The National Theatre of Scotland in Caithness

23rd March 2009

National Theatre of Scotland returns to Caithness with two exciting projects over the coming months.

Hosted by The Highland Council, the projects include the schools and community project 'Transform' and the professional Ensemble touring group which is performing two excellent productions.

It is three years since the NToS kicked off with its various 'Home' projects, which included the 'Caithness Home' production, in conjunction with Grey Coast Theatre, performed in the old Caithness Glass Factory in Wick

Now in May and June the National Theatre Learn project will be rolling out its 'Transform' residency project, which has run successfully in other parts of the country, to Caithness. It will culminate in performances in special venues in Thurso from 24 to 26 June.

And on 14 May the National Theatre Ensemble perform Dennis Kelly's 'Our Teacher is a Troll' to school pupils in the Wick Assembly Rooms, followed in the evening by Liz Lochhead's 'Mary Queen of Scots Got Her Head Chopped Off'.

The 'Transform Caithness' projected, which has been given the title 'Hunter', will potentially involve all third year pupils at Thurso High School, plus community groups and individuals. A team of four drama specialists start work on 5 May and will put together a site specific production under the direction of John Tiffany, best known for his international success 'Black Watch', as well as the more recent 'Bacchaeus'. He will be assisted by Steven Hoggett, choreographer for Frantic Assembly, who was also Associate Director (Movement) of 'Black Watch'.

Chairman of The Highland Council's Education, Culture and Sport Committee Councillor Bill Fernie said: "I am delighted that we have managed to raise the necessary funding to host this residency, which will be a fantastic opportunity for participants and audiences alike. A lot of fine work has been created in Caithness in recent years by Grey Coast, Theatre Modo, Eden Court outreach and of course Wick and Thurso Players. It is great that the National Theatre have chosen Caithness for this their first such project in The Highlands and I am sure they will have a lot of fun working here."

Certainly Thurso High School is looking forward to the residency. Depute Rector, Ken Murphy, says "it will be of huge benefit to our pupils, staff and the wider community. The prospect of the school working with the National Theatre and John Tiffany is very exciting. There is a significant tradition of community theatre in Caithness; the Transform Project will build on this."

The project has attracted over £22,000 from Highland 2007 Legacy Fund, Highland Leader and Caithness Wards Discretionary budgets. In addition the National Theatre provide over £40,000 worth in kind, through a partnership with ScottishPower Learning and Determined to Succeed.

Area Cultural Officer, Adrian Clark, said: "I am really excited that the Ensemble is coming to to Wick Assembly Rooms on Thursday 14 May. The company bring all their own staging and seating and create a magical theatre environment. The drawback is the reduction in available seating, so early booking is advised.

He added: "Liz Lochhead's Mary Queen of Scots Got Her Head Chopped Off has been a great success over the years. This production, directed by Alison Peebles, will be no different."

"Once upon a time, there were twa queens on the wan green island, and the wan green island was split inty twa kingdoms." So La Corbie, the trickster prophet turns the wheel of fortune and plunges us into the 'whispers rumours, souchs and chatters' at the heart of this story of two of history's most intriguing women - Mary, Queen of Scots, and her cousin and fellow ruler, Elizabeth I of England. Mary and Elizabeth, two women with much in common, but more that set them apart. Tickets for this show, which is advised for age 14 plus, are now on sale on www.thebooth.co.uk and from Wick Service Point.

That same morning younger people will the opportunity of a marvellous theatrical experience when the NToS Ensemble presents Dennis Kelly's 'Our Teacher is a Troll.' This show, directed by Joe Douglas, about two naughty pupils and the surprising new teacher, has been booked through the local Primary Schools.