Bits 'N' Pieces

Aim

To bring multi-award winning Saltire Sky's new show “Bits ’N’ Pieces” to Edinburgh Fringe 2022 & provide workshops for local young people.

 ABOUT “BITS ‘N’ PIECES”

“Bits ‘N’ Pieces” is an immersive theatre show, which explores the dangers of drug stigma and misinformation. Three friends, Matty, Dougie and Tommy, recount tales of their friendship and aspirations, but when Matty’s called to Afghanistan with the RAF the boys want to make sure they send him off the right way (Denis Sulta? All night rave? Usher Hall? Too good to be true!). The night proves costly leaving severe ramifications impacting the boys and their families. “Bits 'N’ Pieces” takes an access-all-areas approach to working class life, showing what it’s truly like to grow up at the height of Scotland’s drug deaths crisis. Throughout the project we’ve been working with our partner charity, Crew 2000, to create a piece of theatre that feels rooted in authenticity.

The show will run for 12 performances at The Edinburgh Fringe 2022 (8-24 Aug), as well as being previewed to local young people as part of two free workshop days (6-7 Aug) at Leith Arches. We will also be providing acting workshops and drug awareness talks with Crew 2000 for the participants as part of these development days.

OUR PARTNER CHARITY: CREW 2000

Crew is a national Scottish charity established in 1992 by a group of community activists and peer educators. Their skilled, diverse volunteers support and enhance the work of a professional team in Crew’s outreach, training and drop-in services. A team of qualified counsellors deliver person-centered counselling services in Edinburgh. A harm reduction-based charity they neither condemn nor condone drug use but exist to challenge perceptions and help people make positive choices. Crew provide non-judgmental, credible and up to date information and support regarding drugs education and sexual health

Saltire Sky are honoured to be supported by Crew 2000 as we launch “Bits 'N’ Pieces”. Their advice has been of incredible value to us to ensure authenticity with all aspects of the piece.

Crew 2000 Statement:

“We know that records for drug-related harms and deaths among young people have increased over the last few years, especially among young men and people with adverse childhood experiences.

Inequalities, stigma and shame make it so much harder for people to access help early.  We know early intervention to address inequality, evidence-based education and harm reduction without judgement are needed to change this, and we’re glad to see “Bits 'N’ Pieces” highlighting their importance.”

ABOUT SALTIRE SKY

Originating in 2016, Saltire Sky have worked tirelessly to create immersive and lasting theatre experiences that bring stories by the people to the people. Specialising in new writing and modern classics, Saltire Sky makes Theatre for people who don't go to the Theatre. This ethos has led to four separate sell out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival alongside further productions across Scotland and the Midlands. 2018 and 2021 saw the company take on a 44 show run at the Festival on a two show a day basis.

Over the course of August 2021 the company’s show '1902' garnered a lot of steam thanks in part to the outstanding support from the BBC who filmed and showcased the production in the Edinburgh Special of "Loop". Saltire Sky were presented with Broadway Baby's Bobby Award marking '1902' as one of the best shows of the festival, before being awarded an Off West End Award for a Short Run in 2022.

Saltire Sky are excited to present our Crowdfunder Campaign for our next exciting project where you can get stuck in, and help us showcase how important working-class theatre created for our generation is.

PRESS FOR PREVIOUS SALTIRE SKY SHOWS

*OFFIE WINNER 2022*

OffFEST Winner for shows under the umbrella of Theatre Festivals https://www.thestage.co.uk/news/offies-2022-the-winners-in-full

*BROADWAY BABY BOBBY AWARD WINNER 2021*

"A masterpiece of visceral theatre...Saltire Sky Theatre have created a stunning piece of immersive theatre, that's as uplifting as it is tragic."

-Richard Beck: Broadway Baby

"Can't recommend this great show highly enough...Great piece of writing, acting and directing."

-Irvine Welsh

"I can safely say this had to be one the most powerful performances I have ever watched. Leaving the arches I was completely blown away by the entire experience which is exactly what live Theatre is all about."

-Elaine Chapman: MyTheatreMates / Theatre and Arts Reviews

"Searingly Powerful"

-Joyce McMillan: The Scotsman

"This is an inspired piece of theatre, beautifully crafted by the writer and passionately performed by a flawless company... It’s bold and brash and I cannot recommend it highly enough, grab a ticket if you can."

