World premiere
RubbleMusic by Gareth Williams / Words by Johnny McKnight
Scottish Opera,
Elmbank Crescent, Glasgow:
30 & 31 July 2022
These performances have now passed.
Fae this rubble, we finally dared to dream that the sins fae this hoose might finally be wiped clean.
A group of young people stand amongst the debris of Findenterran Farm, until recently a children’s care home for those abandoned and forgotten in a broken system. As they pick through the shattered fragments of their childhood, they speak of what really went on in that largely ignored property on the outskirts of town. Bold, moving and only too close to real life events, Rubble gives a voice to those who were ignored and overlooked by society while their youth was quietly stolen from them by those in unchecked power. And from the rubble, the healing can now begin…
‘What a crazy vibrant experience! It was a real treat to see everyone performing so enthusiastically and the design was a triumph!’
— Audience member, The Tsar Has His Photograph Taken 2021
Directed by Roxana Haines, this new piece from acclaimed composer Gareth Williams with text by Scottish theatre legend Johnny McKnight was commissioned for Scottish Opera Education’s 50th Anniversary. Members of Scottish Opera Young Company are joined by soprano Shuna Scott Sendall (The Tsar Has His Photograph Taken 2021), to tell this searingly honest, at times darkly comedic story. The cast and creative team have worked with ARTiculate Art Therapy to bring this world safely to life.
Don't miss! All ticket holders are invited to a conversation with the creative team after the matinee performance on Saturday 30 July.
Kindly supported by Scottish Opera's Education Angels and Scottish Opera's New Commissions Circle
Show Details
Running time:
Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes with no interval
Language:
Sung in English
Content note:
This production deals with themes of child abuse and child sexual assault within the care system.
Age recommendation 14+
Digital programme
Read the full programme and libretto ahead of your visit. Programmes will be available to purchase at all performances.
Cast & Creatives
Mrs Pearson
Shuna Scott Sendall
Jude
Haydn Cullen
Charlie
Imogen Bews
Diana
Holly Jarvis
Donnie
Dillon MacFarlane
Angela
Anna Sophia Montgomery
Callum
Ruaraidh McBain
Ensemble
Helena Engebretsen, Ava Hickey, Rebecca West, Luke Francis, Elinor Macdonald-Gent, Caoimh-Ella Lundy, Hannah McCarey, Maria Wotherspoon, Abs Cassidy, Mollie Quigley, Marianne Walker, Rory McIver, Benjamin Smart, David MacDonald, Fraser Robinson
Conductor
Chris Gray
Director
Roxana Haines
Repetiteur
Karen MacIver
Set Designer
Karen Tennent
Costume Designer
Jessica Brettle
Lighting Designer
Emma Jones
Associate Director and Movement Director
Flora Emily Thomson
Assistant Conductor
Mark Sandon
Join the Company
Scottish Opera Young Company gives aspiring singers between the ages of 17 and 21 a unique and practical introduction to opera. Rehearsing throughout the year under the guidance of Artistic Director Chris Gray, Young Company members work with a range of professionals – including directors, choreographers, conductors, and vocal coaches – to hone their skills, culminating in their own production.
For those a few years away from the Young Company, SOYC Gateway is the perfect first step for ages 14 to 18 who want to explore opera making.
If you are, or if you know, a budding singer or opera maker, find out how to join the Scottish Opera Young Company.
You might also be interested in...

Opera Highlights 2022/23

Il trittico
Puccini
Carmen
Bizet