Tag: Festival Theatre

First winners of The Skinny-Fest Festival Awards announced

The Besties is a new series of awards celebrating the best across Edinburgh’s August Festivals. The Award is a partnership between The Skinny & Fest, Capital Theatres and Premier Scotland

The Skinny and Fest, Capital Theatres and Premier Scotland are delighted to announce the winners of the first of the weekly new Festival Awards, The Besties, in the following categories: 

The Outwith Award (for best international artist/production) for Lou Wall’s The Bisexual Lament at Pleasance Courtyard (Edinburgh Festival Fringe)

Radgie of the Festivals (for boldest performance/behaviour) for Joe Kent-Walters is Frankie Monroe: LIVE!!! at The Monkey Barrel Comedy (Edinburgh Festival Fringe)

The Sexy Award for Sexiness to Internationaal Theater Amsterdam’s Penthesilea, Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh (Edinburgh International Festival)

Night Owl (for a late night show) to John Norris for Mr Chonkers / Mr Chonkers Presents…Piggy Time at Monkey Barrel Comedy (Edinburgh Festival Fringe)

Best Kids Show for Garry Starr’s Monkeys Everywhere at The Pleasance (Edinburgh Festival Fringe)

Next Big Thing Award for Emergent Talent for Kim Blyth’s Might As Well at Gilded Balloon (Edinburgh Festival Fringe)

New Writing Award for The Chaos That Has Been and Will No Doubt Return at Summerhall (Edinburgh Festival Fringe) 

The award ceremony took place on Saturday 10th August at the Festival Theatre in Edinburgh, hosted by Australian comedian Michelle Brasier whose show Legacy is at the Gilded Balloon, with performances from the cast of A History of Paper, a Dundee Rep and Traverse Theatre co-production being staged at the Traverse. 

The Besties award, designed by artist Camillo Feuchter who has recently graduated from Interior & Environmental Design at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design in Dundee, uses recyclable plastics gathered at the Festival Theatre Café and leftover wood sourced locally.  

Reflecting the broad and diverse coverage both magazines produce every summer and responding to the need for a pan-festivals award, The Besties span all the festival activity taking place in the city over the month of August, including the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh Art Festival which started on the 9th, Edinburgh International Book Festival which opens today and the Edinburgh International Film Festival starting next week, and others, making them the only awards to celebrate the full spectrum of culture in the city.  

Winners of The Besties are chosen each week by the editorial teams of The Skinny and Fest, drawing on their cross-festival expertise to celebrate the best work happening anywhere in the festivals. The categories will reflect the diversity of the magazines’ coverage and might be different every week.

Next two ceremonies will take place on Saturday 17th and 24th August. 

The Stamping Ground: River City stars Juliet Cadzow and Jenny Hulse come to Edinburgh for Scottish tour

River City stars Juliet Cadzow and Jenny Hulse are set to go on tour in The Stamping Ground, including dates in Edinburgh.

Juliet Cadzow is one of Scotland’s best loved actors, known for starring as Suzie Frazer in River City, Edie McCredie in Balamory, Coronation Street, The Bill and more.

image0.jpeg

Juliet Cadzow 


Jenny Hulse is best known for playing Amber Murdoch in River City, out of this she appeared as Mary McLaughlan in ITV’s ‘In Plain Sight’, as Doris in Morag Fullerton’s ‘Doris, Dolly and the Dressing Room Divas’ and as Aine Macdonald in David McKenzie’s ‘Outlaw King’ for Netflix.

image1.jpeg

Jenny Hulse 

Joining them is Ali Watt, a regular performer with Pitlochry Festival Theatre, earning rave reviews for his performances during their 70th anniversary season in 2021, Naomi Stirrat, Grid Iron’s Muster Station at EIF 2022, and Robin Campbell, Magnetic North’s Lost in Music.  

They will join returning cast members Caitlin Forbes, Annie Grace, Robert Grose, Barrie Hunter, and Brian James O’Sullivan.

The Stamping Ground is the must-see new stage musical featuring the hits of Runrig, one of Scotland’s most beloved and iconic bands, is set to hit the road on a Scotland-wide tour later this year.

