Barrowland Ballet take over Scotland with two shows this year
Award-winning dance company Barrowland Ballet present world premiere of Wee Man and the revival of Chunky Jewellery, ahead of Edinburgh Festival Fringe transfers this year.
Article Source: Barrowland Ballet
Last Updated: 27 April 2025 10:50
World premiere of new production Wee Man by Natasha Gilmore opens at Studio Theatre from 16 - 17 May, as Barrowland Ballet are named the first associate company of Edinburgh’s Capital Theatres.
Following sold out success, Chunky Jewellery by Natasha Gilmore, Jude Williams and Ben Duke of Lost Dog returns to Tramway on 29 July, following revival at Cumbernauld Theatre on 2 May.
Barrowland Ballet transfers both productions to Edinburgh Festival Fringe Chunky Jewellery opens from 1 - 24 August at Assembly Rooms Music Hall, as part of the Made in Scotland Showcase Wee Man opens from 5 - 17 August at Assembly @ Dance Base.
Scotland’s leading contemporary dance theatre company Barrowland Ballet take over Scotland this year as they present two productions across Spring and Summer, ahead of their Edinburgh Festival Fringe debuts this August.
New work: Wee Man explores the tension within the toxic rulebook of accepted male behaviours
Barrowland Ballet is excited to present the world premiere of new production Wee Man by award-winning choreographer Natasha Gilmore.
A highly physical and dynamic dance-theatre performance by a cast of men and male teenagers, Wee Man explores the shifting, and unshifting, rules of masculinity across the different generations.
Inspired by Gilmore’s experience of being a mother of teenage boys, it uses candid humour to examine the tension that exists within the toxic rulebook of accepted male behaviour, from the seemingly benign to the dangerous.
Examining both the tenderness and tension of masculinity and male relationships, Wee Man is performed by an intergenerational cast that includes Davey Anderson, Kemono L. Riot, Parsifal James Hurst, and Vince Virr. Each tour venue features a local community cast, bringing new voices and stories to every performance.
The production is scored with an evocative sound design by Luke Sutherland and poetic text developed with Kevin P. Gilday.
Barrowland Ballet have been named as the first associate company of Edinburgh’s Capital Theatres, and Wee Man will have its world premiere at Studio Theatre from Friday 16 - Saturday 17 May at 7pm.
It will tour to Lanterhouse Cumbernauld on Saturday 31 May at 7pm and Johnstone Town Hall on Friday 13 June at 7pm, before transferring to Assembly @ Dance Base as part of Edinburgh Festival Fringe from Tuesday 5 - Sunday 17 August at 7pm.
Returning Favourite: Chunky Jewellery is a moving celebration of friendship within the chaos of life, grief and motherhood.
Following sold-out success during its world premiere in 2024, Barrowland Ballet’s heartfelt and hilarious Chunky Jewellery returns with performances across Cumbernauld and Glasgow, ahead of its transfer to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Co-created by Jude Williams, Natasha Gilmore, and Ben Duke (Lost Dog), this deeply personal yet universally resonant work transforms a year of extremes into a moving celebration of friendship.
Focusing on two friends, one year, two births, a death, 18 bursts of laughter, 34,000 tears (each) and one piece of chunky jewellery, it was a year to forget but instead Natasha and Jude decided to make it into a show.
Brutally honest and open-hearted, Chunky Jewellery is a comedy that bites. Combining dance, song and text, it offers audiences an alternative love story; an achingly joyous celebration of sisterhood.
These uncompromising performers team up with Olivier Award nominated Ben Duke of Lost Dog to bring the work to life, with a creative team that includes Davey Anderson as Composer, with original songs by Jude Williams, Elle Taylor as Lighting Designer, Shizuka Hariu as Set Designer and Vicki Manderson as Associate Director.
Chunky Jewellery will open at Lanternhouse Cumbernauld on Friday 2 May at 7pm, before returning to partner organisation Tramway on Tuesday 29 July at 7pm. It will transfer to Assembly Rooms, Music Hall from Friday 1 August - Sunday 24 August at 1.30pm as part of the Made in Scotland Showcase at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Talking about the works, Barrowland Ballet’s Artistic Director Natasha Gilmore said:
‘I'm excited for Barrowland Ballet to be presenting two shows this Spring and Summer, before transferring them to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. As a company we believe in the power of using dance and theatre to connect with communities, and we are proud to present Chunky Jewellery and Wee Man to audiences across Scotland this year.
