Drama Online - National Theatre Primary Schools

National Theatre Collection for Primary Schools

Three actors dancing in the production of I Want My Hat Back directed by Wils Wilson, a production recorded for the National Theatre

Two actors holding hands in the production of Romeo and Juilet directed by Bijan Sheibani, a production recorded for the National Theatre

A group of actors performing in the production of Peter Pan directed by Sally Cookson, a production recorded for the National Theatre

Welcome to the National Theatre Collection for primary schools.

Here you’ll find a selection of productions suitable for use with primary school children or those with an equivalent learning age. All films and resources are free for UK state funded schools.

Registration is via the online form found here. Only one registration request per institution is required.

Early Years, Key Stage 1 and above (also suitable for Key Stage 2)

I Want My Hat Back – Jon Klassen’s much-loved picture book is brought to life onstage in a production which is a perfect introduction to theatre for younger children.

Meet the Story Seekers – A digital performance which introduces the Story Seekers on their mission to tell and share stories from around the globe. Story Seekers is a free digital oracy project created by the National Theatre and the Unicorn Theatre. Find out more about Story Seekers and sign up for the mission!

Key Stage 2 and above

Peter Pan – A vibrant adaptation of JM Barrie’s classic novel, brimming with exciting design, puppetry and technical magic. A great introduction to the full range of theatre-making skills.

Treasure Island – An exciting adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s swashbuckling adventure, great for inspiring your pupils’ own storytelling and theatre-making.

Romeo and Juliet – Shakespeare’s classic play comes alive for younger audiences in this colourful production created specially for KS2 children. A fantastic introduction to Shakespeare.

The Winter’s Tale – This lively production uses puppetry and theatre magic to bring Shakespeare to life for KS2 children.

Upper Key Stage 2 and Beyond*

Jane Eyre – Charlotte Bronte’s novel comes to life in this inventive adaptation, devised by the company.

wonder.land - A contemporary musical adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland for the digital generation. Using stunning sets, costumes, video projection and lighting, this production explores the dangers of the online world.

*Please note: parts of these productions are not suitable for younger children and teachers should watch them in full in advance of sharing them with their pupils.

You can find detailed information about the content of each production (including warnings about content which may be unsuitable or upsetting for some audiences) in the individual learning packs below.

The National Theatre Collection is available to state-funded schools and FE colleges in the United Kingdom, free of charge. UK independent schools and sixth form colleges worldwide can request a trial and purchase the collection through JCS Online Resources: info@jcsonlineresources.org

An actor sat on the floor crossed legs looking up in the production of I Want My Hat Back directed by Wils Wilson, a production recorded for the National Theatre

Primary Pack for I Want My Hat Back

Madeleine Worrall starring in the title role of Jane Eyre, a production recorded for the National Theatre

Primary Pack for Jane Eyre

Paul Hilton as Peter and Madeleine Worrall as Wendy in Peter Pan directed by Sally Cookson, a production recorded for the National Theatre

Primary Pack for Peter Pan

Nana Amoo-Gottfried and Sharan Phull starring in the title role of Romeo and Juliet (2017), a production recorded for the National Theatre

Primary Pack for Romeo and Juliet

An actress in a blue dress in the production of The Winter's Tale directed by Justin Audibert, a production recorded for the National Theatre

Primary Pack for The Winter's Tale

An actor with a parrot on his shoulder starring in Bryony Lavery's adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic Treasure Island, a production recorded for the National Theatre

Primary Pack for Treasure Island

An actor in a white rabbit costume in Rufus Norris' production wonder.land, a production recorded for the National Theatre

Primary Pack for wonder.land

About the National Theatre

The National Theare building from South Bank, London

At the National Theatre, we make world class theatre that is entertaining, challenging and inspiring – and we make it for everyone.

Let’s Play Primary Schools Programme

Embed drama and creativity in your school with support from the National Theatre. The Let’s Play Primary Programme is available to primary schools both in London and across the UK, offering pupils and teachers enriching opportunities to experience theatre both as audience members and theatre makers, with a focus on creative learning across the whole primary curriculum. Find out more

(photo credit: Philip Vile)

Lead philanthropic support for the National Theatre Collection is from Richard and Kara Gnodde.

Additional support from Sidney E Frank Foundation, Attwood Education Foundation, Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), The Michael Marks Charitable Trust, and The Oakley Charitable Trust.