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This is your go-to hub for productions carefully chosen with primary learners in mind. Whether you’re exploring storytelling, sparking discussion, or linking theatre to other subjects, you’ll find a rich mix of shows and resources here—all completely free for UK state-funded primary schools.
Each production page includes clear guidance on age suitability, subject connections, and ready-to-use ideas for bringing the performance into your lessons. Think of it as your backstage pass to inspiring, creative, and curriculum-friendly theatre experiences for your class.
So dive in, explore, and enjoy discovering new ways to make learning come alive through the power of theatre.
Registration is via the online form. Only one registration request per institution is required.
Age Recommendation: 3+
A Unicorn Theatre and Illuminations Production
They say that long, long ago animals walked on two legs and spoke just like us. And at the heart of all the mischief and cleverness was one creature in particular: Anansi the spider. Trickster, storyteller, spinner of tales and webs alike—Anansi was known far and wide as the wiliest of them all.
These lively stories, drawn from classic West African and Caribbean traditions, leap off the stage in a colourful, joy-filled celebration of clever thinking, big laughs, and the power of a well-told tale.
The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me
Age Recommendation: 4+
Meet Billy, a kid with a BIG dream. He wants to turn an old wooden house into the most amazing sweetshop, bursting with treats! But there’s just one problem... the house is the head office of the Ladderless Window-Cleaning Company – a singing and dancing monkey, a giraffe who doubles as a ladder and a pelican with a bucket-sized beak.
When the richest man in England hires them to clean all 677 windows in his giant mansion, Billy and his unlikely new friends set off on the biggest adventure of all time!
Age Recommendation: 3+
Recording from the National Theatre Archive, 2015.
Bear’s hat has disappeared—and oh, how he loves that hat! He’s determined to find it, so he sets off to ask all the animals in the forest. But nobody seems to have seen it… or have they?
This charming story, inspired by Jon Klassen’s beloved picture book, comes alive on stage in a delightful production that’s perfect for introducing younger children to the magic of theatre.
It’s a wonderful way to spark curiosity, encourage listening skills, and invite little learners into the world of storytelling through performance.
Age Recommendation: 7+
In 2020, the world changed in ways none of us could have imagined. With everything locked down due to the pandemic, people stopped dreaming and creating as much as they used to. But here’s the good news—Story Seeker Command is on a special mission to bring people and communities back together through the power of storytelling from around the world.
Story Seekers is a fun, digital oracy project created by the National Theatre and the Unicorn Theatre. Designed to be led by class teachers like you, it comes with everything you need to guide your students on this exciting adventure—helping them listen, speak, imagine, and share stories in new and meaningful ways.
Get ready to watch your class’s creativity soar as they join a global conversation through storytelling!
Age Recommendation: 6+
The Unicorn Theatre, teaming up with the Roald Dahl Story Company, brings you a fresh and fun theatrical reading of the classic Roald Dahl story, The Magic Finger, featuring Corinna Brown (Heartstopper).
Join us on a wild adventure with the Gregg family as they head out to hunt animals—but the girl next door isn’t happy about it. Using her magical finger, she sets off a surprising chain of events that turns everything upside down!
This lively performance is a wonderful way to explore themes of kindness, consequences, and standing up for what’s right—all wrapped up in Roald Dahl’s unforgettable storytelling.
Age Recommendation: 7+
A Unicorn Theatre and TEA Films Production
Why do we still tell Greek myths today? What makes these ancient stories matter so much in our modern world?
And why do they continue to inspire and connect with people across the Western world?
This series of three brand-new short plays, (Jessie and the Jellybeans, Ariadne on the Beach, Narcissus), crafted by some of the UK’s most exciting writers, brings these timeless myths to life in a fresh, creative way—perfectly suited for online viewing by children. Through imaginative storytelling and clever filmmaking, these productions invite pupils to rediscover Greek myths and explore how their themes still echo in today’s world.
It’s a fantastic opportunity to spark curiosity, discussion, and fresh thinking about stories that have shaped culture for thousands of years.