Wee Man is our dance theatre performed by a cast of men and male teenagers. Inspired by my own experience as the mother of teenage boys, it explores the shifting, and unshifting, rules of masculinity across the different generations.
I'm thrilled to have Chunky Jewellery returning after its sold-out success last year. It's deeply personal and incredibly moving, performing alongside Jude is a joy, and it speaks to the importance of having friends and laughter during the ups, downs and rollercoaster of life.'
Alongside the Scottish work on tour, Barrowland Ballet will tour to ASSITEJ in July 2025 - Korea’s prestigious festival for children and young people - with acclaimed production Tiger Tale by Natasha Gilmore and Robert Alan Evans. This will be presented alongside the sister production for children with complex needs, Playful Tiger by Natasha Gilmore in collaboration with Ellie Griffiths.
In Autumn/Winter, The Gift by Natasha Gilmore will receive its Glasgow premiere at the anticipated Citizen’s Theatre Studio Theatre in December 2025, following its Chinese premiere touring to Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou and Suzhou with A.S.K, earlier in 2025.
To find out more about Barrowland Ballet and the company’s work:
barrowlandballet.co.uk
New work: Wee Man by Natasha Gilmore explores the tension within the toxic rulebook of accepted male behaviours
• World premiere at Studio Theatre from Friday 16 - Saturday 17 May at 7pm.
• Lanterhouse Cumbernauld on Saturday 31 May at 7pm
• Johnstone Town Hall on Friday 13 June at 7pm
• Assembly @ Dance Base, as part of Edinburgh Festival Fringe from Tuesday 5 - Sunday 17 August at 7pm
Chunky Jewellery by Jude Williams and Natasha Gilmore with Ben Duke (Lost Dog)
• Lanternhouse Cumbernauld on Friday 2 May at 7pm
• Tramway on Tuesday 29 July at 7pm
• Assembly Rooms, Music Hall from Friday 1 August - Sunday 24 August at 1.30pm, as part of the Made in Scotland Showcase at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Image: Wee Man
Image credit: Viktoria Begg
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
Barrowland Ballet take over Scotland with two shows this year
Award-winning dance company Barrowland Ballet present world premiere of Wee Man and the revival of Chunky Jewellery, ahead of Edinburgh Festival Fringe transfers this year.
READ MORE
30,000 Expected as Ashton Lane Street Party Returns for West End Fest 2025
The epic Ashton Lane Summer Street Party is back for West End Fest 2025, taking over the cobbled lane for a full weekend of live music, street performers, DJs, street food and alfresco drinks!
READ MORE
Line up announced for Laugh In The Park
Laugh in the Park, Glasgow Southside's annual comedy festival, has announced their line up featuring nine of the absolute best performers to be found in Scotland!
READ MORE
Somewhere by Nico launches its first ever Cocktail Festival in Glasgow and Edinburgh
Cocktail Festival will serve customers £5 cocktails highlighting signature cocktails including the classics we all love, from Margaritas to Daiquiris!
READ MORE
Strictly star joins cast of Scottish premiere of Fawlty Towers
Casting announced for the critically acclaimed production of Fawlty Towers - The Play, coming to Glasgow's King's Theatre in January!
READ MORE
New Bluey collection comes to cinemas for the May Bank Holiday
Bluey at the Cinema: Let's Play Chef Collection will be playing in cinemas across the UK and Ireland from Saturday 3rd May, just in time for the Early May Bank Holiday weekend.
READ MORE
A new culinary destination has opened at Tarbet, Loch Lomond
Lomond Leisure Group is delighted to announce the opening of Kirk O'The Lochs, a distinctive restaurant and bar nestled in a beautifully restored historic church in Tarbet, Loch Lomond.
READ MORE
Full cast announced for 2:22 A Ghost Story
The King's Theatre, Glasgow is delighted to announce the full 2025 cast for the UK tour of the critically acclaimed, smash hit, supernatural thriller 2:22 - A Ghost Story.
READ MORE
New and exclusive Heritage Planting and Afternoon Tea experience comes to Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a new hands-on planting and afternoon tea experience inspired by the RHS Chelsea Garden Show and Dobbies' 160-year heritage.
