Theatre Gu Leòr

Category: Past Productions

  • Stornoway Quebec

    Stornoway Quebec

    Stornoway Quebec

    By Calum L. MacLeòid

    Quebec, 1888. A snowstorm traps five people in a remote saloon. One of them is a bounty hunter, another, the most wanted man in Canada.

    To some, Donald Morrison, the Megantic Outlaw, was one of the most notorious villains of his day, but to the close-knit community of Gaelic migrants from Lewis, he was one of their own. Hot on his heels is badass Barra woman, Màiri MacNeil – a whisky-fuelled, pistol-slinging, bounty hunter. She has history and a score to settle.

    Ceilidhs meet Colt .45s in this wild Gaelic Western.

    ★★★★★
    “ A fierce piece of work that riots its way through the western genre ”

    Theatre Scotland

    ★★★★

    The Herald

    ★★★★
    “ A tremendously vivid and robust show ”

    The Scotsman

    ★★★★
    “ Splendid production, Theatre Gu Leòr may have created a new genre ”

    All Edinburgh Theatre Review

    ★★★★
    “ A rousing evening – Theatre Gu Leòr captures the desire for authentic Scottish writing ”

    The Wee Review

    Cast & Creative Team

    Màiri MacNeil – Elspeth Turner
    Uilleamina Bouchard nee Morrison – MJ Deans
    Jean Baptiste Bouchard – Sam James Smith
    Major Malcolm MacAuley – Daibhidh Walker
    Donald Morrison – Dòl Eoin McKinnon

    Director – Muireann Kelly
    Writer – Calum L. MacLeòid
    Dramaturg – Lynda Radley
    Set Design – Becky Minto
    Costume Design – Becky Minto & Vicki Brown
    Costume Supervisors – Vicki Brown & Morna Macleod
    Lighting Design – Emma Jones
    Sound Design – Matt Padden
    Fiddle/Feet percussion – Arthur Coates
    Fight & Movement Director – EmmaClaire Brigthlyn
    BSL Interpretation – Catherine King
    Design Placement – Catherine Tinney

    Production Manager – Elle Taylor
    Company Stage Manager – Ali Biggs
    Deputy Stage Manager – Katharina Siebert
    Technical Stage Manager – Craig McNeill
    Re-lighter – Josh Brown

    Company Co-ordinator – Rhona Dougall
    Production Assistant – Josie Campbell
    PR – Storytelling PR
    Marketing Consultant – Jane Hamilton
    Production Photography – Mihaela Bodlovic
    Lead Image – Laurence Winram

    Supported By

    Bòrd na Gàidhlig
    Creative Scotland
    Initially developed through a Gaelic Playwriting Award from Playwrights’ Studio, Scotland, in association with Comhairle nan Leabhraichean

    Tour Dates

    30/03/23 – 01/04/23 – An Lanntair, Steòrnabhagh (Eadar-theangachadh BSL 30/03) 
    04/04/23 – Mull Theatre, Tobar Mhoire 
    06/04/23 – Lemon Tree, Obar Dheathainn
    08/04/23 – Traverse Theatre, Dùn Èideann (Eadar-theangachadh BSL) 
    11/04/23 – Eden Court, Inbhir Nis
    13/04/23 – 15/04/23 – Tron Theatre, Glaschu (Eadar-theangachadh BSL 14/04)

  • Cora – Gaisgeach nan Gràineag

    Cora – Gaisgeach nan Gràineag

    Cora – Gaisgeach nan Gràineag

    By Lana Pheutan and Alice NicBhatair

    Cora is back in the island, at Granny-ferries house, her favourite place in the world. Poor hedgehog needs some help but what can Cora do for her?

    With songs, fun and a little bit of help from Phaella, what could go wrong?

