Wonder Fools bring their new production, The Kelton Hill Fair, to the Tron Theatre Glasgow
After an incredible sold out and award-winning run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2024, Wonder Fools are delighted to bring their brand new show The Kelton Hill Fair to Glasgow.
Article Source: Wonder Fools
Last Updated: 4 February 2025 13:44
This thrilling new production will be opening at Theatre Royal Dumfries on 21 & 22 March before travelling to the Tron Theatre, Glasgow 25-29 March.
Written by Robbie Gordon and Dumfries & Galloway’s Jack Nurse, The Kelton Hill Fair tells the gripping story of Flora, a defiant and desperately alone care experienced teenager from Castle Douglas. As a mighty storm gathers, Flora runs away and stumbles upon a mysterious fair run by the legendary Billy Marshall ‘The King of the Travellers’. The Kelton Hill Fair, is a place where time stands still, especially as Billy was supposed to have died in 1792 and is buried nearby in Kirkcudbright. Yet here he is at the fair in 2025 and accompanied by other famous Scottish faces connected to Dumfries & Galloway including none other than Robert Burns, William Hare (of Burke and Hare fame) and Lady Florence Dixie. But that’s impossible. Isn’t it?
Rooted in Dumfries & Galloway and co-created with five local young people, this unmissable new production brings captivating storytelling, music and song and explores themes around community, myth, legacy and morality whilst telling the extraordinary story of Billy Marshall who, across his 120 year life, participated in some of the most significant historical events that shaped modern Scotland. As the company’s first new mid-scale production since 549: Scots of the Spanish Civil War and featuring Wonder Fools’ signature theatrical style focussing on storytelling, movement and music, The Kelton Hill Fair offers a fascinating exploration of contemporary Scotland, as seen through the eyes of the nation’s folklore and legends.
The Kelton Hill Fair will be performed by an incredible cast of six including Pericles Snowdon who is playing the main character of Billy Marshall. Lady Dixie is played by the wonderful Julie Wilson Nimmo, and Martin Donaghy plays the role of the Bard,
Robert Burns. Michael Dylan takes on the character of William Hare and Laura Lovemore is playing Lizzy. The role of the troubled teenager Flora is played by recent RCS graduate and Wonder Fools Youth Board alumni Ava Hickey.
The history of Wonder Fools’ The Kelton Hill Fair started back in 2021 when they delivered theatre skills workshops to schools across Dumfries & Galloway and recruited five young people for paid apprenticeships to work on their show And Then Come The Nightjars. These young people - Charlie McAdam Dorans, Emma Forsyth, Holly Marie Chapman, Sara Thomson, Eilidh Thomson - were then given the opportunity to research and develop a local story for a new Wonder Fools show as well as developing their theatre-making skills with bespoke support from the company. Over the past three years, during multiple residencies, the young people have been central in developing this seed of an idea into this new full-length play – The Kelton Hill Fair.
Again, for this show, Wonder Fools will be offering apprenticeships to five young people from Dumfries & Galloway to work on the show.
Jack Nurse and Robbie Gordon say of the production: “We are absolutely thrilled to bring our new production to audiences this spring. It’s been a joy to work so closely with the Young Collaborators in Dumfries & Galloway to create a new show that has such deep roots in the region whilst also holding a wider appeal through its universal themes and bold theatricality. We hope and feel that this is the most ambitious Wonder Fools production yet – we have an unbelievably talented cast and creative team bringing this timeless story to life, and we can’t wait to see people’s reactions in the audience.”
Emma Forsyth, one of the young collaborators says of her experience: “To see an idea that was batted around Dalbeattie town hall be something that's going to appear as a whole world onstage is unreal. The chance to work as an apprentice stage manager in the town next to where I grew up years ago was unheard of, and really motivating for me as an artist to see things can be done down here. I wouldn't have thought I'd then be involved from the start in creating theatre about my region. Being included in all the stages has been really special and has shaped and consistently motivated my work to add to the rich arts culture in Dumfries and Galloway. It's just all pretty amazing!”
Building on their momentous and prolific 2024 and recent Multi Year Funding announcement, this ambitious production marks an exciting new chapter for Wonder Fools theatre company.
Find out more about The Kelton Hill Fair at www.wonderfools.org
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
Celebrating British Science Week in Glasgow
To celebrate British Science Week, Glasgow Science Centre will deliver a jam-packed programme of activities, experiments and events for public visitors and school children this week.
READ MORE
Flight Club is the ideal alternative place to take your mum for brunch
If you're looking for something a bit different for Mother's Day that is also loads of fun, an activity bar like Flight Club is a great option!
READ MORE
Derby Lane evolves and new hit spot opens in Finnieston
A bold new look, elevated dining and a hidden speakeasy... once hailed as Glasgow's most Instagrammable bar, Derby Lane has grown up!
READ MORE
Come and experience the Ideal Home Show Scotland this Spring!
Get ready, Scotland! Ideal Home Show Scotland sponsored by EcoFlow is back at Glasgow's SEC from 23rd - 26th May 2025 and we're delighted to offer free tickets to our followers!
READ MORE
Cineworld brings back IMAX Film Fest
Cineworld, the UK's leading cinema chain, will be holding its eighth annual IMAX Film Fest on Saturday 15th March, with tickets on sale for only £5!
READ MORE
Discover the best of Belfast on a day trip from Scotland
A beautiful city with a rich history, high street favourites, independent boutiques and a giant adventure to explore around every corner, there is no shortage of incredible experiences to be had!