READ MORE
Dog lovers alert for a fun day out at Loch Lomond
Top Dogs at Loch Lomond Shores is back on Saturday 3rd May with its fun competitions, expert advice and dog-friendly products including accessories, pupcakes and much more!
READ MORE
Stories of inspiring young women sought by charity
The Young Women’s Movement, Scotland’s national organisation for young women and girls’ leadership and rights, is seeking nominations for its tenth annual 30 Under 30 list.
READ MORE
Your fave panto gang are back!
The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow announce full casting line up for this year's panto, Jock & The Beanstalk!
READ MORE
Glasgow Life confirms 2025 Summer of Events programme
Glasgow Life has unveiled a thrilling 2025 Summer of Events programme which will bring top local, national and international artists, musicians and performers to Glasgow!
READ MORE
Folk pop band Tide Lines stop Glasgow commuters with surprise busk crawl
Glasgow commuters were stopped in their tracks yesterday as folk-pop favourites Tide Lines brought live music to the Subway in a surprise 'busk crawl'.
READ MORE
Bowl for a cause at VEGA
Bowling fans should get their shoes ready as a new monthly charity bowling day launches at VEGA Glasgow's bar, restaurant and alley on the top floor of YOTEL Glasgow.
READ MORE
Six by Nico transforms your meal into a mission, and every guest into an explorer
Building on the success of its immersive experiences, Six by Nico is set to take diners on an adventure across the Six Wonders of the World!
READ MORE
Returning to The Pavilion after two previous sellout runs!
The Irish play described by audiences as the finest, funniest, most heart-breaking piece of theatre they've ever seen returns to The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow!
READ MORE
Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns next weekend with a supersized celebration
Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th April for its biggest event yet with an extended site and more vendors than ever before!
READ MORE
Global fashion brand Pull&Bear debuts first Glasgow store at Silverburn
Spanish fashion label Pull&Bear has joined the line-up at leading retail and leisure destination Silverburn, marking the brand’s Glasgow debut and second store in Scotland.
READ MORE
WestFest is back for its third annual festival this June!
WestFest, Glasgow's biggest community led, cultural festival today launches the programme for its 2025 event!
READ MORE
The Scottish Rum Festival returns to Glasgow to celebrate its 5th anniversary
The Scottish Rum Festival is delighted to announce its return to Glasgow, marking a special milestone – five years since the festival first launched as a virtual celebration in 2020.
READ MORE
Trusts join forces to explore complexities of the Battle of Culloden
The National Trust for Scotland and the National Trust have teamed up to give an insight into the complexity of the Battle of Culloden in a pair of podcasts this April.
READ MORE
Love Your Lawn with Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a very special FREE Grow How event in stores across the UK this May in partnership with Alzheimer's Research UK to mark Dementia Action Week.
READ MORE
Five things to do at the Glasgow Coffee Festival
Gill McIntyre, Glasgow Coffee Festival's Specialist & Event Coordinator, shares her can't miss moments ahead of this year's event!
READ MORE
Outstanding Achievement awarded to actress Elaine C Smith at The Pantomime Awards 2025
Elaine C Smith picked up the illustrious award for her exceptional contribution to the Pantomime Industry for many decades as one of Scotland's best-loved pantomime legends.
READ MORE
Glasgow to welcome new West End Champagne bar
Cuvée, a new Champagne, wine and cheese bar is set to open in Glasgow’s West End at the end of April.
READ MORE
Exclusive child planting event in honour of National Childrens Gardening Week
Dobbies Garden Centres are celebrating National Children's Gardening Week by welcoming families along to its Children's Planting and Afternoon Tea experience on Saturday 31st May.
READ MORE
Hop Into an EGGceptional Easter at Gravity Active
This Easter, get ready to bounce into an unforgettable adventure at Gravity Active.
READ MORE
A festival for tiny tots is coming to Glasgow this Summer
A festival for Glasgow's littlest revellers is launching this summer, and it's set to be a treat for the whole family!
READ MORE
Glasgow Fort announces Easter weekend opening hours and holiday fun for families
Glasgow Fort has confirmed its opening hours for the upcoming Easter weekend and is inviting families to enjoy a packed programme of fun, food and entertainment throughout the school holidays!
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links