We are really excited to be diving into a very busy 2026!
First – we’re celebrating 10 years of Dirliebane this year!
And part of our year includes a revival of BIG in the Spring. BIG was our first production in 2016, and this will be our fourth schools and venues tour.
BIG is about two friends, Super and Dino, who are starting big school. Everyone keeps telling them they’re big and ready, but they feel so small. It’s a funny and engaging show for 3-6 year olds exploring the excitement, adventure and trepidation of starting somewhere new.
We’re taking BIG to schools and to Byre Theatre in St.Andrews on 7 May, The Lemon Tree in Aberdeen on 9 May, Perth Theatre, 13-16 May, and Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy on the 13 June.
In April we will also be touring Laaaunch! to the Polka Theatre in London. Laaaunch! is a co-production with Starcatchers, and a big theatrical adventure for babies under 12 months. Laaunch! toured Scotland in Autumn 2025 and we are delighted to be taking the show to London this year, and to meet lots more babies! Laaaunch! will be at Polka Theatre from 22-26 April. https://polkatheatre.com/event/laaaunch/
In the first six months of the year, we will also be delivering our Learning & Engagement programme, where our engagements are based in creative and immersive clowning. We’re working in and around Perth, in partnership with InTogether, Buttons and Bows and ESOL, with a few other projects yet to be confirmed.
Our huge event of the year is going to be HOOT!, a Children’s Comedy Theatre Festival which will be held at Perth Theatre on the 8-11 October for children aged 0-12 and their families, with performances, workshops, walkabout, interaction, participation, silliness and laughter. We’re delighted to be working with Producer Sharon May, and collaborating with Perth Theatre. This will be the first Festival of its kind in Perth.
On top of all this we will be hosting more of our Clown Play workshops for adults looking to explore clown. Dates to be confirmed so keep an eye on our socials.
It’s exciting to have such a full year, and our first full year as part of the Multi Year Funding Portfolio at Creative Scotland. Huge thanks to them for their support, and huge thanks to Perth Theatre for their ongoing support and collaboration as we continue to be their Children’s Theatre Company in Residence.