Positive Stories for Negative Times: Season 4

Positive Stories for Negative Times, presented by Wonder Fools, is an international participatory project culminating in 4 major youth arts festivals in 2025.

Article Source: Wonder Fools
Last Updated: 18 October 2024 10:02

Positive Stories for Negative Times presented by Wonder Fools in association with the Traverse Theatre, Tron Theatre, Citizens Theatre, An Lanntair, Theatre Royal Dumfries and Youth Theatre Arts Scotland with plays co-commissioned by Wonder Fools and Traverse Theatre.

Positive Stories for Negative Times: Season 4

• International participatory project culminating in 4 major youth arts festivals featuring some of the UK’s biggest writers

• Artists including James Ley, Travis Alabanza, Mammalian Diving Reflex, Ella Hickson, Hannah Low

• Four youth arts festivals in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stornoway, Dumfries in June/July 2025

Wonder Fools are on a roll this year after their award-winning Fringe season and are now excited to be teaming up with the Traverse to launch the 4th iteration of their ground-breaking project Positive Stories for Negative Times (PSFNT) culminating in four major Youth Arts Festivals across Scotland in June and July 2025.

Wonder Fools has again worked with the Traverse Theatre to commission five of the UK’s most exciting voices in theatre to create new plays for and with young people aged between 6-25 in Scotland and around the world. Over the next year, the project will engage over 3000 young people and 200 youth leaders nationally and internationally before culminating in the final festivals.

The festivals will take place on some of Scotland’s most loved stages at the Tron Theatre in Glasgow 7th – 8th June, Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh 14th – 15th June, Theatre Royal Dumfries in Dumfries and Galloway 28th – 29th June and An Lanntair in Stornoway 4th – 5th July.

Participants can be schools, drama groups, youth theatres or any group of young people. Each group choose one of the new plays written for the project and receive professional support and workshops to guide them while they create their masterpieces - and all for free! They can perform the play in their local community or school, create digital responses or put themselves forward to perform at one of the festivals across the country.

As part of the festivals, 24 groups will be selected to perform across the four partner venues – five from the local area and one international group for each festival.

PSFNT Season 4 will feature five new plays by an incredible line up of talent including Ella Hickson, James Ley, Travis Alabanza, Mammalian Diving Reflex and young writer Hannah Low who was selected as part of a national callout. All of the plays are different in style and offer something for everyone, no matter the group size, age or their experience of making theatre.

Season Four plays include:

Hold Me Closer Bunny Baxter by James Ley – A brand new musical about the final night of an unsettling Scottish tour with queer music collective The Queer Animals, Bunny Baxter discovers the importance of finding your tribe.

We Ain’t Movin’ by Travis Alabanza – An angry overhead announcement. The sound of bulldozers. One drama block at risk of being demolished. Can the students save their building?

The Book of Spin by Mammalian Diving Reflex – Real-world audiences are guided telephonically by performers, who provide instructions to engage with the world around them in intimate and unusual ways.

Roman Cardboard Swift by Ella Hickson – Three generations of one family help each other through tough times and learn the important lessons of looking forward and learning to laugh.

Careful What You Wish for by Hannah Low – A ‘paint’ your own adventure story featuring crazy characters, talking paintings and all your wishes brought to life on stage.

Plays Co-Commissioned by Wonder Fools and the Traverse Theatre.

Wonder Fools said: “The project started with conversations during lockdown with young people discussing what they wanted the future of youth theatre to look like. Little did we know that those chats would be the catalyst for creating one of the biggest and far-reaching projects of its kind, with 10,000 young people from 24 different countries participating. We are genuinely in awe. Anyone can get involved and stage a performance in their local community, and for 24 of the lucky companies, they'll get to perform at one of our festivals across Scotland."

Traverse Artistic Director Gareth Nicholls said: "The Traverse Theatre is thrilled to continue our collaboration with Wonder Fools on Positive Stories for Negative Times, in our fourth season together. PSFNT truly embodies the power of theatre to inspire and connect young people across Scotland - and beyond - and by commissioning bold and dynamic voices. In creating work with and for young people, we’re not only providing a platform for their creativity but also fostering the next generation of theatre-makers and storytellers. It’s an honour to be a part of something that empowers young people to make their voices heard in such a meaningful and impactful way. We thank our commissioned playwrights for this most recent contribution to the PSFNT canon."

