Tony Reekie, Director of the Children’s International Theatre Festival

Director, Tony Reekie, wants to make the Bank of Scotland Children’s International Theatre Festival the biggest. He travels all over the world to find new shows. "I was born in Edinburgh but I lived in the Midlands in Coventry, England for seven years," he says.

"I travel a lot because of my job; I am away for three months of the years. I travel all over the world to find shows for the festival. Although I enjoy going away and getting the chance to see fabulous places like Tokyo and New York, I also enjoy getting home. But I miss family when I am away."

Although Tony misses his family, his children get to see plenty of theatre because of his job. He says, "I've got 2 children; my son is 8-years-old and my daughter is 4. They have to see quite a lot of theatre. When they enjoy it, it’s great, and I’m sure they see more theatre than other children their age. I don’t think that’s a bad thing."

Tony also thinks Scotland's weather isn’t a bad thing. "Scotland's biggest selling point is its weather!" he says. "You’re never quite sure what it will be in the next ten minutes.

"We always go to Scotland for our holidays. Another of Scotland's biggest selling points is the Islands. My family go the Isle of Coll for our holidays. Our Islands are the most special in the world. But it's difficult to know how special they are because we’re so close to them. I have to go there twice a year to remind myself."

But Tony doesn’t need to be reminded how special the Edinburgh Festival is. "The Bank of Scotland Children’s International Theatre Festival is part of a group called Festival's Edinburgh, which represents big festivals in the Scottish capital, such as the Fringe Festival. It's always good to have the opportunity to go to such a special event. All the things that make up the festival: the Book, Film, International and Fringe Festivals, and the Tattoo, make it one very special festival, which is unmatched in the world.

"Also, our talent is as good as anywhere in the world. But given the resources we have, we produce very special work.

"When the festival is on, it's great! It becomes the festival and that's down to the special nature of Edinburgh. It's unique in that sense. It's compact and the architecture is amazing. You are part of a big, special event; it's like a four week party," he says.

Although Tony enjoys working in the arts, he believes bringing different shows to children in Scotland is most important. He says, "I didn't know I wanted to work in the theatre until I was 22/23-years-old. I also met my wife, Gill Robertson, from the theatre; it’s a very small world. She works in a children’s theatre company, called Catherine Wheels, which is based at the Brunton Theatre. Recently, she had one of her shows, 'Life Boat', performed in Broadway, New York.

"I try and develop the Bank of Scotland Children’s International Theatre Festival to be the biggest every year. It's so special because it gives children the chance to see some of the best theatre in the world. This is very important. When theatre for children is great it can be very special. And there’s nothing more enjoyable than bringing a production from another part of the world to Scotland and watching the children enjoy themselves."

Related Links

Bank of Scotland Children's International Theatre Festival