Five productions that turned the spotlight on Scots theatre

The Cheviot, The Stag And The Black, Black Oil

Credited with revitalising Scottish theatre, John Mcgrath’s story was a history lesson about the Clearances, wrapped up in comedy,, drama and a ceilidh. The original production was by the 7:84 (Scotland) Theatre Company in 1973, and among the cast were Alex Norton and Bill Paterson (left).

The Slab Boys

Set in a carpet factory in Paisley in 1957, it was inspired by the life of its writer, John Byrne. Directed by David Hayman, it premiered at the Traverse in 1978. Two sequels followed. It was later performed on Broadway, where it starred Kevin Bacon, Val Kilmer and Sean Penn.

Bold Girls

This 1991 play by 7:84 Scottish People’s Theatre announced Rona Munro as one of the country’s best playwrights. Set in Belfast during

The Troubles, it provided four great roles for women..

The Steamie

Tony Roper’s script was rejected by theatres due to its lack of action, but Elaine C Smith (below) took it to Wildcat Stage Productions and it was first staged in 1987. The nostalgic look at Glasgow life soon after the Second World War, as four women did their washing on Hogmanay, struck a chord with audiences and continues to be a guaranteed seatfiller nearly

40 years on.

Black Watch

Gregory Burke’s innovative play was based on interviews with former soldiers and was part of the first season of the National Theatre of Scotland in 2006. It premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe, won four Olivier Awards, and was performed in the United States, Australia, South Korea, Canada and Ireland, putting the NTS firmly on the map.