Call out for real life story from public to be 'brought to theatrical life' by National Theatre of Scotland

One story submitted will be be brought to theatrical life in 2027 through the theatre's True Story project.

NTS, which celebrates its 20th anniversary today, hopes the new play will follow in the footsteps of other iconic tales from Scottish life, including Black Watch and Glasgow Girls.

The theatre was launched in 2006 as a “theatre without walls”, using existing venues and collaborating with partners to create work.

Lorraine Kelly has been announced an ambassador of the project, with other cultural figures Val McDermid, Greg McHugh, Shereen Nanjiani, Len Pennie and Irvine Welsh supporting the call out to encourage the nation to participate.

Jackie Wylie, artistic director of NTS, said she hoped the call out would produce stories rooted in history, place, or community, including personal and family narratives that have shaped lives - or authentic tales that resonate through humour, resilience, struggle, triumph or hope.

She said: “It feels entirely fitting to mark the company’s 20th birthday with a project that celebrates Scotland as a nation of storytellers. Real life stories have become part of the DNA of NTS; ordinary people living extraordinary lives, or indeed extraordinary events in history that have resonated across time.

“These stories and characters have captured the imaginations of artists and audiences throughout NTS’s history and I can’t wait to listen to the great Scottish public and to find out their true stories and to then support the journey of one special story onto the stage, alongside a team of brilliant Scottish artists.”

Ms Kelly said: “Ever since I started out as a teenage reporter on the East Kilbride News, and later as a presenter and author, I have been fascinated by real life stories. I am a naturally curious person, and I have had the privilege of listening to thousands of stories over the years, allowing me insight into the personal, the extraordinary and the sometimes, dramatic.

“I am thrilled to be an Ambassador for the National Theatre of Scotland’s True Story project and to support their call out to the great Scottish public to find a special story that will resonate with Scottish audiences. I can’t wait to sit with the True Story submissions later this year and immerse myself in what I imagine will be a treasure trove of compelling testimonies and exceptional stories.”

As part of its 20th anniversary celebrations, NTS has previously announced a new touring stage production of The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, starring House of the Dragon actor Gayle Rankin, as well as new play Stand and Deliver: The Lee Jeans Sit-In.

The play, by Frances Poet, tells a personal story of political resistance, workers’ determination and lifelong female solidarity and friendship.

The call out for submissions to True Story will be live until 13 May, with a short list announced to the public in September and the winner announced in November 2026.