Successful applicants for festive early years commissions announced by Eden Court

A specially-commissioned production has been announced for young audiences at Eden Court Theatre in Inverness this Christmas.

The Gift will be presented by Barrowland Ballet which was one of three successful applicants in a venture to create small-scale festive productions for early years audiences over the next three years.

Eden Court joined forces with Aberdeen Performing Arts and Capital Theatres in Edinburgh to award the commissions for the productions which will each be staged in all three cities between Christmas 2021 and Christmas 2023.

The Gift will be staged at Eden Court from December 14 - 23.

It is set against the background of a mountain of discarded wrapping and a lonely child.

The story aims to reverse the idea that it is the wrapping paper, the cardboard boxes and the bubble wrap that should be discarded, and reveals that playfulness, creativity and imagination are the true gifts.

James Mackenzie-Blackman, chief executive of Eden Court, said: "We were delighted to receive such high calibre applicants for our festive commissions and very much look forward to welcoming Barrowland Ballet to the Highlands this Christmas.

"We have already been inspired by their creative vision for The Gift and are excited to present the show for wee ones and their grown-ups this festive season at Eden Court."

In a statement, Glasgow-based Barrowland Ballet said: "We are delighted to have received this commission from three such wonderful and well-loved theatre venues.

"We can’t wait to create and present a magical festive show to enchant and thrill young audiences and their families over the next three years."

Commissions were also awarded to Raw Material, which will stage Unicorn Christmas Party at The Lemon Tree in Aberdeen from December 4 - 23, and Scottish Theatre Producers which will stage The Enormous Christmas Turnip at The Studio, Edinburgh, from December 17 - 23.

All three productions are funded through Creative Scotland’s Performing Arts Venues Relief Fund.

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