Theatre in Schools Scotland, the National Theatre of Scotland and Imaginate’s successful schools touring project, sponsored by the Scottish Salmon Company, has launched its programme for 2019-20. Following a hugely successful three-year pilot, this year will see six world-class theatre productions touring to schools and nurseries across the country.

The productions touring into schools as part of this year’s programme celebrate the joy of theatrical storytelling for all ages: A Ladder to the Stars presented by Visible Fictions and Aberdeen Performing Arts tells the heartfelt story of what happens when the universe hears your dreams; Cloud Man presented by Ailie Cohen Puppet Maker explores the wonder and beauty of everyday life told through puppetry, storytelling and clouds; Mikey and Addie presented by Red Bridge Arts is a beautiful, bittersweet show about coming to terms with the loss of childhood innocence; Daniel Padden’s WhirlyGig presented by Red Bridge Arts and Catherine Wheels presents a madcap musical theatrical experience; Lifeboat presented by Catherine Wheels is an extraordinary story of courage, survival and enduring friendship based on a true story and Slug presented by Visible Fictions is a comic, clowning adventure without words.

Jackie Wylie, Chief Executive and Artistic Director at the National Theatre of Scotland says, “We at the National Theatre of Scotland truly believe that theatre can have a transformative effect on young people and our three year pilot of Theatre in Schools Scotland has strongly demonstrated this with hugely positive feedback from teachers and pupils across Scotland. We are therefore delighted that this pioneering initiative, presented in partnership with Imaginate and generously supported by the Scottish Salmon Company will continue, bringing the extraordinary work of Scottish children’s theatre companies and artists into schools the length and breadth of the country.”Since launching three years ago, the project has successfully toured 14 productions to every local authority in Scotland, bringing 652 inspiring, powerful performances to 52,000 children and young people in schools from Shetland to the Scottish Borders.

For more information on the programme, or for booking information for interested schools, visit theatreinschoolsscotland.co.uk or contact TISS@imaginate.org.uk for more details.