We believe that children have the right to high-quality live entertainment and that inspiring the next generation is vital to the future of theatre.
Christmas at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall (Dec 2024)
The McDougalls: Magic Castle Show (Pavilion Theatre Glasgow, 2025)
The McDougalls: Pirate Adventure Tour
Christmas at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall (Dec 2024)
Our Mission
The beloved characters of Aggie, Max and Morag the Rabbit have become superstars of family entertainment and a repeated sell-out box office success for theatres and concert halls everywhere.
A trip to see The McDougalls at a local theatre is often a child’s first experience of live theatre and (for grown-ups) the ultimate family day out!
The stage shows combine live music, storytelling, action songs and the participatory spirit of British pantomime to create a high-energy musical production enjoyed by tens of thousands of fans every year. A strong foundation in childhood education has helped establish The McDougalls as a trusted family brand.
Alongside live performance, The McDougalls’ albums, digital music and online TV have built an international following, with global fans in USA, Spain, Greece and Australia. The company has continued to grow through merchandising deals, including toys and storybooks, demonstrating a lasting impact on children and families beyond just stage and screen.
"This had family audiences fixed. Children and adults left leaving the theatre wanting more. A live adventure and an experience that lasts".
Gary Stevens, Artistic Director, Gatehouse Theatre Stafford.
Frequently Asked Questions
"A company that knows how to keep little ones entertained. A fantastic afternoon and a perfect performance"
Small House Big Trips, Parent Blogger
Promoters
"Thinking about bringing The McDougalls to your venue? I'm here to help. The McDougalls tour year-round, presenting a variety of seasonal productions that delight family audiences across the UK. With a proven track record of box office success, we're always keen to partner with new venues and expand our touring schedule. We'd love to discuss how The McDougalls can help you grow your family audience."
Alison Patterson
Events Manager, The McDougalls.
The Founders
The story began when the manager of the Harbour Arts Centre in Irvine, Scotland, asked theatremakers Ruairidh Forde and Ryan Moir to devise a summer programme of theatre workshops for local children.
The pair suggested a different idea on a larger scale: an interactive musical theatre show where children could feel part of the adventure as audience members. Drawing inspiration from Ryan's own family surname, they adopted the stage name The McDougalls.
The response was phenomenal, and it quickly became clear that they had stumbled upon something special. With the encouragement of Cilla Fisher and Artie Trezise of The Singing Kettle, The McDougalls soon grew from a one-off performance at the Harbour Arts Centre into a nationwide touring theatre company.
The partnership brought together two very different but complementary backgrounds. Ruairidh had been a primary school teacher and brought a deep understanding of how children learn and what captures their imagination. Ryan trained in music and theatre before spending several years working in theatre production with the team behind children's favourites such as The Tweenies and Fun Song Factory.
Together, they combined their experience to create a series of musical adventures that have since captured the imagination of thousands of children and families across the country.
