Scotland’s first children’s comedy theatre festival to launch in Perth
HOOT! brings clowning, slapstick, improv and interactive shows to Perth Theatre in October
Scotland’s first festival dedicated to comedy theatre for children is coming to Perth, bringing together performers and theatre-makers from across Scotland and the UK. HOOT! – A Children’s Comedy Theatre Festival takes place at Perth Theatre from Thursday 8 to Sunday 11 October, with a programme focusing on comedy, play and participation. Presented by Dirliebane Theatre Company and Perth Theatre, the four-day festival features clowning, physical comedy, dance, live music and improvisation. It's aimed at everyone from babies and toddlers to children aged 12.
Among the announced shows is Two In A Barrel by Sarah Rose Graber and Ruxy Cantir, which uses clowning to tell the story of two best friends living on an island of rubbish. Indepen-dance brings dance and physical comedy to Four Go Wild In Wellies, while Tenement Jazz Band combines live music, comedy and instrumental stunts in Cabinet Of Musical Wonders. Young audiences can also help shape the action. Absolute Kidprov and Imagination In Action from TBC Improv UK use suggestions from children to influence the performances, while workshops offer opportunities to try circus, slapstick and other forms of creative play.
Dirliebane, Perth Theatre’s Children’s Theatre Company in Residence, presents two of its own productions, SPACE and BIG, exploring the excitement and uncertainty of new beginnings and finding your place. There’s also Toast With Lots Of Butter from lovebug + worm, which uses food and cooking as the basis for a playful performance, and The Laurel & Hardy Cabaret from Lucky Dog Theatre Productions.
Fiona Ferrier, co-artistic director of Dirliebane, said: ‘We wanted HOOT! to be more than a festival of shows. It’s an opportunity to bring artists together, celebrate the brilliant work being made for children and families, and give young audiences a real sense that the theatre belongs to them too.’
Christopher Glasgow, director of Perth Theatre and Concert Hall, said: ‘HOOT! reflects exactly what Perth Theatre and Concert Hall is here to do – develop bold new work and ensure that audiences of all ages know there is a seat waiting for them here, in their local theatre. As our Children’s Theatre Company in Residence, Dirliebane have created something genuinely groundbreaking in Scotland’s first Children’s Comedy Theatre Festival, and we’re incredibly proud that it has been developed right here in Perth, in partnership with us.’
HOOT!, Perth Theatre, Thursday 8–Sunday 11 October; picture: Joel Small.