Age Recommendation: 7+
All children grow up, except one.
This wonderfully inventive production of JM Barrie’s classic, brought to life by director Sally Cookson, is a true delight for both children and adults.
It’s a magical journey that sparks imagination and invites young learners to explore timeless themes of childhood, adventure, and the power of never truly growing up.
Age Recommendation: 8+
In a crumbling house full of dinosaur bones and fossils, three adopted sisters – Pauline, Petrova and Posy – are learning who they are and what they want to be.
Under the watchful eyes and guidance of their guardian Sylvia, Nana, and some unlikely lodgers, they fight to pursue their individual passions. But in a world that wasn’t built for women with big ambitions, can they forge a future, keep their family together, and even learn a dance or two along the way?
With universal themes and a family-friendly approach, this production is perfectly suited for engaging younger audiences while supporting meaningful discussion in the classroom.
Age Recommendation: 8+
Hamlet’s dad has died, and things have changed a lot—his uncle has taken the throne and even married Hamlet’s mum. It feels like the whole world is turned upside down.
This lively and engaging school production brings Shakespeare’s famous tragedy to life in a way that’s easy for young learners to follow and connect with.
It’s a great starting point to explore big feelings, family, and the power of storytelling in your classroom.
Age Recommendation: 8+
A Unicorn Theatre and Illuminations Production
The Unicorn Theatre serves up a wonderfully wicked collection of theatrical readings from Grimm Tales, brought to life by an extraordinary cast for the whole family to enjoy. Journey through the woods with Little Red Riding Hood, read by Rory Kinnear, and meet the most famous of tricksters in Rumpelstiltskin, read by Le Gateau Chocolat.
These timeless stories, full of surprises and a little bit of spookiness, are retold in a way that’s sure to spark curiosity and delight young audiences.
Perfect for sharing together and exploring the rich world of fairy tales with your class!
Age Recommendation: 8+
Originally created for the National Theatre’s Shakespeare for Younger Audiences programme, this production brings a fresh twist to a timeless classic.
Bijan Sheibani’s lively and modern production breathes new life into Romeo and Juliet, making Shakespeare’s story exciting and accessible for today’s young learners.
It’s a fantastic way to introduce your class to the world of Shakespeare, sparking curiosity about classic stories and inspiring creative exploration.
Age Recommendation: 8+
Originally performed as part of the National Theatre’s Shakespeare for Younger Audiences programme, this production offers a fresh and fun way to discover Shakespeare.
This exciting new version of The Winter’s Tale uses colour, song, and puppetry to bring the magical story to life—making it the perfect introduction to Shakespeare for young learners.
It’s a wonderful way to spark imagination and creativity while exploring one of Shakespeare’s most enchanting plays.
Age Recommendation: 9+
A Unicorn Theatre, Children’s Theatre Partnership and Sheffield Theatres Production
Is it better to have a pig's heart that works… than a human heart that doesn't?
Cameron is thirteen, and all he wants is to be normal – have friends, go to school, and dive to the bottom of his local swimming pool. But he desperately needs a heart transplant and time is running out. When he’s finally offered a new heart, Cameron must choose how far he’ll go to get his life back.
From the multi award-winning writer Malorie Blackman OBE, author of Noughts and Crosses, this brilliant novel is brought to life in a brand-new adaptation by Winsome Pinnock, and is directed by Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu.
Age Recommendation: 9+
It’s a dark and stormy night, and the stars are shining bright. Jim, the innkeeper’s granddaughter, opens the door to a mysterious and frightening stranger. At his feet sits a giant sea-chest, packed full of secrets. When Jim invites him inside, she sets off on a daring and dangerous adventure.
This thrilling retelling of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale—full of mutiny, treasure, and mystery—comes alive on the Olivier stage in a brand-new adaptation by Bryony Lavery, directed by Polly Findlay.
It’s an exciting story that’s perfect for sparking young imaginations and exploring themes of courage, trust, and adventure in your classroom.
