Nessie the Musical dives into over-tourism issue
The enduring search for the Loch Ness Monster has inspired a stage show after a nationwide hunt to unearth “great new Scottish musicals” for international stages.
Nessie, which has been created by writer, composer and musical director Shonagh Murray, is expected to explore the impact of overtourism, over-development and climate change on the landscape and those who live near the loch.
It will be launched in Edinburgh and Pitlochry next year after being commissioned following a four-year selection process.
The show will be set in the fictional town of Bruachness, on the banks of Loch Ness, which is reputed to be the best location for monster-spotting, but is under increasing pressure from tourism numbers, the impact of climate change and plans for a hydro plant development.
The story unfolds after Mara, a young local girl said to have “a passion for nature”, becomes the first person to meet the monster, whose real name is actually Nessa. They join forces to try to secure the future of the loch and its inhabitants.
Originally from Larkhall in Lanarkshire, Murray studied at Strathclyde University and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland before founding the theatre company Fearless Players in 2018 with writer and director Lydia Davidson. Their productions have included two musicals by Murray which were inspired by the life and legacy of the poet Robert Burns.
Nessie was one of three musicals shortlisted after a hunt to find new work to bring to the stage of Pitlochry Festival Theatre and the Festival Theatre Studio in Edinburgh under a joint “Musicals Commissioning
Hub” launched in 2020 to help develop new Scottish musical talent.
A panel involved in the selection process included singers Barbara Dickson and Ricky Ross, playwright David Greig, theatre-maker Robert Softley Gale, theatre producer Kenny Wax and composer Howard Goodall.
Nessie has been announced as the winner and, to coincide, Capital Theatres, which runs the Festival Theatre and Pitlochry Festival Theatre, has now launched the hunt for a second new musical. Hamilton stars Charles Simmons and Emilie Israel, singer and actress Clare Grogan, and theatre producers Margaret-Anne O’Donnell and Gill Garrity will help select it.
Murray, who has worked with the Ayr Gaiety and Dundee Rep theatres, describes Nessie as “a Scottish myth reimagined“and “a story of friendship, danger and, more importantly, of following your heart”.
She said: “Nessie has been a real treasure of a piece to write so I’m absolutely buzzing that we’ll soon be able to share Mara and Nessa’s journey, and the world of Loch Ness.
“Since the first song was written, it has grown and developed supported by the brilliant Tania Azevedo (director & dramaturg) and the teams at Pitlochry Festival Theatre and Capital Theatres, so I’m very grateful for the new Musical Commissioning Hub giving Nessie this opportunity. I hope this musical will bring the same joy to audiences that it has brought me writing it.”
Fiona Gibson, chief executive of Capital Theatres, said: “It is a fantastic achievement for both Shonagh and our Musicals Commissioning Hub that Nessie will be enjoyed by audiences across the country next year.
“I can’t wait to discover more musical theatre gems from the next round of applications.”
Elizabeth Newman, artistic director of Pitlochry Festival Theatre, said: “Shonagh Murray is a great talent, and we can’t wait to bring her musical to life which will undoubtedly charm and captivate audiences of all ages.
“Musicals are such a major part of who we are at Pitlochry Festival Theatre, so it is vital we continue to nourish and support new musicals – the Musicals Commissioning Hub helps us with this all-important mission.”