To Save the Sea, by Sleeping Warrior Theatre Company, centres around a real-life 1995 Greenpeace protest against Shell’s planned ocean disposal of the Brent Spar oil platform. With a book and music by Isla Cowan and Andy McGregor, the story follows a group of activists who risk their safety to occupy the platform in the North Sea. Who’s aim is to prevent the platform from being dumped into the sea and causing irrevocable environmental harm.
The musical visited Aberdeen’s Tivoli Theatre at the end of October and drew in a sizeable and enthusiastic crowd for the small theatre. As a huge musical fan and theatre lover – I was excited to see what was in store.
For fans of hit West End musicals like Come From Away and Operation Mincemeat – this one’s for you! To Save the Sea is a vibrant and impactful musical that blends laughs, tears, and activism into an unforgettable experience for audiences.
To Save the Sea contrasts satirical, villainous numbers with heartfelt, serious ballads to underscore its eco-activist theme. The jazzier songs bring a mocking energy, highlighting the corporate apathy of institutions like Shell and the British Government, with humour and irony. Meanwhile, the activists’ poignant ballads slow the show’s pace and add emotional weight, inviting audiences to reflect on the personal stakes involved in the activists’ sacrifice. This blend of satire and sincerity makes the show both entertaining and moving, balancing humour with a powerful environmental message.
Cowan’s time exploring each activist’s story on the rig adds real depth to the show, allowing the audience to connect with each character’s unique motivations. By featuring a diverse cast—including university students, LGBTQIA+ characters, and mothers—the musical offers perspectives that resonate across different audiences. This range brings authenticity and inclusivity to the narrative, ensuring something relatable for everyone. Each character’s personal insights are thoughtfully developed, making the collective mission against environmental harm feel like a shared, personal fight rather than an abstract cause.
The show, I felt, resonated deeply with Aberdeen, primarily due to the city’s long-standing connection with the oil industry. As the hub of the UK’s oil and gas sector, Aberdeen has a complex relationship with the energy industry, especially given the city’s legacy tied to the North Sea oil fields.
Oil production has been central to Aberdeen’s economy, shaping much of our city’s identity. However, fluctuating oil prices and the transition to renewable energy have sparked conversations about the future of this industry. The story of To Save the Sea, set against the backdrop of an environmental protest against oil companies, aligns closely with Aberdeen’s struggles – highlighting the tension between economic dependence on oil and the growing push for sustainability.
Aberdeen’s familiarity with the high-stakes world of offshore drilling made To Save the Sea particularly impactful, drawing in a local audience who could relate to the themes of activism, corporate power, and environmental responsibility.
To Save the Sea delivers everything you want from a musical. I laughed out loud, but I was also deeply moved. Even better, Sleeping Warrior Theatre Company is based in Glasgow. I highly recommend that anyone who has the opportunity to see one of their shows do so!