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.
The shortlisted titles for this year’s Saltires, Scotland’s National Book Awards, were announced at Blackwell’s bookshop in Edinburgh.
READ MORE
The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award has unveiled the 10 Shortlisted albums now in the running for 2025’s title and £20,000 prize, as well as five Sound of Young Scotland finalists.
READ MORE
There's loads to see and do – from pet friendly days out to breakfast with dinosaurs, loch tours and much more!
READ MORE
Scotland's largest wedding showcase, The Scottish Wedding Show, returns to Glasgow this weekend, ready to welcome thousands of couples from across the country looking to plan their dream day!
READ MORE
Keela, the Scottish outdoor clothing brand, and Mountaineering Scotland Launch ‘Within You’, an new three-month campaign, inspiring Confidence, Connection, and Adventure in the Outdoors!
READ MORE
Scotland's national celebration of books, Book Week Scotland, returns from 17th to 23rd November and tickets are on sale now!
READ MORE
Dobbies Garden Centres is lifting community spirits this season with a Christmas tree donation across the country, in partnership with Needlefresh.
READ MORE
Former Celtic and Scotland football heroes to join ex-player with MND on 150-mile March of The Day to raise funds to help tackle the disease.
READ MORE
Amy MacDonald, Hue and Cry, Nathan Evans and The Saint PHNX Band, Skipinnish, Shay O'Dowd and James Emmanuel are among the first winners to be announced for the GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards!
READ MORE
Scotland’s colourful past bursts to life this October as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) returns with its popular Living History programme for the school holidays.
READ MORE
Sports and physical activity champions from across East Renfrewshire have been recognised for their contributions.
READ MORE
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed for cosy coastal retreats and joyful pre-festive celebrations.
READ MORE
The Scottish Government's Women and Girls in Sport Week launches this week, celebrating the power of movement and encouraging women and girls of all ages to get active in ways that work for them.
READ MORE
With the October school holidays fast approaching, ScotRail has unveiled a new, affordable way for families to make the most of the break!
READ MORE
Seachdain na Gàidhlig will return in 2026, under the banner Use It or Lose It – and organisers are encouraging people across Scotland and the global diaspora to get behind the rallying cry.
READ MORE
Brits are now picking up the cafetière, with Macdonald Hotels & Resorts revealing a 10% rise in coffee sales across its 32 UK hotels and resorts in the past year.
READ MORE
Some of the latest horror blockbusters – alongside creepy classics, enchanting family favourites and the ever-popular Twilight Saga – will all be heading to Vue venues this Halloween.
READ MORE
Christmas has come early as Dobbies Garden Centres kicks off the season in style at its Christmas Launch Weekend which takes place from Thursday 9th to Monday 13th October.
READ MORE
Children's Classic Concerts return with their popular Halloween concert performances in Glasgow and Edinburgh later this month!
READ MORE
Global indoor leisure and recreation concept SuperPark will make its UK debut at Braehead Shopping Centre, bringing experience-led leisure to the centre next year!
READ MORE
East Renfrewshire libraries have lined up a series of thrilling events for Dead Good October, featuring author events, crime cafes, Harry Potter Day, family fun and more!
READ MORE
The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, Scotland's national music prize, has today revealed the 20 outstanding albums on 2025's Longlist.
READ MORE
For the first time, Beatson Cancer Charity has joined forces with the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service to highlight the vital role blood donors play in the treatment of blood cancers.
READ MORE
Hundreds of young readers in East Renfrewshire are celebrating after completing this year's Summer Reading Challenge!
READ MORE
A retired midwife from Netherlee has praised her local gym for “totally transforming her life”.
READ MORE
The Green Flag has been raised in Cowan Park for the first time, following the Barrhead park being awarded the accolade this summer.
READ MORE
Eastwood Theatre has announced an intimate show with singer-songwriter Peter Cox.
READ MORE
Paisley Halloween Festival will return to town next month to celebrate the spooky season with a packed programme of frightful fun for all the family!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival returns for its 12th edition on the big screen in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling and Inverness from 1st to 19th October 2025.
READ MORE
Cineworld is excited to announce the return of 4DX Rewind this September across Cineworld 4DX cinemas nationwide!
READ MORE