Rapunzel by the National Theatre of Scotland is set for festive release in selected Scottish cinemas

Rapunzel, the innovative new festive film from the National Theatre of Scotland, created in a first-time partnership with Historic Environment Scotland, is set to hit screens this month!

Article Source: National Theatre of Scotland
Last Updated: 16 December 2020 9:44

Filmed in and around the stunning landmark of Stirling Castle, and packed with brilliant songs, Rapunzel has been created by a Xmas cracker writing and creative team, led by Scottish Panto King Johnny McKnight. Rapunzel is a celebration of theatricality, music and storytelling and a chance to hear from every character in this well-known hairy fairy tale, untangled and re-braided for this day and age.

Rapunzel is set to be released in selected independent cinemas and arts centres across Scotland from 22 December, before being released for audiences to stream at home from 23 December to 04 January. Tickets to view the film are available at a sliding scale, from £0 to £25.

Cinemas and art centres set to screen the film over the festive period include Eden Court, Inverness; An Lanntair, Stornoway; Highland Cinema, Fort William; The Barn, Banchory; Hippodrome Bo'ness; Robert Burns Centre Film Theatre, Dumfries; CatStrand, New Galloway; Driftwood Community Cinema – Waterbeck and Wigtown; Phoenix Cinema, Oban; Phoenix Cinema, Kirkwall.

Rapunzel is also being made available for free to schools across Scotland, with 57 schools registered to date, where it will reach more than 8000 pupils. Hospitals, care homes, and prisons will also have free access to screen the film.

The stream will be available from the National Theatre of Scotland’s website and will be accompanied by a free, fun, festive activity pack for families to enjoy over the holiday period. Tickets will also be made available to buy from selected Scottish theatre venues websites.

Paige Ootabook (The Narrator) says: “You all know the story of Rapunzel, right? That lassie with the long hair who’s been trapped in her lockdown tower for what feels like forever. The lassie who’s sitting there like a loon waiting for some Prince will come along and save her. Well, think again.

Cos I bet nobody mentioned the hairdresser who made it her life’s mission to track Rapunzel down? Or Rapunzel’s twin brother who’s terrified he’s going to have to take the throne if his sister isn’t found? And they certainly didn’t mention that six foot all singing all dancing rose in the garden whose psychic visions are going to save the day?

Because you see to truly know a story, you must know all deets. And let me tell you chookies, the story you know of Rapunzel is incomplete.

But finally, at long last, you get to hear from all the characters, all six sides, all six chapters, and despite what you might have thought, they don’t all end in happily ever after.

A chance to sit with the family and finally piece together the story of one lassie and her journey from isolation to taking her rightful place at the... Hey come on, I’m not going to give away the ending now, am I.”

Audiences are invited to a festive digital experience set against the backdrop of one of Scotland’s most impressive historic buildings featuring show tunes from Nova Sound (Audrey Tait and Lauren Gilmour) and in collaboration with an all-female writing team of Apphia Campbell, Uma Nada-Raja, Morna Pearson, Stef Smith, Meghan Tyler, and Anita Vettesse.

Rapunzel is directed by Johnny McKnight, who also co-writes and appears as the story’s narrator, Paige Ootabook. Johnny McKnight is a Scottish writer and director, and co-Artistic Director of Random Accomplice Theatre Company. He is one of Scotland’s most celebrated contemporary panto artists, and his critically acclaimed play Wendy Hoose, produced by Birds of Paradise and Random Accomplice, toured London and Europe in 2016. He is also a newly appointed Associate Artist with the National Theatre of Scotland.

The film is directed by Stewart Kyasimire, recently nominated for a Scottish BAFTA for his BBC TV documentary Black and Scottish.

Rapunzel is part of a special festive 2020 programme from the National Theatre of Scotland, which will see a number of projects bringing festive sparkle to audiences throughout December. Other highlights will include Makar to Cracker - the return of Jackie Kay’s soulful poetry and music offering for the festive season; Alone III and IV - two brand new festive episodes of Alone, Janey Godley’s online viral drama about Betty and Bobo; A Queen’s Speech - a very special alternative online message on Christmas Day from Dame of the Realm, Paige Ootabook, AKA Johnny McKnight; and a special sparkly winter edition of our Social Dance Club for LGBTI + elders, as well as a post Xmas Midwinter Warmer event.

Access: there will be an audio described and captioned version available online as well as a version featuring creative BSL performance interpretation from Jamie Rea. A visual guide will be available in advance.

Tickets and full listings for cinema screenings available at the National Theatre of Scotland website.

Please note, due to ongoing circumstances cinema listings are subject to change.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest East Renfrewshire News

First Bus gives Remembrance free travel for all Armed Forces, veterans and cadets

First Bus is offering free travel for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance Day activities of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.

Scotland Meats Germany

Scotland's favourite beer, Tennent's Lager, has unveiled the world's first ever Square Wurst - a Scottish classic with a German twist - to mark the launch of Tennent's Bavarian Pilsner.

East Renfrewshire Libraries welcome authors to celebrate Book Week Scotland 2025

East Renfrewshire libraries are set to celebrate Book Week Scotland, 17th - 23rd November, with a series of author events and workshops.

Scottish Ensemble brings warmth to wintry nights with Concerts by Candlelight tour

Concert by Candlelight, Scottish Ensemble's celebrated long-running winter tour, returns for eight awe-inspiring performances in intimate settings around Scotland this December.

