A journey from lockdown back to live theatre 2021 to 2022
Join the National Theatre of Scotland on a journey back to live theatre as it celebrates a programme of new tours, returning productions, a World Premiere and its ongoing digital programme.
Article Source: National Theatre of Scotland
Last Updated: 10 June 2021 18:48
• A thrilling return to Scotland’s stages and festivals this summer with live productions touring to venues including the Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh as part of this year’s Edinburgh International Festival; Beacon Arts Centre, Greenock; Dundee Rep; King’s Theatre, Edinburgh; Eden Court Theatre, Inverness; Perth Theatre; Glasgow’s SEC Armadillo and Pitlochry Festival Theatre.
• Live shows cancelled by Covid 19 during 2020 now brought back to tour across Scotland - The Enemy by Kieran Hurley, directed by Finn den Hertog is a brand-new provocative and timely adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s iconic classic An Enemy of the People with music composed by Kathryn Joseph; Enough of Him by May Sumbwanyambe, directed by Justin Audibert, presented in a first-time collaboration with Pitlochry Festival Theatre, tells the remarkable true story of Joseph Knight an enslaved African man brought to Scotland by plantation owner John Wedderburn, to serve in his Perthshire mansion.
• World Premiere stage production of new Scottish musical Orphans in 2022, a darkly comic musical about family, grief and forgiveness, based on the film Orphans written and directed by Peter Mullan. Directed for Scotland’s stages by Cora Bissett, adapted by Douglas Maxwell with heartfelt rousing music from Roddy Hart and Tommy Reilly signalling the return of the National Theatre of Scotland to Scotland’s largest stages.
• Two compelling and powerful pieces from award-winning poet, playwright and director, Hannah Lavery, live on stage and on digital platforms during the month of August 2021. Lament for Sheku Bayoh, an artistic response to the tragic death of Sheku Bayoh is on stage at the Royal Lyceum Theatre during this year’s Edinburgh International Festival and, in a partnership with The Royal Society of Edinburgh, Thirteen Fragments is a new digital artwork created as part of a Post Covid-19 Futures Commission featuring spoken word and movement.
• The digital programme continues, connecting creatively with audiences at home. Carry Me Home – A Ferry Tale is a new short film created by Seth Hardwick celebrating Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters 20/21 and filmed on a Cal Mac ferry, streaming to audiences in September.
Jackie Wylie, Artistic Director and CEO of National Theatre of Scotland says: “I am more than thrilled to be able to announce the National Theatre of Scotland’s’ return to live work on Scotland’s epic stages, platforming the best of extraordinary Scottish theatrical talent, after an unprecedented hiatus.
It seems entirely fitting that our first post lockdown tour will be Kieran Hurley and Finn den Hertog’s The Enemy, after Ibsen’s Enemy of the People, which was in rehearsal when COVID-19 closed Scottish theatres for over 16 months. An astute and timely tale which I am proud will be seen, at last, in venues from Greenock to Inverness.
This programme not only marks the Company’s journey out of lockdown back into theatres, but the theme of journeying can be found throughout the programme, each production weaving a compelling narrative, in the way that is unique to theatre.
Four characters on a soulful journey through the night in the trailblazing musical Orphans, created by Cora Bissett, Douglas Maxwell, Roddy Hart and Tommy Reilly in tribute to Peter Mullan’s cult film, a fateful journey across the waters in Seth Hardwick’s poignant short film Carry Me Home – A Ferry Tale, a journey for Joseph Knight from Africa to Perthshire and for Scotland towards the abolition of slavery in May Sumbwanyambe’s Enough of Him and Hannah Lavery’s powerful and empowered Lament for Sheku Bayoh, marking Scotland’s journey to understand its own racism in the current day. Also in August, Hannah Lavery’s impassioned & poetic take on female resilience in 2020 is premiered in partnership with the RSE as part of their important Post Covid-19 Futures Commission.
It is vital that the National Theatre of Scotland continues collaborating with as many partners and venues as possible and creating employment opportunities for artists and freelancers so we can give much needed support to the sector at this critical stage. We welcome them all to join us in our hopeful journey back to being with audiences once more and sharing the unique experience of live performance that we have missed for so long”
Find out more here: https://www.nationaltheatrescotland.com/whats-on
Image: Cora Bissett and Jackie Wylie at the SEC Armadillo in new musical Orphans
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
Celebrate the New Year with a sparkling experience at The Ivy Edinburgh
With toasts to celebrate the new year breaking around the world, the experience is not to be missed!
READ MORE
Slice of kindness fuels staff at hub of Scottish charities
Staff at Norton Park in Leith, home to more than 20 charities, can now tuck into freshly made pizza with generous discounts, thanks to a local partnership with community-minded business, Pizza Geeks.
READ MORE
Big Fat Bingo of The Year shows announced
Christmas is coming in fast, and hot on its heels is the surreal, off-kilter period between Xmas and NYE... Bongo's Bingo have got just the tonic to help see out the final days of 2025!
READ MORE
Discover December Events at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
From Christmas events to Artist in Residence, discover Virgin Hotels Edinburgh's events taking place in this festive season!
READ MORE
Scottish jazz talent in tune as award winners unveiled
The Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 celebrated the cream of the crop in the jazz scene on Sunday night, honouring outstanding artists and contributors at a memorable ceremony in Glasgow.
