Welcome to The Occasion
The Occasion exists to create live theatre that will entertain, challenge, surprise and – above all else – excite audiences.
Coming soon
The Southside Group’s Christmas Tales
Involving a selection of extracts from well-known – and, some lesser well-known – Christmas novels and poems, performances will tour to Southside Glasgow libraries.
There will also be two ‘omnibus’ public performances in Queen’s Park Govanhill Church.
Full details coming soon.
Recent projects
Another Nice Mess
June 1947… the widely-anticipated return of Stan Laurel – one time resident of Glasgow’s Southside – with his partner, Oliver Hardy, for a run at The Glasgow Empire.
Also, June 1947… The Laurel & Hardy Club (Battlefield branch) are threatened with eviction from their beloved, bomb-damaged cinema. The Lords Bannatyne have plans to turn it into a ‘motor vehicle tenement parking’ facility.
Performed at Tramway, Glasgow, June 29th to July 1st 2023.
This is one of the best pieces of theatre I have seen for some time. In the shadow of the latest CATS awards which did highlight the work of disabled artists, this would rank up there in terms of both process and performance – for disabled arts to thrive and flourish it needs depth. It needs more and not less. This is just a perfect example of why.
A strikingly well-made show that succeeds in transporting us not only to the Glasgow of 75 years ago, but also into a world of joyful ensemble work that lifts the heart, and inspires as much as it entertains.
Another Nice Mess
Written by Stewart Ennis
Directed by Peter Clerke & Catherine Gillard
Set & Costume Design by Ali Maclaurin
Original Music by Richard Williams
Video by Tim Reid
The Southside Group in The Snow Queen
A story of the struggle between good and evil, of magic and love, of change. Featuring ice-skating and robbers, a woman who understands a little of magic, a street-wise Raven, a talking reindeer… and some strange advice!
The Snow Queen was TSG’s first live, public performance.
Performed at Queen’s Park Govanhill Church, December 1st – 2nd 2022.
This is a group, as in any ensemble, of diverse talents and abilities, and were The QR interested in handing out stars for effort, this would warrant a solid 5. However, this is a cast aiming at making objectively good theatre, bringing their hearts and minds to offer a unique perspective on the story. With more experience as a live cast, they can surely aim higher still. Directors Clerke and Catherine Gillard are to be congratulated for enabling such a terrific showing from The Southside Group.
The Occasion gratefully acknowledges funding from:
Creative Scotland, The People’s Postcode Trust, The RTR Foundation, The Hugh Fraser Foundation, The Boshier-Hinton Foundation, Glasgow Communities Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund, The Commonweal Fund.
Photography: Stewart Ennis and Tim Morozzo