Feel the festive cheer at Dobbies Charity Christmas Shopping Night

Dobbies is encouraging customers to come along to their nearest store and to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.

Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.

Big Clean Up takes place in Barrhead

The Barrhead Big Clean Up took place last week, with Council colleagues, local volunteers, school pupils and businesses coming together to help keep East Renfrewshire beautiful.

The Scottish Excellence Awards are open for entries

Nominations are open for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026, a celebration of Scotland's hospitality, foodservice and tourism sectors.

Dobbies Garden Centres hosts free to attend winter gardening workshop for kids

Dobbies is hosting a free-to-attend monthly gardening workshop on Sunday 2 November, for children across the country to discover how they can encourage winter birds into the garden.

Potential changes to permitted development rights are putting beloved live music venues at risk

The public are urged to take part in the Scottish Government's consultation on planning laws, warning that the changes could put the country's live music venues and pubs at risk. 

The Saltires 2025 Shortlists Announced

The shortlisted titles for this year’s Saltires, Scotland’s National Book Awards, were announced at Blackwell’s bookshop in Edinburgh.

KT Tunstall wins Modern Scottish Classic Award, plus SAY Award Shortlist reveal

The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award has unveiled the 10 Shortlisted albums now in the running for 2025’s title and £20,000 prize, as well as five Sound of Young Scotland finalists.

Loch Lomond Shores has got the October school holidays sorted

There's loads to see and do – from pet friendly days out to breakfast with dinosaurs, loch tours and much more!

Scottish Wedding Show turns up the heat as it returns to the SEC

Scotland's largest wedding showcase, The Scottish Wedding Show, returns to Glasgow this weekend, ready to welcome thousands of couples from across the country looking to plan their dream day!

Keela and Mountaineering Scotland launch new campaign

Keela, the Scottish outdoor clothing brand, and Mountaineering Scotland Launch ‘Within You’, an new three-month campaign, inspiring Confidence, Connection, and Adventure in the Outdoors!

Book Week Scotland 2025 programme announced

Scotland's national celebration of books, Book Week Scotland, returns from 17th to 23rd November and tickets are on sale now!

Dobbies donates Christmas trees to local communities

Dobbies Garden Centres is lifting community spirits this season with a Christmas tree donation across the country, in partnership with Needlefresh.

Football legends lace up for 150 mile charity walk inspired by Marcus Stewart, Stephen Darby and the late Doddie Weir

Former Celtic and Scotland football heroes to join ex-player with MND on 150-mile March of The Day to raise funds to help tackle the disease.

First winners announced for GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards

Amy MacDonald, Hue and Cry, Nathan Evans and The Saint PHNX Band, Skipinnish, Shay O'Dowd and James Emmanuel are among the first winners to be announced for the GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards!

Step into stories of Scotland this October with Living History

Scotland’s colourful past bursts to life this October as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) returns with its popular Living History programme for the school holidays.

Sport and physical activity champions recognised at awards

Sports and physical activity champions from across East Renfrewshire have been recognised for their contributions.

Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week launches to inspire the nation with Find Your Fit campaign

The Scottish Government's Women and Girls in Sport Week launches this week, celebrating the power of movement and encouraging women and girls of all ages to get active in ways that work for them.

Unlimited adventures for less than a tank of petrol

With the October school holidays fast approaching, ScotRail has unveiled a new, affordable way for families to make the most of the break!

Seachdain na Gaidhlig (World Gaelic Week) 2026 launches with rallying call to use it, or lose it

Seachdain na Gàidhlig will return in 2026, under the banner Use It or Lose It – and organisers are encouraging people across Scotland and the global diaspora to get behind the rallying cry.

Brits brewing up a storm: Macdonald Hotels reports coffee surge

Brits are now picking up the cafetière, with Macdonald Hotels & Resorts revealing a 10% rise in coffee sales across its 32 UK hotels and resorts in the past year.

Spooky season brings horror icons and vampire romance back to the big screen at Vue

Some of the latest horror blockbusters – alongside creepy classics, enchanting family favourites and the ever-popular Twilight Saga – will all be heading to Vue venues this Halloween.

Christmas Launch Weekend at Dobbies Garden Centres marks the start of the festive season

Christmas has come early as Dobbies Garden Centres kicks off the season in style at its Christmas Launch Weekend which takes place from Thursday 9th to Monday 13th October.

CCC treats audiences to a frightfully delightful family concert this Halloween

Children's Classic Concerts return with their popular Halloween concert performances in Glasgow and Edinburgh later this month!

Braehead secures SuperPark, Global Leisure Brand, for its UK debut

Global indoor leisure and recreation concept SuperPark will make its UK debut at Braehead Shopping Centre, bringing experience-led leisure to the centre next year!

East Renfrewshire Libraries announce thrilling events for Dead Good October

East Renfrewshire libraries have lined up a series of thrilling events for Dead Good October, featuring author events, crime cafes, Harry Potter Day, family fun and more!

Popular Listings

Eastwood Park Theatre Rouken Glen Park East Renfrewshire HSCP Walking Groups Greenbank House and Garden Dams to Darnley Country Park Whitelee Windfarm Visitor Centre

Rapunzel by the National Theatre of Scotland is set for festive release in selected Scottish cinemas

Rapunzel, the innovative new festive film from the National Theatre of Scotland, created in a first-time partnership with Historic Environment Scotland, is set to hit screens this month!

Sponsored Links

Latest East Renfrewshire News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings