Paisley premiere: Fringe smash-hit Òran comes to Arts Centre

Òran, the award-winning Edinburgh Fringe smash-hit, embarks on its first UK tour.

Òran
Wonder Fools
Written by Owen Sutcliffe
Music by VanIves
UK tour 19th September -28th November

Òran, the award-winning sell-out hit of the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe embarks on its first ever UK tour this autumn as company Wonder Fools take their work to a host of venues across England and Scotland, some for the very first time.

Blending spoken word, lyrical storytelling, and a live electronic score from acclaimed duo VanIves, Òran is a thrilling reimagining of the Orpheus myth. It follows Òran on a heart-pounding journey to rescue his best friend from the Underworld, asking what we’re willing to risk for the people we love. Should he arrive there, Hades might grant him the chance to lead his friend home…but at what cost?
This visceral piece of contemporary theatre is a collaboration between Wonder Fools, ‘A blazing powerhouse of invention and activity’ (Scotsman) and the acclaimed hip-hop artist Owen Sutcliffe creating an urgent and entertaining modern retelling of the classic Greek myth Orpheus.
On taking Òran on tour Robbie Gordon and Jack Nurse, Directors and Co-Founders of Wonder Fools said:
“We’re buzzing to be bringing Òran on its first-ever UK tour this autumn. The Fringe run was incredible, to have reviews that heralded it as an ‘electric tour de force’ and ‘totally immersive’ was really a dream come true for us as a team. The show blends spoken word storytelling with a live electronic soundtrack—created by VanIves—to retell an ancient myth in a completely fresh, contemporary way. Think poetry meets music from a class night out, ancient myth meets modern tales of friendship. We’re excited to share this story with new audiences across Scotland and England, especially in places we’ve never performed before. It’s going to be an unforgettable trip to the Underworld—don’t miss it.”
Writer Owen Sutcliffe says, “”It’s really exciting to see Òran heading out on the road this autumn. Last year’s award-winning Fringe run showed us how much the story resonates with audiences and I want to bring as many new people into that membership as possible. The staging, the live score, Robbie Gordon’s tour-de-force performance as Òran – none of it’s to be missed. Pack your bags and switch off your phones, troops, we’re heading back down.”
VanIves say, “We wanted to create a soundtrack that feels like both a gig and a myth — something that pulses with the energy of today while echoing the timelessness of the story. As regular collaborators of Wonder Fools we really wanted to set Robbie a challenge and create a show that feels like it takes real effort to perform”
FREE TO USE HERE

Winner of the Best Debut award at The Skinny & Fest Mag Awards (Fringe 2024).

Òran is supported by Creative Scotland’s touring fund.

Follow: www.wonderfools.org | twitter: @wonder_fools | Instagram & TikTok: @wonder_fools_online | Facebook: wonderfoolsonline
Credits
Written by Owen Sutcliffe
Performance by Robbie Gordon
Directed by Jack Nurse
Music by VanIves

LISTINGS INFORMATION
Òran
Venue and tour dates:
Paisley Arts Centre, Wed 24th Sep

Tickets: https://www.wonderfools.org/projects/oran/