CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR EVENT

Through The Shortbread Tin

National Theatre of Scotland are back with Through the Shortbread Tin, the story of the greatest literary hoax of all time, don't miss it at the Cumbernauld Theatre in April!

Through The Shortbread Tin

About Through The Shortbread Tin

The story of the greatest literary hoax of all time.

1760. Scottish poet James Macpherson sets the world ablaze with stories of the third-century Scottish bard, Ossian. This tartan-trimmed tale of Highland history spreads far and wide, capturing the imagination of thousands– but is it built on deceit?

2025. Scottish poet Martin O’Connor reads Macpherson’s epic and questions his own relationship with Scottish culture. The sporrans, the stags, the shortbread – do these ‘gift-shop’ images of Scotland hold us back or bring us forward? What does it mean to be authentic, and is the truth sometimes better told in a lie?

Through The Shortbread Tin is a brand-new show, performed in Scots with Gaelic songs, which explores Scottish culture, myths, history and identity. Join Martin and Macpherson on an oral odyssey spanning centuries of Scottish history, exploring the myths we tell each other and the stories we tell ourselves. Because it takes a lot ae imagination tae tell a true story.

A National Theatre of Scotland Production. Written and performed by Martin O’Connor. Directed by Lu Kemp.

Sponsored Links

Glasgow Science Centre
Media Shop
LAMS

Other Events at Lanternhouse

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

31st October 2025

Gather your Sweet Transvestites and come on over to Frankenstein's Place for a screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show this Halloween at Cumbernauld Theatre!

READ MORE

Celtic Da’s: A New Play By Phil Differ

31st October 2025

Phil Differ brings his new play Celtic Da's, starring Raymond Mearns and Bruce Morton, to Cumbernauld Theatre on Friday 31st October!

READ MORE

Reelin’ In The Dan Plays Aja plus the hits

1st November 2025

Reelin' in the Dan plays all the hits and selected deep-cut album tracks from 1972-1980 when the perform at Cumbernauld Theatre on Saturday 1st November!

READ MORE

Metagama: An Atlantic Odyssey

2nd November 2025

You are invited aboard the Metagama, to the plains and lakes of Canada, to 1920s Detroit and Prohibition, and through the ebb and flow of fortunes on both sides of the Atlantic.

READ MORE

Baltic

22nd November 2025 - 24th December 2025

Packed with cool tunes, snowballing laughs and plenty of chances to shout out, Baltic is a heartwarming festive adventure for the whole family at Cumbernauld Theatre!

READ MORE

National Theatre Live: The Fifth Step

27th November 2025

Olivier Award-winner Jack Lowden is joined by Emmy and BAFTA-winner Martin Freeman in the critically acclaimed and subversively funny new play The Fifth Step.

READ MORE

The Great Baldini’s Family Magic Show

6th December 2025 - 7th December 2025

Legendary magician the Great Baldini tells the story of his (and Baldwin the magical dog's) life from his first trick to the height of their careers – attempting Houdini's greatest escape!

READ MORE

Snow Play

12th December 2025 - 24th December 2025

What would you do if one year Winter decided to stay and moved into your house? Find out when Snow Play, a show for little ones, comes to Cumbernauld Theatre!

READ MORE

Absolute Elvis with Johnny Lee Memphis

16th January 2026

Scotland's very own multi-award winning Johnny Lee Memphis will be performing in the Absolute Elvis show when it returns to Cumbernauld Theatre on Friday 16th January!

READ MORE

James Gardner: Jockney Rebel

17th January 2026

James Gardner is one of Scotland’s most exciting new comedians, and he's coming to Cumbernauld with his smash-hit Edinburgh Fringe show 'Jockney Rebel'!

READ MORE

National Theatre Live: Hamlet

22nd January 2026

Olivier Award-winner Hiran Abeysekera is Hamlet in this fearless, contemporary take on Shakespeare's famous tragedy from the National Theatre being screened at Cumbernauld Theatre!

READ MORE

The Billy Joel Story

24th January 2026

Journey through the life and music of the 150 Million record-selling Piano Man in this uplifting show when it comes to Cumbernauld Theatre on Saturday 24th January!

READ MORE

After The Last Waltz

13th February 2026

Enjoy a night of Americana, folk, blues and classic rock and roll when After The Last Waltz play Cumbernauld Theatre on Friday 13th February!

READ MORE

Big Band Jazz in the Afternoon

15th February 2026

Prepare for an afternoon of fun as the future stars of jazz in Scotland – and beyond – demonstrate their instrumental skills to get your toes tapping – suitable for the whole family!

READ MORE

Mark Black - Horrible Family

20th March 2026

Having amassed millions of views online, as well as sold out shows at the SEC Armadillo and Pavilion theatre, Mark Black is back with his dark wit and an array new songs for 2026!