*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.
Age Recommendation: 11+
Inspired by Lewis Carroll’s beloved story, wonder.land is a fresh, exciting musical adventure all about growing up and the tricky line between our online and offline worlds.
Using a brilliant mix of live theatre and digital magic, this show is brought to life by an incredible creative team—complete with dazzling sets, costumes, video projections, and lighting. Plus, the score is by Damon Albarn from Blur!
It’s a musical like no other—an Alice story reimagined for today’s digital generation, perfect for sparking conversation and creativity in your classroom.
Age Recommendation: 12+
Deep in the woods, a lonely fairy waits, hoping to find someone to bless.
Directed by Rufus Norris, this beautifully imaginative retelling of Sleeping Beauty comes alive with enchanting music by Jim Fortune, a captivating book by Tanya Ronder, magical designs by Katrina Lindsay, and graceful choreography by Jade Hackett.
It’s a wonderful way to bring this classic fairy tale into your classroom, inspiring creativity, wonder, and lots of storytelling fun.
Age Recommendation: 12+
Charlotte Brontë’s classic novel Jane Eyre is brought to life in this imaginative adaptation devised by the company.
Born into a tough life, the brave and spirited Jane faces challenges head-on as she journeys to find her own way in the world. Through struggles with poverty, unfairness, and heartbreak, Jane follows her heart and fights for freedom and happiness on her own terms.
Sally Cookson’s vivid and breathtaking adaptation invites young learners to explore this powerful story of courage and self-discovery—making it an inspiring adventure to share in the classroom.
Age Recommendation: 12+
A Wise Children / Emma Rice Company production.
Rescued from the Liverpool docks as a child, Heathcliff is taken in by the Earnshaws and brought to live at Wuthering Heights. There, he finds a kindred spirit in their daughter Catherine, and a fierce, unforgettable love sparks between them.
But when they are forced apart, a dramatic and powerful chain of events unfolds.
Filled with music and dance, Emma Rice’s adaptation transforms Emily Brontë’s classic tale into a passionate and captivating theatrical experience—perfect for inspiring curiosity and deep conversations in your classroom.
The National Theatre Collection for Primary Schools includes an expanding bank of learning resources, which can be accessed here. These include:
If you have any questions or feedback on our resources, please get in touch: ntcollection@nationaltheatre.org.uk
You can find more resources for schools and teachers on the National Theatre’s Learning Hub. Search by key stage, subject, theatrical style or practitioner and discover an ever-growing library of short films, learning packs and digital exhibitions.
Find out more: https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/learn-explore/schools/teacher-resources
The National Theatre’s mission is to make world class theatre that is entertaining, challenging and inspiring – and we make it for everyone. The National Theatre Collection for primary schools is available free of charge to state-funded primary schools in the UK. We have selected our most exciting National Theatre productions for young people, specifically in primary school or equivalent aged, as well as bringing you productions from leading young people’s theatres in the UK. Teachers can also make use of the expanding bank of learning resources provided by the National Theatre, for usage in the classroom, to help the children dive deeper into the productions.
Based on our research, we know the National Theatre Collection is a valuable classroom resource, with 1.3 million pupils already utilising the Collection yearly. Our aim is that all children in the UK will have the opportunity to watch a National Theatre production before they leave school.
The Mohn Westlake Foundation supports nationwide Learning programmes for young people. Nationwide learning is supported by Buffini Chao Foundation, Clore Duffield Foundation, Tim & Sarah Bunting, MFPA Trust Fund for the Training of Disabled Children in the Arts, Behrens Foundation, Cleopatra Trust, The Andor Charitable Trust and Marlow Trust. NT Collection is made possible in primary schools by the Hearn Foundation, as the Principal Funder of the Primary Schools Programme.
Lead philanthropic support from Richard and Kara Gnodde. NT Collection is also supported by The Attwood Education Foundation, Mike Staunton, and The Michael Marks Charitable Trust.
National Theatre Collection in New York City is supported by Penny and Bill Bardel.