    A Gaelic play with puppets for children aged 4-7

    Cast & Creative Team

    Ava MacKinnon 
    Katie Hammond
    Kit Rodman-Orr


    Director – Muireann Kelly 
    Puppets – Ella MacKay, Nudge Puppets
    Set and costume design – Alice Watson
    Support with puppets – Stacey Mitchell

    Tour Dates

    16/08/22 – Edinburgh Book Festival
    22/08/22 – Stornoway LIbrary
    Goodlyburn Primary, Perth
    Sgoil na Coille Nuaidh, Kilmarnock
    Bun-sgoil Taobh na Pàirce, Edinburgh
    Shabost School, Lewis
    Sgoil an Taobh Siar, Lewis
    Uig Primary, Lewis
    Breasclete School, Lewis
    Loch Primary, Lewis
    Sgoil an Rubha, Lewis
    Tounge Primary School, Lewis
    Back Primary, Lewis
    Leverhume Memorial School, Harris
    Sir E Scott Primary School, Harris
    Sgoil Uibhist a Tuath, North Uist
    Balivanich Primary, Benbecula
    Iochdar Primary, South Uist
    Dalibrugh Primary, South Uist
    Castlebay Community School, Barra

    Supported By

    The Gaelic Books Council

  • Rudeigin ri Ràdh

    Rudeigin ri Ràdh

    Rudeigin ri Ràdh

    In partnership with BBC Radio nan Gàidheal

    A series of four stand alone radio dramas by four Gaelic voices with something to say: Elspeth Turner, Iain MacRàth, Màrtainn Mac an t-Saoir and Martin O’Connor.

    Danns a’ Rathaid

    By Elspeth Turner

    Anna lives alone, rarely speaking to anyone else, until something happens that forces her to strike up a friendship with a woman to whom she has a far closer connection that she initially thought. This a melancholy story about the struggle of a young dancer in London in the 1950s weaves together different themes such as the desire to move on, ancestry, and separation, through this unexpected connection, and the beautiful music of Swan Lake.

    Cast: Elspeth Turner and Màiri Morrison

    Panalof

    By Iain MacRae

    Many academics have debated where the Lewis Chessmen came from. This comedy, set in the National Museum, considers not only where they came from, but where they are going. As soon as the lights go off, the chessmen escape, and nobody except the two pawns know what they’ve got planned. There’s only one problem – there’s no sign of the rest of the chessmen, and without anyone to give them permission to move, how will they make their way home?

    Cast: Iain MacRae and Daibhidh Walker.

    Rùintean Màiri Iain Mhòir

    By Martin MacIntyre

    Though Covid-19 has turned everyone’s world upside down, leaving us uneasy and unsettled, we try and keep our spirits up by looking forward to a time when all this is over. But what impact has this lockdown had on our dead? This is a play about hope, loss, and love, set in the Western Isles, and with music that make the Uist landscape – and the dead! – come to life.

    Cast: Mairi Morrison and Calum MacDonald

    Èirigh

    By Martin O’ Connor

    Èirigh explores the effect that climate chance could have on a small Scottish island, and on the life of one man as he tries to make a difference and save his family from the rising sea. Many of the things Martin O’Connor often explores in his work – masculinity, faith, monologue, comedy – feature in this new short radio play.

    Cast: Daibhidh Walker

    Cast & Creative Team

    Director – Muireann Kelly
    Sound Designer and Editor – Matt Padden
    Music – Pàdruig Moireasdan
    Harp – Malachy Arnold
    Dramaturgy – Lynda Radley, Iain Finlay MacLeod, Oliver Emanuel and Catrìona Lexy Campbell
    Studio Producer – Catriona Mhoireach
    Sound Engineer – Sara Mattinson
    Producer – Annella NicLeòid
    Assistant Commissioner – Calum McConnell
    Co-ordinator – Rhona NicDhùghaill

    Supported by

    Creative Scotland 
    Bòrd na Gàidhlig

  • MAIM

    MAIM

    Maim

    By Alastair C. Whyte & CAST

    “When the water comes suddenly, what do we lose?”

    MAIM, meaning panic in Gàidhlig, is a call to action, giving voice to the frustrations of the next generation who care deeply about the crisis facing their land and language.

    This unique collaboration between Theatre Gu Leòr and the band WHɎTE was inspired by exquisite tracks from their latest album, Tairm, and will feature live music, dance, spoken word and video.

