A nationwide call out for stories from the public, 

with one chosen to be brought to theatrical life in 2027

From epic events to intimate unfoldings

In our 20th year and for the first time ever, National Theatre of Scotland is inviting you to share real-life stories that deserve to be told on Scotland's stages; be they true stories rooted in history, place, or community, the personal and family narratives that have shaped lives, or authentic tales that resonate through humour, resilience, struggle, triumph or hope. 

From a shortlist, one incredible story will be selected by public vote, and brought to life by a team of leading Scottish theatre artists, for public presentation in 2027.  

Full information on how you can get involved will be launched in January 2026 . 

Sign up to our mailing list to be the first to find out about True Story and the rest of our 20th birthday programme.

20 years of compelling real-life stories.

Over the last 20 years, the National Theatre of Scotland has gained a world-wide reputation for turning compelling real life Scottish stories into brilliant new plays that have been shared with audiences in Scotland and beyond. 

The soldiers in the Black Watch regiment, deployed to Iraq in Black Watch.  The group of girls from Glasgow, who fought for their friend to be saved from deportation in Glasgow Girls.  The story of Adam who crossed borders and genders to find himself in Adam. The historical exploits of three Scottish medieval Kings in The James Plays. Or the story of Fred Goodwin and the rise of fall of RBS in Make it Happen.

All these exceptional stories have captured the imaginations of audiences over the last 20 years. And our 20th birthday programme also includesStand and Deliver- The Lee Jeans’s Sit In which will bring the powerful story of the Lee Jean’s Factory workers to life in a new piece of touring gig theatre.