549: Scots of the Spanish Civil War

YOU CAN GO PROUDLY.
YOU ARE HISTORY.
YOU ARE LEGEND.

1936. In villages, towns and cities across Scotland, 549 lives are gradually intertwining.

People of contrasting backgrounds, ideologies and religions. Spurred on by their burning passion for equality and freedom, they will form the Scottish ranks of the Spanish Civil War’s legendary International Brigade.

2022. The country is in crisis.

In a small pub in Prestonpans, East Lothian, four millennials are told a story.

The true story of four local miners who, over 80 years ago, travelled from the streets of Prestonpans to the valleys of Spain. They gave up everything that was familiar: for a land that was not; for a people they had never met; and for a cause they believed was right.

549, a play with songs and storytelling, is a timely insight into one of Scotland’s almost forgotten conflicts.

549: Scots of the Spanish Civil War was first performed 7 February 2018 at Prestonpans Town Hall.

Jack Nurse and Robbie Gordon are two of the co-founders of Wonder Fools, a theatre company that creates contemporary new work based on a diverse range of current and historical real-life stories. Writing and producing credits include: McNeill of Tranent: Fastest Man in the World (2014-2015), The Coolidge Effect (2016-2020), and 549: Scots of the Spanish Civil War (2018-ongoing).