We are thrilled to announce the launch of our autumn 2024 tour of The Forgotten Orchard, a heart-warming theatre production that celebrates Scotland’s rich orchard heritage through the eyes of Katy and her Grandad. This tour, dedicated to apples and the fascinating history they hold, will take place across 38 dates in total—25 schools and 13 theatres and community venues—beginning on 20th September 2024.
The Forgotten Orchard last toured in 2016, so we are delighted to be putting it back on the map. You can see / download the programme here.
The tour brings the enchanting story of The Forgotten Orchard to life across Glasgow and Scotland, through storytelling, music, and Scots ballads. The production reintroduces the Scottish apples of our heritage, including Tam Montgomery, Scotch Dumpling, The Bloody Ploughman, and the Glaswegian Clydeside, while encouraging young audiences to connect with nature, local food, and the importance of legacy. The show offers a unique opportunity for both children and community members to engage with the rich history of Scottish apples while inspiring a deeper connection to local food and sustainable growing practices. You can read more about the show here.
Images (left to right) Some ‘tree hugging’ primary pupils, a shot of Katy and Grandad in the Forgotten Orchard, primary pupils enjoying a nibble of fresh produce at an Eco Drama schools show (Credit: Eoin Carey)
In addition to the show, schools will benefit from a range of exciting resources, including:
- A Classroom Activity Pack, containing pre and post-show activities that explore themes of food diversity, growing, and local heritage.
- A National Apple Day Starter Pack, courtesy of Gartmore Primary School in Stirling.
- A Home-Grown Food Poster for each class.
As part of our autumn 2024 tour, schools in Glasgow and Aberdeen will also receive Orchard CPD Training & 5 Heritage Scottish Apple Trees to start a school orchard. Read more about starting a school orchard here.
As part of the tour, we are excited to launch our Spotlight Series, where we’ll take you behind the scenes to meet the cast and crew of The Forgotten Orchard. We’ll be sharing exclusive interviews and insights into their roles, as they bring this playful and moving production to life. Stay tuned for upcoming stories where we dive deeper into what makes this show so special and hear directly from the people who make it all happen.
The Forgotten Orchard is more than just a show—it’s an invitation to explore themes of food diversity, home-grown produce, and the benefits of nurturing relationships with elders. We look forward to inspiring audiences across Scotland as we celebrate the harvest season and the characterful apples that make our local heritage so unique.
For more information and to follow the Spotlight Series, keep an eye on our news stories and social media posts!
The Forgotten Orchard is kindly supported by Glasgow Communities and Place Fund, Glasgow Life, Aberdeen City Council and the Hugh Fraser Foundation. You can see all of the Funders and Sponsors who support Eco Drama’s work here.