-Euan Rose: London Pub Theatre Guide

MEET THE TEAM

Nathan Scott-Dunn (Artistic Director & Writer, "Bits ‘N’ Pieces")

Nathan Scott-Dunn is a 26 year old Actor/Playwright and also Co-Director of 1902. Nathan founded Saltire Sky Theatre back in 2016 with an aim to create Visceral theatre that remains accessible to all. He recently graduated from the BA Acting Course at The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. Recent Theatre Credits include Deeks “1902”, Jason “Medea” and Macbeth “Macbeth”.

Sands Stirling (Co-Director, "Bits “N” Pieces”)

Sands is a Glasgow born Actor and Director. Originally meeting Nathan Scott-Dunn during 2015’s Comfort Slaves, they formed a partnership that saw them Co-Direct 1902 at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2017 and the rest is history. Acting credits include The Lieutenant of Inishmore, A Midsummer Night's Dream and Jesus Christ Superstar, whilst Directing credits also include Alan McHugh’s Sleeping Beauty.

Gabriella Sills (Producer, “Bits ‘N’ Pieces”)

Gabriella is a producer and choreographer, currently working in theatre marketing on shows such as “SIX”, “The Play That Goes Wrong”, and “The Cher Show”. She co-founded Tethered Wits Theatre Company in 2019, and has worked with various other companies in venues such as Leicester Curve Studios and the Edinburgh Fringe. She has worked as a Management Team Coordinator at the National Student Drama Festival and done work experience with ATG theatres (Piccadilly Theatre, London) and Theatre Royal Bath. She was Festival Director for Durham Drama Festival 2020, and President of Durham Student Theatre (20-21). 

Emma Hussain (DJ & Videographer, “Bits ‘N’ Pieces”)

Emma is a multi-skilled creative that has over 12 years’ experience in digital media, music and filmmaking. She is a working DJ, freelance visual artist and oversees the digital media strategy and production of content for the University of Glasgow. 

Emily Drewett (Actor, "Bits 'N' Pieces")

Emily trained at The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. Since graduating in 2020 her credits include Haunted (Netflix), BBC Doctors and A Little Rain in Monaco (Old Red Lion Islington). This is her first time performing at the fringe and she is super excited to be  involved in this amazing play with an equally amazing company! 

Calum Manchip (Actor, "Bits 'N' Pieces)

Calum is an actor from Cumbernauld. He is a graduate of Queen Margaret and Edinburgh Napier Universities and previously studied at New College Lanarkshire. Calum’s past credits include “Decade” (2017), “SHIFT” (2018), “Harvey” (2019) and “Trust Me” (2022). Outside of acting, Calum is very passionate about Muay Thai which he has been practicing for a few years now. Calum is buzzing to be working with Saltire Sky as they bring to life such an immersive, important and thought provoking piece of theatre and he can’t wait to get started!

Sandy Bain (Actor, "Bits 'N' Pieces)

Sandy is a 26 year old actor who graduated with a 1st from Edinburgh Napier University’s Acting for Stage and Screen Course in 2018. He has played in the Howden Park panto in Livingston and been involved in two touring Pantomimes with Hopscotch Theatre Company, going around schools and community halls around Scotland. He is beyond excited to be joining the cast of Bits 'N' Pieces and hopes you all enjoy the show!

Christie Russell-Brown (Actor, "Bits 'N' Pieces")

Christie Russell-Brown is a Scottish actress and alumni of New College Lanarkshire where she completed her BA Hons Acting Degree. Her previous theatre credits include 'Trainspotting Live' (Seabright Productions/In Your Face Theatre), 'GRIT: The Martyn Benett Story (Pachamama Productions), 'For the Love of Cousins' (Blazing Hyena), 'CHALK' (Zero Tolerance) 'Calvinball' (Ipdip Theatre), 'The Lieutenant of Inishmore' (In Your Face Theatre). Her previous film credits include 'In Her Corner' (Lothian Films/Bombito Productions), Singular (Screen Academy Scotland), 'SEESEETV' (Dark Recess Media), 'Nice to Meet You' (Screen Academy Scotland).

Thank you for taking the time to read our page.

 We appreciate any support you can provide.

This project successfully funded on 6th July 2022