let's Play Chef Collection will be playing in cinemas across the UK and Ireland from Saturday 3rd May, just in time for the Early May Bank Holiday weekend.
READ MORERenowned Glasgow restaurant co-founder to discuss new book and influences as she appears alongside The Hebridean Baker, Pam Brunton and Katie Goh.
READ MOREThis year's ACCORD Hospice Annual Art Exhibition will be opened by Lord Provost of Paisley, Councillor Lorraine Cameron, on Thursday 1st May at 4pm.
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres is hosting a new hands-on planting and afternoon tea experience inspired by the RHS Chelsea Garden Show and Dobbies' 160-year heritage.
READ MOREThe Young Women’s Movement, Scotland’s national organisation for young women and girls’ leadership and rights, is seeking nominations for its tenth annual 30 Under 30 list.
READ MOREPaisley's remarkable musical story - featuring chart-toppers, cult heroes and rioters - to be told as part of book festival.
READ MOREThistles & Tykes, a new role play village and soft play area located in Renfrew has officially opened its doors!
READ MORECultural historian Dr Casci Ritchie hails 'incredible buzz' that showpiece event brings as she encourages visitors to explore town.
READ MOREPaisley Food and Drink Festival returns on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th April for its biggest event yet with an extended site and more vendors than ever before!
READ MOREThe National Trust for Scotland and the National Trust have teamed up to give an insight into the complexity of the Battle of Culloden in a pair of podcasts this April.
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres is hosting a very special FREE Grow How event in stores across the UK this May in partnership with Alzheimer's Research UK to mark Dementia Action Week.
READ MOREAudiences packed Paisley's Town Hall and Arts Centre for inaugural event with former MP-turned-stand up performer among the headliners.
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres are celebrating National Children's Gardening Week by welcoming families along to its Children's Planting and Afternoon Tea experience on Saturday 31st May.
READ MORERockstar Energy presents TRNSMT has announced the BBC Introducing Stage, previously River Stage, will showcase 20 of the most exciting emerging artists in the country.
READ MOREPaisley's Busy Bees Spring Trail is buzzing into town from Friday April 4th to Monday 21st April.
READ MOREA Renfrewshire youth pipe band are going to the annual Tartan Day parade in New York for the first time.
READ MOREThe National Trust for Scotland is hopping into spring as it hosts 40 Easter egg trails at the special places in its care in April!
READ MOREInnis & Gunn joins forces with top Scottish comedian Marc Jennings to find Scotland's funniest pub stories for 'The Book of Pub Banter & Confessions'.
READ MOREThink yer funny, aye? Then now's your chance to show it... an Open Mic Night takes place on Friday 4th April as part of the first Paisley Comedy Festival.
READ MORE