Festive First Nights 2025 | National Theatre of Scotland

Lighting the way to our 20th Anniversary

This festive season, help us create unforgettable first experiences of theatre. 

Over the course of National Theatre of Scotland's first 20 years Festive First Nights businesses and individuals across Scotland have supported thousands of people to enjoy their very first trip to the theatre - removing barriers of cost, distance, caring responsibilities, or simply the idea that theatre is “not for them.” 

BIGGEST EVER FIRST NIGHTS PROGRAMME

In 2026, as National Theatre of Scotland celebrates its 20th anniversary, we’ll deliver our biggest ever First Nights programme - reaching 20 groups in more than 10 towns and cities across Scotland. We have a bumper anniversary programme lined up, including the raucous joy of The High Life- it promises to be a year of extraordinary First Nights experiences. 

By supporting Festive First Nights this year, you’ll help make it possible. 

Donation

FEEDBACK FROM 2025 FIRST NIGHTS PARTICIPANTS

Resolve & Evolve Recovery Group at Make It Happen at Dundee Rep in Dundee

Melrose Housing Assoc. Tenants Group at Through the Shortbread Tin at the Corn Exchange in Melrose

0 Stars
Seeing them take in live theatre for the first time was amazing. Thank you for giving the group this chance.

0 Stars
The night out gave me confidence. I laughed, I cried, I felt part of something.

Auchinleck Community Development Initiative at Keli at Tramway in Glasgow

Stornoway Catch 23 Mental Health Drop In Group at Through the Shortbread Tin at An Lanntair.

0 Stars
I usually feel anxious in new places, but the welcome was so warm. I left with a big smile on my face.

0 Stars
It wasn’t just me going to the theatre. It was being together with other people.

HOW YOUR DONATION HELPS: 

Every Festive First Nights gift includes: 

A ticket and programme for an NTS production at their local venue

A group host to welcome them to the theatre and guide their experience

An opportunity to meet cast and creative team members

A moment to gather socially as a group for a drink, snack or chat

Transport costs if necessary

An invitation to return to the venue for the next NTS production

Ongoing opportunities to engage with their local venue

IN RETURN FOR YOUR DONATION, YOU WILL RECEIVE:

Bespoke designed digital Festive Greetings card to share with your networks

Social media badges and post templates

Pair of VIP tickets to join us at a National Theatre of Scotland production from our 2026 programme

Thanks on the National Theatre of Scotland website

To support Festive First Nights please donate below

Depending on the venue, show and transport needs, a First Nights experience costs between £65 - £100 per person. 

Donation

Since we started our First Nights programme, our supporters have helped us bring over 2,500 people to the theatre for a first-time experience.

Thank you so much for helping us remove the barriers to first time theatre experiences.

Together, we’re lighting the way to Scotland’s next 20 years of theatre.

For more information or to discuss further please contact:

Adam McDougall, Development Manager

Email: Adam.mcdougall@nationaltheatrescotland.com

* Companies are entitled to tax relief for qualifying charitable donations made to charities. The donations are paid gross without the deduction of income tax. The donations are deductible from the company’s total profits in the year in which the donations are made. Any payments in support of Festive First Nights are charitable donations and as such not liable to VAT.