The Scottish Parliament is to stage a dramatic show bringing politics to life for school children in the Edinburgh and the Lothians.

‘The Scottish Parliament Show’ will meld the worlds of politics and theatre together in a bid to inspire young people to engage with the process of electing government as readily as they do with voting for an X-factor winner.

Glasgow-based Hopscotch Theatre Company has produced a play, written by Raymond Burke that weaves humour through a moving story line that draws upon Scottish culture with the inclusion of Robert Burns song.

The play’s lead character Wee Jenny makes a visit to the Scottish Parliament and while there she is magically whisked back in time by the parliamentary mace and meets historical revolutionary figure James, Purlie, Wilson. 

Purlie gives Jenny a dynamic lesson in the importance of democracy with the introduction of numerous famous Scottish figures such as Robert the Bruce.  The experience leaves Jenny enthused about politics and her right to have her say about the world around her.

Welcoming the show to the Scottish Parliament, Presiding Officer Tricia Marwick MSP said: “It seems fitting that this play - inspired by The Scottish Parliament - be staged here in front of an audience of school pupils and MSPs. Any show that encourages children to participate in the democratic process and also succeeds in being both funny and entertaining, is surely to be recommended.”

Six primary schools, including the school from round the corner, Royal Mile Primary have been invited to attend the performance at the Scottish Parliament building on Thursday, June 9.

The p4 and 5 pupils will be treated to a viewing of the show between 10am and 11.30am before the politicians get to see it for themselves in the afternoon.