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National Theatre of Scotland 2017 season
Lucy Mason – Interim Chief Executive of the National Theatre of Scotland says
“Following a special 10th Anniversary year in 2016, which saw the Company performing across five
continents to a quarter of million people, I am delighted to announce a wide ranging 2017 Season, with the
return of three popular repertoire productions, eight world premieres, and two acclaimed children’s theatre
shows touring with Theatre in Schools Scotland in Year two of this ambitious pilot.
Across the programme we have unearthed some extraordinary and inspiring real-life stories that will be
given a dramatic lease of life in 2017, including Gerhard Zucker’s experiments on the island of Scarp,
Gertrude Farr’s poignant story of loss in World War 1 in The 306:Day, the midget submarine’s last voyage
down the Forth and Clyde Canal, the return of the mighty Glasgow Girls, the story of an Asian family
arriving in Dundee following their dramatic expulsion from Uganda and two timely stories about the
experiences of two extraordinary trans individuals.
The National Theatre of Scotland embarks on its second decade in a brand new building - Rockvilla designed specifically to facilitate artists, theatre-makers, technicians and communities in the development
and creation of new theatre for audiences across Scotland. Much of the National Theatre of Scotland’s new
Season will be rehearsed in Rockvilla before embarking on journeys further afield. The Company has also
begun collaborations with a number of new partners and artists in order to ensure that this “engine room”
for Scottish theatre is used to its maximum potential.
This season of work would not be possible without the real people at the heart of these stories, and the
many artists and partners with whom we are collaborating to bring their stories to life. We extend our
thanks to all those who have contributed to the creation and production of this exciting line-up.
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2017 IN BRIEF
January 2017

John Tiffany’s award-winning production of Let The Right One In, adapted by Jack Thorne based on
John Ajvide Lindqvist‘s novel and screenplay of the film, returns to the stage with a brand new US
tour for 2017. The show, previously a hit in Dundee, London and New York, heads to Austin,
Seattle, and Houston from 18 January to 19 March 2017.

The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart, one of the National Theatre of Scotland’s most successful
and iconic shows, continues its residency at the McKittrick Hotel in New York. David Greig and Wils
Wilson’s seminal folk theatre fable arrived at the venue, home of the award-winning production
Sleep No More, in November 2016, and concludes its ten week run on 29 January 2017.
Opening February and March 2017
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
The National Theatre of Scotland collaborates once again with A Play, A Pie, and A Pint for a brandnew Gaelic language production, Last Tango in Partick/ An Tango mu dheireadh ann am Partaig.
Written by Alison Laing and directed by Muireann Kelly, this gentle and heartfelt play is performed
at Glasgow’s Oran Mor from 20 to 25 February 2017. A world premiere.

Following on from its timely and successful revival in 2016 the Glasgow Girls hit the road once
again, with new dates at the Liverpool Playhouse and Belfast’s Metropolitan Arts Centre. Cora
Bissett’s passionate, political high school musical wowed audiences during its run at the Edinburgh
Fringe and subsequent UK tour, bringing the inspiring story of the seven girls from Drumchapel
High to a new legion of fans across the country. The 2017 tour is produced by Pachamama
Productions and tours from 11 to 25 February 2017.
Opening May 2017

The 306: Day, the second part in Oliver Emanuel and Gareth William’s powerful new First World
War trilogy commemorating the centenary of the conflict, opens in Perthshire, in May, before
embarking on a Scottish tour. Following on from the events of The 306: Dawn, which charted the
journey of three soldiers executed for cowardice and desertion during the Battle of the Somme,
The 306: Day reflects on how the conflict affected the home front, and the impact the executions
had on the women and families that were left behind. A world premiere. Co-produced with Perth
Theatre and Stellar Quines, and directed by Jemima Levick.

The National Theatre of Scotland’s Associate Director Cora Bissett brings Emma Donoghue’s
smash-hit novel Room to the stage, in a new production from Theatre Royal Stratford East and the
Abbey Theatre, in association with the National Theatre of Scotland. Adapted for the stage by
Donoghue and featuring a score by SAY Award-winning artist Kathryn Joseph and Cora Bissett, the
production opens in London and tours to Dublin, and Dundee from 10 May to 22 July 2017. A
world premiere.
Opening June and July 2017

The final mission of a World War II midget submarine provides the inspiration for Submarine Time
Machine, the National Theatre of Scotland’s first participatory production since moving into its new
base at Rockvilla on the banks of the Forth and Clyde Canal in Glasgow. Simon Sharkey directs this
immersive large-scale community production which invites friends and neighbours in the North
Glasgow community to imagine the adventures had by the lost submarine after its final journey up
the canal, with performances taking place in June 2017.

National Theatre of Scotland supports Stellar Quines with their presentation of The Last Queen of
Scotland, which recounts Dundee-based writer Jaimini Jethwa’s experiences of growing up in the
city after fleeing Idi Amin’s brutal Ugandan regime with her family in 1972. Previewing at Dundee
Rep Theatre before opening at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. A world premiere.
Opening August 2017
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
The Traverse Festival will host Eve and Adam, two new shows about trans lives created by a team
of leading Scottish and UK theatre artists. Directed by Cora Bissett, Adam delves into the true story
of a young trans man from Egypt and his journey to reconciliation in Scotland, featuring music from
a digital choir of trans and non-binary voices from around the world. Eve is created by groundbreaking writer and performer Jo Clifford and the award-winning theatre-maker Chris Goode, and
offers a reflection on one trans woman's life, from an oppressive 1950s boyhood to the present
day. Following the Edinburgh Festival both shows will tour to the Citizen’s Theatre in Glasgow. Two
world premieres.
Theatre in Schools Scotland returns for a second year in August, after a successful pilot year in
2016 which saw Martha and Shopping for Shoes performed to nearly 11,000 schoolchildren in 60
schools. In this second pilot year, Rosalind Sydney’s Up To Speed and Visible Fictions’ Jason and
the Argonauts by Robert Forrest will tour to Primary School classrooms across Scotland, from
August to October 2017.
Opening September 2017

The National Theatre of Scotland heads north to present Rocket Post, an inventive new show for
children and families, created by Lewis Hetherington in collaboration with Ailie Cohen and MJ
McCarthy. Based on an incredible true story, the show delightfully follows the antics of German
rocket engineer Gerhard Zucker and his ill-fated attempts to bring a rocket-based postal service to
the Western Isles in 1934. Rocket Post opens at An Lanntair in Stornoway before embarking on a
Scottish tour from 19 September to 28 October 2017.
Happening throughout 2017

Over the course of the year the National Theatre of Scotland will also be involved in supporting
projects and initiatives across the country, including collaborating with Puppet Animation Scotland
to work with seven artists as part of the Testroom performance at the manipulate Festival in
January, working closely with North Lanarkshire Council and CultureNL on a major new community
arts project for 2018 and supporting the Adrian Howells Award and a new Artist in Residence
opportunity at the Take Me Somewhere festival in Glasgow this Spring.
National Theatre of Scotland Repertoire (International)
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A National Theatre of Scotland production, by arrangement with Marla Rubin Productions Ltd and Bill
Kenwright
Let the Right One In
A stage adaptation by Jack Thorne based on the Swedish novel and screenplay of the film
by John Ajvide Lindqvist, directed by John Tiffany, with movement direction by Steven Hoggett, featuring
music by Ólafur Arnalds, set design by Christine Jones, lighting design by Chahine Yavroyan, sound design
by Gareth Fry and special effects design by Jeremy Chernick.
Touring to the USA from 18 January to 19 March 2017.
The National Theatre of Scotland’s production of Let the Right One In is set to return to US stages in the
coming year, touring to Austin, Seattle, and Houston in early 2017. John Tiffany and Jack Thorne’s
bewitching production, adapted from John Ajvide Lindqvist’s original Swedish novel and film of the same
name, has entranced audiences since its debut at the Dundee Rep Theatre in 2013, going on to play at the
Royal Court Theatre (London) and the Apollo Theatre in London’s West End the following year and at St
Ann’s Warehouse in New York in 2015.
Let the Right One In is a tender, funny and brutal love story following the burgeoning relationship between
Oskar, a lonely, bullied teenage boy and Eli, a centuries-old but eternally young vampire who befriends him.
The show has received widespread critical acclaim and won the South Bank Sky Arts Theatre Award in 2014.
Returning cast members for this revival include Cristian Ortega in the role of Oskar, Ewan Stewart as Hakan,
Andrew Fraser, Stephen McCole, Graeme Dalling, and Angus Miller. They will be joined by new cast
members Lucy Mangan, in the role of Eli, and Jo Freer, who will play Oskar’s mother.
The world-class creative team behind the production includes Tony and Olivier award-winning director John
Tiffany and two-time BAFTA Award-winning writer Jack Thorne, fresh from their success with Harry Potter
and the Cursed Child. The production features original music by BAFTA Award-winning Icelandic composer
Ólafur Arnalds, set design by Tony Award-winner Christine Jones, lighting design by Chahine Yavroyan,
sound design by Olivier Award-winner Gareth Fry and special effects design by Jeremy Chernick.
Cast: Graeme Dalling, Andrew Fraser, Jo Freer, Lucy Mangan, Stephen McCole, Angus Miller,
Cristian Ortega and Ewan Stewart.
Join the conversation: #LTROI
Touring to University of Texas at Austin, McCullough Theatre (18 to 29 January 2017);
The Seattle Theatre Group at the Moore Theatre (2 to 12 February 2017) and Hubbard Theatre at Alley
Theatre, Houston, Texas (17 February to 19 March 2017).
National Theatre of Scotland Repertoire (International)
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The McKittrick Hotel and the National Theatre of Scotland present
The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart
Created by David Greig (Writer) and Wils Wilson (Director) with Designer Georgia McGuinness , Composer
Alasdair Macrae and movement by Janice Parker.
The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart returns to the USA in 2016, embarking on a ten-week run at The
McKittrick Hotel in New York City over the Christmas period. The hotel’s bar and music venue, The Heath, is
home to the show between 16 November 2016 and 29 January 2017.
David Greig and Wils Wilson’s folk theatre fable has delighted audiences around the world since its
premiere in 2011, becoming one of the National Theatre of Scotland’s most beloved and iconic
productions. The New York dates follow on from an extensive UK and US tour earlier in 2016, which saw
the show taking over theatre stages and non-traditional theatre spaces in Virginia, Richmond, Illinois,
Vermont, Connecticut, Seattle and Arkansas as well as in Fife, Perthshire and the Scottish Borders.
