The Singer is a bold, new, thrilling piece of gig-theatre about Joe, a deaf artist who “sings” with his hands, and Andy, a washed-up musician hungry for a comeback. Joe experiences music viscerally and physically, feeling rhythm through his body and crafting lyrics that pulse with life and exhilarating originality. When their unlikely creative partnership sparks something extraordinary, ambition and belonging collide. But as prejudice and the music industry’s ableist blind spots close in, their bond is pushed to breaking point.  

Featuring music and lyrics by Grammy Award-nominated KT Tunstall, The Singer is a powerful story of music, identity and connection, and the fight for a deaf artist to be truly seen and heard.

Director & Book Writer Cora Bissett
Music & Lyrics KT Tunstall
Musical Director & Arranger Michael John McCarthy
Set & Costume Designer Jenny Booth
Sound Designer Garry Boyle (he/him)
Lighting Designer Emma Jones (she/her)
Creative Captioning Daniel Hughes
BSL Associate Director Benedetta Zanetti
Dramaturg David Greig (he/him)
Producer Joanne Clark
Producer Anne McCluskey
Producer Angela Coates 
BSL Consultant Clare Canton 

The play will be performed in British Sign Language (BSL) and spoken English, with captions. This multi-access approach supports BSL users while also ensuring wider accessibility, including for deaf audiences who use captions and/or audio. 

View The Singer freesheet here: The Singer Freesheet

Based on the short film The Singer by Cora Bissett and Jamie Rea

Based on the film The Singer, produced by Laura McBride, Lothian Films and James Heath, MTP, commissioned by Screen Scotland via Short Circuit

The Singer is part of TravFest26. Click here to book tickets.