In the last 3 years this international participatory project has engaged over 10,000 young people in 24 different countries and commissioned 22 new plays including Tim Crouch, Robert Softley Gale, Leyla Josephine, Bryony Kimmings, Hannah Lavery,

Sabrina Mahfouz, Douglas Maxwell, The PappyShow with Lewis Hetherington, Sara Shaarawi, Stef Smith, Debris Stevenson, Chris Thorpe, Bea Webster, Wonder Fools and Traverse young writer Ellen Bannerman.

As well as all the incredible writers there are also some incredible stories that have come out of the project – one young person heard Jack and Robbie chatting about PSFNT on the radio, told his teacher about it and convinced them to get involved. Not only did he perform in the play but he is now on the Wonder Fools Youth Board and studying at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Wonder Fools has a plethora of amazing stories, case studies and images that can be shared to celebrate the success of the project. For example from Season Three, 100% of leaders reported their group had developed new skills,78% had felt that PSFNT had increased their young people’s access to culture and 98% of young people felt more comfortable participating in drama activities.

“Youth Theatre Arts Scotland has been a proud partner and supporter of the Positive Stories project for many years. We have witnessed first-hand how the free access to new resources and activities has encouraged a rich community of practice to emerge.” Kenny McGlashan (Chief Executive, Youth Theatre Arts Scotland)

PSFNT is created and produced by Wonder Fools in association with the Traverse Theatre, Tron Theatre, Citizens Theatre, An Lanntair, Theatre Royal and Youth Theatre Arts Scotland.

Find out more about the project at www.positivestories.scot

Festival dates:
Tron Theatre, Glasgow: 7th – 8th June
Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh: 14th – 15th June
Theatre Royal Dumfries: 28th – 29th June
An Lanntair, Stornoway: 4th – 5th July

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

Duck & Waffle Edinburgh Unveils Haunting Halloween Event with a Dramatic Twist

Duck & Waffle Edinburgh is partnering with The Scotch Malt Whisky Society and North Edinburgh Nightmares for a spine-chilling evening of storytelling, whisky, and elevated seasonal dining.

Cold Town House in Edinburgh crowned Best Beer Destination in Scotland

Edinburgh’s iconic castle-view bar has been crowned Scotland’s ‘Best Beer Destination’ for the first time at this year’s Scottish Beer Awards.

Loch Lomond Shores has got the October school holidays sorted

There's loads to see and do – from pet friendly days out to breakfast with dinosaurs, loch tours and much more!

Keela and Mountaineering Scotland launch new campaign

Keela, the Scottish outdoor clothing brand, and Mountaineering Scotland Launch ‘Within You’, an new three-month campaign, inspiring Confidence, Connection, and Adventure in the Outdoors!

Book Week Scotland 2025 programme announced

Scotland's national celebration of books, Book Week Scotland, returns from 17th to 23rd November and tickets are on sale now!

Dobbies donates Christmas trees to local communities

Dobbies Garden Centres is lifting community spirits this season with a Christmas tree donation across the country, in partnership with Needlefresh.

Community group for families effected by suicide say art can be empowering

With Friday 10 October marking World Mental Health Day, community group, Lothians Speak Their Name, have shared the ‘powerful’ effect that art has had since the passing of their loved ones.

Football legends lace up for 150 mile charity walk inspired by Marcus Stewart, Stephen Darby and the late Doddie Weir

Former Celtic and Scotland football heroes to join ex-player with MND on 150-mile March of The Day to raise funds to help tackle the disease.

First winners announced for GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards

Amy MacDonald, Hue and Cry, Nathan Evans and The Saint PHNX Band, Skipinnish, Shay O'Dowd and James Emmanuel are among the first winners to be announced for the GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards!

