The Invisible City
Tortoise in a Nutshell in co-production with German theatre company TheaterGrueneSosse
a fantastical show that stretches beyond the confines of theatre, asking how we want to live together in a divided world.
What would you see if you could look at your world through fresh eyes?
A girl arrives in a new city, wondering if she will belong. Slowly her new home begins to unfold, revealing weird and wonderful stories. A zebra has been spotted roaming the streets but still hasn’t been found. As both the girl and the Zebra immerse themselves in the hustle and bustle of their new environment, the invisible city grows around them inviting them in.
In this new international co-production Tortoise in a Nutshell and TheaterGrueneSosse create a life-sized pop-up picture book, for everyone aged eight and above. Fantastical, rhythmical, rich with imaginative imagery and surprising transformations, The Invisible City asks us what makes a city truly yours?
This production seeks to develop more sustainable, climate-conscious approaches to theatre-making within an international collaboration.
Upcoming presentations
Premiers and tours in Scotland 2027.
Contact kirsten@tortoiseinanutshell.com if you are interested in booking the show.
Past presentations
19 - 20 August 2026: School runs & previews at Lyra, Edinburgh, Scotland
20-21 August 2026: Public previews, with a post show chat about the process of the international co productions being environmentally friendly on 20 August.
3 - 8 September 2026: Junge Theaterwerkstatt am Zo, Frankfurt, Germany
Accessibility
Recommended for ages 8+
Credits
Concept & Performance: Alex Bird, Arran Howie, Ossian Hain, Liljan Halfen.
Composition and Sound Design: Jim Harbourne
Sound Production: Amelie Neumann.
Lighting Design: Simon Wilkinson.
Set Builder: Guy Bishop
Prop Maker: Valerie Reid, Zev Attwood, Ross Napier, Simone von Matthey, Leo Witte.
Stage Manager Germany: Hanna Keinath
Stage Manager Edinburgh: Izzy Bergquist
Costumes: Viviane Niebling
Technical Staff Germany: Lars Löffler, Gabriel Frevert.
Engagement: Lisa Williamson, Verena Specht-Ronique.
Producers: Fiona Louis, Kirsten McPake, Michelle Gerhardt, Irene Gomer
Photo: Mihaela Bodlovic