Prudencia Hart’s journey to date has spanned four continents, nine countries and nearly 80 different
venues.
Returning ensemble cast members Annie Grace, Alasdair Macrae, and Paul McCole will be joined by Peter
Hannah, most recently seen in The 306: Dawn, and Melody Grove who returns to the eponymous role of
Prudencia Hart, which she originally played in 2014.
The McKittrick Hotel is also the home of Sleep No More, Punchdrunk Theatre Company’s highly acclaimed
site-specific take on Macbeth. The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart will be performed concurrently with
Sleep No More, which continues its performance run at the venue.
The run also marks a welcome return to New York for the National Theatre of Scotland. Since touring the
critically acclaimed Black Watch to St Ann’s Warehouse in the autumn of 2007, the Company has returned
to the city with the productions The Wolves in the Walls (2007), The Bacchae (2008), Beautiful Burnout
(2011), Let the Right One In (2011) and Macbeth (2012). As well as presentations at St Ann’s Warehouse,
previous productions have played at the Lincoln Center as well as on Broadway at the New Victory Theater
and the Barrymore Theater.
“my heart is lost to Prudencia Hart. ” ***** The Guardian (Adelaide)
“it should tour for eternity” **** The Guardian (London)
The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart takes theatre into pubs and other non traditional venues, where
stories are told, re-told, sung and passed on. Audiences are invited to share a lock-in with the National
Theatre of Scotland's company of actors and musicians, and to indulge in an evening of supernatural
storytelling, music and theatre inspired by the Border Ballads, Robert Burns and the poems of Robert
Service.
One wintry morning, Prudencia Hart, an uptight academic, sets off to attend a conference in Kelso in the
Scottish Borders. As the snow begins to fall, little does she know who or what awaits her there. Delivered in
a riotous romp of rhyming couplets, devilish encounters and wild karaoke, Prudencia’s dream-like journey
of self-discovery unfolds around and amongst the audience.
The full cast is Annie Grace, Melody Grove, Alasdair Macrae, Peter Hannah and Paul McCole
Join the conversation: #PrudenciaHart
Performing at The Heath, The McKittrick Hotel, New York until 29 January 2017.
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On sale: Book online www.strangeundoing.com
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WORLD PREMIERE
National Theatre of Scotland and A Play, A Pie and A Pint, in association with MG ALBA and BBC ALBA
supported by Bòrd na Gàidhlig, present
Last Tango in Partick/ An Tango mu dheireadh ann am Partaig
Written by Alison Lang, directed by Muireann Kelly
Sgrìobhadair- Alison Lang, Stiùiriche- Muireann Kelly
Performances at Òran Mór, Glasgow from 20 to 25 February 2017
The National Theatre of Scotland continues its relationship with A Play, A Pie and A Pint at Òran Mór and
the tradition of bringing Gaelic theatre to Glasgow’s lunchtime audiences, with the world premiere of Last
Tango in Partick/ An Tango mu dheireadh ann am Partaig by Alison Lang.
Last Tango in Partick/ An Tango mu dheireadh ann am Partaig will be performed almost entirely in Gaelic,
with English surtitles for non Gaelic -speaking audiences. The National Theatre of Scotland is committed to
the development of Gaelic theatre and artists. Most recently the Company toured Whisky Galore/UisgeBeatha Gu Leòr throughout Scotland (in a co-production with Robhanis and A Play, A Pie and A Pint) and
supported Theatre Gu Leòr’s production of Shrapnel, also directed by Muireann Kelly which recently won
the Arts and Culture Award at this year’s Scottish Gaelic Awards/Duaisean Gaidhlig Na H-Alba.
Last Tango in Partick/ An Tango mu dheireadh ann am Partaig was chosen following an open submission
process which was judged by partners National Theatre of Scotland, A Play, A Pie and A Pint, MG Alba, BBC
Alba and Bòrd na Gàidhlig,
With the children having flown the nest, Moira’s hoping there might be a bit more fun on the horizon for
her and Iain. Perhaps if they just spend some time doing things together, they can rekindle the spark in her
marriage. Fed up wondering if the fun's ever going to start, Moira decides to dust off the old dancing shoes
and liven things up with some strictly ballroom magic. However things don’t go according to plan when she
receives the surprising attentions of a much younger man. Is she dancing? Is he asking? Because as
everyone knows, it takes two to tango...
Cast is Mairi Morrison, David Walker and Iain Beggs
At A Play, A Pie, And a Pint, Òran Mór, Glasgow from 20 to 25 February 2017
Opening Performance: 20 February 2017 at Òran Mór
Join the conversation: #AnTangoMuDheireadhAnnAmPartaig
EARRANN A h-AON
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PRÌOMH-THAISBEANADH CRUINNEIL
Tha Thèatar Nàiseanta na h-Alba agus Pleidh Paidh is Pinnt ann an co-bhonn ri MG ALBA agus BBC ALBA
le taic bho Bhòrd na Gàidhlig, a’ cur an làthair
Last Tango in Partick / An Tango mu dheireadh ann am Partaig
Air a sgrìobhadh le Alison Lang, air a stiùireadh le Muireann Kelly
Sgrìobhadair - Alison Lang, Stiùiriche - Muireann Kelly
Coileanaidhean ann an Òran Mòr, Glaschu bho 20 gu 25 Gearran 2017
Tha Thèatar Nàiseanta na h-Alba a’ cumail suas an cuid dàimh le Pleidh Paidh is Pinnt san Òran Mòr agus
leis an traidisean a bhith a’ toirt dràma Gàidhlig gu luchd-èisteachd aig àm lòin ann an Glaschu, leis a’
phrìomh-thaisbeanadh chruinneil de Last Tango in Partick / An Tango mu dheireadh ann am Partaig le
Alison Lang.
Bidh Last Tango in Partick / An Tango mu dheireadh ann am Partaig air àrd-ùrlar cha mhòr gu tur ann an
Gàidhlig le fo-thiotalain Bheurla do luchd-èisteachd gun Ghàidhlig. Tha Thèatar Nàiseanta na h-Alba
dealasach a thaobh leasachadh air dràma Gàidhlig agus luchd-ealain Ghàidhlig. An turas mu dheireadh,
chaidh an Companaidh air chuairt air feadh Alba le Whisky Galore/Uisge-Beatha Gu Leòr (ann an coriochdachadh le Robhanis agus Pleidh Paidh is Pinnt) le taic bho riochdachadh Theatre Gu Leòr air Shrapnel,
cuideachd air a stiùireadh le Muireann Kelly a bhuannaich an Duais Ealain is Cultair aig Duaisean Gaidhlig
Na h-Alba am-bliadhna.
Chaidh Last Tango in Partick / An Tango mu dheireadh ann am Partaig a thaghadh a’ leantainn air
pròiseas tagraidh fhosgailte a chaidh a bhreithneachadh leis na com-pàirtichean Thèatar Nàiseanta na hAlba, Pleidh Paidh is Pinnt, MG Alba, BBC Alba agus Bòrd na Gàidhlig,
Leis a’ chloinn air an dachaigh fhàgail, tha Moira an dòchas gum faod beagan abhcaid a bhith an dàn dhi
fhèin agus do dh’Iain. Dh’fhaodadh nan cuireadh iad dìreach beagan tìde seachad a’ dèanamh nithean
còmhla, gun dùisgeadh iad sradag air choreigin sa phòsadh aca. Searbh de bhith a’ gabhail iongnaidh a
bheil an sùgradh idir a’ dol a thòiseachadh, tha Moira a’ cur roimhpe na brògan dannsa a dhustaigeadh agus
nithean a bheothachadh le beagan draoidheachd an lùib dannsa ‘strictly’. Ach, chan eil cùisean a’ dol mar a
bha dùil nuair a tha i gu h-iongantach a’ tarraing aire fir a tha mòran nas òige na i fhèin. A bheil i a’ dannsa?
A bheil e a’ faighneachd? Oir mar a tha fios aig gach neach, feumar dithis airson tango-adh ...
Is iad an sgioba chleasaichean Màiri Morrison, Daibhidh Walker agus Iain Beggs
Aig Pleidh Paidh is Pinnt, Òran Mór, Glaschu bho 20 gu 25 Gearran 2017
A’ Chiad Choileanadh: 20 Gearran 2017 san Òran Mòr
Thigibh don chòmhradh: #AnTangoMuDheireadhAnnAmPartaig
National Theatre of Scotland Repertoire
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Pachamama Productions presents
Glasgow Girls
Originally co-produced by the National Theatre of Scotland, Theatre Royal Stratford East, Citizens Theatre
& Richard Jordan Productions
Conceived for the stage and directed by Cora Bissett, book by David Greig, designed by Jessica Brettle,
musical director Hilary Brooks musical producer Michael Asante, choreography Natasha Gilmore and
original score by MC Soom T, Patricia Panther, Cora Bissett and the Kielty brothers.
Touring to Greenock, Liverpool and Belfast from 11 to 25 February 2017.
Glasgow Girls returns to the stage after its electrifying UK tour in 2016, with new dates at the Liverpool
Playhouse and Belfast’s Metropolitan Arts Centre in February 2017. Cora Bissett’s passionate, political, high
school musical won the hearts of audiences in London and Glasgow from its original runs in 2012 to 2014,
and wowed a new legion of fans during its timely 2016 revival. After a near sold-out run at the Assembly
Hall as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Made in Scotland 2016 programme, the show took to the road
for performances in Glasgow, Stirling, Dundee, Oxford, and London. During its run at the Edinburgh Festival
Fringe, Glasgow Girls was awarded the Amnesty International Freedom of Expression Award
The tour re-introduces us to the seven school girls from Drumchapel High who, along with community
members and teachers, fought for the rights of their school friend to stay in Scotland and subsequently
took on the Scottish Parliament to defend the rights of all refugee children.
Glasgow Girls is a celebration of the power of teenagers and a community with a cause, offering a strong,
positive and unifying message. It features a highly charged musical score with reggae dub, electronic grime,
folk rock, international beats and show tunes, composed by a diverse array of contemporary musical talent.
