Blog: A selection of Christmas shows for schools

7 December 2020

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While planning our own schools programme, our school team has come across some of these Christmas shows from companies based in Scotland. Some of them are only available to schools while others are open to the general public. 

Rapunzel, National Theatre of Scotland

“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?"

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 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. Also available will be a free, fun, festive activity pack for families to enjoy over the holiday period.

FREE. Booking tiss@imaginate.org.uk     
School dates: 21st – 22nd December
Platform: Vimeo, 70 mins

Part of the Theatre in Schools Scotland programme

White The Film, Catherine Wheels Theatre Company

Welcome to the world of White.
White is a place where men wear bathmats as aprons and baby hats on their heads.
White is a world of birdhouses, disco balls and prawn crackers.
White is a place where everything is white.
But one day colour arrives and everything changes.

Over 100,000 worldwide audiences have fallen in love with this magical, highly visual show for P1-P2. After touring the world for the past 10 years, Catherine Wheels are bringing together the original cast and creative team to produce a specially-made film for classrooms across Scotland this December.

As well as access to watch the film at a time that suits them, schools will also receive additional pre-show activities and resources, to bring some of the magic of a theatre trip to pupils.

Cost - £100 Booking helen@catherinewheels.co.uk
Suitable for P1-P2
Dates throughout December
Platform: Vimeo / Youtube

Part of Theatre in Schools Scotland programme

Secret Theatre, Scottish Ballet

In a deserted city, a young boy stumbles into a theatre. He wanders through the auditorium, where rows of velvet chairs, draping curtains and chandeliers seem to lie in lonely wait for audiences to return. The theatre may be empty, but the show will go on... 
Starring characters from our most popular festive ballets, the worlds of the Snow Queen and the Sugar Plum Fairy collide when the theatre bursts into life. In this spectacular, feature-length film, you’ll be treated to an extraordinary show filled with acrobats, snowflakes, clowns, princes and – of course – beautiful ballerinas.   

Tickets are FREE and must be booked in advance
No age suitability guidance provided
Dates: 22nd – 24th December
Platform: Vimeo

Ali The Magic Elf, Tron Theatre Glasgow

Ali the Elf works in the North Pole. Today, everything is going wrong and all the elves are panicking – it’s Christmas Eve and none of the children’s letters have been answered. What is an Elf to do? Suddenly, with the jingle of bells and the swoosh of a sleigh – magic is in the air!

A live show captured on film.

FREE. You will need to set up an account with the Tron.
Streamed through Tron website, 45 mins.
Suitable for nursery – P3
Dates: 16/12/2020 to 25/12/2020

Lyceum Christmas Tales

Lyceum Christmas Tales is an advent calendar of 12 stories, combining online and live performances of new and familiar festive tales penned and performed by some of Scotland’s best-loved writers, musicians and artists.

On 1 Dec at 1pm, a free 15 minute Christmas story will be sent to participating schools to watch. Then, a brand new story will appear at the same time every other day until the 16th of December - 8 free stories in all. The final 4 tales will be shown in a special, paid 'School Stream' available to schools to show in their own time from 17th December onwards. For just £50 you can bring the magic of our festive production to your whole school (yes that's it!). This allows schools to watch the show whenever and wherever suits over the last few days of term. Whether this is viewings in one location or sharing the link to teachers to show in each individual classroom - the choice is yours.

Eden Court’s Christmas Cracker

Festive frolics and fun by the bucket load in our fast and frantic performance-come-workshop to get your festive celebrations off to a cracking start! Beaming live into your school, via Google MEET, this interactive experience will bring you 40 minutes of rocking stockings, mince spies and some jolly holly!

Dates: Tue 15 - Thu 17 Dec 11AM + 2PM
Duration: 40 mins
Free to Highland primary schools

Wee Tales, Ten Feet Tall Theatre

Join Santa’s Elves Dee and Don on a live video call from the North Pole.
Two of Santa’s best helpers need your help to deliver a magical Christmas on time.
Each live performance is tailor made to your setting to include:

  • Names of children (and some lucky staff!) being read out from Santa's list
  • Q&A: children to think of and have the opportunity to ask their own question about Santa and the North Pole
  • Arts & Craft activity - making finger puppets to take home
  • Interactive group drama games that promote group work and increase confidence
  • Story-time… a reading of heart-warming book 'Too Many Penguins?' by two professional actors with a hard copy of the book for the School to keep
  • Teachers pack of follow-up drama and art activities to try in class or at homeSuitable for nursery to P4

Dates: 2nd – 18th December
Platform: Microsoft Teams video call
Cost = £200 per performance (50% subsidy available to schools in North East Scotland through North East Arts Touring)

Oh Yes We Are! Live online broadcast, Perth Theatre

Experience the joy of panto with Perth Theatre’s unique LIVE interactive online broadcast via video platform Zoom. You can still be a part of the action, you can boo the baddie, cheer the hero, banter with the dame and have the same singalong, laugh along panto fun you love with your families, but from the comfort of your sofa! Why not get a group together in your different households or with family across the world and all attend at the same time?

Like the old song says, There Is Nothing Like A Dame,
But our Dame has only one thought-that there's nothing quite like HAME!
Since the world went weird and scary, she's become a tad erratic,
And is cooried in her Hidey-Hole and won't come out the attic!

Price is £3 per child, capped at £675
Schools performances:
Tuesday 15, Thurs 17th, Tuesday 22nd : 10.30am. Wednesday 23 December: 9.45am