01.06.2011
Politics and theatre will combine when the Hopscotch Theatre Company brings ‘The Scottish Parliament Show’ to Holyrood on Thursday 9 June.
Aiming to inspire young people to engage in the political voting process as readily as they vote in an X Factor final, Hopscotch’s funny and poignant play blends an inspiring story about Wee Jenny’s school trip to the Scottish Parliament with traditional live music and the songs of Robert Burns.
School children have been invited to attend the play which will be staged in Committee Room 2 at 10.00am and 11.30am. There will also be a special performance for MSPs at 1.15 pm.
Welcoming the show to the Scottish Parliament, Presiding Officer Tricia Marwick MSP said:
“It seems fitting that this play - inspired by The Scottish Parliament - be staged here in front of an audience of school pupils and MSPs. Any show that encourages children to participate in the democratic process and also succeeds in being both funny and entertaining, is surely to be recommended.”
Media who wish to attend the event or arrange interviews with Hopscotch Theatre Company should contact Ann Donald in the Scottish Parliament’s Media Relations Office.
Background
Based in Glasgow, Hopscotch Theatre Company was established 23 years ago and has produced almost 80 original shows for primary and secondary schools. The shows cover everything from historical to environmental and health themed plays, jam-packed with music, humour and fun.
The Scottish Parliament Show is written and directed by Raymond Burke who has worked for BBC Scotland, Scottish Opera and the Arches Theatre, Glasgow.
Synopsis of the play
On a visit to the present day Scottish Parliament, 'Wee Jenny' is magically whisked back in time by the parliamentary mace where she meets the revolutionary Purlie Wilson. Purlie gives Wee Jenny a lively lesson on the importance of democracy with the help of a colourful collection of characters: from Robert the Bruce to the suffragettes. Jenny is left inspired and engaged to join her school’s pupil council and have her say.
Members of the media should contact:
Ann Donald: 0131 348 5605 RNID TypeTalk calls welcome
Email: ann.donald@scottish.parliament.uk
For public information enquiries, contact:
Telephone: 0131 348 5000 / 0800 092 7500 (Public Enquiries) / 0131 348 5395 (Gàidhlig)
Textphone users can contact us on 0800 092 7100. We also welcome calls using the RNID Typetalk service. Email: sp.info@scottish.parliament.uk
You can now get in touch with the Parliament by text message. Our interactive service enables you to get the name of your MSP by sending your postcode, lets you ask questions about the Parliament and its work, and enables you to request a selection of free leaflets. The number to take advantage of is 07786 209888. Texts are charged at standard network rates. More details can be found on our Text Service page.