Elaine C Smith and Joe McFadden will feature alongside comedian Janey Godley in Alone Part III and IV, the festive follow-ups to her wildly successful Scenes for Survival films with director Caitlin Skinner.

The two new shorts will be released on the National Theatre of Scotland website over the festive period, with Alone Part III live from 26 December and Part IV on 31 December.

The two new films will be the latest chapters in the story of Janey Godley's beloved housewife Betty, as she continues her journey through a life in lockdown.

Alone Part III will follow Betty as she extends a virtual hand to her sister Isa in Fort William (Elaine C. Smith), whose larger-than-life personality might be just what she needs to chase away her lockdown blues this Christmas.

Alone Part IV meanwhile sees Betty gearing up for a lonely Hogmanay spent away from her son Steven, before an unexpected call from his partner Martin (Joe McFadden) gives her cause for optimism as she heads into the new year.

Janey Godley said:

“I have loved the whole process of Betty growing in her independence and it’s been wonderful to work with such amazing talent at the National Theatre of Scotland. The unique view of a woman in lockdown has been a great journey to write and act.”

Joe McFadden said:

“I’ve been a fan of Janey Godley’s comedy for a long time, and was lucky enough to see her sold-out show at the Edinburgh fringe last year and I’ve loved the brilliantly sad and poignant ‘Alone’ plays which gave her the chance to show her considerable talent as a dramatic actress.

I’m thrilled to be working with the National Theatre of Scotland again on the brilliantly inventive and timely Scenes for Survival plays which are proving to be such a huge and well-deserved hit for them.”

Elaine C Smith said:

“I was delighted to come on board as Janey’s big sister, and at this time of year in a year like this it’s only right that we highlight something as important as love, understanding and family ties….and about making up for lost time. It was so great to work with Janey and the team too.”

Alone and Alone Part II were originally released as part of Scenes for Survival, the lockdown digital series created by the National Theatre of Scotland in association with BBC Scotland, Screen Scotland, BBC Arts’ Culture in Quarantine project, and Scotland’s leading theatre venues and companies, with support from Hopscotch Films. The series saw 55 dramatic shorts from some of Scotland's most exciting theatre talent released between May and September 2020.

Alone starred Janey Godley as a lonely housewife struggling to cope with lockdown, while Alone Part II saw her virtually reunited with her estranged son Steven, played by Jack Lowden. The two films were among the most watched in the entire series, garnering more than 5.6 million views across all platforms to date.

These films will be shown on the National Theatre of Scotland’s website and social platforms during their Festive 2020 season, bringing the best of Scottish theatrical talent and some digital joy to audiences during December 2020, including a sparkling Christmas show, Rapunzel, Jackie Kay’s Maker to Crakerand Social Dance Clubs for LGBT elders.