An exciting co-production between Raw Material and Eden Court Highlands, the show first premiered in Inverness in July 2022, earning glowing reviews and audience acclaim.

The heart of their community, the local pub, is for sale and tensions are rising about the future of this place they call home. As relationships ignite and smoulder, Euan and Annie find themselves swept into a battle to save the heart of the community. But can they save each other?

Featuring exciting new arrangements of some of Runrig’s most iconic hit songs, including The Greatest Flame, All Things Must Change, and of course The Stamping Ground, the musical shares the soaring power and beating heart of some of the band’s most celebrated music.

All of the songs in the show are written by Runrig’s founding members Calum and Rory MacDonald, with 2023 also marking 50 years since the brothers formed the band on the Isle of Skye in 1973.

Margaret-Anne O’Donnell and Gillian Garrity, Raw Material, said: “Scottish based independent production company, Raw Material are delighted to be touring their hit, feel-good musical, The Stamping Ground, across Scotland in 2023.

“Audiences in the highlands, both those new to Runrig and lifelong fans of the band united in their appreciation with standing ovations when the show premiered at Eden Court in Summer 2022. If you are a fan of musicals, a fan of live theatre or just looking for a great night out then this is definitely one not to miss!”

Calum MacDonald and Rory MacDonald of Runrig said: “It is so good to see that The Stamping Ground is not only returning to Eden Court but going on a Nationwide Tour.

“There has been such a positive reaction from fans and public alike, with still so many that have not had the opportunity to see it first time around.”

The Stamping Ground will now tour to some of Scotland’s biggest stages from May to June 2023. Including a run from 23 – 27 May at Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre. Tickets on sale now.

Resident Proves She Is On Pointe At Swan Lake 

Resident, Sandy Alexander a 95 year old lady at Strachan House had always wanted to return to watch the ballet so staff at the home made her wish a reality.

Sandy was an accomplished ballet dancer in her younger years and fondly talks of her younger dancing days mainly in Rugby, Warwickshire.

Sandy Alexander has lived at Strachan House for a number of years and is beloved by staff and residents alike. Staff at the home were delighted to be a part of making her dream come true, as they knew how much it meant to her, and they all wanted to be there to see the smile on Sandy’s face as she was surprised with a trip to watch Swan Lake performed by the Birmingham Royal Ballet at the Festival Theatre in Edinburgh.

Staff first found out about Sandys dream as she had always spoke about her time as a ballet dancer. She takes part in many exercise classes at the home and it was clear how much she loved being a dancer with her moves and chat about how she was On Pointe.

Ever since learning about Sandy’s passion they have been dedicated to helping her achieve it her dream of returning to the ballet. Sandywas also accompanied by staff, who were there in support of this momentous occasion.

In response to this wonderful surprise, Sandy said: “It was amazing and I never thought I’d ever see the ballet again. The powerful music and dancers just filled me with memories that came flooding back of my time preforming. It truly was an amazing surprise and one I won’t forget”

Gordon Philp, General Manager at the home, said: “We want everyone we care for to know how important they are to us here at Strachan House. It was so nice to see how happy Sandy was – and the staff loved being a part of this as well.”

Strachan House care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides residential care, nursing care and dementia care for 83 residents from respite care to long term stays.

Stagebox’s free auditions to take place in Edinburgh this April

10th April – Edinburgh Festival Theatre audition date

Leading entertainment industry training programme and talent management, Stagebox, has announced audition dates taking place across the nation from April 2022.

The annual search sees experts audition passionate performers aged 8-18 years old from across the country (and internationally), offering successful members the chance to benefit from world class training and opportunities in a contemporary supercharged industry accelerator for musical theatre, television and film.

Last year’s auditions saw the Stagebox team meet thousands of performers from across the UK and beyond, and this year they anticipate similar interest. This year, auditionees will be able to select whether they are auditioning for an acting or musical theatre membership and their audition day will see them be put through their paces in this discipline.

Many young performers training at Stagebox have already landed dream roles on stage and screen, thanks to the expert training and management.