‘Feels more relevant than ever, and should be compulsory viewing for the Nigel Farages and Donald Trumps
of this world.’- **** The Stage
‘A powerful, compelling plea for seeing refugees as people rather than just faceless statistics’- ***** British
Theatre
Join the conversation: #GlasgowGirls
Touring to Beacon Arts Centre, Greenock (11 February 2017); Liverpool Playhouse Theatre (14 to 18
February 2017) and Metropolitan Arts Centre, Belfast (21 to 25 February 2017).
WORLD PREMIERE
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A Theatre Royal Stratford East and Abbey Theatre, Dublin co-production, in association with National
Theatre of Scotland and Covent Garden Productions
Room
By Emma Donoghue
Adapted for the stage by Emma Donoghue, Music and lyrics by Cora Bissett and Kathryn Joseph, directed
by Cora Bissett, designed by Lily Arnold, musical director Gavin Whitworth, sound designer Alexandra
Faye Braithwaite, puppet designer David Cauchi.
Opening in London and then on tour to Dundee before transferring to Dublin
Emma Donoghue’s best-selling novel Room has been adapted for the stage for the first time, directed by
the National Theatre of Scotland’s Associate Director Cora Bissett and featuring a haunting score by Bissett
and SAY Award-winning Scottish songwriter Kathryn Joseph. The novel was previously adapted for the
screen by Donoghue in 2016, with the film picking up widespread critical acclaim as well as an Academy
Award, a Golden Globe, and a BAFTA on its release.
Kidnapped as a teenage girl, Ma has been locked inside a purpose-built room in her captor’s garden for
seven years. Her five year old son, Jack, has no concept of the world outside and happily exists inside Room
with the help of Ma’s games and his vivid imagination, where objects like Rug, Lamp, and TV are his only
friends. But for Ma the time has come to escape and face their biggest challenge to date: the world outside
Room.
“You would fight anyone who tried to wrestle [the book] from your grasp with the same ferocity that Ma
fights for Jack, such is the author’s power to make out of the most vile circumstances something absorbing,
truthful, and beautiful.”- The Guardian
Theatre Royal Stratford East, previously a co-producer on Glasgow Girls, and the Abbey Theatre, Dublin,
now co-led by Neil Murray and Graham McLaren (previously with the National Theatre of Scotland) lead
the producing team, supported by the National Theatre of Scotland and Covent Garden Productions.
Opening at Theatre Royal Stratford East, London (2 May to 3 June 2017), and touring to Dundee Rep
Theatre (13 to 17 June 2017) and Abbey Theatre, Dublin (week of 19 June to 22 July 2017).
Opening performance on 10 May at Theatre Royal Stratford East.
Scottish opening performance on 13 June 2017 at Dundee Rep Theatre
Join the conversation: #RoomThePlay
WORLD PREMIERE
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The National Theatre of Scotland, Perth Theatre, and Stellar Quines, present
The 306: Day
Written by Oliver Emanuel, composed by Gareth Williams, directed by Jemima Levick
Touring Scotland from 4 to 27 May 2017
The 306: Day is the second part of Oliver Emanuel and Gareth William’s powerful new First World War
trilogy, charting the heart-breaking journey of the 306 men executed for cowardice and desertion during
the conflict and the devastating consequences for those they left behind. This second part in the trilogy
explores how the war affected women, families, and communities on the home front.
The first part of the trilogy, The 306: Dawn, premiered in the summer of 2016 and was set around the
events of the Battle of the Somme, marking the centenary of the Somme Offensive. Audaciously staged
within a transformed barn in the Perthshire countryside, and co-produced with Perth Theatre and 14-18
NOW, the play charted the real-life stories of three soldiers fighting on the front line who were to be
executed for their actions.
Inspired by real events and first-hand accounts, The 306: Day follows the lives of three ordinary women
fighting to be heard above the clamour of World War 1. The date is 1917, and the war across the channel
rages on. In Russia, a revolution is turning the social order on its head while at home in Britain, there are
women fighting their own battles. Rents are rising. Food is scarce. And war work can be deadly.
Nellie Murray works at a Glasgow munitions factory but is also a member of the Women’s Peace Crusade.
Struggling to cope after the execution of her husband for cowardice, Gertrude Farr has a young daughter
and doesn’t know where to turn.
Mrs Byers waits for news of her son. He ran off to join the army at the beginning of the war and she prays
for word of his safe return.
The 306: Day is a new piece of music theatre about staying silent and speaking out, fighting for peace and
giving into violence. It tells the forgotten story of three women in wartime and their struggle to survive in a
world that won’t listen.
The National Theatre of Scotland reunites with Perth Theatre and collaborates with Stellar Quines for the
first time, under the new Artistic Directorship of Jemima Levick. The National Theatre of Scotland is also
delighted to partner with Glasgow Women’s Library for the first time on an accompanying project
researching the role of women on the home front during the First World War.
“(The) most brilliantly moving of elegies”- ***** The Herald on The 306: Dawn
“An indelibly powerful work of music theatre that will have an impact for many years to come”- **** The
Scotsman on The 306: Dawn
The 306: Day continues the collaboration between playwright Oliver Emanuel and composer Gareth
Williams and their interest in combining theatrical and operatic disciplines. This new show will be directed
by Stellar Quines’ Artistic Director Jemima Levick and will be performed in civic halls and centres around
Scotland.
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Oliver Emanuel’s work for the National Theatre of Scotland includes Dragon (winner, Best Production for
Families, UK Theatre Awards 2014) and The Day I Swapped My Dad for Two Goldfish, based on Neil
Gaiman’s book of the same name. Gareth Williams’ compositions have featured in the Edinburgh Fringe
Festival, St. Magnus Festival, Sound Festival, 5:15, Tête à Tête Opera Festival, Sonorities, Opera to Go, and
the York Late Music Festival.
Touring across Scotland from 4 to 27 May 2017, with opening performances in Perth.
Join the conversation: #The306
Full tour details and casting to be announced.
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WORLD PREMIERE
The National Theatre of Scotland presents
Submarine Time Machine
Directed by Simon Sharkey
The unlikely final mission of a World War II midget submarine provides the inspiration for the National
Theatre of Scotland’s first participatory production since moving into its new base at Rockvilla on the banks
of the Forth and Clyde Canal in Glasgow. From April 2017, local participants from Speirs Locks to Firhill
Basin will work alongside National Theatre of Scotland artists to explore the truth and myth around the
Submarine’s last journey. They will create a truly immersive theatre experience, with audiences invited to
step aboard for a series of performance sailings down the canal in the last week of June 2017.
In 1952, thousands of people turned out to witness the last journey of mini-sub HMS XE9, generating
incredible excitement. But as it headed East and out of the lives of the local community, it took with it the
end of an era and a cargo of artefacts and mysteries. The National Theatre of Scotland will excavate this
past, inviting its new neighbours - including local schools, residents, families, community groups and
cultural organisations from the North Glasgow canal corridor - to reimagine what adventures the
submarine might have embarked upon through the years, and to discover new journeys and dreams that
the submarine can take us on.
National Theatre of Scotland Associate Director Simon Sharkey (Home Away, Granite, The Tin Forest) will
lead the project. The National Theatre of Scotland has established an international reputation for its
participatory theatre projects, with recent successes including Granite in Aberdeen, To Begin… in Forres
and Wigtown, and Jump in Fife, East Glasgow and Kingston, Jamaica. In October 2016 the Company hosted
its first international participatory theatre festival and also participated in the multiple award-winning
we’re here because we’re here, a UK-wide participatory arts event marking the centenary of the Battle of
the Somme, conceived and created by Jeremy Deller in collaboration with 26 UK arts organisations.
Local community engagement begins April 2017
Performances take place in week commencing 26 June 2017
Join the conversation: #SubmarineTimeMachine
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For further information on how to participate, contact Producer Karen Allan at
[email protected] or 0141 227 9013
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Theatre in Schools Scotland 2017
Theatre in Schools Scotland was launched as a pilot project in 2016, to resounding positivity at its
endeavour to create a touring and producing model that could bring one piece of high quality theatre to
every schoolchild in Scotland, each year.
Theatre in Schools Scotland has been developed by Imaginate, the national organisation in Scotland which
promotes, develops and celebrates theatre and dance for children and young people and the National
Theatre of Scotland, in partnership with leading performing arts companies/organisations for children and
young people; Catherine Wheels Theatre Company, Visible Fictions and Starcatchers.
In 2016, Theatre in Schools Scotland saw Catherine Wheels’ Martha and Visible Fictions’ Shopping for
Shoes tour to 60 primary schools across 26 local authorities, reaching an audience of 10,697 children and
teachers. The first pilot year was supported by a host of regional partners and local authorities as well as
receiving sponsorship from the Scottish Salmon Company and Arts & Business Scotland.
In 2017, Year 2 of the pilot, Theatre in Schools Scotland will launch a dedicated website, endeavour to
reach more primary schools and two more local authorities, run a CPD programme for primary school
teachers alongside the productions, as well as supporting associated productions from Theatre in Schools
Scotland partners. The two main touring shows for Theatre in Schools Scotland 2017 are Up to Speed,
produced and created by Rosalind Sydney, and Visible Fictions’ Jason and the Argonauts.
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Rosalind Sydney presents
Up to Speed
Created by Rosalind Sydney with Laurie Brown, designed by Claire Halleran and music and sound by Danny
Krass.
Up to Speed is a funny, moving and captivating tale about a boy and a girl and what it’s like to be the odd
one out. Have you ever met a person who is a little unusual? Someone whose mind seems to work a bit
differently? Who surprises you? Who is funny and also fun to laugh at? That’s what Barnaby is like. Jade has
marvelled and laughed at him, been surprised and confused by him. But he has also made her feel small.
And she knows exactly how to get him back…
Up To Speed was originally commissioned by Imaginate, previewing at the Tron Theatre, Glasgow in April
2014 and touring before premiering at the Traverse Theatre as part of the Imaginate Festival 2014. In 2015
the show had a second outing, opening at Platform, Glasgow, and then playing the Ark Theatre in Dublin as
part of the Dublin International Theatre Festival and the Baboro International Arts Festival for Children in
Galway.
Up to Speed will be shared with P3 to P5 year pupils in 2017.
Visible Fictions presents
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Jason and the Argonauts
Written by Robert Forrest, directed by Douglas Irvine, designed by Robin Peoples, composed by Daniel
Padden.