Step into stories of Scotland this October with Living History

Scotland’s colourful past bursts to life this October as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) returns with its popular Living History programme for the school holidays.

Amber restaurant joins forces with The Real Mary Kings Close for Halloween programme

This October, The Real Mary King’s Close, one of the UK’s top-rated experiences on TripAdvisor, partners with Amber Restaurant for a Halloween experience on the Royal Mile.

Scottish single mother turned her passion for protecting the planet into a royal range for Balmoral

Ten years ago Laura Thomas returned to the UK with two children and just £200. Now with a booming business to her name, this East Lothian entrepreneur is designing ranges for Balmoral Estate.

Autumn events at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed for cosy coastal retreats and joyful pre-festive celebrations.

Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week launches to inspire the nation with Find Your Fit campaign

The Scottish Government's Women and Girls in Sport Week launches this week, celebrating the power of movement and encouraging women and girls of all ages to get active in ways that work for them.

Finnish Long Drink Breaks Fringe Records for Summerhall Arts

Lonkero, Finland’s iconic long drink, has made history at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe by serving a record-breaking number of pints at Summerhall’s courtyard - while raising vital funds.

Last call for supporters to share their Murrayfield Memories as centenary celebrations beckon

HUNDREDS of fans from Scotland and across the globe have been sharing their most treasured memories of Scottish Gas Murrayfield as the stadium prepares to mark its centenary year.

HIV ALOUD: RAISE THE CURTAIN

The Edinburgh Playhouse and Waverley Care are pleased to announce a new collaboration, HIV ALOUD: RAISE THE CURTAIN, an arts initiative to share stories of those living with HIV.

Unlimited adventures for less than a tank of petrol

With the October school holidays fast approaching, ScotRail has unveiled a new, affordable way for families to make the most of the break!

Jali Film Weekender announces Full Programe

Jali Collective is proud to reveal the full programme for the first ever Jali Film Weekender, taking place at Filmhouse, Edinburgh from 30 October – 2 November 2025.

Lead Casting announced for Mean Girls

Lorne Michaels, Crossroads Live and Sonia Friedman Productions are delighted to announce initial casting of the award-winning Mean Girls The Musical.

Cafe Calton Unveils Seasonal Evening Menu and Pre Theatre Dining Experience

Perched atop the iconic Calton Hill, Café Calton has unveiled its new Autumn/Winter Evening Menu, alongside a specially curated Pre-Theatre Dining Experience.

October at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

From Cocktail Week to Artist in Residence, discover Virgin Hotels Edinburgh's events taking place in October!

Seachdain na Gaidhlig (World Gaelic Week) 2026 launches with rallying call to use it, or lose it

Seachdain na Gàidhlig will return in 2026, under the banner Use It or Lose It – and organisers are encouraging people across Scotland and the global diaspora to get behind the rallying cry.

Brits brewing up a storm: Macdonald Hotels reports coffee surge

Brits are now picking up the cafetière, with Macdonald Hotels & Resorts revealing a 10% rise in coffee sales across its 32 UK hotels and resorts in the past year.

Bonnie & Wild and Fierce Beer team up for craft bar residency

Craft brewery Fierce Beer shows appetite for Bonnie & Wild with launch of new bar residency and tailored food and drink pairings.

Local Charities and Communities at the Heart of Edinburghs Christmas 2025

Spreading Christmas cheer, Edinburgh’s Christmas offers over 8,500 free tickets to local community groups and charities.

Spooky season brings horror icons and vampire romance back to the big screen at Vue

Some of the latest horror blockbusters – alongside creepy classics, enchanting family favourites and the ever-popular Twilight Saga – will all be heading to Vue venues this Halloween.

Two Edinburgh Bakeries launch unique Macaron and Cake Tower

Mademoiselle Macaron and Mimi’s Bakehouse have announced a new collaboration which combines handcrafted French macarons with signature sponge tiers in a bespoke macaron and cake tower.

Full Line up Announced for Soundhouse Winter Festival

The 2025 Soundhouse Winter Festival returns from Thursday 27 November to Monday 1 December at the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh, thanks to support from The National Lottery through Creative Scotland.