Funbox (theatre group)

Funbox are a Scottish musical theatre group and children entertainers. The group tour, performing music and comedy for children, with a focus on traditional Scottish playground songs.[1]

Funbox
OriginScotland
GenresChildren's songs
Years active2015–present
Associated actsThe Singing Kettle
Websitehttps://www.funbox.co.uk
MembersAnya Scott-Rodgers
Kevin McLeod
Gary Coupland

Origins

Members Anya Scott-Rodgers, Kevin MacLeod and Gary Coupland were all previously members of The Singing Kettle, when it disbanded in 2015 after 30 years.[2][3] The three were informed that the touring "Singing Kettle" company was not available for purchase, after the retirement of two of the group's founding members in 2012.[4] They therefore formed Funbox. One of the founder members of The Singing Kettle returned to touring in 2019 with solo performances.

Members

Gary Coupland

Gary Coupland MBE (born 26 March 1964) is the group's musician and composer. He was one of the original members of The Singing Kettle. He studied at Napier University (where he was named Alumni of the Year in 2014[5])and at The London College of Music. He received an MBE in 1999 for services to Children’s theatre[6] and is a patron of Down's Syndrome Scotland.[7]

Kevin Macleod

Kevin Macleod (born 9 March 1969) was originally The Singing Kettle's stage manager, before joining the group and later forming Funbox. He also plays 'Bonzo', a canine character he brought with him from The Singing Kettle.

He studied stage management at Queen Margaret College and compères at Celtic Connections and the Orkney Folk Festival.[8]

Anya Scott-Rodgers

Anya Scott-Rodgers (born 7 October 1987) fronted The Singing Kettle in 2013 after auditioning among hundreds of applicants. She is a graduate of Glasgow University, Reid Kerr College and Glasgow College of Nautical Studies. She plays guitar.[9]

Tours

The group's first appearance was at the 2015 Celtic Connections,[10] followed by their debut tour, Pirates and Princesses, in 2015.[1]

Large Scale Tours

ShowYearNotes
Pirates and PrincessesSummer 2015Debut tour. First live DVD.
Santa's Sleepover ShowChristmas 2015First Christmas show. Only Christmas show released on DVD.
SuperheroesSummer 2016
Winter WonderlandWinter 2016Nov-Dec shows billed as 'Christmas Wonderland'.
Underwater AdventureSummer 2017
Santa's Funtastic FactoryWinter 2017Billed as 'The Funtastic Factory' for post Christmas and New Year shows.
Dinosaur SafariSummer 2018
Once Upon A ChristmasWinter 2018Billed as 'Once Upon a Time' for post Christmas and New Year shows.
Wild West ShowSummer 2018
Christmas in toytown/ trouble in toytown Winter 2019
Jungle Party Summer

2020

 only had went to Glasgow in 2020 as of COVID 19 and was cancelled
Santa’s Big Surprise Winter 2020 The first online show due to Covid-19

Small Community Tours

  • Pirates
  • Highland Fling
  • Rocking All Over The World
  • Funbox at the Fringe
  • Fancy Dress Fun
  • Animal Magic
  • Space Race

References
  1. Bruce, Keith (2014-12-23). "A box of fun beyond the kettle". The Herald. Archived from the original on 2017-09-04. Retrieved 2017-09-03.
  2. McKenzie, Steven (2017-09-03). "Lifting the lid on children's act Funbox". BBC. Archived from the original on 2017-12-29. Retrieved 2018-07-20.
  3. Apter, Kelly (2016-07-03). "Box of tricks". The Times.
  4. Pirie, Mark (2015-06-04). "Lanarkshire actor set to come back to her roots as Singing Kettle spin-off Funbox arrives in the area". Daily Record. Archived from the original on 2017-09-04. Retrieved 2017-09-03.
  5. "Final whistle for The Singing Kettle". www.scotsman.com. Archived from the original on 2018-09-09. Retrieved 16 January 2019.
  6. McKenna, Lynn (3 September 2014). "Singing Kettle will perform for the final time at Motherwell Concert Hall". dailyrecord. Archived from the original on 2018-09-10. Retrieved 16 January 2019.
  7. "Funbox - Scottish Family Entertainment Show - About Us - Gary". Fun Box - Scottish - Songs. Retrieved 16 January 2019.
  8. "Funbox - Scottish Family Entertainment Show - About Us - Kevin". Fun Box - Scottish - Songs. Retrieved 16 January 2019.
  9. "Funbox - Scottish Family Entertainment Show - About Us - Anya". Fun Box - Scottish - Songs. Retrieved 16 January 2019.
  10. "Funbox opens at Celtic Connections". Evening Times. 2015-01-31. Archived from the original on 2017-09-04. Retrieved 2017-09-03.
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