    ★★★★
    “ An unforgettable combination of song, imagery and movement; delivered by four fine performers ”

    The Scotsman

    ★★★★
    “ A fascinating live collage of music, word and movement….a bubbling hybrid that is part elegy, part call to arms ”

    The Herald

    ★★★★
    “ A unique hybrid that works its spell slowly, exerting an increasingly powerful pull… the show’s accumulative effect is startling ”

    The Times

    Cast & Creative Team

    Elspeth Turner
    Evie Waddell
    Alasdair C. Whyte
    Ross Whyte

    Director – Muireann Kelly
    Writers – Alasdair C. Whyte, with script contributions from Elspeth Turner, Evie Waddell and Ross Whyte
    Composer & Sound Designer – Ross Whyte
    Choreographer – Jessica Kennedy
    Rehearsal Movement Assistant – Chrissie Ardill
    Designer – Jen McGinley
    Assistant Designer – Alice NicBhatair
    AV Designer – Lewis Den Hertog
    Lighting Designer – Benny Goodman
    Integrated BSL Interpretation – Evie Waddell
    BSL translation and Evie’s Mentor – Catherine King
    Creative Learning Artist – Lana Pheutan

    Production Manager/CSM – Elle Taylor
    Deputy Stage Manager – Katharina Siebert
    Technical Stage Manager – Craig McNeill

    Company Co-ordinator – Rhona Dougall
    PR – Mim Black, Story Telling PR
    Marketing – Lindsay Hammond, Yellow Bird Digital
    Marketing Placement – Josie Campbell
    Student Placement – Faolan Jean
    Graphic Design – Alice NicBhatair
    Lead Image – Laurence Winram l winram.com
    Production Photography – Mihaela Bodlovic

    A collaborative project with the band WHYTE.

    Tour Dates

    06/03/20 – 14/03/20 – Tron Theatre, Glasgow

    Following our opening and week’s run at the Tron Theatre, in Glasgow, sadly the rest of the national tour had to be postponed due to covid-19 and Lockdown restrictions.

    Postponed:
    17/03/20 – 18/03/20 – Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh
    19/03/20 – Eden Court, Inverness
    20/03/20 – Lemon Tree, Aberdeen
    21/03/20 – SEALL, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Skye
    24/03/20 – An Lanntair, Stornoway
    25/03/20 – Sgoil Lìonacleit, Benbecula
    26/03/20 – Sgoil Bàgh a’ Chaisteil, Barra
    27/03/20 – Studio Theatre, Corran Halls, Oban
    28/03/20 – Mull Theatre, Tobermory

    Supported By

    Bòrd na Gàidhlig
    Creative Scotland
    National Theatre of Scotland
    Tron Theatre

  • Caiptean Cora

    Caiptean Cora

    Captain Cora

    By Lana Pheutan, MJ Deans, Beth Frieden and Muireann Kelly

    Cora is back in the city and missing her pal Calum.

    Who could help lift her gloomy mood and put a smile on her face again? With songs, friendship and puppets, who knows what is going to happen?

    A Gaelic theatre show with songs and puppets for children in P1-4.

    Cast & Creative Team

    MJ Deans – Cora
    Beth Frieden – BB
    Lana Pheutan – Grumpy Crab
    Director – Muireann Kelly 
    Puppets – Ella McKay
    Set and Costume Design – Alice Watson

    Tour Dates

    Glasgow Mod, Glasgow City College
    Paisley Book Festival, Paisley

    Supported By

    The Gaelic Books Council

  • Bana-Ghaisgich

    Bana-Ghaisgich

    Bana-Ghaisgich

    By Mairi Morrison

    1918. Hogmanay.

    Hundreds of servicemen are returning home from the South of England to the North-West of Scotland, the Isle of Lewis. The ‘Sheila’ mail-boat cannot cope with all the men arriving in Kyle of Lochalsh so HMY Iolaire is deployed to help 284 men make their final journey home.

    Metres from land, their hearts rejoicing, HMY Iolaire veers off course and strikes the renowned rocks, Beasts of Holm, causing 201 men to drown on their own doorstep. 

    This new play explores grief, judgement and solidarity through the eyes of their women as their hardest challenge lies ahead.

    This premiere of a site-specific, new Gaelic drama, with live music was produced as part of the Iolaire Centenary Commemorations.

    “…so sharp that it cuts you…Don’t miss it.”