READ MORE

Que Sera Sera

21st March 2026

Que Sera Sera is a magnificent show that pays homage to one of Hollywood's greatest stars – Doris Day, don't miss it at Cumbernauld Theatre on Saturday 21st March!

READ MORE

The Springsteen Sessions

27th March 2026

Catch The Springsteen Sessions, probably the finest Boss tribute band in the land, when they return to Cumbernauld Theatre on Friday 27th March!

READ MORE

The Sound of Scotland with The MacDonald Bros

28th March 2026

After selling out shows across the country, The Sound of Scotland with the Macdonald Bros returns with a stunning new production to Cumbernauld Theatre on Saturday 28th March!

READ MORE

Stuart Mitchell & Friends: On The Road

2nd April 2026

The one liners have been sharpened, the quick replies are flowing fast and this time – he's bringing his pals... don't miss Stuart Mitchell & Friends at Cumbernauld Theatre!

READ MORE

The Legends Of American Country Show

16th April 2026

The UK's no.1 country music tribute show, The Legends of American Country, returns to Cumbernauld Theatre on Thursday 16th April for another fantastic night of toe tapping Country classics!

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

Renfrewshire Council
Hostelworld
ATG

Similar events you might like...

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

31st October 2025

Gather your Sweet Transvestites and come on over to Frankenstein's Place for a screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show this Halloween at Cumbernauld Theatre!

READ MORE
Celtic Da’s: A New Play By Phil Differ

Celtic Da’s: A New Play By Phil Differ

31st October 2025

Phil Differ brings his new play Celtic Da's, starring Raymond Mearns and Bruce Morton, to Cumbernauld Theatre on Friday 31st October!

READ MORE
An ABBA Dream

An ABBA Dream

1st November 2025

An Abba Dream, one of Scotland's top Abba tributes, will return to Rutherglen Town Hall on Saturday 1st November!

READ MORE
T.REXTASY

T.REXTASY

1st November 2025

'Get it On' when T.Rextasy play all of Bolan's biggest hits when they come to Lanark Memorial Hall on Saturday 1st November!

READ MORE
National Theatre Live: Mrs. Warren’s Profession

National Theatre Live: Mrs. Warren’s Profession

1st November 2025

Filmed live from the West End, Mrs. Warren's Profession reunites Imelda Staunton with director Dominic Cooke, exploring the clash between morality and independence, traditions and progress.

READ MORE
Cinema: Bat Out Of Hell: The Musical

Cinema: Bat Out Of Hell: The Musical

2nd November 2025

Get ready for the ultimate rock experience as Bat Out of Hell roars onto the big screen this Halloween! Don't miss it at Airdrie Town Hall on Sunday 2nd November!

READ MORE
Tweed Theatre Presents: Dinnae Trust Anyone

Tweed Theatre Presents: Dinnae Trust Anyone

5th November 2025

When past and present collide, whom should you fear, whom should you trust? Find out when Tweed Theatre bring their new show, Dinnae Trust Anyone, to Biggar Corn Exchange.

READ MORE
Cinema Live: La Fille Mal Gardée

Cinema Live: La Fille Mal Gardée

Selected dates between 5th November 2025 - 9th November 2025

65 years after its premiere, The Royal Ballet presents Frederick Ashton's La Fille mal gardée. Don't miss this screening at Airdrie Town Hall Cinema in November!

READ MORE
Mary Queen of Scots Got her Head Chopped Off

Mary Queen of Scots Got her Head Chopped Off

6th November 2025 - 8th November 2025

Travel back to 16th-century Britain to explore the lives of Mary, Queen of Scots, and Elizabeth I of England when Vertigo Theatre bring Mary Queen of Scots Got her Head Chopped Off to East Kilbride!

READ MORE

Find other events in Lanarkshire

Sponsored Links

Glasgow Science Centre
Media Shop
LAMS
Renfrewshire Council
Hostelworld
ATG

Popular Events

Strathaven Fireworks and Bonfire Night
Strathaven Round Table is thrilled to welcome you back for their annual Community Bonfire & Fireworks Night on Saturday 1st November!
Bonfire Night Celebration
Looking for a safe and fun way to enjoy bonfire night? Join Hamilton Community Stadium for their annual firework display on Wednesday 5th November!
Halfway Fireworks Display
Returning for 2025, Halfway Fireworks Display is Cambuslang community's biggest annual event, attracting a crowd of around 2500 each year!
Artie’s Singing Kettle: Live
Celebrate 10 years of Artie's solo adventures in this fun-filled, sing-along show for all ages at Airdrie Town Hall on Friday 7th August!
After The Last Waltz
Enjoy a night of Americana, folk, blues and classic rock and roll when After The Last Waltz play Cumbernauld Theatre on Friday 13th February!

Popular Listings

Airdrie Town Hall Chatelherault Country Park East Kilbride Arts Centre East Kilbride Village Theatre Lanark Memorial Hall Lanternhouse Cumbernauld Rutherglen Town Hall Strathclyde Country Park The Town House Hamilton