A History Of Scottish Drama In Six Plays

Written drama has existed in Scotland since the sixteenth century. This is its story.

A History Of Scottish Drama In Six Plays is a new podcast from journalist and critic Fergus Morgan, charting the story of Scottish drama from the sixteenth century to today.

Over six episodes, the podcast will travel from pre-Reformation Scotland to the present day, alighting on seminal plays along the way – including The Satire Of The Three Estates, Men Should Weep, Passing Places, Black Watch and more – and discussing their significance in the extraordinary, ongoing evolution of Scottish drama.

Featuring insights and memories from playwrights, performers, academics, critics and others, the podcast journeys from the turbulent court of King James V in the 1540s, to the bustling Traverse Theatre in the 1980s, to the uncertain industry of 2024.

Image: Serden Salih

A History Of Scottish Drama In Six Plays has been created with support from the Scottish Society of Playwrights’ SSP@50 Fellowship Awards and from Creative Scotland. Episodes 2, 3 and 4 are also supported by The National Theatre of Scotland.

The Traverse Theatre is funded by Creative Scotland and The City of Edinburgh Council.