Welcome to The Occasion
The Occasion exists to create live theatre that will entertain, challenge, surprise and – above all else – excite audiences.
In these challenging times we have continued to adapt as much of our work, as is possible, to be presented online. We were able to hold some live, in-person workshops at the end of 2021 and are optimistic that in 2022 we will, once again, be able to present live performances.
We very much look forward to that time.
In the meantime, we are enormously grateful for everyone’s continued support.
With very best wishes, from all at the Occasion, for an enjoyable and prosperous 2022.
If you’ve enjoyed our productions please consider making a donation to our Box-Office fund. All contributions make a difference and go back into our work. Just Pay What You Feel by clicking on the Donate button.
Latest News!!!
The Southside Group present Scenes from The Snow Queen
Over the past three months (September – December 2021) The Southside Group have been developing ideas based on Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale of The Snow Queen. These will form the basis for an intended live performance in December 2022.
The majority of the work has been filmed against green screen, with drawn backgrounds dropped in behind. To see where we’ve got to, go to
‘The Peabody Chronicles – The Complete Story’
Spanning a 30-year period, from 1887 to 1917, ‘The Peabody Chronicles’ is a tale of villainy, skulduggery, kidnap, heroism, war, love, heartbreak, revenge, injustice, come-uppance…
Originally developed as part of The Occasion’s ‘This Fire’ programme, The Southside Group are now delighted – with funding from Creative Scotland and The Hugh Fraser Foundation – to bring the complete story to a screen near you.
‘I loved this, have told plenty of people all about it and would thoroughly recommend you take your creatively critical eye and go and learn what it is like to emerge from lockdown with your art intact’.
Donald Stewart, The Fringe Review (on The Southside Groups’ Peabody Chronicles)
If you’ve enjoyed The Peabody Chronicles or any of our other productions please consider making a donation to our Box-Office fund. All contributions make a difference and go back into our work with The Southside Group – just Pay What You Feel by clicking on the Donate button.
Episode 1 – 1887:
Summertown. 1887. A happy place until the mysterious Nathanial Stroke arrives and buys the Old Mill. What are his plans? And why is he so interested in talking to Dr. Killjoy?
Episode 2 – 1890:
Three years have passed since Nathanial Stroke arrived in Summertown. The Lord Fitzpatrick is ill… desperately ill. And Nathanial Stroke has aspirations to take over The Lord’s estate and title.
Episode 3 – 1910:
Change is afoot as the old guard die and pass unresolved issues on to their sons. Meanwhile, the residents of Summertown begin to plot their revenge on Stroke and Killjoy.
Episode 4 – 1917:
A great war rages across Europe. Philip Snr. is missing, presumed dead. The young Lord Stroke kidnaps Wee Maggie. What is to be done?
Episode 5 – 1917:
The Philips Jnr. and Snr. have returned to Summertown but Wee Maggie is still missing. Can she be rescued before Lord Stroke’s plan reaches its dastardly conclusion? The final episode of The Peabody Chronicles!
The Southside Group
The Southside Group is an exciting initiative designed to increase opportunities for adults with learning disabilities to become involved in theatre.
Open to everyone aged 16+, no previous drama experience is necessary! Just a desire to have fun, create, play, explore and meet new people.
If you, or someone you know, would like to join The Southside Group, please contact Pete or Catherine via info@theoccasiontheatre.com
This Fire – new performances for a new world.
This Fire, a programme of five original research and development projects was produced from August to October 2020 in direct response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Working with an exciting selection of national and international artists, This Fire explores themes of isolation, communication and inevitably, mis-communication; tales of trauma, unease and joy in these strange and altered days.
The project culminated in the production of five short, digitally produced works that feature theatre, dance, movement, photography and music. All the works have the potential to be developed into full-length live performances in the future.
For further details and to watch all five films please please click here.
This Fire was made possible through the support of Creative Scotland.
The Occasion gratefully acknowledges support from Creative Scotland, Foyle Foundation, Bank of Scotland Foundation – Reach, Bellahouston Bequest Fund, James T. Howat Charitable Trust.