Stagebox has secured their clients major lead talent screen roles in Oscar nominated and Emmy award winning productions, including Peaky Blinders (Netflix), Sex Education (Netflix), Robin Robin (Netflix), Ted Lasso (Apple TV+), Avenue 5 (HBO), The Power (Amazon Studios), Pistol (Disney +), BAFTA anthology Superdad (Channel 4), Gentleman Jack (Netflix/HBO), Lagging (BBC) and many more.

Stagebox management clients also continue to star in West End and UK Tour musicals including Frozen, Matilda the Musical, School of Rock, Annie, The Grinch, Mary Poppins and Tina the Musical to name a few.

To further the opportunities for their clients, Stagebox Management has also brokered agency partnerships stateside, working alongside Innovative Artists, Paradigm Talent, Luber Roklin Entertainment, Gravity Hill, KMR, Maverick and more.

Commenting on the upcoming 2022 auditions, Stagebox’s General Manager, Jasmine Quinlan Gardner, said: “We are so excited to begin our nationwide search for the stars of today and tomorrow.

“We are proud of our inclusive, diverse and extraordinarily talented community and we can’t wait to meet those who will join us on the journey.”

Kirsti Bagger, Head Agent at Stagebox, adds: “At Stagebox, the training is second to none, preparing our young stars for careers on the stage and screen. 2021 was one of our most successful years ever with Stagebox Management clients wrapping on global award-winning feature films and television series and critically acclaimed theatre productions.

“We’re committed to making auditions for Stagebox free as part of our ongoing dedication to inclusivity in the arts. We only open for auditions once a year, and we’re excited to see our 2022 auditionees’ incredible new talent!”

These auditions are guaranteed to fill up fast and limited spaces apply. To register your spot for your preferred audition date, please visit the Stagebox website to apply.

To find out more about Stagebox, please head to: https//www.stagebox.uk/

*Auditions will adhere to all necessary COVID-19 guidelines.

EIFF Special Event this Friday: Edinburgh’s Talking About Jamie

Edinburgh International Film Festival is delighted to announce that the 74th edition will host a unique and inclusive celebration of being yourself at Edinburgh’s Talking About Jamie.

The free, hour-long event in St Andrew Square at 6pm on Friday 20 August will kick off with drag queen entertainment and cocktails.

Those dressed to impress will be in with a chance of prizes for the best outfits. It takes place immediately ahead of the eagerly awaited Special Preview of the film adaptation of the award-winning hit musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.

Compere Alice Rabbit  – Edinburgh’s Most Wanted drag queen, Mother of the Hoose of Rabbit, reigning queen of Edinburgh’s legendary regular Tuesday night drag explosion, The Rabbit Hole and all-round drag powerhouse – has found time in her busy, “booked and blessed” schedule to, whilst running her sell-out Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut ‘Alice Rabbit’s AYE-Cons’, bring the beautiful crowd of  Edinburgh’s Talking About Jamie an hour of local legends, live singing and legendary looks. 

Joining Alice Rabbit is Jamie Campbell, and his mother Margaret who will make a special star appearance at St Andrew Square.

Also on the bill is Scotland’s lioness, Lady Rampant! This high-heeled activist uses her two law degrees to influence her performances and frequently works with third sector organisations, the Scottish press and politicians advocating for equality.

As such, she won Best Political Queen at the Glasgow Drag Awards 2020. Talent, humour and intelligence all wrapped into one, she has earned her spot as Scottish Drag Royalty.

Although pre-booked tickets for the event are sold out, we will allow free un-ticketed entry to all screenings by walk-up on a first come, first served basis, subject to availability of space. On arrival, please make your way to the ‘Event Entrance’ located on the south-west corner of St Andrew Square.

The film will have its Special Preview screening at the Festival Theatre – a ‘coming home’ of sorts – where the stage musical was the last show to play before the March 2020 lockdown. The screening is now sold out.

Inspired by true events, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is the film adaptation of the award-winning hit musical from London’s West End, about Jamie New (newcomer Max Harwood), a teenager in a blue-collar English town with a dream of life on stage.

