A £2 million boost from National Lottery funding through Creative Scotland’s Touring Fund for Theatre and Dance, will bring a thrilling mix of new work and award-winning productions to stages across Scotland throughout 2025 and 2026.
From fresh reinterpretations of classic works to captivating new performances, this vibrant line-up spans immersive dance, time-twisting drama, and storytelling from companies such as Wonder Fools, Cirqulation - Scotland’s circus cabaret night - and Tero Buru, an unstaged play left by the late musician Beldina Odenyo. Featuring an exhilarating mix of physical theatre, comedy, and dance for audiences of all ages, these performances will tour a diverse array of venues- from intimate spaces to grand theatres- bringing world-class artistry to communities across Scotland.
Among the 17 funded projects, celebrated Scottish playwright, Rona Munro’s latest adaptation breathes new life into the story of James VI of Scotland/I of England, weaving together past chapters of her acclaimed James Plays, in a fresh reimagining. Meanwhile, theatre duo, Jordan and Skinner’s new production, Do Not Pass Go! uncovers the untold story of female Monopoly inventor Lizzie Magie, leaving audiences re-thinking everything they think they know about the much-loved boardgame.
Funding is also expanding touring opportunities for productions like These Mechanisms, octogenarian Christine Thynne’s captivating solo dance piece celebrating the human body’s capabilities, co-created with Robbie Synge, and Hercules the Bear by Tenterhooks inspired by the astonishing true story of a 10-foot grizzly bear raised by a Scottish couple at their Stirlingshire home in the 1980s.
These Mechanisms by Christine Thynne & Robbie Synge - credit Amy Sinead Photography.
Laura Mackenzie-Stuart, Creative Scotland’s Head of Theatre said: "In its eighth year, the Touring Fund for Theatre and Dance remains dedicated to supporting some of Scotland’s most dynamic creators and programmers as they share their stories with audiences across the country. This vital fund plays a key role in bringing diverse voices and both timeless and fresh stories to life, ensuring audiences of all ages and lived experience can enjoy the magic of theatre and dance."
Details of all funded projects in this round can be downloaded below.
Background
The Touring Fund for Theatre and Dance was developed as a collaboration between Creative Scotland, the Federation of Scottish Theatre and their members. The Fund supports the touring of theatre and dance, enhancing opportunities for artists, producers and companies to work more collaboratively with venues to grow audiences and provide greater access to high quality work across Scotland.
For full details of previous productions supported through the Fund, please see the announcements from Dec 2023, Dec 2022 and July 2022.
All awards made are subject to contracting. Details for the next round of the Touring Fund for Theatre and Dance will be announced in Spring 2025.
Since The National Lottery began in 1994, National Lottery players have raised more than £47 billion for good causes. More than 670,000 individual grants have been made across the UK - the equivalent of around 240 National Lottery grants in every UK postcode district.
Creative Scotland is the public body that supports culture and creativity across all parts of Scotland, distributing funding provided by the Scottish Government and The National Lottery, which, now in its 30th year, has supported over 14,600 projects with more than £501.9 million in funding through Creative Scotland and its predecessor, the Scottish Arts Council Further information at creativescotland.com. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Learn more about the value of art and creativity in Scotland and join in at www.ourcreativevoice.scot
Hercules the Bear imagery by Eoin Carey.
Media Contact
Rebecca Halligan, Media Relations and PR Coordinator
07350 392 078