Epic stage story

Epic Stage Story launched in 2018 with the aim of celebrating the lives of those who have transformed, connected with, or programmed in, our communities over the past 20 years and more.

Part of The Touring Network’s 20th Anniversary year, the project gathered stories from promoters, visiting performers and audience members to tell the history of the Network and of live events in the Highlands and Islands, from the 1970s right up until the present day.

An incredible collection of stories were curated about bus break-downs, unexpected audience participation, halls packed to the brim, cultural resonance and the communities that hosted them.

Visit the Epic Stage Story website

An illustrated map created as part of the Epic Stage story project.

The Epic Stage Story website was created to celebrate the many people who have have been a part of The Touring Network and who have worked tirelessly to bring remarkable live performances to the Highlands and Islands.

The website shares stories, memories and images from promoters, performers and audience members, from the first pioneering touring companies to the present day.

Watch the Epic Stage Story video

This short film was commissioned as part of the Epic Stage Story project to celebrate the 20th anniversary of The Touring Network

The film captures the story behind a network of people in the Highlands and Islands who, over the past 20 years or more have championed professional live performances touring to their communities.

This is a beautifully shot film that delves into the stories, humour and impact of rural touring, featuring tales of Michael Marra, The Naked Rambler and more.

Pop-up Exhibition On Tour

A playful, petite and informative pop-up exhibition was also developed as part of the Epic Stage Story project.

Illustrated by Rosie Cunningham of Illustration, etc and designed and assembled by Jen Kilgour, the interactive exhibition enabled people to engage hands-on with stories and archive materials from the project. A small screen and headset also allowed people to watch the Epic Stage Story short film.

The exhibition was designed to tour around member venues and travelled across our region, visiting Findhorn, Ardfern, Islay, Coll, Lyth, Lochgoilhead, Forres, Skye, Resolis and many other places.