Jason’s uncle isn’t exactly lovable…he’s murdered his brother (the king) and stolen the crown and now no
one dares stand up to him. Things are about to get a major shakeup though because Jason is BACK! After
being banished as a baby, our wannabe hero returns to claim his rightful throne and make some big
changes.
However, in ancient times nothing’s that straightforward. Jason and his crew must sail on The Argo to the
other side of the world to find the Golden Fleece and bring it back in order to unite the people again. As if
that wasn’t difficult enough, the odd monster, sleeping dragon and clashing rock endeavour to ruin his trip
and spice things up on this most fantastic of journeys!
2017 will mark Jason and the Argonauts’ 11th year of touring. After the show’s premiere at Paisley Arts
Centre , it has gone on to tour all over Scotland and the world including presentations at the Sydney Opera
House, The New Victory on Broadway and in Canada, America and Ireland.
A quirky, funny, exciting tale - told as only Visible Fictions know how – for P6 & P7 year pupils.
Up to Speed and Jason and the Argonauts tour to Primary Schools across Scotland from August to October
2017.
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Theatre in Schools Scotland is also supporting an associated production in 2017, presented by Catherine
Wheels and touring across Scotland into schools from 30 January to 28 April 2017
Lost at Sea, written by Morna Pearson, directed by Gill Robertson, designed by Karen Tennent and
featuring music by Daniel Padden is a moving and inspiring tale of growing up and overcoming loss that
introduces scientific themes and the importance of protecting the environment. Lost at Sea was
commissioned by Edinburgh International Science Festival and premiered at the Festival in 2016.
Join the conversation: #TheatreinSchoolsScotland
Further information: theatreinschoolsscotland.com
WORLD PREMIERE
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A Stellar Quines production, commissioned and supported by the National Theatre of Scotland and
Dundee Rep.
The Last Queen of Scotland
By Jaimini Jethwa, directed by Jemima Levick
Touring to Dundee Rep Theatre (preview) and Edinburgh Festival Fringe in summer 2017
‘My Mum and Dad had £7 when they got here. They got 90 days to leave and seven shitty pounds. 90 days,
two pints, one pack of fags, gone.’
August 1972 - Idi Amin had a dream and ordered the expulsion of all Asians from Uganda under a 90-day
deadline. From Uganda to Dundee, Jaimini Jethwa grew up in Scotland knowing nothing about her
homeland until she found herself being haunted by Idi Amin. She started to run but he was everywhere.
Fae Uganda to Dundee and all the way back again - how do you confront Idi Amin when he still messes with
your head?
The Last Queen of Scotland sheds light on a unique period in Scotland’s social history and the particular
story of a community in exile that has rarely been told. Just as Idi Amin coined the phrase ‘The Last King of
Scotland’ Jaimini Jethwa has decided to reclaim her heritage. Performed by one woman to a live urban
soundtrack, through the street sounds of Dundonian dialect, The Last Queen of Scotland is Jaimini Jethwa’s
homage to her city - her ‘love letter to the D”.
Jaimini is a playwright and independent film-maker. In March 2014 Jaimini travelled to Uganda to explore
presenting The Last Queen of Scotland at National Theatre Kampala as part of ‘Banta in Uganda’ – in a
research and development project supported through Creative Scotland’s International fund.
Leading Scottish director, and new Artistic Director of Stellar Quines, Jemima Levick directs. Jemima is also
directing The 306: Day for the National Theatre of Scotland in 2017.
Touring to Dundee Rep and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Summer 2017
Join the conversation: #LastQueenOfScotland
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WORLD PREMIERE
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The National Theatre of Scotland presents
ADAM
Conceived for the stage and directed by Cora Bissett, written by Frances Poet, with music composed by
Jocelyn Pook and video design by Jack Henry James.
At the Traverse Festival at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and at the Citizens Theatre, Glasgow from
August to September 2017.
Adam is directed by award-winning theatre director Cora Bissett (co-creator of Glasgow Girls, Rites and
Roadkill) with music composed by Jocelyn Pook (Stage Works British Composer Award winner in 2012 for
her soundtrack to DESH) and written by playwright and dramaturg Frances Poet. The production delves into
the true story of a young trans man and his journey to reconciliation; with himself, those closest to him,
and the world as he knows it.
Adam was born into a girl’s body in Egypt. But Adam always knew that he was really a boy. A boy, trapped
in a girl’s body. In a deeply conservative society, Adam had no way to describe this feeling. In a place where
falling in love with the wrong person can get you killed, Adam had to escape. Fleeing the country alone,
Adam finds himself in a tiny room in Glasgow on the edge of despair. He manages to get online and ask the
question; ‘Can the soul of a boy be trapped in the body of a girl?’ What followed was beyond Adam’s
wildest dreams. A catalyst to begin the epic journey for the right to change his body, to the boy he knows
himself to be. Adam is the remarkable, true story of that journey.
Featuring a score sung by a virtual choir of trans and non-binary individuals from across the world who will
be projected onto the stage, Adam is both a bold exploration of the experience of a young transgender
person and an ambitious experiment with theatrical form, blending storytelling, classical composition and
mass digital elements from participants from around the globe.
The National Theatre of Scotland is inviting trans and non-binary individuals to take part in the production
as part of a global digital community choir – The Adam World Choir. The Adam World Choir to date has
brought together over 100 voices from all over the world, including people from Jordan, Nigeria, Russia,
Pakistan, the USA and Australia.
Performances at the Traverse Festival in August 2017 (Traverse 1)
Join the conversation: #NTSadam
Adam World Choir Call Out
Trans and non –binary singers of all experiences are still welcome to join The Adam World Choir. The
deadline for joining is 1st February 2017. For any questions about The Adam World Choir, and to join, please
contact the Choir Project Manager, Leonie, on [email protected]
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WORLD PREMIERE
The National Theatre of Scotland presents
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EVE
Written by Jo Clifford and Chris Goode
Directed by Chris Goode and performed by Jo Clifford
At the Traverse Festival at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and at the Citizens Theatre, Glasgow from
August to September 2017.
Eve, performed by acclaimed playwright and performer Jo Clifford, offers audiences an authentic and
intimate insight into the real life experiences of a trans person. The performance is a profound reflection on
one trans woman's life, from an oppressive 1950s boyhood to the present day. Following her turbulent life
journey through a time of huge personal, social and political change, Eve celebrates the victories of survival
and self-actualization.
A deeply personal piece that speaks generously to, and for, a much wider community, Eve is a performance
in which the smallest details of everyday life can open up cracks through which memories, dreams and
reflections flood in. Performed with warmth and humour, passion and anger, Eve invites audiences into the
most intimate relationship with the story of an individual’s life.
Eve is created by ground-breaking writer and performer Jo Clifford (The Gospel According to Jesus Queen of
Heaven) and the award-winning theatre-maker Chris Goode (Men in the Cities and Sisters). Jo was the first
openly transgendered woman playwright to have had a play produced on London’s West End stage. Jo
Clifford and Chris Goode also recently collaborated on Jo’s play Every One which received its English
premiere at Battersea Arts Centre, London in March 2016.
Performances at the Traverse Festival in August 2017 (Traverse 2)
Join the conversation: #NTSeve
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Both Adam and Eve will be performed in repertoire at the Citizens Theatre, Glasgow, from 13 to 16
September 2017, with an opportunity to see the shows as a double bill on selected days.
Additional National Theatre of Scotland productions at the Edinburgh Festivals, to be announced at a later
date.
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WORLD PREMIERE
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National Theatre of Scotland presents
Rocket Post
Based on a true story.
Written and directed by Lewis Hetherington with collaborators Ailie Cohen and MJ McCarthy, and
movement director Kate Husbands
Touring Scotland from 19 September 2017
Ever heard the expression ‘reach for the stars’? Back in 1934, that’s just what German rocket engineer
Gerhard Zucker did with his radical new idea for delivering letters at high speed over long distances ROCKETS! Next stop: the Western Isles, and the scene of a dramatic experiment to send two rockets full of
letters on a 1600 metre flight path between the isles of Harris and Scarp.
On the 28th and the 31st July Gerhard launches his rockets. On both occasions the rockets go up in flames.
His vision for the future of communication explodes into thousands of tiny pieces that fall through the sky
like rain. Back to the drawing board for Gerhard. But maybe, one day, his vision will be realised.
A fantastically fun new show for everyone aged six plus, Rocket Post is equal parts play, gig and hoedown.
Full of humour, heart and hope for the future, it’s a tale of miscommunication, vaulting ambition and the
joyous discoveries that can happen when everything goes wrong.
Rocket Post also playfully tells an extraordinary real story, celebrating one man’s ambitious endeavour and
how an island community responded. The Rocket Post, a film that tells the story of Gerhard Zucker and his
rocket mail experiments, was made in Scotland and distributed in 2004. The film went onto win the Festival
Grand Prize at the Stonybrook Film Festival in New York.
Lewis Hetherington is a celebrated playwright and theatre-maker based in Scotland. His previous acclaimed
collaborations with Ailie Cohen include The Secret Life of Suitcases and Cloud Man.
Rocket Post opens at An Lanntair in Stornoway, one of Scotland’s most northerly arts centres. The National
Theatre of Scotland continues its commitment to touring Scotland and reaching rural and geographically
diverse communities with the world premiere of an innovative and energised piece of music theatre for all
ages.
Touring Scotland with an opening performance at An Lanntair on 23 September 2017,
Full tour details to be announced.
Join the conversation: #RocketPost
OTHER NATIONAL THEATRE OF SCOTLAND PROJECTS/SUPPORTED PROJECTS
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SHIFT
The National Theatre of Scotland is working with Culture NL Ltd and North Lanarkshire Council on a large
scale participatory arts project, Shift, which commences in North Lanarkshire in September 2017.
Shift will explore Scotland’s relationship to the world of work through the lens of some of its great thinkers
such as Smith, Hume and Knox, great inventors like Bell and Stevenson, and its greatest doers - the
workers; the unnamed men and women whose labour, spirit and countless “Shifts” built an empire and
made our place in the world. Today, the world itself is in a “Shift,” so what now? How might Scotland’s
thinkers, inventors and workers shape its future in a time of dramatic global change? A National Theatre of
Scotland team of artists will work with Culture NL arts, venues and heritage teams, museums and libraries,
to go to the heart of communities throughout North Lanarkshire and ask their people to respond to the
question, “What are we doing with our lives? What might we do with our future?”
