It was always going to be difficult for the National Theatre of Scotland to follow the James plays, which have been the theatrical triumph of the last year.
But the new NTS programme unveiled yesterday looks like it could be a worthy follow-up.
Demonstrating an eye for a programme that is both radical and traditional at the same time, artistic director Laurie Sansom has lined up some old favourites as well as some strong political material.The old favourites are new versions of Whisky Galore and The Driver's Seat by Muriel Spark while the political edge is provided by Rites, which will tackle the subject of female genital mutilation. It is created by Cora Bissett, who has a fine track record in tackling difficult subjects including sex trafficking.
There is also the prospect of a big mainstream hit with Yer Granny, a comedy set in a Scottish chippie, and NTS is continuing to put feet down in the United States with productions of Dunsinane and Let The Right One In.
All together, it amounts to a thoughtful, exciting programme, but also an inclusive one.
And that covers just the six months from January to June. There is more to come after that.
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