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Welcome to the National Theatre Collection for primary schools.
On this page you’ll find a curated selection of productions that are suitable for use with primary school children or those with an equivalent learning age. All films and resources are free for UK state funded primary schools.
NOW AVAILABLE: In partnership with the Unicorn Theatre, new titles have been made available in the National Theatre Collection for primary schools. Titles from the Unicorn Theatre include Anansi the Spider, 2 of Philip Pullman's Grimm Tales, 3 Greek Myths Unplugged short films and Roald Dahl's The Magic Finger.
Registration is via the online form found here. Only one registration request per institution is required.
Anansi the Spider - Classic West African and Caribbean tales about the spider hoaxster are brought vividly to life.
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!
Greek Myths Unplugged - Three new short plays by some of the UK’s most exciting writers have been creatively filmed and edited to bring theatre to life online for children. The films reinvent and reimagine the original myths enabling pupils to explore the resonances of Greek Myths to today’s world anew.
The Magic Finger - The Unicorn Theatre, in collaboration with the Roald Dahl Story Company, present a new theatrical reading of the classic Roald Dahl tale, The Magic Finger, starring Corinna Brown. Come along for the ride as we follow the Gregg family who go out in search of animals to hunt; however, the girl next door is not happy with this, and decides to set the Magic Finger on them all...
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.
Philip Pullman's Grimm Tales - The Unicorn Theatre presents a deliciously gruesome selection of theatrical readings from Grimm Tales, re-told for the whole family by an extraordinary cast.
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.
Hamlet - Hamlet’s dad is dead. His uncle has taken over the kingdom and married Hamlet’s mum. The whole world feels like it’s turned upside down. This energetic and engaging schools production retells Shakespeare’s tragedy.
Hex - Rufus Norris directs this vividly original musical retelling of the ‘Sleeping Beauty’ fairy tale with music by Jim Fortune, and choreography by Jade Hackett.
Jane Eyre – Charlotte Brontë’s novel comes to life in this inventive adaptation, devised by the company.
Wuthering Heights - Shot through with music and dance, Emma Rice transforms Emily Brontë's masterpiece into a passionate, powerful and uniquely theatrical experience.
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.
At the National Theatre, we make world class theatre that is entertaining, challenging and inspiring – and we make it for everyone.
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.
