This is a specially curated selection of work from The National Theatre of Scotland suitable for families and children.

The Longest Summer

What do you remember most about growing up? Chances are it might be the summers, with so much time to play they felt like they might go on forever. And it looks like this one might be the longest yet… Written by Noisemaker (Scott Gilmour & Claire McKenzie) and directed by Jemima Levick, The Longest Summer sees Richard Rankin star in a lyrical, life-affirming musical journey through childhood and hardship, celebrating the beautiful things that the world has to offer.

Produced by National Theatre of Scotland, in association with BBC Scotland, Screen Scotland and BBC Arts’ Culture in Quarantine project, with support from Hopscotch Films.

Rapunzel

A hairy tale adventure

“You all know the story of Rapunzel, right? That lassie with the long hair who’s been trapped in her lockdown tower for what feels like forever. The lassie who’s sitting there like a loon waiting for some Prince will come along and save her. Well, think again.

Cos I bet nobody mentioned the hairdresser who made it her life’s mission to track Rapunzel down? Or Rapunzel’s twin brother who’s terrified he’s going to have to take the throne if his sister isn’t found? And they certainly didn’t mention that six foot all singing, all dancing rose in the garden whose psychic visions are going to save the day?

Because you see to truly know a story, you must know all the deets. And let me tell you chookies, the story you know of Rapunzel is incomplete. But finally, at long last, you get to hear from all the characters, all six sides, all six chapters. And despite what you might have thought, they don’t all end in happily ever after.

Rapunzel is a celebration of theatricality, music and storytelling. A chance to hear from every character in this well-known hairy tale, untangled and re-braided for this day and age. A chance to sit with the family and finally piece together the story of one lassie and her journey from isolation to taking her rightful place at the…. Hey come on, I’m not going to give away the ending now, am I?” Paige Ootabook, Narrator

A very special online festive show filmed in the beautiful surrounds of Stirling Castle, created by a Christmas cracker writing team, featuring sparkling showtunes from Novasound and directed by Scottish Panto King Johnny McKnight.

With Lockdown extended, we hoped to brighten a dreich January and celebrate the tradition of Scottish Pantos often running until the end of the month by releasing a new singalong version of Rapunzel, available until 31 January. In addition our free, fun, festive activity pack for families will also be available for audiences to enjoy over lockdown.

Directed by Johnny McKnight

Film Directed by Stewart Kyasimire

Written by Apphia Campbell, Johnny McKnight, Uma Nada-Rajah, Morna Pearson, Stef Smith, Meghan Tyler and Anita Vettesse.

A National Theatre of Scotland production in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland

Running time: 75 mins

Recommended age guide: 6+

Warning: includes some flashing lights

The Reason I Jump

WELCOME TO NAOKI’S GARDEN

Naoki is a non-verbal, autistic, Japanese author, who was just 13 years old when he wrote the book The Reason I Jump, a one-of-a-kind memoir that demonstrates how an autistic mind works. Now take a unique journey into his world of fascinating insights and magical storytelling in this exciting new production from National Theatre of Scotland.

In this innovative adaptation, the book becomes an experience, a mysterious journey through a beautiful outdoor maze designed by renowned Dutch collective Observatorium. There, you will encounter the gardeners who will tell you about Naoki as well as their own experiences of autism.

Naoki describes a profound relationship between people with autism and nature. The outdoor setting of North Kelvin Meadow and Children’s Wood in Glasgow offers an extraordinary environment for all of us to consider our place in the natural world.

This pioneering National Theatre of Scotland work was conceived by award-winning Scottish artist Graham Eatough and created with, and performed by, a group of artists with autism ranging from early teens to 60 years old. A unique opportunity to understand different experiences of autism and think about the many ways in which all of our minds work.

Rocket Post

July, 1934. The Western Isles. A small crowd stand on a beach and watch in amazement. Eccentric German scientist Gerhard Zucker tells them he wants to bring the world together.

The future is about communication.

The future is about connection.

The future is… Rockets!

Rocket Post is a fantastically fun story for families in English and Gaelic, packed with songs, charm and humour. It’s a tale of miscommunication, big ambitions and the joyous discoveries that happen when everything goes wrong.

Special screening for the Mòd followed by a family drama workshop in Gaelic.

Filmed specially at performances on Harris, this is a ground-breaking collaboration with National Theatre of Scotland and The Space.

Rocket Post: A National Theatre of Scotland Production.

Stage Version: Written and directed by Lewis Hetherington with collaborators Ailie Cohen and MJ McCarthy, and movement director Kane Husbands.

Screen Version: Directed by Donald MacInnes. Originally commissioned by The Space.

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