Once the home of iron and steel production, of heavy manufacturing and old industry, North Lanarkshire
has shifted to a much more diverse economy, dominated by the service industries.
Over the course of eight months, Shift will engage with residents throughout the region at a series of
trailblazer events. It will ask children, mothers, fathers, grandmothers, grandfathers, employed and
unemployed, indigenous and immigrant, CEOs and labourers, teachers, scientists, politicians, local children
and artists to reflect on how successfully this shift has been managed and what opportunities and threats
still exist.
Taking these collected thoughts, ideas and stories, participants will collaborate with National Theatre of
Scotland artists and technicians and Culture NL teams towards the creation of a new, large scale, sitespecific piece of theatre, to be performed in 2018. National Theatre of Scotland Associate Director Simon
Sharkey will direct the project, with a creative team including composer and sound designer Michael John
McCarthy, and video designer Tim Reid.
Local community engagement begins September 2017
Join the conversation: #NLShift
Testroom
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Presented by Puppet Animation Scotland and supported by the National Theatre of Scotland.
Testroom is a new puppetry and object manipulation initiative, facilitated by leading UK puppeteer
Gavin Glover, whose previous work for the National Theatre of Scotland includes The Tin Forest
and A Christmas Carol. Seven artists, Caitlin Skinner, Melanie Jordan, Ellie Griffiths, Fergus
Dunnet, Lynda Radley, Nicholas Bone and Naomi O Kelly are meeting throughout November and
December 2016 at Rockvilla to explore new creative ideas that might place puppetry and object
manipulation at their heart. Testroom has been running since September and the project will
culminate in the presentation of each project at manipulate Visual Theatre Festival in both
Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Scratch performance dates: Saturday 28 January 2017 at Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh and
Monday 30 January 2017 at the Tron Theatre, Glasgow.
manipulate Visual Theatre Festival is produced by Puppet Animation Scotland.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------TWO TAKE ME SOMEWHERE PROJECTS SUPPORTED BY THE NATIONAL THEATRE OF SCOTLAND
The Adrian Howells Award for Intimate Performance.
Produced and developed by Take Me Somewhere. Supported by the National Theatre of Scotland,
Battersea Arts Centre, the University of Glasgow and the Live Art Development Agency.
The winner of the Adrian Howells Award 2017 is Nic Green.
Adrian Howells (1962 – 2014) was one of the world’s leading figures in the field of one to one and intimate
performance. Over two decades he developed an artistic practice that focused on the particular power and
transformative possibility that could be achieved through creating a profound, immediate and personal
connection to his audiences. Through these works and the care he took in every aspect of the experience
he was often able to deeply affect those who participated in these encounters. The Adrian Howells Award
aims to celebrate the particular type of intimate work that Adrian pioneered and excelled at as well as
providing an opportunity to explore new territories in this field of practice.
Nic Green is award-winning dance/theatre practitioner whose extensive body of works includes varied
community and public art projects, holistic learning experiences, interactive web-based projects and
musical/audio composition. Her work has been commissioned and presented both nationally and
internationally to critical acclaim. She is best known for her award-winning Trilogy which received an
estimated 1000 participants, receiving the Arches Award for Theatre Directors, a Dublin Fringe Festival
Award and a Herald Angel. Recently she created Vivarium for the Albert Drive Project (an audio experience
for one person at a time inside the walls of a Victorian garden), MAKE SPACE for ArtsAdmin (a month long
residency on Hackney city farm with 12 makers aged between 17 and 24) and is showing Fatherland, a
dance performance about claiming land as paternity in the absence of a human at various venues.
As the inaugural recipient of this annual award, Nic Green has been afforded the opportunity to explore a
project idea in two stages, initially in Glasgow and subsequently in London at Battersea Arts Centre. She has
also been awarded £4,000 towards the creation of the project and performances in Glasgow and London.
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Full details of the winning project will be announced at the Take Me Somewhere launch on 1 December
2016.
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Take Me Somewhere Artist in Residence
A collaboration between the National Theatre of Scotland and Take Me Somewhere, with support from
Glasgow University.
Peter McMaster will be taking up residence with the soon to be launched Take Me Somewhere festival .
Peter is an experimental performance practitioner based in Glasgow, Scotland who creates work in live art
and performance contexts. Most known for his performance pieces 27 and Wuthering Heights, both of
which toured in 2016.
Full details of Peter’s residency will be announced at the Take Me Somewhere launch on 1 December
2016.
Rockvilla and Starter for Ten
Having just moved into its new purpose-built headquarters at Rockvilla, the National Theatre of Scotland
will also mark 2017 with renewed support for theatre-makers and artists, continuing to foster the
development of new work. Artists from the Starter for Ten initiative which offered a group of Scottish
theatre-makers a funded residency to support the development of new work, are already bringing first
creative life to the building, making use of the dedicated development and rehearsal space, technical
equipment, and staff support available at Rockvilla.
Starter for Ten artists: Sam Rowe, Matt Regan, Mariem Omari, Steven Fraser, Kate Bowen, MJ Deans,
Lucy Conway, Katy Dye & Aby Watson: Iain Beggs & Fiona MacNeil:
NATIONAL THEATRE OF SCOTLAND PRESS OFFICE CONTACTS:
Emma Schad – Head of Press – [email protected]
Tel: +44 (0)227 9016 M: +44 (0)7930 308018
Joe Blythe - Press Officer – [email protected]
Tel: +44 (0)141 227 9497 M: +44 (0) 7500 258404
You can follow the National Theatre of Scotland’s press office on Twitter @NTS_press
Press Images:
There is a selection of images for current productions available for download from
www.nationaltheatrescotland.com/press - please contact the press office for a password.
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For season announcement images please contact the press office (contact details above).
____________________________________________________________________________
National Theatre of Scotland Artists Biographies 2017
Cora Bissett – Director of Glasgow Girls, Adam, and Room
Cora trained at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. She is currently Associate Director with the National
Theatre of Scotland. She has previously worked for the company as co-creator/director of Rites (Contact),
Glasgow Girls (Theatre Royal Stratford East, Citizens Theatre, Richard Jordan Productions Ltd and
Pachamama Productions, in association with Merrigong Theatre Company, winner of Best New Musical
2013 at the Off West End Theatre Awards) and as an actor with The Wolves in the Walls. Cora is a director,
actor, songwriter and Artistic Director of her company Pachamama Productions, which she launched in
2010 with the multi-award winning Roadkill (Pachamama/ Ankur Productions). Roadkill won an Olivier
Award for Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre, 2012, as well as various other awards including
an Amnesty International Award for Freedom of Speech. Other artistic co-creating/directing credits include
Janis Joplin: Full Tilt (Theatre Royal Stratford East),Whatever Gets You Through the Night (The Arches) and
GRIT-The Martyn Bennett Story (Pachamama Productions). Her film credits includes Pasty Faces, Red Road,
You Instead, Not Another Happy Ending and God Help the Girl. Television credits include One Night In
Emergency, Rab C Nesbitt, River City, High Times, Taggart, Casualty and Rebus.
Jo Clifford – co-writer and performer of Eve
Jo is one of the generation of Scottish playwrights who put the Traverse on the international theatrical
map in the late 1980’s with her Losing Venice, Lucy’s Play, Playing with Fire, Ines de Castro and Light in the
Village.With her Great Expectations she became the first openly trans playwright to have a play running in
London’s West End.
James McMillan wrote the music to transform her Ines de Castro into an opera (Scottish Opera/Edinburgh
International Festival). Other work for the EIF includes Schism in England (National Theatre), Anna (Traverse
Theatre), Life Is A Dream (Royal Lyceum) and Celestina (Birmingham Rep).Other translations and
adaptations: Faust Parts 1& 2, Anna Karenina (both for the Royal Lyceum Theatre).Other theatre works:
The Tree of Knowledge (Traverse Theatre), Every One (Royal Lyceum Theatre and Chris Goode and Co.).
As a performer, Jo has previously worked with Chris Goode on his Albemarle Sketchbook (West Yorkshire
Playhouse) and in her own God’s New Frock (Tron/Traverse) and The Gospel According To Jesus Queen of
Heaven (Tron/Glasgay!).Work next year: The House of Bernarda Alba (Graeae and Royal Exchange); a new
commission for the Royal Exchange; War in America, (The Attic Collective)She is a proud father and
grandmother.
Emma Donoghue, Writer of Room
Emma is an award-winning writer and playwright. Her previous theatre works include I Know My Own
Heart, Trespasses, Don’t Die Wondering, Ladies and Gentlemen. She wrote a monologue for Signatories, a
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play of monologues commissioned by University College Dublin to celebrate the centenary of the Easter
Rising. Trespasses is currently being developed as an opera. Her first full-length feature film, Room (which
she adapted from her international bestselling novel Room, shortlisted for the Man Booker and Orange
Prizes), starring Brie Larson (and winning her an Oscar and Golden Globe for best actress) won Emma Best
Scriptwriting nominations for the Academy Awards, the Golden Globes, the Critics Choice Awards and the
Baftas. The film won the Grolsch People's Choice Award at Toronto International Film Festival. Emma is
now adapting her novel Frog Music into a feature film for Monumental Pictures Limited. Her recent written
works include The Wonder, (shortlisted for Canada's Giller Prize). Future written works include The Lotterys
Plus One, a novel for 8-to-12-year-olds (illustrated by Caroline Hadilaksono), which will be published in
Spring 2017. Other written works include historical novels The Sealed Letter, Life Mask, Slammerkin, and
contemporary novels Landing, Hood and Stir-fry; short-story collections Astray, Three and a Half Deaths (UK
ebook), Touchy Subjects, The Woman Who Gave Birth to Rabbits, and Kissing the Witch; and literary history
includes Inseparable, We Are Michael Field, and Passions Between Women, as well as two anthologies that
span the seventeenth to the twentieth centuries.
