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’.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.”