Starcatchers’ Float reached 318 babies in the first-ever durational work for babies in Scotland
In Spring 2025, Starcatchers toured the first-ever durational performance created specifically for babies in Scotland, supported by Creative Scotland’s Touring Fund. This unique and groundbreaking experience, designed to engage and stimulate the youngest audiences, toured multiple cities across Scotland until the end of May.
Float is a pioneering performance, the first of its kind in Scotland inspired by the healing properties of water. The production was been carefully designed by Kerry Cleland and a team of creative professionals with expertise in early childhood development and the performing arts.
Creator and performer, Kerry Cleland said:
The making of Float was inspired by my own journey into parenthood, the vastness, the chaos, and how moments being in or beside water helped me find a sense of calm and connection back to myself. Float journeys through different moments with water from the simplicity of a single drip, the calming sounds of the ocean waves, to the sparkling sunlight dancing on the surface of the ocean. I wanted to make a space where babies and their caregivers are allowed to slow down, to rest, to be free, and connect with water in a safe, warm, and playful environment. When the world around is slowed down, adults are invited to rest, and babies are invited to be heard.
On making the piece durational, Kerry said:
After seeing the work of Dajlia Thelander, I realised how much I would have appreciated this style if I were going to the theatre with my baby. How much it may have reduced my worries about getting out of the house on time, how the offer of coming and going would put me at ease and I would not have fear of missing out because everything repeats, how much I would have appreciated the opportunity to be somewhere for longer than just an hour if my baby and I wanted to be! I love seeing babies who are watching a section for the second time, and how their confidence has grown, and their interactions change, and I equally love seeing a parent cosied up half asleep because they’ve seen this bit before, and so they can just zone out!
Unlike traditional performances, this durational piece featured a beautiful shimmering world, with a performance that ebbed and flowed through the space across three hours, allowing families to come and go as to their and babies’ needs. Float is tailored to the specific developmental needs of babies from birth to 12 months old, providing a stimulating and safe environment where the young babies can experience live performance with their families in a way that is both enriching and accessible. The performance featured gentle movements, soothing sounds, original music, and vibrant visuals, ensuring an unforgettable experience for both babies and their grown-ups.
Float was developed through extensive workshops and sharings with audiences in Wester Hailes, including childcare settings and in Starcatchers’ Baby Studio in Westside Plaza in 2022 and 2023 and further supported by the outside eyes of Heather Fulton and Suzie Ferguson.
Kerry Cleland’s concept and direction of Float led the creative team, which included set and costumes designed by Alison Brown supported by Maker Caragh Veitch Philip, sound design by Kim Moore, and lighting design by Emma Jones. Kerry was joined by artists Maddie Broad, Hayley Earlam and Shiori Usui as Float’s performers and collaborators. Production Management of the piece was provided by SNC Productions with the company and tour supported by Stage Manager, Lucy May Wilson and Technical Stage Manager, Lynn Wiseman.
Rhona Matheson, Starcatchers’ outgoing Chief Executive said:
As I step down from my role at Starcatchers, I couldn’t be prouder to see this remarkable tour take flight. This durational performance for babies—the first of its kind in Scotland—is a beautiful testament to the power of early artistic experiences. It captures everything Starcatchers advocates for, innovation, inclusion, and imagination with babies and their grown-ups at the heart of the experience. It’s been a privilege to champion work that sees our youngest audiences as deserving of wonder and connection. This tour is a legacy I’ll carry with deep pride.
Float performed in the following venues across Scotland:
25th & 26th April: The Studio, Edinburgh
29th April: Adam Smith, Kirkcaldy
2nd & 3rd May: Paisley Arts Centre
7th May: Birnam Arts, Dunkeld
9th & 10th May: Platform, Easterhouse
16th & 17th May: The Barn Arts, Banchory
23rd & 24th May: Tramway, Glasgow
Float was previously performed at Lyra, the Lemon Tree in Aberdeen and Perth Theatre in March. For more information on Float visit www.starcatchers.org.uk/work/float/.
Photography by Ben Winger