Scotland is set to host its first dedicated children’s comedy theatre festival this autumn. Running from Thursday 8 to Sunday 11 October 2026, HOOT! takes over Perth Theatre for four days of slapstick, clowning, and family-oriented performance aimed at audiences aged from birth to 12.
Co-presented by Perth Theatre and its children’s theatre company in residence, Dirliebane Theatre Company, the event spreads across the venue’s spaces. Ticketed productions will play in the Joan Knight Studio and The Space, while the theatre foyer hosts free activities ranging from joke-sharing booths to walkabout acts.
Dirliebane—taking its name from the Scots word for ‘funny bone’—was founded in 2016 by Fiona Ferrier and Rachel Colles. Backed by Creative Scotland’s multi-year funding portfolio, the outfit specialises in physical comedy and character-led clowning. With HOOT!, the company intends to place physical comedy front and centre in Perth’s autumn calendar.
“At Dirliebane, children’s theatre is our passion, with clowning and comedy at the heart of our work,” said Co-Artistic Director Fiona Ferrier. “We are delighted to be Perth Theatre’s Children’s Theatre Company in Residence, and to work in collaboration with the theatre team to present HOOT!
“Laughter and play are vital at all stages of a child’s development, building confidence and sharing experiences. With such a fantastic mix of theatre companies on the programme, we have something suitable for all, from babies to age 12 and beyond. We’re looking forward to welcoming children and families from across our communities into the theatre for four days of laughter, fun and brilliant live performances.”
From Slapstick to Silent Clowning
The programme mixes local productions with touring work. Dirliebane stages two of its own shows: BIG, targeted at children aged 3 to 6, and SPACE, aimed at ages 8 to 12. Both pieces use clowning to examine new beginnings and the inevitable errors of growing up.
“At Dirliebane, children’s theatre is our passion, with clowning and comedy at the heart of our work,” said Co-Artistic Director Fiona Ferrier.
Guest companies supply varied comedic styles. Lucky Dog Theatre Productions brings The Laurel & Hardy Cabaret, revisiting the routines, songs, and dances of the classic duo for ages seven and up. For younger audiences, Sarah Rose Graber and Ruxy Cantir present Two in a Barrel, a clown performance tracking two eccentric friends perched atop an island of rubbish.
Tenement Jazz Band arrives with Cabinet of Musical Wonders, an assemblage of instrumental stunts, comedy songs, and live jazz for ages 5 to 12. Inclusive dance outfit Indepen-dance fields Four Go Wild in Wellies, while theatre duo lovebug + worm present Toast with lots of butter, sending two pasta-necklace-wearing dinner ladies into culinary chaos. Improv outfit TBC Improv UK rounds out the theatrical offerings with Absolute Kidprov and Imagination in Action, handing narrative control directly to the children in attendance.
Workshops in slapstick, circus skills, and laughter yoga run alongside the staged work, supplemented by creative play sessions for babies and toddlers. Organisers have also scheduled British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted performances and sessions designed for children with additional support needs.
In a country which hosts the world’s largest comedy festival every August, it seems apt to have a special edition for micro-munchkins. So bring on those U-rated chuckles!
Featured Image: Hoot Poster – rearranged for theQR.co.uk
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