    Torcul Crichton, Daily Record
    Cast & Creative Team

    Mairi Morrison – Peggy, Colleen, Elaine, Maggie and other characters
    Mike Vass – Iain

    Màiri MacLennan – Màiri
    Georgie Finlayson – Gormal
    Cathy Mary MacMillan – Seonag
    Màiri MacIver – Anna
    Donna Barden – Catriona

    Writer – Mairi Morrison
    Dramaturg – Douglas Maxwell
    Director – Muireann Kelly
    Music/Composition – Mike Vass
    Costume Designer – Donna MacLeod
    Lighting Designer – Benny Goodman

    Technical Stage Manager – Morag Smith
    Marketing design – Niall Walker
    Marketing assistant – Alice Walker

    Tour Dates

    17/12/18 – Finorough Playhouse, London
    27/12/18 – Studio Alba, Stornoway
    28/12/18 – Studio Alba, Stornoway
    29/12/18 – Studio Alba, Stornoway

    Supported By

    Bòrd na Gàidhlig and Creative Scotland
    Script developed with support from Playwrights’ Studio Scotland

  • Scotties

    Scotties

    Scotties

    By Muireann Kelly and Frances Poet

    A telegram from Ireland in 1937 inspires the untold story of ten young lads from Achill lost in a Scottish bothy fire. The effects reach across the sea, waking the soul of a young Glasgow boy today struggling to find his voice.

    A powerful new play celebrating the music and languages of Scotland and Ireland, with a creative team drawn from both nations.

    ★★★★★
    “Beautifully written and powerfully performed…A truly unforgettable performance.”

    The Skinny

    ★★★★
    “ A brooding hybrid of theatrical forms…which moves between ceilidh and lament. ”

    The Herald

    ★★★★
    “ A show to remember, and an important staging-post in Scotland’s long journey towards greater knowledge of itself, through the stories it tells. ”

    The Scotsman

    Cast & Creative Team

    Co-writers – Muireann Kelly & Frances Poet

    Scots speech adapted by Liz Lochead

    Director – Muireann Kelly
    Dramaturg – Pamela McQueen
    Set and Costume Designer – Charlotte Lane
    Lighting Designer – Simon Wilkinson
    Choreographer – Jessica Kennedy
    Composer and MD – Laoise Kelly
    Sound Design – Ross Wilson
    Movement Rehearsal Director – Chrissie Ardill
    Costume Supervisor – Jessica Griffiths

    Ryan Hunter – Michael
    Faoileann Cunningham – Molly
    Cian McNamara – Fraoch
    Colin Campbell – Seán Óg
    Stephen McCole – Aonghas/Gaffer/Scots Man
    Mairi Morrison – Morag/Squad Woman
    Anne Kidd – Grace/Forewin/Scots Woman
    Alana MacInnes – Piper/Girlín
    BSL performance interpreter – Catherine King

    Producer – Callum Smith
    Production Manager – Elleanor Somerville
    Company Stage Manager – Katharina Siebert
    Technical Stage Manager – Stephen Cunningham
    Head of Stage – Emma Campbell
    Design Placement – Alice Watson
    Company Co-ordinator – Fiona Murray
    Creative Learning & Outreach Facilitator – Calum MacDonald
    Press & Publicity – Story Telling PR, Miriam Attwood and Miriam Black
    Marketing Consultants – Yellow Bird Digital, Lindsay Hammond and Nicola Paul
    Marketing Placement – Frances Driscoll
    Graphic Design – Sean McGonigal
    Production Photography – Mihaela Bodlovic

    Co-commisioned by National Theatre of Scotland & Theatre Gu Leòr

    Tour Dates

    13/9/18 – 15/9/18 – Tron Theatre, Glasgow
    19/9/18 – Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling
    21/9/18 – 22/9/18 – Eden Court Theatre, Inverness
    24/9/18 – Lemon Tree, Aberdeen
    27/9/18 – 29/9/18 – Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh
    5/10/18 – 6/10/18 – Achill College, Achill, County Mayo, Ireland

    Supported By

    Creative Scotland
    Colmcille
    National Theatre of Scotland
    Abbey Theatre

  • Cèilidh

    Cèilidh

    cèilidh

    By Màiri Sìne Chaimbeul and Catriona Lexy Chaimbeul

    Cèilidh was a new play commissioned by Theatre Gu Leòr, written by Mairi Sine Campbell and Catriona Lexy Campbell working alongside award-winning Irish playwright and dramaturg Lynda Radley.

