25th anniversary at the Scottish Parliament

Posted in Blog on 29th April, 2018

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On the 22nd of March 2018 we were very lucky to be able to celebrate our 25th anniversary in the Garden Lobby of the Scottish Parliament, hosted by Patrick Harvie – leader of the Scottish Green Party. Guests invited to the event included Members of Scottish Parliament, people from the theatre industry, people from disability focused organisations and friends of the company.

“It’s good to see so many of you here this evening to celebrate Birds of Paradise’s long-standing work to advance disabled people’s equality and participation in theatre and the arts” – Fiona Hyslop MSP

As our host, Patrick gave a wonderful introduction and this was followed by a series of speeches and performances:

Fiona Hyslop MSP: Cabinet Secretary – Culture, Tourism and External Affairs Read a copy of the speech here
Mark Fisher: Theatre Critic (The Guardian, The Scotsman) Read a copy of the speech here
SONG – The Mirror Song from Blanche & Butch, performed by Kinny Gardner & Lauren Gilmour
Amy Conachan: Actress (Wendy Hoose, Birds of Paradise; Hollyoaks) Read a copy of the speech here
Robert Softley Gale: Artistic Director – Birds of Paradise Read a copy of the speech here
SONG – A Long Time Ago from The Tin Soldier, performed by Lauren Gilmour & Audrey Tait

“Birds of Paradise continue to fight every day to get exceptional disabled actors centre stage, to tell their stories accurately and to tell them in a way that people actually want to hear them.” – Amy Conachan

More photos from the event

A table with three round cakes on it, each with a letter, spelling out BOP. Robert, Mairi, Michelle and Callum cut into the chocolate cake with a B on it together. They are all dressed formally and are smiling and looking excited.

Birds of Paradise – 25th Birthday Reception – Thu 22 March 2018 – Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh (photographer – Andy Catlin www.andycatlin.com)

Two women performing some music. One woman stands at a keyboard and sings into a microphone, she has very long, dark wavy hair and she is wearing a dark shirt and trousers. The other woman, stands playing a guitar, she is wearing a blue checked dress with dark tights and short grey boots. Behind them there is a woman in a black suit who appears to be signing their song.

Birds of Paradise – 25th Birthday Reception – Thu 22 March 2018 – Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh (photographer – Andy Catlin www.andycatlin.com)

Various people mill around talking with drinks in their hands. In focus we see a woman talking to a man who is looking off to the side. The woman has wavy, medium length brown hair and a long sleeved charcoal top. The man is white, appears to be in his late 50s, he has sparse, messy blonde hair and short arms. He is wearing a light shirt with a chunky navy tie.

Birds of Paradise – 25th Birthday Reception – Thu 22 March 2018 – Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh (photographer – Andy Catlin www.andycatlin.com)

People milling around with drinks and talking. In focus, there are two people. One is a middle aged white woman, she has medium length brown hair with a fringe, she is wearing a long sleeved charcoal top and is holding a drink in one hand. She is talking to a young white person, who is also holding a drink. They have chin length curly hair, they are wearing a black top, with a blue jacket over it, a chunky necklace and red lipstick.

Birds of Paradise – 25th Birthday Reception – Thu 22 March 2018 – Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh (photographer – Andy Catlin www.andycatlin.com)

A few women gathered around talking with drinks in their hands. Only one of the women is completely in focus. She appears to be in her late 20s, white, with medium length, straight blonde hair. She is wearing a navy top and holding a wine glass with both hands, she is looking at another woman while they speak.

Birds of Paradise – 25th Birthday Reception – Thu 22 March 2018 – Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh (photographer – Andy Catlin www.andycatlin.com)

Two people, a man and a woman talking to each other at the event. The woman is scratching her head. She appears to be in her 40s, she has short dark hair and is wearing a short striped shirt. The man, also appears to be in his 40s, he is white with black hair and black goatee. He is wearing a white shirt with a blue jumper over it. He is holding a glass of wine in one hand and is in the middle of talking.

Birds of Paradise – 25th Birthday Reception – Thu 22 March 2018 – Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh (photographer – Andy Catlin www.andycatlin.com)

A group of six people gather, two men and four women. One woman has her phone out and appears to be talking. The others are leaning in and appear to be laughing at whatever was on the phone.

Birds of Paradise – 25th Birthday Reception – Thu 22 March 2018 – Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh (photographer – Andy Catlin www.andycatlin.com)

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“It’s good to see so many of you here this evening to celebrate Birds of Paradise’s long-standing work to advance disabled people’s equality and participation in theatre and the arts” – Fiona Hyslop MSP

“Birds of Paradise continue to fight every day to get exceptional disabled actors centre stage, to tell their stories accurately and to tell them in a way that people actually want to hear them.” – Amy Conachan

More photos from the event