Oliver Emanuel, Writer of The 306: Day
Oliver is an internationally award-winning playwright based in Glasgow. His previous work for the National
Theatre of Scotland includes The 306: Dawn (14-18 NOW, Perth Theatre), Dragon (Vox Motus/ Tianjin
People’s Arts Theatre, winner of Best Show for Children and Young People – UK Theatre Awards 2014), and
The Day I Swapped My Dad For Two Goldfish. Other theatre works include Titus (winner of the People’s
Choice Victor Award at IPAY 2015), Prom (Oran Mor/Traverse/Lemon Tree), The Lost Things (Tortoise in a
Nutshell), Spirit of Adventure (Oran Mor), Magpie Park (West Yorkshire Playhouse), and Man Across The
Way. His recent radio work was a lead writer on Emile Zola: Blood, Sex & Money starring Glenda Jackson for
BBC Radio 4. Oliver was writer in residence for BBC Radio 4 in 2010 and is a part-time Lecturer in Creative
Writing at the University of St Andrews.
Robert Forrest, Writer of Jason and the Argonauts
Robert is a three-time Sony Award winning playwright. Robert’s previous theatre work includes Prince
Unleashed (Visible Fictions) Curse of the Demeter (Visible Fictions), Kepler (Fifth Estate), Lucia, (Fifth Estate)
Nova (Fifth Estate), The Book of Love (Oran Mor) and Poem in October (Oran Mor). His radio work includes
more than fifteen original plays including The Pillow Book (BBC Radio 4) and The Strange Case of the Man in
the Velvet Jacket (BBC Radio 3).He has a self-published book, Under Spells: A Tale, illustrated by Pat Shaw.
Chris Goode – Co-writer of Eve
Chris is a writer, director and performer, and the lead artist of Chris Goode & Company. He has won four
Scotsman Fringe First Awards since 2001, and was the recipient of the inaugural Stage Special Award in
2014. His recent theatre credits include: with Chris Goode & Company: WANTED (West Yorkshire
Playhouse); Every One (Battersea Arts Centre); Weaklings (Warwick Arts Centre); Longwave (Shoreditch
Town Hall; Lyric Hammersmith); Men In The Cities (Royal Court / Traverse); STAND (Oxford Playhouse /
Battersea Arts Centre); Monkey Bars (Traverse / Unicorn); The Adventures of Wound Man and Shirley
(Contact Theatre, Manchester; BAC). As an independent writer / director: What If I Told You? (West
Yorkshire Playhouse); Apathy (Theatre Uncut); Infinite Lives (Tobacco Factory); The Worst of Scottee
(Roundhouse); The Loss Of All Things (as part of 66 Books: Bush Theatre); Who You Are (Tate Modern);
…SISTERS (Headlong / Gate Theatre New Directions Award); Kiss of Life (Sydney Opera House).
He is also the director of the all-male performance ensemble Ponyboy Curtis, and the author of The Forest
and the Field: Changing theatre in a changing world (Oberon, 2016).
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David Greig – Co-creator of The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart
David is a playwright, screenwriter and director. His work for the National Theatre of Scotland includes The
Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart, One Day in Spring, Glasgow Girls, Dunsinane, Peter Pan, The Bacchae,
Futurology: A Global Review and Gobbo. His production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory opened in the
West End in 2013 and his new play The Events premiered at the Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh in August
2013. Other theatre highlights include The Monster In The Hall, Midsummer, Yellow Moon, Being
Norwegian, Damascus, Pyrenees, San Diego, The American Pilot, Outlying Islands and The Cosmonaut’s Last
Message to the Woman He Once Loved in the Former Soviet Union. David Greig is the Artistic Director of the
Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh.
Lewis Hetherington – writer/director of Rocket Post
Lewis is a Glasgow-based playwright and theatre maker whose work is rooted in collaboration and
storytelling. His previous work with the National Theatre of Scotland includes Instructions for Butterfly
Collectors (Traverse) and The Archivist (Oran Mor). As associate of Analogue he co-wrote Mile
End and Beachy Head, and wrote the Fringe First-winning 2401 Objects; a co-production with Oldenburg
Staatstheater. Most recently with Hannah Barker he wrote and directed Stowaway for the company. With
Catrin Evans he wrote and directed Leaving Planet Earth for Grid Iron, which premiered at the Edinburgh
International Festival. Other theatre credits include: 5 (National Youth Theatre) The Fragmented Life of
Dorothy Lawrence (Royal Conservatoire of Scotland), Instructions for Butterfly Collectors (National Theatre
of Scotland at the Traverse Theatre), Bodies Unfinished (Grey Swan, Brockley Jack), A Perfect Child and Sea
Change (Oran Mor), Friends Electric (Visible Fictions), Three Little Pigs, Red Riding Hood,
Goldilocks (Platform), Secret Life of Suitcases (Unicorn) and Cloud Man (created with Ailie Cohen) which is
currently touring internationally.
Douglas Irvine – Director of Jason and the Argonauts
Douglas is the Artistic Director of Visible Fictions. He has directed many productions for the company,
including: Jason and the Argonauts which has frequently toured the USA and Canada, and Australia;
Shopping for Shoes which has toured across the USA, Canada, Ireland and Germany; Curse of the Demeter,
a site-responsive piece on The Tall Ship in Glasgow; Peter Pan, a co-production with the Childrens’ Theatre
Company which ran in Minneapolis then toured to various theatres across Ireland and the UK; and Zorro.
He was also co-creator of The Bill’s New Frock and The Red Balloon, both of which toured the US and
Canada extensively. Most recently he directed Cargo with Iron Oxide and the Edinburgh Mela, Clockwork, a
co-production with Scottish Opera and The Hunted.
Jaimini Jethwa – writer of The Last Queen of Scotland
Jaimini is a playwright and independent film maker with specialist skills in working with vulnerable young
people and adults. In March 2014 Jaimini travelled to Uganda to explore presenting The Last Queen of
Scotland at National Theatre Kampala as part of ‘Banta in Uganda’ – in a research and development project
supported through Creative Scotland’s International fund. Jaimini is currently based at Abertay University,
Dundee, and has previously worked on drama production for BBC short Films, Scottish Screen, BBC Screen
writing Migrations, Lemuria Music Events Film-Maker, Diversity Films, GMAC. Jaimini was born in Uganda
but was expelled in August 1972 with her family by Idi Amin. The family headed to Britain and ended up
living in Dundee.
Muireann Kelly, director of Last Tango in Partick/ An Tango mu dheireadh ann am Partaig
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Muireann trained in drama at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Gaelic at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. She is
the Artistic Director of Theatre Gu Leòr/Galore. Her previous work with the National Theatre of Scotland
includes being part of the Gaelic Drama Writer’s retreat at Moniack Mhòr. Future works with the National
Theatre in Scotland include The Last Queen of Scotland, co-written with Frances Poet. Previous theatre
works as director include Lovers, Bold Girls and The Birthday Party (all performed at The Arches). Her
previous theatre performing works include Bright Colours Only (Tramway), Ulysses (Tron Theatre), The
Three Sisters (Tron Theatre/ The King’s Theatre, Edinburgh) and In My Father’s Words (Dundee Rep). Her
film works include playing Olive in Leaving Planet Earth (Edinburgh International Festival) and playing
Dolina (in Gaelic) in American TV series Outlander (Starz Production).
Alison Lang – Writer of Last Tango in Partick/ An Tango mu dheireadh am Partaig
Alison has worked previously with the National Theatre of Scotland as Literary Assistant (Gaelic). Alison
started writing articles for bilingual magazine Cothrom and television reviews for The Scotsman before
branching out into fiction. Her previous theatre works include Saoghal Beag Dhòmhnaill Mhòir, Na Bi
Tùrsach (for Pròiseact nan Ealan’s centenary project commemorating the First World War), Take me if you
want me (Oran Mor). Her TV works include episodes of Katie Morag (Obh! Obh! Productions/BBC ALBA)
including Na Seanmhairean (The Two Grandmothers), A’ Sireadh Izzy (The Search for Izzy), Teadaidh is
Trioblaid (Tiresome Ted), Seinn nan Ròn (The Seals Singing) and Na h-Annasan (The Mysteries). Radio works
include An Ite Gheal, written and recorded for BBC Radio nan Gaidheal. Her current projects include writing
a play for pupils of St Mary’s Music School and James Gillespie’s High School, Edinburgh, and mentoring one
of Playwrights’ Studio Scotland’s new playwrights. She has worked as an official reporter at the Scottish
Parliament, as a corporate affairs officer for Gaelic broadcaster MG ALBA, and is currently the Gaelic editor
for Sandstone Press.
Jemima Levick – director of The 306: Day
Jemima was appointed Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Stellar Quines in May 2016. Prior to that, she
served as Artistic Director and as Associate Director at Dundee Rep Theatre for seven years. She trained at
Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh and also on a Scottish Arts Council Director Traineeship. She has
won and been nominated for a number of awards and directed more than 18 productions at the Rep,
including Great Expectations, The Glass Menagerie, Time and the Conways, The Tempest, The Elephant Man
and Beauty and the Beast. As a director and producer she has worked with a number of companies,
including the Royal Lyceum Theatre, the National Theatre of Scotland, Perissology Theatre Productions,
Borderline, Grid Iron Theatre Company, Traverse Theatre and Paines Plough.
Frances Poet – Writer of Adam and Last Queen of Scotland
Frances is a Glasgow-based playwright. She has worked previously with the National Theatre of Scotland as
Literary Manager. Future works with the National Theatre in Scotland include The Last Queen of Scotland,
co-written with Muireann Kelly. Her recent theatre works include Shrapnel (Theatre Gu Leòr/Galore),
Andromanque (Oran Mor, The Byre Theatre), The Misanthrope (Oran Mor) and Faith Fall (Oran Mor/
Bristol’s Tobacco Factory). Her previous radio works include The Disappointed (BBC Radio Scotland). Her
recent film works include Spores (Short Film Talent Network).
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Simon Sharkey, director of Submarine Time Machine
Simon is an Associate Director of National Theatre of Scotland and one of the inaugural members of the
senior management team. He has led the Learn Department since the inception of the company and his
previous work includes Home Away, Granite, To Begin, The Tin Forest, Jump, Extreme, 99…100 and several
other international cultural exchanges for National Theatre of Scotland. Most recently he has been
travelling throughout Scotland and internationally developing a wide range of projects for communities.
Previously he was recipient of the NESTA International Cultural Leadership Fellowship and Director of
Cumbernauld Theatre for 11 years.