While his classmates plan their livelihoods after graduation, Jamie contemplates revealing his secret career ambition as a fierce and proud drag queen.

His best friend Pritti (Lauren Patel) and his loving mum (Sarah Lancashire) shower him with endless support while local drag legend Miss Loco Chanelle (Richard E. Grant) mentors him toward his debut stage performance.

But it’s not all rainbows for Jamie as his unsupportive dad (Ralph Ineson), an uninspired career advisor (Sharon Horgan), and some ignorant school kids attempt to rain on his sensational aspirations. In rousing and colourful musical numbers, Jamie and his community inspire one another to be more accepting, and to see the value in facing adversity stepping out of the darkness into the spotlight.

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie will be released exclusively on Prime Video on 17th September 2021.

Join the Facebook event here.

St Andrew Square is also the home of Film Fest in the City, delivered in partnership with Essential Edinburgh and supported by Johnnie Walker, EIFF’s Official Whisky Partner, Innis & Gunn, EIFF’s Official Beer Partner, and EventScotland, part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate.

The 74th edition of EIFF runs from 18 – 25 August 2021. 

The full programme is available on www.edfilmfest.org.uk

#EdFilmFest

EIFF 2021 Opening Film: European premiere of PIG

We are delighted to announce that the 74th edition of Edinburgh International Film Festival will open with the European Premiere of Pig starring Nicolas Cage, on Wednesday 18th August at Festival Theatre. 

The Academy-Award winning actor has achieved acclaim for this performance with Variety citing him as “at his melancholic best… a reminder that Cage is among the most gifted, fearless actors working today” and the Washington Post hailing “a soulful performance of unexpected depth and quiet beauty.”

A truffle hunter who lives alone in the Oregonian wilderness must return to his past in Portland in search of his beloved foraging pig after she is kidnapped. This film marks the directorial debut of Michael Sarnoski, who had edited and produced The Testimony which was shortlisted for the 2016 Academy Awards in the best documentary short category.

Edinburgh International Film Festival has an affection and recent history with Cage, in 2014 the festival programmed the critically-acclaimed Joe which starred the actor alongside Tye Sheridan and helmed by David Gordon Green.

In 2019, the festival co-programmed Cage-a-rama 3D with Matchbox Cineclub, screening two Cage cult classics Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance and Drive Angry in eye-popping 3D.

Director, Michael Sarnoski said: “We’re so thrilled to be sharing PIG at Edinburgh International Film Festival.

“It was a labour of love for all involved, and we hope it gives the audience a moment of reflection and togetherness after such a hard year.”

Nick Varley, Lead Guest Programmer of Edinburgh International Film Festival added: “Honouring the work of Nicolas Cage has become something of a tradition in Edinburgh and we are delighted to continue our long association with the premier of this most beautiful and thought provoking of films.

“From the moment the programming team viewed PIG we knew it was the film to open the 74th edition of the festival. Sincere thanks to Will Clarke and the team at Altitude for making the film available to us.”

Pig will be exclusively released in cinemas nationwide by Altitude Film Distribution on 20 August 2021.

Join the Facebook event here.

The 74th edition of EIFF runs from 18 – 25 August 2021. The full programme will be announced on 28 July 2021.

#EdFilmFest

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

EIFF presents a Special Preview screening of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

Edinburgh International Film Festival is delighted to announce that the 74th edition of the Edinburgh International Film Festival will host a unique screening of the eagerly awaited film adaptation of the award-winning hit musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.

The film will have its Special Preview screening at the Festival Theatre – a ‘coming home’ of sorts – where the stage musical was the last show to play before the March 2020 lockdown.

On Friday 20 August, the EIFF screening which will be accessed by the public using an EIFF first ‘Pay-What-You-Can’ model will be preceded by a unique and inclusive outdoor celebration event in St Andrew Square Edinburgh’s Talking About Jamie.

EIFF is also delighted to reveal that Jamie Campbell and his mother Margaret, the subjects of the original documentary that inspired the musical will be attending the screening and festivities.