    Wild, outspoken and buried face down on the Isle of Harris, poet Màiri Ruadh is back from beyond the grave, with one last night to resurrect the true meaning of the cèilidh. She has fire in her belly and is determined never to be silenced again.

    Cèilidh is full of live music, songs and stories. Fully subtitled and suitable for anyone with or without Gaelic, but only those ready for a cèilidh like no other!

    ★★★★

    Joyce McMillan, The Scotsman

    “ I loved how the themes of culture, language, self assertion and strong women were represented, and the Runrig Hearach  ‘anthem’ was enough to give me goosebumps!! ”

    neach-èisteachd aig An Lanntair

    ★★★★

    Nicole Webber, Inverness Courier

    “ I assumed I would have no bother rocking up to the Lemon Tree tonight to get a ticket for the Gaelic play Cèilidh. It’s sold out! ”

    neach-èisteachd ann an Obar Dheathainn

    Cast & Creative Team

    Co-writers – Catriona Lexy Campbell and Màiri Sìne Campbell
    Dramaturg – Lynda Radley
    Director – Lewis Hetherington

    Muireann Kelly – Màiri Ruadh
    Mairi Morrison – Lisa
    MJ Deans – Eilidh
    Calum MacDonald – Eddie

    Designer – Frances Collier
    Sound Designer/MD – Michael John McCarthy
    Lighting Designer/Production Manager – John Wilkie
    AV Designer – Lewis den Hertog
    Assistant Sound Designer – Calum Paterson
    Lighting Technician – Malcolm Rogan
    BSL Sign Language Interpreter – Iain Hodgetts
    Movement Director – Emma Claire Brightly
    Wardrobe Assistant – Cristina Butt
    Vocal Coach – Michael Hill

    Company Co-ordinator – Seona McClintock
    Creative Learning Manager – Catriona Lexy Campbell
    Press & Marketing Manager – Niall Walker
    Production Photography – Mihaela Bodlovic
    Company Stage Manager – Katharina Siebert
    Technical Stage Manager – Craig McNeill
    SMO Student Placement (Gàidhlig) – Alice Watson

    Tour Dates

    7-10/3/17, Tron Theatre, Glasgow
    13/3/17, Bruichladdich Hall, Isle of Islay
    14/3/17, Caol Community Centre, Lochaber
    15/3/17, Eden Court, Inverness
    16/3/17, The Lemon Tree, Aberdeen
    17/3/17, Scottish Story Telling Centre, Edinbutgh
    20/3/17, MacPhail Playhouse, Ullapool
    21/3/17, Plockton Hall, Plockton
    22/3/17, Kilmuir Hall, Isle of Skye
    23/3/17, The Great Hall, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Skye
    24/3/17, Argyllshire Gathering Halls, Oban
    27/3/17, Castlebay Community Hall, Isle of Barra
    28/3/17, St Peters Hall, South Uist
    29/3/17, Cairinis Hall, North Uist
    30/3/17, An Lanntair, Stornoway

    Supported By

    Bòrd na Gàidhlig
    Creative Scotland
    Gaelic Books Council
    National Theatre of Scotland
    Scottish Government

  • Shrapnel

    Shrapnel

    sHRAPNEL

    fROM THE NOVEL BY tORMOD cAIMBEUL
    aDAPTED BY Catrìona Lexy Chaimbeul

    Shrapnel is the adaptation of the seminal Gaelic novel of the same title by renowned novelist, Tormod Caimbeul. It follows the journey of an enigmatic narrator as he tries to evade capture for a crime he didn’t commit.

    Set in the darkest depths of 1970s Leith, our narrator treads a sordid path through the city meeting an array of extraordinary misfits, and avoiding the psychopathic former detective, Walter Shrapnel, who is convinced that our narrator tried to murder him. With anarchic humour and powerful narrative tension, Shrapnel is a novel that demands to be performed.