READ MORE
Dobbies welcomes applications for community gardens initiative
Dobbies Garden Centres is welcoming applications for Dobbies Community Gardens, offering local schools, charities and community groups the opportunity to receive support for their green spaces.
READ MORE
Six by Nico unveils brand new six course tasting menu, The Italian
Six by Nico's Road Trip, inspired by Chef Nico Simeone's Italian heritage and travels, will take you on a culinary journey through Italy!
READ MORE
Action Classics Hit Vue Venues in Scotland this March
An array of action films is screening at Vue venues in Scotland throughout the month of March, kicking off with the king of the genre, Arnold Schwarzenegger.
READ MORE
Care home residents set to be radio stars this weekend
Residents from a Govan care home are going to be filling the airwaves with their favourite songs, chatter and memories this weekend as they take over Sunny Govan Community Radio.
READ MORE
Empowering Women at Glasgow Science Centre
ScottishPower backs day of science engagement for International Women’s Day.
READ MORE
FROM GLASTO TO GLASGOW: Artists performing at TRNSMT 2025 and Glastonbury
Check out the Glastonbury artists that music fans can catch in Glasgow, straight off the heels of their Worthy Farm performance at TRNSMT Festival!
READ MORE
Alona Hotel to host Wedding Fayre
The Alona Hotel in Strathclyde Country Park is to host a sparkling Wedding Fayre featuring a stylish fashion show and a host of exhibitors who will be showcasing the latest wedding trends.
READ MORE
Citizens Theatre counts down to homecoming with first projects announced
Citizens Theatre unveils first stage productions and homecoming celebrations as countdown to August reopening begins!
READ MORE
Glasgow International Comedy Festival reveals a host of guests who will appear at festival
Glasgow International Comedy Festival has unveiled a host of stellar guests set to appear throughout the Festival as it brings 19 days of comedy to the city this month.
READ MORE
New restaurant and bar set to open in Tarbet, Loch Lomond next month
Lomond Leisure Group is proud to announce the launch of a new restaurant & bar, strengthening its commitment to highlighting the best of Scottish produce, sustainability and experiential dining.
READ MORE
Full Casting Announced for Restless Natives: The Musical
Kirsty MacLaren, Kyle Gardiner and Finlay McKillop lead a multi-talented ensemble as the Clown and the Wolfman take to the road once again!
READ MORE
King Pins is coming to Glasgow
State-of-the-art bowling and activity venue is set to bring ten-pin & duck pin bowling, shuffleboard, ice-free curling, arcades and more to Glasgow's Silverburn this Summer!
READ MORE
Glasgow celebrates 850 years with spectacular music event
In celebration of Glasgow's 850th anniversary, Clyde Chorus, a spectacular three-day music event will shine a light on the city's rich musical heritage and its status as a UNESCO City of Music!
READ MORE
YOTEL Glasgow offers Short N Suite 4 hour room package for Sabrina Carpenter fans to get gig ready!
Sabrina Carpenter fans looking to get ready for her hotly anticipated Glasgow tour date will now be able to book a Short n' Suite room to get ready, thanks to a new package from YOTEL Glasgow.
READ MORE
Introducing the charity gourmet burger that tastes good and does good!
Full-on flavour and a force for good as Luxford Burgers mark International Women’s Day by donating 50p from the sale of every Lady Bird burger in March to Strut Safe!
READ MORE
Award winning Raja Rani Restaurant named Best Curry Restaurant in Scotland
Bearsden's Raja Rani, has officially been crowned Scotland's Best Curry Restaurant at the Nation's Curry Awards 2025.
READ MORE
Dobbies launches spring with special shopping weekend
Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting the nation to get excited for the busiest season in the gardener's calendar with its Spring Launch Weekend, taking place 6-10 March!
READ MORE
Legendary choir conductor to be celebrated in special concert
The extraordinary musical career of one of the UK’s longest standing choir conductors is set to be celebrated in a special concert in Glasgow later this month.
READ MORE
Scottish premiere of Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badgers Drift comes to Glasgow
The Scottish premiere of Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badgers Drift, based on the Caroline Graham novel and ITV series, comes to Glasgow's Theatre Royal in February!
READ MORE
Work, rest and retail, as Silverburn reveals new work hub for guests
Silverburn, Glasgow's leading retail and leisure destination, has announced it is launching a brand-new Work Hub which will help to diversify its offer to meet the evolving needs of guests in 2025.
READ MORE
Amore Ristorante e Pizzeria wins the 2025 Let Glasgow Flourish Awards
Amore Ristorante e Pizzeria on Ingram Street, Glasgow was announced winner of The Robertson Silver Spade award at this year's 'Let Glasgow Flourish' awards, held today at Trades Hall.
READ MORE
Topgolf marks inclusion in PGA Tour 2K25 with UK wide activations and giveaways
Topgolf will bring the virtual game to life at its four UK venues with exclusive giveaways for players.
READ MORE
One legendary voice, decades of hits... Diana Ross is heading to Glasgow
The highly anticipated 2025 UK tour by Diana Ross is set to arrive in Glasgow this June, bringing pure magic to the stage!
READ MORE
The UK Pantomime Association announces major sponsorship partnership with Trafalgar Entertainment and ATG Entertainment
The UK Pantomime Association is delighted to announce a significant new sponsorship partnership with Trafalgar Entertainment and ATG Entertainment (ATGE).
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links