Cast set for The Singer, with tunes by KT Tunstall

Casting has been revealed for The Singer, a gig theatre musical written and directed by Cora Bissett, featuring original songs by KT Tunstall.

Produced by Dundee Rep Theatre and Solar Bear in collaboration with Aberdeen Performing Arts, the piece tells the story of Joe, a Deaf artist who experiences music through rhythm and physical sensation, and Andy, a struggling musician seeking a comeback. As the pair form an unlikely creative partnership, they encounter challenges surrounding ambition, belonging and ableism within the music industry.

Returning to the role of Joe is Deaf artist Jamie Rea, who co-created and starred in the original short film on which the stage production is based. He is joined by actor-musician Dylan Wood as Andy. Hannah Jarrett-Scott and Petre Dobre will play an Oracle and other characters.

Performed in spoken English and British Sign Language, with captioning throughout, The Singer places BSL and spoken English on equal footing, combining speech, sign, song and signed song within the production.

The stage work is developed from a 20-minute short film co-written by Bissett and Rea. The former said today: “I am delighted to bring The Singer to Dundee, the Edinburgh Fringe, and audiences across Scotland this summer. The show was inspired by watching lead actor Jamie Rea perform in BSL to music at his drama school showcase, an experience that opened my eyes to the many ways Deaf people can connect with music. What began as a short film during lockdown has long been destined to become a full-length stage production.

“I’m thrilled that KT Tunstall has come on board to write songs for the show, bringing her wealth of songwriting talent as well as her decades of life experience as a world-renowned artist. It has been a total joy to collaborate with her on this project.

“This production brings together some of Scotland’s finest actor-musicians alongside outstanding Deaf artists. With the support of Andrew Panton, Dundee Rep Theatre and Solar Bear, in collaboration with Aberdeen Performing Arts, we have a unique opportunity to create a groundbreaking music theatre project uniting Deaf and hearing artists in a way not seen before in Scotland.”

Tunstall added: “The Singer is a project that resonates so deeply with my own life experience; following my own passion for music and the struggle to make it happen, along with growing up with a profoundly deaf younger brother – and later in life experiencing losing half of my own hearing.

“I am very excited to see what we can do with this truly original story on stage.”

Rea said: “I am absolutely thrilled and deeply honoured to be working alongside two legendary Scottish women, Cora Bissett and KT Tunstall. What an incredible opportunity to collaborate with such inspiring artists!

“I am also delighted to welcome Benedetta Zanetti as our BSL associate director. Her talent and vision will be invaluable to this project. And, as always, it is a joy to have Petre Dobre involved – working with him is always something I look forward to.

“Together, we are bringing an extraordinary team of creative minds together to tell a powerful and exciting story. The talent, passion, and energy in this room are truly inspiring, and I cannot wait to see what we create together.

“Music, theatre, and creative collaboration have always been at the heart of what I love. To have the chance to combine all of these passions in one project feels incredibly special. I am beyond excited to get started on this journey and cannot wait to share this story with audiences.

“Watch this space—it’s going to be something really special!”

Following previews at Dundee Rep Theatre from 29 to 31 July, The Singer will run at the Traverse Theatre during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe before visiting The Lemon Tree in Aberdeen from 9 to 12 September, the Citizens Theatrefrom 15 to 19 September and returning to Dundee from 23 to 26 September.

The creative team includes associate BSL director Zanetti, designer Jenny Booth, sound designer Garry Boyle, lighting designer Emma Jones, dramaturg David Greig, wardrobe assistant Sophie Chen and captioner Daniel Hughes.