SHIITAKE NIGHTS
CREATIVE COLLECTIVE
Our work
We are a surreal theatre collective offering absurd variety shows in Scotland which focus on a sense of escapism and imagination. We showcase fun, visual characters and silly storylines to take our audience on a bizzarre voyage of delight. In the past we’ve included talking hoovers, flying hot dogs, banana-eating-bananas, kazzoo orchestras, Tom Jones tribute acts, janitor love triangles and harpists called Neil.
Our intent is to take our audience on a wild carpet ride in the basement of the Rum Shack, so that, for an hour and a half, you forget reality ever even existed. We have local musicians joining us, as well as inviting guests to perform on each show, this way we can champion and showcase talents from around Scotland, creating opportunities for other absurd comedy performancers. Inclusivity and sense of community are key in our values as a collective.
Together, we create the show, from the writing process, to the graphic design, set/costumes design, stage direction, social media. It is a team effort where we thrive in working together as one big mad unit of fun and DELIGHT.
We offer shows throughout the year in original venue, the Rum Shack in the Southside of Glasgow. We also tour around Scotland in various festivals such as Eden and Kelburn Festival. In the past we have Sold Out shows in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival with the Gilded Balloon and Paradise Palms, Glasgow International Comedy Festival and the Tron Theatre. We take pride in valueing and respecting who we work with, always.
We are looking forward to expanding and growing in the electrifying creative community in Scotland and beyond.
Meet the collective!
Independently, we are five highly artistic people working in various creative mediums from Filmmaking to Clowning and everything inbetween. We offer workshops such as Film, Clown, Storytelling and Craft Clubs and are dedicated to contributing to Scotland’s booming creative scene. Get to know us below! (we are friendly and nice)
Hello!
Megan Daly
Filmmaker, Writer, Artist
Megan is a Glasgow-based recent Filmmaking graduate from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, where two of her short comedy films were shortlisted for an RTS Student Award. She is an aspiring Writer/Director of Film, Theatre and Radio with a vibrant, fun view of the world which refelcts in her colourful, bizarre visually striking work. She is a Sound Recording trainee in Film/TV and creates Soundscapes and radio shows, whilst also endulging in visual arts: she designs posters and graphics for various shows around Glasgow including Shiitake Night’s artwork. She teaches Filmmaking workshops to children from 8-15 years old. She is one of the Writer/Directors of Shiitake Nights. She is currently working on a new comedy short film.
Quote: “Absurdity is the crispy onions on the hot dog of life!”
izzy Stott
Clown, Director, Workshop Facilitator
Izzy is a Gaulier-trained Glasgow-based multidisciplinary artist, trained in contemporary performance and physical theatre with a focus on clown, bouffon, satire and drag. She has worked with SURGE, Al Seed, SPY MONKEY and Oceanallover Her work explores the human condition in all its beauty, severity and ridiculousness.
She works both as a solo artist and as a collaborator with other female queer artists with SOMEWHERE BETWEEN. A recent psychology graduate, she conducts research into how clowning can positively effect wellbeing. She creates and facilitates workshops in clown and playfulness, and creates original performances that have shown in Glasgow, Oslo, Paris and at the Edinburgh and Brighton Fringe festivals. She has also hosted cabarets at Eden Festival and Kelburn Garden Party.
Izzy has worked with creative collective SHIITAKE NIGHTS for 3 years, co-hosting and performing in their sell-out absurd cabarets. Her work with SHIITAKE NIGHTS spans across several disciplines, from film and production to directing and writing.
Most importantly, Izzy is best known for dressing up as pieces of fruit. 🍌
Quote: “People say you can oversode on potassium but I simply don’t believe them.”
Bryce Drennan
Writer, Actor, Storyteller
Bryce Drennan is a Scottish writer, actor and storyteller. He has an MLitt in Creative Writing from Strathclyde University and has had work published in various Scottish publications. He is co-writer and performer in absurd comedy troupe ‘Shiitake Nights’; as well as a co producer and performer with ‘Wildcard Stories’ an alternative storytelling night in Glasgow. Bryce is also an actor and has worked on various short films and stage projects.
Louise Urqhuart
Writer, Actor, Burlesque
Louise studied acting and performance at New College Lanarkshire, has performed with the Citizens Theatre in a variety of acting, musical and movement pieces (Come Hell or High Water, The Silent Heroine’s Disco, A Night To Remember) and has been performing with Shiitake Nights as an actor and burlesque dancer for the past 3 years. She has done cabaret performances at Eden Festival and Kelburn as well as the Edinburgh Fringe and has recently been writing a one woman show she hopes to bring to a stage near you soon. She also hosts a bi-monthly radio show on Radio Buena Vida playing music and discussing live music in Glasgow, and often embarrassing things that have happened to her recently.
Ailsa Lyall
Sewist, Kiltmaker, Workshop Facilitator
Known for their commitment to sustainability and their deep appreciation for Scottish heritage. By blending traditional craftsmanship with modern practices, they create timeless, thoughtful pieces designed to last.
A finalist on BBC's The Great British Sewing Bee season 10, Ailsa gained recognition for their creative designs and now inspires others to embrace the art of sewing and slow fashion. Their workshops and events offer hands-on learning experiences, and accessible alternatives to the fast-fashion model.
Whether you're looking to learn new skills, explore sustainable fashion, or connect with Scottish craftsmanship, Ailsa brings a passion for creativity and conscious living to every project.
