We are a music and theatre company from Scotland, producing and touring engaging and interactive theatre shows, music and videos for children and their families.
Our company’s sell-out stage shows pack major city centre theatres, concert halls, arts centres and festivals across the UK, blending the educational with the entertaining into a magical live theatre experience.
For many young audiences, a trip to The McDougalls is often their first taste of live theatre. Our productions have become a box office highlight of theatres across the country, and for audiences, a biannual trip to see our latest show has become the ultimate ‘day out with the kids’.
Our albums, digital music and online TV shows have gained a popular reputation with children across the globe. The musical adventures of The McDougalls now enthral young fan bases in the USA, Spain, Greece and Australia.
As well as out sell out performances in major theatres, our educational musicals for schools and nurseries play to 20,000 pupils a year. These have included Go Global (developed with Scotland’s National Centre for Languages) and Green Machine (an eco-friendly musical sponsored by EDF Energy) . Most recently, our online TV show Auntie Aggie's Storytime (comissioned by North Ayrshire Council) has set out to encourage literacy skills in children.
From headquarters in the West of Scotland, our work is created and performed by award-winning duo Ruairidh Forde and Ryan Moir, who consolidate backgrounds in theatre production, primary education and children’s television into a fun-filled, unique musical act. In 2018, Ryan won the North Ayrshire Arts & Culture Award and North Ayrshire Citizen of the Year for contribution to theatre work through the company.
From a one-off show created for Irvine’s Harbour Arts Centre, the concept has evolved into a nationwide touring operation: an unrivalled brand of live entertainment capturing the imaginations of thousands of children.
SMALL HOUSE BIG TRIPS: A GUIDE TO THE MIDLANDS
Parent Blogger
"A childrens music and theatre company that know just how to keep little ones entertained. Thank you for a fantastic afternoon. It was a perfect performance."
Alison Cowan, Ambassador Theatre Group
King's Theatre Glasgow
"Achieving 97% capacity and delighting audiences…29% of whom were visiting for the first time. A real success in developing new audiences."
Gary Stevens, Artistic Director
Birmingham Old Rep Theatre
"This had family audiences fixed. Children and adults left leaving the theatre wanting more. A live adventure and an experience that lasts”.
Marie Blackwood, Arts & Culture
North Ayrshire Council
"Our audiences come back time and time again."
Cilla Fisher & Artie Trezise
The Singing Kettle
“The hallmark of a great children's show...While the kids were singing and dancing, the rest of the family got involved in the fantasy too. Theatrical magic.”