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.
Bluey 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 MORELocal businesses are being supported to grow and expand into empty ground floor town centre premises thanks to grant funding provided by Renfrewshire Council.
READ MOREGarden Centre invites gardeners to get hands-on with wildflowers and springtime celebrations.
READ MORERockstar Energy presents TRNSMT has revealed five new artists to the Glasgow Green billing, including two of the hottest UK acts right now, JADE and Myles Smith!
READ MOREMore than 30 historic seasonal sites across the country will reopen to visitors from Tuesday 1st April, as Historic Environment Scotland marks the start of its spring/summer season.
READ MOREHundreds of schoolchildren across Renfrewshire will delve into the world of writing as part of this year's Paisley Book Festival.
READ MORETo coincide with World Theatre Day this Thursday (27 March), Vue venues in Scotland are bringing a selection of British productions to the big screen this spring.
READ MOREAn organisation that runs youth hostels across Scotland is launching an initiative to provide free stays for disadvantaged young people and families.
READ MOREBBC Radio 1 Dance is taking over the much-loved Boogie Bar to bring some of the best dance music to Glasgow Green this summer on 11-13th July!
READ MOREUB40 ft. Ali Campbell are set to light up Falkirk as part of Kelpies Live at Helix Park, marking a triumphant return to Scotland for one of music's most iconic acts.
READ MORETo mark Food Waste Action Week (17th – 23rd March), Aldi is calling on children in Scotland to design a poster that encourages people to reduce food waste.
READ MOREWith three 18-carat golden girders worth £10,000 still out there, IRN-BRU unveils giant hanging girder to encourage Scots to get on the hunt!
READ MORE