READ MORE
Anna Campbell Jones launches small batch Scottish botanical rum distilled in Glasgow
Interior designer, BBC Scotland's Home of the Year judge and entrepreneur Anna Campbell-Jones has released her first spirit.
READ MORE
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo appoints new Marketing Director
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has appointed Johna Penman as its Marketing Director, leading the organisation’s Brand, Box Office, Marketing and Communications functions.
READ MORE
Fingal Sails into Christmas Retaining Two AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence
Christmas has come early for Scotland’s only five-star luxury floating hotel, Fingal, after retaining two prestigious Rosettes for culinary excellence
READ MORE
George Clooney returns to Edinburgh to speak at the 2026 British Business Awards and Social Bite Fundraising Dinner
The annual British Business Awards will take place on 30th April 2026 and will feature a special guest appearance and conversation with award-winning actor and humanitarian, George Clooney.
READ MORE
Helen Sharman and Hamza Yassin to appear at Edinburgh Science Festival 2026
The first British astronaut Helen Sharman and wildlife cameraman, presenter and author Hamza Yassin will headline Edinburgh Science Festival 2026 line-up.
READ MORE
10p pizzas from Civerinos as Deliveroo marks 10th Scottish anniversary
Raise a dram to a decade of Deliveroo: Civerinos and Deliveroo launch 10p pizzas to celebrate 10 years of feeding the people of Scotland.
READ MORE
Capital Theatres aims to share festive magic and wonder with a line up for everyone
Capital Theatres celebrates the festive season with entertainment for all ages, including enchanting magical family shows, world-class dance and a specially crafted Christmas Care Home Tour.
READ MORE
Lidl launching free gift wrapping stations across the UK
Lidl has unveiled its first-ever ‘Lidl Wrapped’ - a celebration of some of the nation's favourite buys, brought to life as limited-edition Christmas wrapping paper
READ MORE
Edinburgh brewery presents ultimate Christmas tipple for craft beer lovers
Christmas has come early for Scotland's beer fans following the release of a limited-edition craft ale from a leading Edinburgh microbrewery.
READ MORE
Meet Festive Film Favourites at Fort Kinnaird in December
Christmas is already in full swing at Fort Kinnaird, and the festivities are set to get even more magical as a line-up of much-loved characters visit the centre for the first time this December.
READ MORE
Edinburgh bar to raise Cash For Kids after Christmas nutcracker theft
Copper Blossom on George Street Edinburgh has launched a new festive cocktail in aid of a children’s charity following the theft of its eight-foot Christmas nutcracker statue.
READ MORE
Embrace the spirit of Christmas on International Volunteer Day
Christmas is a time for giving, and what better opportunity to discover new ways to give back to your community than on Friday 5th December, International Volunteer Day.
READ MORE
WIN! An Edinburgh Christmas Experience for 4
Heard the news? OMNi is inviting everyone to get into the festive spirit with an exclusive Christmas Prize Draw.
READ MORE
Dynamic Earth calls for support as Big Give Match Funding opens
Dynamic Earth has launched its 2025 Big Give Christmas Challenge campaign to boost STEM access for young people.
READ MORE
Ring in Hogmanay with darts, dancing, and bottomless pizza
If your New Year's resolution is to have more fun, start early at Flight Club!
READ MORE
Aldi colleague awarded medal from the King after fundraising efforts
An Aldi colleague based in Bathgate has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in recognition of her incredible fundraising efforts, helping to raise almost £50,000 for local charities.
READ MORE
Fort Kinnaird joins forces with local charities to support people who feel lonely at Christmas
New research has revealed one in two people (56 per cent) living in Edinburgh have experienced feelings of loneliness at Christmas.
READ MORE
Celebrate South Asian cinema this December with a selection of releases at Vue
There’s plenty for fans of South Asian cinema to enjoy at Vue this December, with a number of titles heading to the big screen.
READ MORE
Santas little helpers, assemble
Santa Paws, in partnership with Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, is calling out for the city’s dogs to take part in an attempt to break the world record for the most dogs in Christmas jumpers.
READ MORE
The Entertainer opens brand new store in Edinburgh
Britain’s toy shop, The Entertainer, has officially opened a brand-new store at The Gyle Shopping Centre.
READ MORE
Brighten up the nights with the magical Winter Windows
Winter Windows are back at Edinburgh’s Christmas! An arts competition for Edinburgh schoolchildren of all ages, it is an annual showcase of their creativity and skills.
READ MORE
Edinburgh residents encouraged to nominate a charity to receive a festive financial boost
Benefact Group’s Movement for Good Awards is giving away £120,000 as part of its annual 12 Days of Giving Christmas campaign and nominations are now open.
READ MORE
Volunteer Centre East Lothian reopens just in time for the season of goodwill
The team at Volunteer Centre East Lothian (VCEL) have thrown open their doors after an extensive renovation and are welcoming back local residents, volunteers and community groups.
READ MORE
Newtongrange Primary School pupils reap the benefits of outdoor learning with a newly extended playground
Pupils at a Midlothian school have given their resounding approval to their newly extended playground, which includes access to green space and trim trail equipment.
READ MORE
Fort Kinnaird crowns winner of competition to design labels for homegrown honey
Nine-year-old Elodie from Niddrie Mill Primary School has been named the winner of a recent competition launched by Fort Kinnaird to design a label for the honey produced by its resident beehives.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links