Sleeping Warrior Theatre Company return with To Save The Sea
Sleeping Warrior Theatre Company are delighted to bring their latest musical extravaganza, To Save The Sea, to Scottish stages this autumn.
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.
Sponsored Links
Latest Renfrewshire News
Dinosaur Day at Dobbies
Children attending Dobbies Little Seedlings Club will get the chance to travel back hundreds of millions of years to learn about prehistoric plants and talk about their favourite dinosaurs!
READ MORE
Winter Connections programme boasts success for third year
Thousands of people across Renfrewshire have benefitted from Winter Connections running for a third year.
READ MORE
Summer long celebration of the 90s and britpop launched
PubLife, a UK-wide summer celebration of the '90s will take place in over 500 pubs, including 7 in Scotland.
READ MORE
Family days out just got better with free entry for kids at Scone Palace
This summer, as school holidays get underway, families are invited to enjoy a day out at Scone Palace with their Kids Go Free promotion.
READ MORE
Scone Palace International Horse Trials
The inaugural Scone Palace International Horse Trials will take place from 21st–24th August 2025 in the stunning grounds of Scone Palace and Perth Racecourse.
READ MORE
Major donation of Scottish artworks boosts Renfrewshire civic collection
A magnificent collection of artworks has been donated to Renfrewshire's civic collection by Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, in memory of her late husband, John Shaw.
READ MORE
Renfrewshire launches Summer of Fun free activity programme
The new free summer activities programme for Renfrewshire children, young people and families is now available.
READ MORE
Countdown begins: The AJ Bell Great Scottish Run returns to Glasgow in October
Scotland's greatest running event, the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run, will return to Glasgow on Sunday 5th October and they want everyone to 'Be Your Greatest'.
READ MORE
Thousands turn out to celebrate Sma Shot Day 2025
Thousands turned out to enjoy a day of fantastic live entertainment at Paisley's annual Sma' Shot Day celebrations on Saturday!
READ MORE
BTS fans take the spotlight in latest K Pop documentary heading to Vue
BTS Army: Forever We Are Young, a brand-new documentary celebrating the fans that helped catapult 21st century pop icons BTS into global stardom comes to Vue.
READ MORE
Jason Manford to play Paisley Town Hall as part of tour
Comedian, actor, singer and presenter is latest big name to announce date at venue.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
Set sail for Paisley and enjoy a swashbuckling adventure on the high seas!
Ahoy there mateys! The Pirates of Paisley is this year's must visit FREE summer brick adventure!
READ MORE
Paisley Town Hall bells mark Imagination Library becoming permanent
Much loved reading programme, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Renfrewshire, celebrated becoming permanent with bell chimes.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
Crowds celebrate the summer at Barshaw Gala Day
Thousands turned out to celebrate summer at Barshaw Park on Saturday for Barshaw Gala Day.
READ MORE
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!
READ MORE
Grab your free reusable cup!
Fancy grabbing a free reusable takeaway cup and then getting a discount on your next drink from some of our local cafes?
READ MORE
Thorn Athletic and Inchinnan Development Trust to create brand new artificial pitches in Renfrewshire
Two major community sports projects in Renfrewshire are set to benefit from a significant funding boost.
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
Refurbished play park is a big success with local pupils
Pupils from Auchenlodment Primary School in Johnstone gave their refurbished play park a big thumbs up after it underwent a major upgrade earlier this year.
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
Clan Wrestling returns to Braehead Arena with former WWE Champions
After their first event in March, Clash of the Clans, Clan Wrestling makes its return to Braehead Arena on Saturday 6th September for its second event!
READ MORE
Renfrewshire invited to honour Armed Forces community
The Armed Forces Day flag will be raised outside Renfrewshire House on Friday in a short service to mark Armed Forces Day.
READ MORE
Works set to be undertaken to restore historic Kilbarchan Steeple buildings
Councillors have agreed a £350,000 contract to carry out repairs to the historic Kilbarchan Steeple Buildings.
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
Young people to choose their winners as Celebrating Renfrewshire Fund voting opens
Voting has opened for this year's Celebrating Renfrewshire Fund as young people get the chance to vote for the projects they think will make the most difference in their communities.
READ MORE
Get set for summer at Barshaw Gala Day
Crowds are set to soak up the summer vibes at Barshaw Gala Day with an afternoon packed full of exciting activities for all the family!
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 MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links