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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ON FRIDAY 18TH JULY 2014
FIRST MINISTER TAKES CENTRE STAGE AT SCOTTISH YOUTH THEATRE
First Minister Alex Salmond MSP was given a theatrical take on first time voters’
attitudes to the independence referendum when he joined the teenage cast and crew
at rehearsals for Scottish Youth Theatre’s (SYT) Fringe-bound show Now’s The
Hour, today (Friday 18th July).
Mr Salmond was given a special 15 minute preview of Now’s The Hour, a funny,
insightful and politically neutral show, when he visited SYT’s national HQ in
Glasgow. This was followed by a Question & Answer session with a group of young
people including the actors.
During the visit to SYT, Mr Salmond also welcomed a group of 90 young actors from
10 countries across the Commonwealth who have created the Tin Forest
International Performing Company (TFIPC) for the Glasgow 2014 cultural festival.
From July 20th-23rd, TFIPC will perform stunning pop-up street theatre at iconic City
landmarks telling the story of Glasgow’s industrial past and creative future.
Now’s The Hour, is created and performed by first time voters from right across
Scotland, through letters they write to their future selves in 20 year time, expressing
their hopes and fears for the country whether there is a Yes or No vote.
This funny, satirical show uses sketches and monologues to explore Scotland’s
history, amusing stereotypes and many contradictions, before turning the spotlight
on key referendum issues such as currency, Trident, tuition fees and the economy.
The young actors try to make sense of the claims and counterclaims of the
referendum debate.
During the three week run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the show will change
daily by responding to referendum issues that are in the news.
Following his visit, First Minister Alex Salmond said: “With a cast comprised entirely
of teenagers, who will be voting for the first time in the referendum, this play
represents the authentic voice of a cross section of young Scots who are actively
engaging with politics. Rightly, they are exploring all of the different ideas, arguments
and thoughts surrounding the debate before they make their decision on the 18th of
September.
“Now’s the Hour is a funny, fast-moving, emotional roller-coaster of a show that uses
sketches, monologues and music to explore young people’s attitudes to the
referendum. I saw only an excerpt today, but what I did see was fantastic and I wish
the entire cast success over the summer.
“During my visit I was also delighted to welcome the 90 performers from 10
Commonwealth countries who are taking part in the Tin Forest Production which will
create fantastic street theatre in Glasgow during the Games. I am in no doubt that
they will add a sense of spectacle, glamour and wow the crowds who come to
Glasgow during the games.”
Mary McCluskey Chief Executive and Artistic Director of Scottish Youth Theatre
added: “Now’s The Hour is the only play at this year’s Fringe which represents the
authentic voice of a cross section of young Scots as they try to make sense of the
claims and counter claims surrounding the referendum debate. Uniquely, it does this
without taking a political position or telling the audience how to vote.”
“Taking Now’s The Hour to the Fringe, and bringing international street performance
to Glasgow, through the Tin Forest International Performing Company, is recognition
that Scottish Youth Theatre can create innovative, world class theatre which gives
our most talented young people the opportunity to develop their skills and perform to
a national and international audience.”
Now’s The Hour, cast member Craig Edmond (16) from Hamilton, said: “Now's The
Hour is important to the young people of Scotland because it gets across the many
different arguments from both sides of the debate in a way that is balanced,
relatable, humorous and easy to understand. The play never dictates to the audience
or says "Vote this way””.
Imogen Craven (19), from Newport, Fife, who will also perform at the Fringe, added:
“Now’s The Hour is an amazing way to learn about the debate and inspire other
people to get engaged with the debate. It's important to young people as it provides
them with a way into the debate without being intimidated by the masses of
information that can be off-putting. It's hopefully a fun performance that informs and
entertains”.
Now’s The Hour will run from Friday August 1st to Sunday 24th August (not 11) at
The Stand Comedy Club (Stand 3), 28 York Place, Edinburgh. Tickets are available
from The Stand Comedy Club box office Tel: 0131 558 7272 or
http://www.thestand.co.uk/fringe/show/176/scottish_youth_theatre_nows_the_hour .
The Now’s The Hour Fringe Cast of 12 are from: Orkney, Aberdeen, Fife, Glasgow,
Edinburgh, Hamilton, Irvine, Dalgety Bay, Bridge of Weir, and Clydebank
TFIPC consists of young actors who have travelled from Australia, Canada, England,
India, Jamaica, Malta, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Wales as well as Scotland.
For further information go to www.scottishyouththeatre.org.
Ends.
For further information contact Maureen McAlpine, Interim Director of Communications. Tel:
07710746690 Email [email protected] or Kyriakos Vogiatzis, Marketing Officer, Tel:
0141 552 3988, Email: [email protected].
Note to Editors:
The TFIPC has been developed by Scottish Youth Theatre in partnership with the National
Theatre for Scotland as part of The Tin Forest Festival Programme which runs from 21st July to
3rd August at Glasgow's South Rotunda. www.thetinforest.com
Scottish Youth Theatre, Scotland’s national theatre ‘for & by’ young people, established in 1976,
delivers theatre arts to young people all around Scotland, all year round.
Scottish Youth Theatre offers a varied annual programme of quality theatre arts experiences. Full
info on all Scottish Youth Theatre events, performances and activities are available by visiting
www.scottishyouththeatre.org or by calling 0141 552 3988.
Scottish Youth Theatre alumni include Gerard Butler (300), Karen Gillan (Dr. Who) and KT
Tunstall (Eye to the Telescope, Drastic Fantastic), Iain De Caestecker (Marvel’s Agents of
Shield), Douglas Henshall (Shetland, Primeval) and Kirstie Steele (Waterloo Road, Glasgow
Girls).