Wonder Fools 2024 Wrapped

Backstage

19 December 2024

2024 Wrapped: A Year to Remember!

As 2024 draws to a close, we’re taking a moment to celebrate what has been one of our most unforgettable years filled with creativity, collaboration, and connection. From the 4 productions we brought to life to the 8,758 audience members that shared in the magic, 2024 was a year of firsts and milestones for us.

In January, we launched New Year, New Work, a night of new music and theatre with some of our favourite artists. We sold out in less than 24 hours resulting in us changing venues to increase capacity and then sold out again. Artists included VanIves, Imogen Stirling, Susan Bear; India Blue; and Tues.

In February we launched A Wee Natter, a drop-in session which gave an opportunity to meet other creatives who are curious about the industry and ask questions they would like to discuss in a relaxed environment led by the Wonder Fools team. Wonder Fools attended the Music & Drama Education Expo 2024 to discuss Positive Stories for Negative Times. We also launched the second cohort of our Wonder Fools Youth Board.

In April, we celebrated and recognised the amazing writers who made it on the longlist for the PSFNT Writer Opportunity. We were bowled over by the depth and breadth of the incredible writers across Scotland. We had an amazing 67 applications. In May we announced our young writer Hannah Low who wrote Careful What You Wish For for this year’s PSFNT Season 4.

New Year, New Work returned in May at SWG3 with a brand new lineup of our favourite creatives. We also dropped the announcement of our 2024 season programme. Artists included CRPNTR; Leyla Josephine; Nikhita; and Queen of Harps.

As part of the announcement, we revealed Positive Stories for Negative Time’s Season 4 playwrights which includes Ella Hickson,James Ley, Travis Alabanza, Mammalian Diving Reflex, and Young Writer Hannah Low.

We were thrilled to debut our very first Edinburgh Fringe show which went on to sell out and win the Best Debut Award. Alongside this, we commissioned 7 bold new plays, championing fresh voices and stories that matter.

In June, for one night only, The Bunker made its debut at The Gaiety in Ayr. A laugh out loud jukebox musical with songs we all know and love whilst reflecting on our collective lived experiences during the pandemic. A co-production by Ayr Gaiety and Wonder Fools, commissioned by Greenspace as part of the Covid memorial project Remembering Together. Created in collaboration with the local community.

July saw Wonder Fools make their full debut at the Edinburgh Fringe with Òran by Owen Sutcliffe. With multiple 5-star reviews and a sold-out run, Òran went on to win the Best Debut Award at The Skinny & Fest Mag’s Bestie Awards. 

We officially launched Positive Stories for Negative Times: Season 4 at the Traverse Theatre during TravFest24 in August where we invited some of this season’s playwrights to talk about their new plays, watch our panel discussion below. So far, this season has seen 2,666 participants sign-up. 

Our next adventure took us to Cumbernauld for The Events by David Greig in association with Cumbernauld Theatre. We brought this acclaimed play to life with a new visceral staging which featured an exciting collaboration between the professional cast and a Community Choir that has been specially created for this production.

After our successful run at Edinburgh Fringe, we took Òran to the Pleasance in London for three nights.

It wouldn’t be an end of year without some panto magic. We took a classic Christmas story and put a Wonder Fools twist on it. A Christmas Carol is an entertaining, warm-hearted show filled with laughter, original songs, adventure and festive fun for all ages. Produced by The Brunton in association with Wonder Fools.

What’s next for Wonder Fools? 

In March, The Kelton Hill Fair will tour to Dumfries and Glasgow from 21st – 29th. Tickets to the Tron Theatre are currently on sale and we’ll be announcing our Dumfries & Galloway venue early January.

We’re also delighted to announce that Òran will hit the road in Autumn 2025 to venues around Scotland thanks to the support of Creative Scotland’s Touring Fund. More to follow next year.

In the Summer, the return of the Positive Stories Festivals will take place across our four brand new hubs. We can’t wait to share with you the participating groups for next year’s festival.

Our work was powered by an incredible community of 83 freelancers, whose talent and dedication made every project possible with 80 public performances throughout the year.

To end what has been an incredible year, we have been shortlisted for The Stage Awards Community Award for PSFNT.

Thanks to all of you who were part of the journey, we can’t wait to hit the road next year and connect with you all.

Wonder Fools Team x

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