    “ Astonishing bold and surreal ”

    The Scotsman

    “ Exhilarating, vertiginous – at times, bewildering … under Muireann Kelly’s astute, sensitive direction, something of Shrapnel slices into the soul and lodges ”

    The Guardian

    “ Sure-footed direction meets a strong cast, taking the drama to a higher level ”

    Daily Record

    Cast & Creative Team

    From the novel by Tormod Caimbeul
    Adapted by – Catriona Lexy Campbell
    Director – Muireann Kelly

    Iain Beggs – Maclugran
    Catriona Lexy Campbell – Mavis E Beattie / Elspeth Jane Elphinstone
    Artair Donald – Buster Hind / John Riach
    Calum Macdonald – Pc Des McCafferty / William CBW Robertson
    Iain Macrae – Detective Sergeant Walter Anthony ‘Shrapnel’ Watson
    Mairi Morrison – Effie Joan Mackay / Maria Carlotta / Mrs Dorothy Armstrong
    Catherine King – Eadar-Theangaiche Cànan Balbhanachd Bhreatainn

    Costume & Set – Carys Hobbs
    Animation, Subtitles & Set Design – Iain Craig
    Sound Design – Matt Padden
    Music – The League Of Highland Gentlemen
    Lighting Design – Karen Bryce
    English translation – Mary Jane Campbell
    Dramaturg – Frances PoetProduction Manager – Hilly
    Technical Stage Manager – Craig McNeill
    Deputy Stage Manager – Katharina Siebert
    Co-producer – Claire Dow
    Co-producer – Kirsty Paton
    Admin & Comms – Linda NicLeòid
    Drama & Education Artist – Beth Frieden
    Marketing Design – Niall Walker
    Photography – Mihaela Bodlovic
    Publisher – Leabhraichean Beaga

    Tour Dates

    10-12/3/16, Tron Theatre, Glasgow
    15-16/3/16, Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh
    17/3/16, Eden Court, Inverness
    18/3/16, The Lemon Tree, Aberdeen
    19/3/16, Lossiemouth Town Hall
    20/3/16, Strathpeffer Pavilion
    22/3/16, Macphail Centre, Ullapool
    23/3/16, Plockton Village Hall
    24/3/16, Seall at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig
    26/3/16, Carinish Hall, North UIst
    28/3/16, Castlebay School, Barra
    1-2/4/16, An Lanntair, Stornoway

    Supported By
  • Doras Dùinte

    Doras Dùinte

    Doras Dùinte

    By Catrìona Lexy Chaimbeul

    Alone on a stormy night in an isolated house, Lydia Ross awaits Guthrie, her new lodger, but Lindsay Guthrie may turn out not to be quite what she had in mind…

    This thriller looks at the toxicity of co-dependent relationships and just how far people will go to keep those relationships together.

    A contemporary new Gàidhlig drama with English subtitles, animation and haunting soundscape.

    “ A look and feel of real quality ”

    The Herald

    “ Draws you in to the intense atmosphere ”

    neach-èisteachd ann an Obar Dheathainn
    Cast & Creative Team

    Catriona Lexy Campbell – Writer
    Muireann Kelly – Director

    Dòl Eòin Mackinnon – Guthrie
    Donna Macleod – Lydia (Glasgow)
    Catriona Lexy Campbell – Lydia (tour)

    Iain Craig – Animation / Subtitle & Set Design
    Donna Macleod – Costume Designer
    Ross Brown – Composer
    Nicola McCartney – Dramaturg

    Hilly – Production Manager
    Clare McNeill – Technical Stage Manager
    Mick Andrew – Lighting Design
    Katharina Siebert – Assistant Stage Manager

    Tour Dates

    14/2/14, Druimfin, Tobermory
    15/2/14, Bunessan Hall, Mull
    17/2/14, Argyllshire Gathering Halls, Oban
    18/2/14, An Cridhe, Coll
    21/2/14, Appin Village Hall, Argyll
    22/2/14, Resolis Memorial Hall, Black Isle
    24/2/14, Gairloch Hall
    25/2/14, Plockton Hall
    26/2/14, SEALL at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig
    27/2/14, Eden Court, Inverness
    28/2/14, Rosehall Village Hall, Sutherland
    1/3/14, Macphail Centre, Ullapool
    3/3/14, Clan MacQuarrie Centre, Lewis
    4/3/14, Leverburgh Village Hall, Harris
    5/3/14, St Peter’s Hall, South Uist
    6/3/14, Carinish Village Hall, North Uist
    8/3/14, Castlebay School, Barra

    Supported By
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