To Save the Sea at the Traverse Theatre Edinburgh

In July this year the Department of the Environment stated that 'Nature is dying'. But mention 'climate change' and, sadly, many people don't want to know.

Many of the planet's problems stem from our polluted seas, seas which provide 50 percent of our oxygen, and as long ago as 1995 oil giant Shell made the headlines when its plans to dump oil from its defunct oil store into the North Sea were thwarted by a small group of activists who put their lives on the line to 'save the sea'.

They faced water cannons, a cage full of police officers, helicopters and bombs, and sparked mass protests and petrol boycotts across Europe and a political battle between the UK Prime Minister John Major and the German Chancellor.

To condense this spectacular story into a 90-minute stage production was no mean feat and writers Isla Cowan and Andy McGregor are to be congratulated for creating an epic thriller and presenting it as a highly entertaining musical containing lots of satirical humour which would appeal even to those who think that climate change is a myth.

Produced by Sleeping Warrior Theatre Company, it is imaginatively staged by Claire Halleran, Simon Wilkinson's lighting and Fraser Milroy's sound, with a sterling, energetic cast who, under the writers' direction, drive the story along at a fast pace, interspersed by hilarious scenes in which politicians and Shell's top people are portrayed as figures of fun.

It's hard-hitting and fun, all in one package, and hopefully it will make people realise what the few are prepared to do for so many.

Incidentally, nearly 30 years on and Shell is still being accused of destroying the planet despite its goals tor reduce emissions.

Image: Mihaela Bodlovic

To Save the Sea continues its tour:

Oct 16: The Gaiety Ayr

Oct 18: The Byre Theatre St Andrews

Oct 22: Beacon Arts Centre Greenock

Oct 26: Dundee Rep Dundee

Oct 28: Cumbernauld Theatre at Lanternhouse

Oct 30: The Rivoli Theatre Aberdeen

Nov 2: Eden Court Inverness