The National Theatre Of Scotland and Wee Stories bring their musical production of The Emperor’s New Kilt to Richmond theatre later this month.
Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s classic The Emperor’s New Clothes, the family musical comedy tells the story of the vain and tyrannical Laird of Kiltie. With his birthday just around the corner, all he wants is a new kilt “the likes of which has never been seen.” Two weavers, Mr Harris and Mr Tweed, step up to the challenge and give the gullible Laird exactly what he asks for.
In keeping with the theme of the production, designer Becky Minto is planning an elaborate set with sky, sea, mountains and the Laird’s castle all made from a selection of fabrics to create different textures upon enormous hand-stitched backdrops.
The Emperor’s New Kilt is written, directed by and stars Andy Cannon and Iain Johnston. Other cast members include Stewart Cairns, Louise Montgomery and Alan Steele.
This will be the first of three collaborations between Wee Stories and the National Theatre Of Scotland to tour between 2008 and 2010. Wee Stories’s previous productions include The Story Of A King and Treasure Island – both of which played at Richmond theatre. This production will be performed in a similar style, interweaving Scottish music, pantomime and ceilidh – Scottish dancing.
In conjunction with the production, the theatre is running two workshops. On Friday 27 June between 16:15-18:00, anyone between the ages of 8 to sixteen years old can find out more about set design, and on Saturday 28 June, between 14:30-16:00, a family storytelling workshop suitable for children over the age of seven promises to teach you how to weave a tale worthy of Wee Stories. For more information or to book tickets for the workshops call 020 8939 9227.
The show runs from Wednesday 25 to Saturday 28 June and is suitable for children over the age of six.
CM