At this year’s annual Critics’ Awards for Theatre in Scotland (CATS) ceremony, which took place on Sunday 11th June at Traverse Theatre and was the 20th in its history, Capital Theatres took the prize for the best Production for Children and Young People with Yuletide show, The Gift.
Specially designed for children aged between 2 and 5 years old, The Gift is a story about how often the wrapping paper, cardboard boxes and bubble wrap reveal what is the true gift to a child – playfulness, creativity and imagination. It is told in multi-sensory energetic style through dance, colour and sound.
The Gift is a commission by Capital Theatres, Aberdeen Performing Arts and Eden Court and a co-production between Barrowland Ballet and Capital Theatres for its 2022 presentation,
Artistic Director of Barrowland Ballet and creator of The Gift Natasha Gilmore, said “It was such a privilege to sit in The studio at Capital theatre watching the Gift over Christmas with all these families enjoying going to the theatre together. A reminder of the joy of theatre and what a unique and memorable experience it is.”
CEO of Capital Theatres Fiona Gibson added“It was an absolute privilege to witness the impact and joy The Gift brought to young audiences and their families in The Studio last Christmas and we are thrilled Barrowland Ballet and Natasha Gilmore’s wonderful work has won a CATs award this year. Collaborating with Eden Court and Aberdeen Performing Arts for this commission has been a real pleasure and sits at the heart of our vision to support and develop Scottish talent. This is of particular significance for Capital Theatres as The Gift marks the first time we’ve commissioned new work for young children in our studio as well as our first CATs award as a producer.”
Irene Brown
Radio Summerhall Arts 