Rosalind Sydney, creator of Up to Speed
Rosalind is a Glasgow based actress and more recently a theatre maker and director. Her previous works
with National Theatre of Scotland include The Day I Swapped My Dad For Two Goldfish (Edinburgh
Festival/Scottish Tour), Appointment with the Wickerman, Allotment and Rupture. Other theatre works
include Interiors (Vanishing Point/Theatre Eliseo), Interiors (Vanishing Point/Theatre Eliseo), Caged
(Catherine Wheels), My Romantic History (Bush Theatre/ Sheffield Crucible/ Birmingham Rep), Snow Baby
(MacRobert), Hard Gravity Rough Cuts (Royal Court Theatre), 1000 Paper Cranes (Assembly Rooms,
Edinburgh Festival), My Romantic History (Bush Theatre/ Sheffield Crucible/ Birmingham Rep), Pobby and
Dingan (Catherine Wheels), Shopping For Shoes (Visible Fictions USA), The Beggars Opera (Vanishing
Point/Royal Lyceum Theatre), Naked Neighbour, We Are Everywhere At Home (Cumbernauld/ Theatre
Comedia, Bucharest), Lickety-Leap (Lickety Spit Theatre), Peep (Starcatchers), Zarraberri/Limbo (Oran Mor),
Subway (Vanishing Point), The Littlest Christmas Tree (MacRobert), Broken Glass (Rapture Theatre
Company), Armchair War (Visible Fictions), Molly Whuppie (Lickety Spit Theatre Company), Knives in Hens
(Tag Theatre Co.), Cyrano (Catherine Wheels), Traffic, Transfigured (Scottish Society of Playwrights/Citizens
Theatre), King Lear (Tag Theatre Co), It’s Your Turn To Clean The Stair (Rapture Theatre Co), Comedy of
Errors (White Horse Theatre Co). Radio works include The True Story of Bonnie Parker, Vera, 44 Scotland
Street, Caterpillars, The Strange Case of the Man in the Velvet Jacket, Raven Black, Meryl the Mounted,
Gondwannaland (all BBC Radio 4). TV works include Shakespeare for Beginners (BBC Scotland). Short film
works include The Things That Are Important To Us, The Protector (COZ Productions), and First Wave
(Visible Fictions).
Jack Thorne – (Stage) writer of Let The Right One In
Jack’s previous work with the National Theatre of Scotland includes Let The Right One In (Dundee Rep /
Royal Court Theatre, Marla Rubin Ltd). His recent theatre works include Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
(SFP Productions/ Harry Potter West End Theatrical), The Solid Life Of Sugar Water (Graeae Theatre
Company, Edinburgh Festival and UK Tour), Hope (Royal Court, London), The Borough (Punchdrunk /
Aldeburgh Festival), Stuart: A Life Backwards (adapt. Hightide / Sheffield Theatre - Edinburgh Festival and
UK tour), Mydidae (Drywrite - Soho Theatre / Trafalgar Studios), The Physicists (adaptation Donmar
Warehouse), Bunny (Nabokov - UK tour / New York City), Red Car Blue Car, Two Cigarettes, When You Cure
Me (Bush Theatre), Greenland (National Theatre of Great Britain), 2nd May 1997 (Bush / Nabokov), Burying
Your Brother in the Pavement (NT Connections), Stacy (Tron /Arcola / Trafalgar Studios) and Fanny and
Faggot (Pleasance Edinburgh / Finborough / Trafalgar Studios). His television work includes National
Treasure, The Last Panthers, Don’t Take My Baby (Best Single – Bafta 2016), Glue, The Fades (Best Drama
Series – BAFTA 2012), This Is England ’90 (Best Serial – Bafta 2016), This Is England ‘88 (Best Mini-Series –
BAFTA 2012), This is England ‘86, Cast-Offs and episodes of Skins and Shameless. His film works include
Warbook, A Long Way Down and The Scouting Book for Boys, which premiered at the 2010 London Film
Festival and won the Best British Newcomer Award.
John Tiffany – Director of Let The Right One In
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John was Associate Director of the National Theatre of Scotland from 2005 to 2012. His previous work for
the company includes Macbeth, Enquirer, The Missing, Peter Pan, The House of Bernarda Alba, Transform
Caithness: Hunter, Be Near Me (The Donmar Warehouse), Nobody Will Ever Forgive Us, The Bacchae
(Edinburgh International Festival), Black Watch (for which he won the Olivier and Critics’ Circle Best
Director Awards), Elizabeth Gordon Quinn and Home: Glasgow. He also directed Let The Right One In for the
National Theatre of Scotland, which transferred to the Royal Court, West End and St. Ann’s Warehouse,
New York. John recently directed Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in the West End. On Broadway he
directed Macbeth, The Glass Menagerie (American Repertory Theatre, Edinburgh International
Festival) and Once (American Repertory Theatre), for which he was the recipient of multiple awards. As
Associate Director of the Royal Court in London his work includes The Twits, Hope and The Pass. Other
recent credits include The Ambassador at BAM. John was a Radcliffe Fellow at Harvard University in the
2010-2011 academic year.
Gareth Williams – Composer, The 306: Day
Gareth trained in music at Queen’s University, Belfast. His previous work with the National Theatre of
Scotland includes The 306: Dawn (14-18 NOW, Perth Theatre). Gareth is a Chancellor’s Fellow at Edinburgh
College of Art. His work seeks to find new participants, collaborators and audiences for new opera and
music theatre. In 2015 he created Fields of Light for the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, commissioned
by BBC Radio 3, Let The Dancing Out for the Maxwell Quartet, and he composed, and conducted the
premiere of Hirda. In 2016, Rocking Horse Winner, a chamber opera with libretto by Anna Chatterton, was
premiered in Toronto by Tapestry Opera . Gareth was Composer in Residence at Scottish Opera from 2011
to 2014. His work there includes Elephant Angel (with libretto by Bernard McLaverty), which toured
Scotland and Northern Ireland in 2012 and Last One Out, (with libretto by Johnny McKnight), which
premièred at the Sound Festival in 2012 in Fraserburgh Lighthouse. The Sloans Project, (Libretto David
Brock) was created for and premiered in Glasgow’s Sloans Bar in 2011, and has since been performed
across Scotland and in Canada. With David Brock and the support of the Welcome Trust, he created Breath
Cycle at the Respiratory ward of Gartnavel Royal Hospital, where he wrote songs and opera specifically for
patients with Cystic Fibrosis. Breath Cycle was shortlisted for a Royal Philharmonic Society Award.
Wils Wilson – co-creator of The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart
Wils’s previous work for the National Theatre of Scotland includes Ignition, Gobbo (Best Production for
Children & Young People, Critics’ Awards for Theatre in Scotland) and HOME Shetland (also winner of a
CATS Award). Recent work includes Wind Resistance (Edinburgh International Festival), I Want My Hat
Back, a musical show for families (National Theatre, London), Gastronauts (Royal Court), an edible
performance exploring our complex relationship with food, Praxis Makes Perfect (National Theatre Wales) a
theatre event/gig created with electro-pop duo Neon Neon, and Anon (WNO), a new opera by Errollyn
Wallen. Wils was co-founder and co-Artistic Director of wilson+wilson (1997-2007), creating site-specific
art, installation and theatre. Work included HOUSE, Mapping the Edge, News from the Seventh Floor and
Mulgrave.
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NOTES TO EDITORS
1. The National Theatre of Scotland is dedicated to playing the great stages, arts centres, village halls,
schools and site-specific locations of Scotland, the UK and internationally. As well as creating
ground-breaking productions and working with the most talented theatre-makers, the National
Theatre of Scotland produces significant community engagement projects, innovates digitally and
works constantly to develop new talent. Central to this is finding pioneering ways to reach current
and new audiences and to encourage people’s full participation in the Company’s work. With no
performance building of its own, the Company works with existing and new venues and companies
to create and tour theatre of the highest quality. Founded in 2006, the Company, in its short life,
has become a globally significant theatrical player, with an extensive repertoire of award-winning
work. The National Theatre of Scotland is supported by the Scottish Government.
www.nationaltheatrescotland.com
2. The Abbey Theatre is Ireland’s national theatre. It was founded by W.B. Yeats and Lady Augusta
Gregory. Since it first opened its doors in 1904 the theatre has played a vital and often
controversial role in the literary, social and cultural life of Ireland. Room will be part of Neil Murray
and Graham McLaren’s first season as new directors of the Abbey Theatre, which will be
announced on 29 November 2016.
3. BBC ALBA For further information please contact Lorna Gardner, Gary McQueen or Caroline
Middleton Gordon at Media House on 0141 220 6040 or email [email protected] /
[email protected] / [email protected] BBC ALBA is available on the following
platforms:
 Sky 142
 Freeview / You View 7 (Scotland only)
 Virgin Media 161 (UK)
 Freesat 109 (UK)
 BBC iPlayer
BBC ALBA is run by MG ALBA in partnership with the BBC. MG ALBA is the operating name of
Seirbheis nam Meadhanan Gàidhlig, the Gaelic Media Service. Find out more about MG ALBA and
the partnership at www.mgalba.com or visit www.bbcalba.co.uk for scheduling and programme
information.
CRÌOCH
Airson barrachd fiosrachaidh, cuir fios gu Lorna Gardner no Gary McQueen aig Media House air
0141 220 6040 no [email protected] / [email protected]
Fios do luchd-deasachaidh
Gheibhear BBC ALBA air:
·
Sky 142 (RA)
·
Freeview / You View 7 (Alba a-mhàin)
·
Virgin Media 161 (RA)
·
Freesat 109 (RA)
·
BBC iPlayer
Tha BBC ALBA air a ruith le MG ALBA ann an co-bhanntachd ris a’ BhBC. Is e MG ALBA an t-ainm fo
bheil Seirbheis nam Meadhanan Gàidhlig (Gaelic Media Service) ag obair. Faigh a-mach tuilleadh
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mu MG ALBA agus an co-bhanntachd aig www.mgalba.com no tadhal air www.bbcalba.co.uk airson
fiosrachadh mu chlàran agus phrògraman.
4. Bill Kenright Productions. Bill Kenwright has produced over 300 productions in the West End and
on Broadway, as well as a dozen or so films including the 2012 Best Film at the British Independent
Film Awards for Broken. He has received a Lifetime Achievement Award from both Variety Club and
the Theatrical Management Association and a CBE. He is Chairman, and fan, of Everton Football
Club.
5.
