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Esplanade Presents
16 Mar 2026, Mon, 10am & 2pm
17 Mar 2026, Tue, 10am & 2pm
(Intermission: None)
Esplanade Theatre Studio
★★★★
“"remarkably bold and visionary...what really shines through is the generosity and constant awareness that the dancers show throughout the performance... the interaction is an uplifting witness to how dance can loosen up more than muscles."
– The Herald
Playful Tiger is a sensory show for neurodivergent young people. It tells the story of a tiger’s visit to a rigid family home where he turns their world upside down. It’s chaotic but brilliantly fun, with a focus on sensory engagement. Playfulness within the work creates space for a two-way response between the audience and performers—blurring the boundaries as young people become active collaborators both within and beyond the set.
Internationally acclaimed and toured across the UK, Ireland and Europe, Playful Tiger is a powerful reminder that the art of play knows no barriers, and is celebrated for its spellbinding playfulness and the magical sense of friendship and inclusion it creates.
Choreographer: Natasha Gilmore
Collaborator: Ellie Griffiths
Performers: Vince Virr, Kai-Wen Chuang / Jo Pirrie, Charlotte Mclean
Composer: Kim Moore
Set and Lighting Design: Fred Pommerehn
Costume Design: Christine Dove
Playful Tiger is based on Tiger Tale co-created by Natasha Gilmore and Robert Alan Evans.
Accessibility
Assistive Listening
This performance is exclusively for neurodivergent young people aged 7 and above, and their families.
Free seating. You may choose to sit on chairs or cushions during the performance. Both seating options will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
All children must be accompanied by an adult at least 16 years old.
Barrowland Ballet
Barrowland Ballet is one of Scotland’s most exciting and successful contemporary dance companies built around the artistic work of choreographer Natasha Gilmore. The company produces high quality, accessible dance theatre performances which tour nationally and internationally to small and mid-scale venues. The work’s themes are delivered with wit and humour, and the insightful observations of human behaviour are rooted in personal stories.
Natasha Gilmore was the UK nomination for the ASSITEJ Award for Excellence 2017 for her work for young audiences including Little Red (7+), Whiteout (11+), Tiger Tale (7+) and Poggle (6 months – 4 years). Barrowland Ballet's work has gained critical international acclaim, to date the company has performed in festivals across Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, Chile, Egypt, Ireland, Japan, Norway, Poland, South Africa, the UK, the USA and The Nethaerlands.
Alongside the company’s professional work, Barrowland Ballet produce exceptional participatory performance projects; the two are interdependent with each inspiring the other. Participatory projects include intergenerational performances Wolves (2017), The River (Commonwealth Games Festival 2014), Bunty & Doris (2013); and Wolf Pack, a free, intergenerational company in Glasgow with participants aged 7-80 years old.
Assistive Listening
Assistive listening system is available for this venue. Hearing aid users with a Telecoil-enabled programme can benefit from the system provided. Please arrive at the venue 30 min before the performance so we can assist with the setup.
Assistive Listening
16 Mar 2026, Mon
10am
2pm
17 Mar 2026, Tue
10am
2pm
Tickets must be purchased as an adult-child package.
March On Festival Pass: 20% savings
20 Jan – 3 Feb 2026 (limited tickets)
• Applies to all Esplanade&Me members with a PIP's Club badge
• Min. 4 tickets to the same show or across all March On 2026 shows
Applicable to Standard tickets only. Terms and Conditions apply. Not a member? Sign up for free!
Got your March On Festival Pass?
You could win exclusive PIP merchandise*! Five lucky winners will be randomly selected and contacted via email.
*This promotion is valid until 3 Feb 2026 or when merchandise is fully redeemed. Terms and conditions apply.
1 Adult + 1 Child
2 Adults + 1 Child or 1 Adult + 2 Children
Esplanade&Me Special
From 4 Feb 2026, 10am
PIP's Club: 10% savings (Min. 2 tickets, limited)
Applicable to Standard tickets only. Terms and Conditions apply.
Great arts experiences begin with Esplanade&Me. Join this membership to enjoy ticket specials on shows at Esplanade, early bird specials, promotions at Esplanade Mall, unlimited access to Offstage and more.
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