Coille na Ceilp is the third in a trilogy of children’s plays written by Simon Mackenzie for Tosg Theatre Company which will be on tour from 12 November to 15 December 2004. The plays explore the rational and often irrational fears which human beings have when they enter unfamiliar surroundings. The characters they encounter are both real and sometimes figments of their own frightened imaginations!

The two previous plays, “A’ Choille Ghruamach” (2002) and “A’ Chraobh ’s Àirde” (2003), were both set in deep woodland locations and explored these fears and sentiments.  Coille na Ceilp is also set in a ‘forest’ location albeit in the depths of the oceans!

Two young protagonists, Garry the enterprising young fisherman who “takes all from the ocean bed” and his younger adventurer Anndra who is fascinated by seals and his grandfather’s epic tales of seal lore, are lost at sea.  They arrive on the sea-bed and engage with the local inhabitants; some of the characters are drawn from reality and others from the collective imagination.

The boys who hitherto have regarded both land and sea as their rightful inheritance are challenged by the marine creatures who are alarmed by their alien presence. The inhabitants of the sea-bed perceive them to be nothing more than rapacious over-indulgent harvesters of the sea, destroying their fragile environment in the process. There is no didactic message within the play although children should be encouraged to ponder the fragile nature of the oceans’ resources vis-à-vis human exploitation.

Despite the seasonal aspect of the touring production, the play is not a panto although if does draw upon pantomimic elements.  The play sources material from traditional Gaelic folklore using tales, rhymes, songs and music to elaborate the dramatic narrative.

Coille na Ceilp is a delightful family show appealing to children of all ages inclusive of fluent and non-fluent speakers of Gaelic. Drama, music and engaging dance routines, coupled with stunningly colourful costumes and an evocative sea-bed setting will enthral the children!
The production is directed by Simon Mackenzie, and the cast are David Walker, Carina Macleod, Angus Lambkin, Donna Morrison, with Kathleen Graham providing live music.

12 November - Arainn Chaluim Chille, SMO, Isle of Skye
13 November - Achmore Village Hall
15 November - Aros, Portree, Isle of Skye
16 November - Acharacle Village Hall
17 November - Fort William RC School
18 November - Macphail Centre, Ullapool
19 November - Inverness Spectrum Centre
20 November - Hazelhead Academy, Aberdeen
22 November - Gilmorehill
23 November - Gilmorehill
24 November - Riverside School, Stirling
26 November - Tollcross School, Edinburgh
29 November - Studio Theatre, Corran Halls, Oban
  1 December - An Talla, Crosapol, Tiree
  3 December - Mallaig & Morar Community Centre
  6 December - Castlebay School, Barra
  7 December - Daliburgh School, South Uist
  8 December - Iochdar School, South Uist
  9 December - Bayhead School, North Uist
10 December - Leverburgh Village Hall, Isle of Harris (am)
10 December - Tarbert Sir E Scott School, Isle of Harris (pm)
13 December - Back School, Isle of Lewis
14 December - Stornoway Town Hall, Isle of Lewis
15 December - Stornoway Town Hall, Isle of Lewis

Please contact Janet Ward for further information: 01471 888542 or email  janet@tosg.org