Oor Wullie for King’s

Mar 18 2019 | By More

New musical set for Scottish tour

A new musical based on DC Thomson’s comic strip Oor Wullie will tour to the Edinburgh’s King’s Theatre in January 2020.

The co-production between Glasgow’s Noisemaker company, Dundee Rep and touring musicals specialist producers Selladoor  will open in Dundee in November, running over Christmas, with a subsequent tour booked for Glasgow, Edinburgh, Ayr, Stirling and Inverness.

Oor Wullie poster

The new production will be be directed by Dundee Rep’s Artistic Director Andrew Panton, and adapted for stage by Noisemaker whose previous collaborations with the Rep include the hugely successful The Snow Queen in 2018.

Panton previously directed the musical of The Broons, also with Selladoor, which toured in 2016 and earned a “★★★★☆ Cheery”  for a show that was “loud, hugely enjoyable and  every bit as much fun as you would hope.”


Oor Wullie, the spiky-haired prankster from Auchenshoogle has featured in the Sunday Post with his famous bucket for over 80 years.

Oor Wullie’s big heart, constant war against boredom and mischievous energetic pranks earned him the title of ‘Scotland’s Favourite Son’ in a public vote in 2004.

Expressing their excitement at taking on the project, the musicals writing partnership of Scott Gilmour (books and lyrics) and Claire McKenzie (composer) said they had grown up reading Wullie’s stories, which remain a treasured part of their childhood.

changed and adapted

“The enduring appeal of “Oor Wullie” is that he doesn’t remain in the past,” they said. “The comic has changed and adapted across its 80-year history, heralding Wullie not only as a figure of tradition, but also of Scotland today.

“We’re thrilled to be bringing his latest adventure to Dundee this Christmas, and to continue our ongoing relationship with the Rep.”


Andrew Panton added: “Oor Wullie is a character that immediately connects with Dundee. I’m thrilled that as part of our anniversary season we’ll be once more collaborating with Noisemaker to bring this story to life on stage at the Rep – surely the only stage he could start this new adventure?”

David Hutchinson, CEO of Selladoor Productions said: “We couldn’t be happier to follow our production of The Broons working in partnership with such a fabulous creative team and theatre to share a story of the superbly observed and fantastically funny Wullie.

“He and his gang hold a very special place in many hearts with a history spanning generations and we can’t wait for what promises to be a memorable night at the theatre for the whole family”

Casting for the production has yet to be announced and further touring dates are expected.

Listings and Links

Oor Wullie
King’s Theatre, 2 Leven Street EH3 9LQ.
Tuesday 28 Jan – Saturday 1 Feb 2020
Tickets and details: Book here.

Oor Wullie on tour:
Sat 23 Nov 2019 – Sun 5 Jan 2020 Dundee
Dundee Rep
01382 223 530 Book online
Tue 21 – Sat 25 Jan 2020: Glasgow
Theatre Royal
0844 871 7647 Book online
Tue 28 Jan – Sat 1 Feb 2020 Edinburgh
King’s Theatre
0131 529 6000 Book online
Mon 3 – Sat 8 Feb 2020 Ayr
Gaiety Theatre
01292 288235 Book online
Mon 10 – Sat 15 Feb 2020 Inverness
Eden Court
01463 234 234 Book online
Wed 26 – Sat 29 Feb 2020 Stirling
MacRobert
01786 466666 Book online

ENDS

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Comments (2)

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  1. Alasdair Allan says:

    Oor Wullie is NOT a son of the Broons family. Please correct your website about this matter before there is a scandal in Glebe Street!

    • Thom Dibdin says:

      Hello Alasdair,

      Thank-you for your comment – all changed and hopefully a Glebe Street scandal (and no doubt Auchenshoogle riot) averted!

      We have no idea how it happened. A full investigation is now underway and once found, the culprit will be banished to work on the Sparky.

      Thanks for noticing!