Ayr's Gaiety Theatre to host showing of Greenpeace musical

Sleeping Warrior Theatre Company are taking their latest production, ‘To Save the Sea’, to a variety of Scottish theatres this autumn.

It was created by writers and directors, Isla Cowan and Andy McGregor, about Greenpeace activists taking oil giants Shell when they occupy their Brent Spar oil store in the middle of the North Sea.

Performers in the cast include experienced theatre actors such as Matthew McKenna, David Rankine, Helen Logan, Katie Weir, Kara Swinney, and Ewan Somers.

The show comes to Ayr on Wednesday, October 16. (Image: Sleeping Warrior Theatre Company) Andy said: “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.”

The theatre company have also stuck to its tradition of recruiting new graduates from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, who are Kaylah Copeland and Nathan French.

Inspiration for the show came during lockdown, when the two writers met on Twitter and wrote the entire script without ever meeting each other.

Many members of the cast are experienced theatre performers. (Image: Sleeping Warrior Theatre Company) Throughout its tour, the musical will tour 12 venues across Scotland this year, kicking things off in Glasgow at the Tron Theatre.

Isla said: “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.”

After four years of production, the show is finally ready to hit the stage.

The performance will come to Ayr on Wednesday, October 16, and will last for approximately 90 minutes.