
Combining spoken word, lyrical storytelling and a pulsating electronic live score, this is the thrilling story of Òran and his journey to rescue his best friend from the Underworld. Should he arrive there, Hades might grant him the chance to lead his friend home…but at what cost?
This award-winning visceral piece of contemporary theatre is a collaboration between Wonder Fools, ‘a blazing powerhouse of invention and activity’ (Scotsman) and the acclaimed hip-hop artist Owen Sutcliffe with music by VanIves, creating an urgent and entertaining modern retelling of the classic Greek myth Orpheus.
Originally staged in Edinburgh Fringe 2024 for a sold-out run in partnership with Pitlochry Festival Theatre and Pleasance Theatre. Òran played at the Pleasance Theatre London for three nights in November 2024
Winner for Best Debut at The Skinny and Fest Mag Bestie Awards.
18
Sold out performances
1347
Audiences
22
Performances
1
Award
2025 TOUR DATES & TICKETS
SEPTEMBER
19-20th – Cumbernauld Theatre at Lanternhouse
23rd – The Gaiety, Ayr
24th – Paisley Arts Centre, Paisley
25th – Birnam Arts Centre, Dunkeld
26th – Eden Court, Inverness
27th – The Macphail Centre, Ullapool
OCTOBER
1st – Dunoon Burgh Hall, Dunoon
2nd – The Byre Theatre, St Andrews
3rd – Eastgate Arts, Peebles
8th – Aberdeen Lemon Tree, Aberdeen
10th – Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Pitlochry
14th – Live Theatre, Newcastle
16th – An Tobar and Mull Theatre, Isle of Mull
18th – Lyth Arts Centre, Wick
22nd – Dundee Rep, Dundee
29th Oct – 1st Nov – Citizens Theatre, Glasgow
NOVEMBER
4th – Eastwood Park Theatre, Glasgow
6th – CatStrand, Castle Douglas
7th – Stranraer Millenium Centre, Stranraer
8th – Theatre Royal Dumfries, Dumfries & Galloway
13-15th – Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh
28th – Curve, Leicester
“Performed with terrific intensity”
★★★★
Joyce McMillan, The Scotsman

Òran poster
The poster design for Òran by Orlando B Lloyd. Photo by Ruari Barber-Fleming.
AUDIENCE REACTIONS
Listen to what our audience members in Pitlochry Festival Theatre thought of Òran.
Filmed by Ruari Barber-Fleming.
We caught up with audience members at Pleasance Courtyard (Baby Grand) to hear their reactions after experiencing Òran.
“A complete immersive experience” – ★★★★★ Sinners Review
“An electric one-man tour de force” – ★★★★★ The Arts Dispatch
“Passionate ferocity” – ★★★★ Joyce McMillan, The Scotsman
“An electrifying, sound-led ride down into the underworld” – ★★★★ Theatre Weekly
“A sincere tale told with passion and impressive athleticism.” – ★★★★ Edinburgh Fest Mag
“Highly effective” – ★★★★ Fest Mag
“An electric and electrifying piece of theatre” – ★★★★ The Wee Review
“An epic, hip-hop-influenced poem” – ★★★★ The QR
“A provocative, immersive creation” – ★★★★ The Arts Desk
★★★★ Entertainment Now
★★★★ The Students News
AUDIENCE REACTIONS
“Super brilliant whirlwind of an hour of the best live scored spoken word!”
“A gripping performance by Robbie Gordon”
“Incredible score and sound, an entrancing, intense solo performance from Robbie Gordon. Big thumbs up from me.”
“Oran is full of beautiful lyricism, poetry and storytelling”
“Words and poetry I could eat up with a spoon”
“Lads, I live for takes on a myth, and Òran is a phenomenal take on a myth. The imagery, the poetry, the ambition.”
“Very cool, very imaginative, performed with incredible commitment and energy. Fans of spoken word theatre – this one is for you”
“Equal parts cheeky and sonically captivating. Oran is a must see this Fringe”
“Oran by Wonder Fools is full-throttle beast of a show. Great to see new Scottish work with such swagger from one of our most impressive companies” – Kieran Hurley
Director: Jack Nurse
Writer: Owen Sutcliffe
Performer: Robbie Gordon
Music: VanIves & Ben Deans
Lighting Designer: Benny Goodman
Video Designer: Heather Scott
Technician: Cécile Segura
Production Manager: Suzie Normand
Marketing: Serden Salih
Press & Publicity: Michelle Mangan
Fringe 2024: Òran is created by Wonder Fools in partnership with Pleasance Theatre, Pitlochry Festival Theatre and Edinburgh National Partnerships.
Òran Tour 2025 is supported by Creative Scotland’s Lottery Fund