Cast announced for The Singer featuring songs by KT Tunstall at Dundee Rep
A new gig theatre musical, The Singer, written and directed by Cora Bissett with original songs by KT Tunstall, has revealed its cast. The production explores themes of music, Deaf culture, and ableism through the story of a Deaf artist and a struggling musician.
The Singer is a collaboration between Dundee Rep Theatre, Solar Bear, and Aberdeen Performing Arts. The musical tells the story of Joe, a Deaf artist who experiences music through rhythm and physical sensation, and Andy, a musician seeking a comeback. Their evolving creative partnership confronts challenges relating to ambition, belonging and ableism within the music industry.
Jamie Rea returns to the role of Joe, the Deaf artist, reprising the part he co-created in the original short film that inspired the stage production. Actor-musician Dylan Wood will play Andy. Hannah Jarrett-Scott and Petre Dobre complete the cast, portraying an Oracle and additional characters.
The production is performed in both spoken English and British Sign Language (BSL), with captioning throughout. It places BSL and spoken English on equal footing, combining speech, sign, song and signed song to create an inclusive theatrical experience.
The musical’s stage version develops from a 20-minute short film co-written by Bissett and Rea. Cora Bissett described the genesis of the project as stemming from watching Rea perform BSL to music during his drama school showcase, which inspired her to explore the varied ways Deaf people connect with music.
KT Tunstall, who brings her songwriting expertise and lived experience as an artist familiar with hearing loss and Deaf culture, has written original songs for the show. She expressed excitement about contributing to the unique story.
The creative team also includes BSL associate director Benedetta Zanetti, designer Jenny Booth, sound designer Garry Boyle, lighting designer Emma Jones, dramaturg David Greig, wardrobe assistant Sophie Chen and captioner Daniel Hughes.
The Singer will preview at Dundee Rep Theatre from 29 to 31 July before running at the Traverse Theatre during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The production then tours to The Lemon Tree in Aberdeen from 9 to 12 September, Citizens Theatre in Glasgow from 15 to 19 September, and returns to Dundee from 23 to 26 September.
