A powerful new play that celebrates love, resilience, and community.

In the wake of the Pan Am 103 atrocity in December 1988, the people of Lockerbie responded with heartwarming acts of kindness for the relatives of people who died on board. In the face of the most extraordinary adversity, these two distant communities from Southwest Scotland and New York State built a lasting connection through friendship, compassion and humanity.

Small Acts of Love is a compelling true story based on meticulous research and collaboration between acclaimed playwright Frances Poet and composer Ricky Ross, lead singer of Deacon Blue. The production is brought to life with original songs, creating an ambitious blend of theatre and music that will leave audiences moved and uplifted.

Frances Poet has been nominated for the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize 2026 for Small Acts of Love.

“Really special day yesterday attending with students from Syracuse University, pupils from Lockerbie Academy who are visiting SU for Remembrance Week in a few week’s time, former Lockerbie/Syracuse Scholars and friends of Lockerbie. The “small acts of love” continue to grow.”

“It was an amazingly intimate and loving portrayal of those tragic events. When the sadness threatened to overwhelm there was something funny to lift the audience.”

“Truly a five star event.”

“There are specific moments in the performance which will stay with me forever. The boy in the red coat whose mum hugs him… won’t say anymore but you know the bit…”

“It was excellent. I had family and friends involved and wondered how I would feel. I did shed some tears but it was a wonderfully sympathetic portrayal of good coming from evil. Well done everyone.”

“It is a piece of theatre where I have the privilege of being able to say: I was there.”

Key selling points

• Originating from a prestigious theatre company – the Citizens Theatre is Glasgow’s major producing theatre, and one of the leading theatre companies in the UK. It has an international reputation for producing bold new theatre productions established over its 80-year existence.
• Directed by Dominic Hill who has been at the helm of the Citizens Theatre for more than 14 years and is recognised as one of the leading directors in the UK for classical and contemporary drama.
• Large scale, ensemble piece by a 14 strong cast and 5 piece roots band creates a high impact production, intricately interwoven with songs throughout.
• Music is composed by Ricky Ross who is best known as the lead singer of contemporary rock/pop outfit Deacon Blue, one of Scotland’s most iconic and successful bands.
• This production was developed in collaboration with National Theatre of Scotland and National Theatre (UK) over more than 3 years before its world premiere in September 2025.
• Scotland–USA Connection – the production explores the enduring links between communities in Scotland and the USA forged in the aftermath of the Pan Am 103 atrocity, adding historical and emotional depth that resonates with both those familiar and unfamiliar with the terrorist attack event.
• Connection to true stories – the production has been meticulously researched by writer, Frances Poet, and connects with the families of those who were affected by the Pan Am 103 atrocity in both the USA and Scotland. This includes strong connections to the Victims of Pan Am Flight 103 group: Kara M. Weipz, President, is the sister of victim Richard Monetti, and Michelle Ciulla Lipkin, Chair, is daughter of victim S. Frank Ciulla, whose stories both feature in the play.
• Impactful experience – the play delivers a deeply moving and thought-provoking narrative about community and hope, leaving audiences with a lasting emotional impact. This led to frequent standing ovations by audiences throughout its run.
• High production values – featuring set and lighting design by Olivier Award-winning designers, ensuring a visually stunning presentation.
• This production had its world premiere in September 2025 at the reopening of the Citizens Theatre. It generated 13,500 attendances (76% capacity of 650 seat venue).
• Audience profiling shows it engaged affluent, culturally engaged professionals; younger experience-seeking graduates; and regular heritage-focused attenders. Age data indicates a strong attraction to audiences aged 45 and over. It also attracted individuals with a personal connection to the Pan Am 103 story who travelled from Lockerbie and America to see the production.