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CultureNL is working for the communities of, and visitors to, North Lanarkshire and aims to:
Encourage enjoyment and involvement in cultural activity
Promote opportunities which are accessible to all
Create stronger, more cohesive communities through participation in cultural activities
Work in partnership with local and national agencies to promote and widen cultural opportunities
Provide welcoming, well maintained venues and community spaces
Be a strong, sustainable, successful organisation which is valued by our customers, communities
and supporters, and
 Maximise resources, value our employees, grow our business and generate income to further
develop the organisation.
Every year Culture NL engages hundreds of thousands of people in the enjoyment and excitement that
culture can bring and hopes to engage many more in the years to come.
North Lanarkshire Council provides key services to the people of North Lanarkshire, Scotland's fourth
largest local authority.
6. Dundee Rep Theatre is rooted in making work for and with a diverse local audience while
strengthening its national and international reputation. The theatre is a national cultural asset
which the people of Dundee feel ownership over and in which they can take enormous pride.
Dundee Rep Theatre is home to Dundee Rep Ensemble, Scottish Dance Theatre and Rep Creative
Learning. Dundee Rep Ensemble has created a number of award-winning productions, establishing
a reputation as one of the UK’s foremost theatre companies, performing at home and touring
nationally and internationally. Dundee Rep Theatre is one of the most awarded theatre companies
in Scotland.
7. Horsecross Arts. Perth Theatre has a long history of artistic innovation and excellence having been
at the heart of cultural life in Perth for over a century. Horsecross Arts, the creative organisation
which runs Perth Theatre and Perth Concert Hall and project partners Perth & Kinross Council are
now undertaking a £16.6m transformation of Perth’s much-loved theatre. This will see the B listed
Edwardian auditorium restored to its former glory, the creation of a new 200 seat studio theatre,
increased workshop spaces for creative learning and community projects and improved access and
audience facilities. Scheduled to reopen in late 2017, the transformation will restore and redevelop
Perth Theatre for generations to come. While the building is closed, Perth Theatre has been going
Out and About! We have taken theatre to audiences across the area in pubs, hotels, village halls,
community centres, and now … barns! http://www.horsecross.co.uk/transform-perth-theatre
8. Imaginate is the national organisation in Scotland, which promotes, develops and celebrates
theatre and dance for children and young people. Imaginate
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wants more children in Scotland to experience work that is deeply engaging, innovative and
inspiring. It believes that all children deserve the opportunity to develop their creativity, emotional
intelligence and reach their true potential.
wants more high quality children’s work made in Scotland, and so support artists with a year-round
programme of creative development. This includes a mix of events, training, residencies, mentoring
and special projects.
celebrates the best of children’s theatre and dance from around the world by producing the
Imaginate Festival which showcases performances that delight and inspire the young and young-atheart. The festival is also one of the best places for programmers from all over the world to see
work of the very highest standard.
www.imaginate.org.uk
9. Marla Rubin Productions Ltd. Canadian-born Marla Rubin has produced Festen and The
Mountaintop in the Off-West End, West End and on Broadway, The Mountaintop winning the
Olivier for Best New Play in 2010, and Festen the Evening Standard Awards (Best Director, Best
Design), The Critics’ Circle Award (Best Director), The Whatsonstage.com Theatregoers’ Choice
Award (Best New Play) and The Sydney Theatre Awards (Best Direction, Best Set Design, Best
Costume Design). After becoming mesmerized by Let the Right One In in 2008, Rubin pursued the
film & book rights and then approached John Tiffany and the National Theatre of Scotland to
partner on the stage project. Rubin began her career in documentaries, working on award-winning
pieces including the Simon Wiesenthal Centre’s Museum of Tolerance (Academy Award to Museum)
and Crimes of Violence (Emmy Award to Director). Rubin was one of the historic first group of
women to graduate from Columbia University’s undergraduate division, Columbia College, in 1985.
10. McKittrick Hotel. The McKittrick Hotel, curated by the NYC-based producing team Emursive, is
home to the immersive theater spectacle Sleep No More, the rooftop bar and oasis Gallow Green,
the jazz-infused nightclub Manderley Bar, the winter rooftop hideaway The Lodge, and the finedining restaurant and concert space The Heath. Jonathan Hochwald, Arthur Karpati and Randy
Weiner formed Emursive in 2010 to create immersive experiences in extraordinary places.
Emursive’s first ever production is Sleep No More, Punchdrunk’s New York debut at The McKittrick
Hotel, and the most monumental immersive installation ever presented in New York. For more info,
visit www.mckittrickhotel.com.
11. Pachamama Productions creates new cross-genre theatrical work rooted in
collaboration.Pachamama is a Glasgow based theatre company set up by actor, director and
musician, Cora Bissett.“I am passionate about experimenting and finding the meeting places with
artists from different backgrounds and working in a truly organic way, exploring ways in which
different art forms can be the catalyst for work.
I have created many shows using short stories, poems or songs as a starting point from which to
devise around, and develop story, whilst also having experience of working with new plays or
developing work with a writer as part of a collaborative team.
My organic approach to creating work is rooted in formative years of playing in bands, and this fluid
working style is a key factor I believe in the way in which my work is shaped.”
12. A Play, a Pie and a Pint is the UK's largest commissioner and producer of new drama. Founded in
2004, it has mounted over 400 productions in the last twelve years. We seek to produce and
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promote high quality, tourable new plays from Scotland, the UK and the rest of the world and to
present them at an affordable price to the people of Scotland. Plays from A Play, A Pie and A Pint at
Òran Mór have been produced in England, Ireland, Sweden, Holland, Italy, Spain, Russia, Australia
and the USA. Previous international collaborations with the National Theatre of Scotland have
included plays from Jamaica, Syria, Morocco, China, Latin America and Russia and Ukraine.
www.playpiepint.com
13. Puppet Animation Scotland Founded in 1984 Puppet Animation Scotland champions puppetry,
animation and visual theatre in Scotland and internationally, and provides a leading expert focus
for the nurturing of creativity, innovation and excellence.
Through our portfolio of festivals – Puppet Animation Festival, the UK’s oldest and largest annual
performing arts event for children, and manipulate Visual Theatre Festival – and other year-round
activities, we provide practical, relevant strategic support and advocacy for artists and art form
development and promotion. We champion and celebrate puppetry, animation and visual theatre
as valued elements integral to Scotland’s rich and diverse cultural life.
Website: www.puppetanimation.org
14. Stellar Quines. Established in 1993, Stellar Quines is an award winning Scottish theatre company
that celebrates the energy, experience and perspective of women. Stellar Quines is proud to have
provided a platform for women’s stories and created live theatre driven by women and where
female practitioners are at the forefront of all creative roles throughout this time. Stellar Quines
has established a reputation for high quality, diverse work that reflects an eclectic range of
theatrical styles and is underpinned by a commitment to pushing boundaries and challenging
stereotypes. In May 2016 Stellar Quines welcomed a new Artistic Director, Jemima Levick, who
joined the company from Dundee Rep Theatre. www.stellarquines.com
15. The Traverse is Scotland’s new writing theatre. Formed in 1963 by a group of passionate theatre
enthusiasts, the Traverse was founded to extend the spirit of the Edinburgh festivals throughout
the year. Today, under Artistic Director Orla O’Loughlin, the Traverse nurtures emerging talent,
produces award-winning new plays and offers a curated programme of the best work from the UK
and beyond, spanning theatre, dance, performance, music and spoken word. The Traverse has
launched the careers of some of the UK’s most celebrated writers – including David Greig, David
Harrower and Zinnie Harris – and continues to discover and support new voices – most recently,
Stef Smith, Morna Pearson, Gary McNair and Rob Drummond. With two custom-built and versatile
theatre spaces, the Traverse’s home in Edinburgh’s city centre is a powerhouse of vibrant new work
for, and of, our time. Every August, it holds an iconic status as the theatrical heart of the Edinburgh
Festival Fringe. Outside the theatre walls, it runs an extensive engagement programme, offering
audiences of all ages and backgrounds the opportunity to explore, create and develop. Further
afield, the Traverse frequently tours internationally and engages in exchanges and partnerships –
most recently in Quebec, New Zealand and South Korea.
16. Theatre Royal Stratford East, the famous producing theatre located in the heart of London’s East
End on the edge of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, prides itself on creating world class work
that reflects the concerns, hopes and dreams of its audience. A prolific developer of new work by
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writers including Roy Williams, Tanika Gupta, David Baddiel, Che Walker and Trish Cook, this awardwinning theatre attracts artists and audiences often under-represented in other venues and is
committed to supporting the development of exciting new voices and to putting bold new work on
its stage.
The theatre also breaks new ground with musicals by bringing contemporary and urban music into
the mainstream of British theatre. This has led to the production of a broad spectrum of acclaimed
sell-out musicals including include The Infidel - The Musical, Wah! Wah! Girls (with Sadler’s Wells
and Kneehigh), the Olivier Award winning Pied Piper (with Boy Blue Entertainment), Reasons to be
Cheerful (with Graeae Theatre Company and New Wolsey Theatre), Come Dancing (Best New
Musical – What’s On Stage Awards),The Harder They Come, and the Olivier Award nominated The
Big Life. www.stratfordeast.com
17. Visible Fictions creates vibrant, high quality and accessible theatre for young people and adults
alike. Over the years, the company’s work has inspired and entertained audiences across the world
– from Broadway to schools in the Scottish Highlands – always aiming to challenge, excite and
thrill. No two Visible Fictions performances are alike but all guarantee an equally memorable and
powerful experience.
Visible Fictions are regularly invited to perform at the Imaginate Festival and other festivals across
the world. They have collaborated with BBC Panorama and co-produced with BBC Scotland for BBC
Radio 4 and Scottish Opera.
Abroad the Company has co-produced with Danish ASSITEJ and were thrilled to be the first Scottish
theatre company to be invited to perform on Broadway with our production of Red Balloon. We
have collaborated with The Seattle Children’s Theatre and The Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles
and The Children’s Theatre Company, Minneapolis and The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
in Washington. www.visiblefictions.co.uk
18. Abbey Theatre is Ireland’s national theatre. It was founded by W.B. Yeats and Lady Augusta
Gregory. Since it first opened its doors in 1904 the theatre has played a vital and often
controversial role in the literary, social and cultural life of Ireland.
Room will be part of Neil Murray and Graham McLaren’s first season as new directors of the Abbey
Theatre, which will be announced on 29 November 2016.
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