The 1920s and After

Abstract As Scottish society emerged from the trauma of the First World War, popular forms of theatre entertainment remained dominant. Drama by contrast was a poor relation. The Scottish National Players began operations in 1921 with the express purpose of producing Scottish plays. The Players aimed to encourage the writing and production of Scottish plays; to nurture home-grown theatrical talent in acting, design, and direction; and to build an audience for this work. In each of these aspects the Scottish National Players demonstrated strengths and weaknesses, all of which repay examination. While failing to secure a permanent base, they toured nationally. Similar issues were to engage Scottish theatre throughout the twentieth century; and also proved pivotal to the re-emergence of the national theatre movement. Additionally, the Players interacted with the growing number of building-based companies, the amateur or community theatre movement, broadcasting, poetic drama, and radical alternatives to middle-class theatregoing.