Woven Bones

“A must see.“

– Living North

When human remains were found in Durham in 2013, archaeologists discovered that they belonged to the Scottish Soldiers – prisoners of war from the 1650 Battle of Dunbar who were marched to Durham and imprisoned in the then-disused Cathedral and Castle.

What has emerged is a story of suffering and hope that will make you think about where you live in a completely different way.

Developed in partnership with Durham University alongside a major new exhibition in summer 2018, Woven Bones brought to life the untold stories of these Scottish Soldiers. This Cap-a-Pie production written by Laura Lindow offered audiences a unique chance to walk in the soldiers shoes. Woven Bones toured from Dunbar to Durham, the route marched by the soldiers, in 2018.

“Powerful and poignant.”

– Andrew Bramfitt


“Amazing, poignant telling of the story of Scottish soldiers found buried in Durham. This is the history I wish I had studied!”

– Audience member


“Absolutely captivating story and performance.”

– Audience member

The Writer

Laura Lindow is an award winning Scottish writer/director based in the North East of England. During 20 years of making theatre in the region she has established a About reputation for creating work that is lyrical yet punchy with a serious sense of play. Recent writing credits include her critically acclaimed War of the Worlds adaptation for Northern Stage – a process which also involved researching local history to relocate the story to the North East of England; and she is currently a member of the Royal Court Writers Group. Directing credits include New York Times Critics Pick, Key Change for Open Clasp.

The Cast

Gemma Stroyan
From East Lothian, Gemma was nominated for an Off West End award for her role Emilia in Othello, has performed at the Lyceum and appeared on TV in Taggart and as Sciron in CBBC’s Last Commanders.

Paula Penman
Originally from Ayrshire and now based in Newcastle, Paula has worked as a performer, director and theatre maker, most notably for Northern Stage (The Little Detective Agency), Live Theatre (Donna Disco, Rat Boy), Bush Theatre (Brown Bird) and The Lowry (Then Leap) and her participatory work has also led to collaborations with National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Greig Adam
Based in Glasgow, Greig started his professional training on the Musical Theatre Course at the Dance School of Scotland before continuing at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, where he won the Prize for Musical Theatre; his work includes Sleeping Beauty (Citizens Theatre) and Miracle on 34 Parnie Street (Tron Theatre).


Cap-a-Pie in partnership with Durham University


The Team

Writer
Laura Lindow

Director
Brad McCormick

Music
Katie Doherty

Design
Anna Reid

Producer
Katy Vanden

Production Manager
Rachel Glover

Performers
Gemma Stroyan
Greig Adam
Paula Penman


Thanks to our Funders

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