Inspired by true events, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is the film adaptation of the award-winning hit musical from London’s West End, about Jamie New (newcomer Max Harwood), a teenager in a blue-collar English town with a dream of life on stage.

While his classmates plan their livelihoods after graduation, Jamie contemplates revealing his secret career ambition as a fierce and proud drag queen. His best friend Pritti (Lauren Patel) and his loving mom (Sarah Lancashire) shower him with endless support while local drag legend Miss Loco Chanelle (Richard E. Grant) mentors him toward his debut stage performance.

But it’s not all rainbows for Jamie as his unsupportive dad (Ralph Ineson), an uninspired career advisor (Sharon Horgan), and some ignorant school kids attempt to rain on his sensational aspirations. In rousing and colourful musical numbers, Jamie and his community inspire one another to be more accepting, and to see the value in facing adversity stepping out of the darkness into the spotlight.

In true Jamie style Edinburgh International Film Festival is inviting everybody to an event to celebrate being themself at St Andrew Square, Edinburgh’s Talking About Jamie.

The evening will kick off with drag queen entertainment and cocktails. Those dressed to impress will be in with a chance of prizes for the best outfits.

Tickets are free to Edinburgh’s Talking About Jamie and must be booked in addition to tickets to the Special Preview screening at Festival Theatre.

The iconic Edinburgh square will also be home to EIFF’s Film Fest in the City, a series of free outdoor screenings delivered in partnership with Essential Edinburgh.

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie stars newcomer Max Harwood, Sarah Lancashire, Lauren Patel, Shobna Gulati, Ralph Ineson, Adeel Akhtar, Samuel Bottomley, with Sharon Horgan and Richard E. Grant.

The stage production’s director, Jonathan Butterell, makes his feature-film debut as director, with screenplay and lyrics by Tom MacRae, songs by Dan Gillespie Sells and a score composed by Sells and Anne Dudley. Mark Herbert, p.g.a., Peter Carlton, p.g.a., and Arnon Milchan are producing, with Yariv Milchan, Michael Schaefer, Natalie Lehmann, Daniel Battsek, Ollie Madden, Peter Balm, Niall Shamma and Jes Wilkins serving as executive producers.

The film features hit songs from the stage show including ‘And You Don’t Even Know It’, ‘The Wall In My Head’ and ‘Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’ as well as an exclusive new song ‘This Was Me’, performed by Holly Johnson, lead singer of Frankie Goes to Hollywood.

The original musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie has quickly become one the most beloved musicals of recent years.

Premiering at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, before transferring to London’s Apollo Theatre, the production was an overnight success amongst audiences and critics, receiving rave reviews and garnering five Olivier Award nominations.

The show was also honoured at the UK Theatre Awards with Best Musical Production, with its star John McCrea named Best Musical Performer.

The stage show joyfully reopened its doors in May 2021 in London’s Apollo Theatre – the first musical in the West End to do so, before the UK tour recommences in September 2021 visiting 24 UK cities including Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre again from Tuesday 29 March to Saturday 2 April 2022.

Jonathan Butterell, Director of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie said: “I am thrilled to be presenting Everybody’s Talking About Jamie at the Edinburgh International Film Festival as a Special Preview, a city that early spring last year, just before the national lockdown, embraced the stage musical so enthusiastically!

“I am also delighted to hear about the plans for Edinburgh’s Talking About Jamie celebrations and cannot wait to see Edinburgh putting its best frock on and get singing!”

Nick Varley, Lead Guest Programmer of Edinburgh International Film Festival added: “Has Sheffield ever looked so glamourous? Everyone’s Talking About Jamie has all the ingredients of a classic feel good musical, proving that being yourself and following your dream always triumphs over adversity.

“After a year of lockdowns we all need a reason to have fun and Jamie provides it in spades. We are delighted to present it as our Special Preview screening.”

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie will be exclusively released on Prime Video on 17th September 2021.

Join the Facebook event here.

The 74th edition of EIFF runs from 18 – 25 August 2021. The full programme will be announced on 28 July 2021.

#EdFilmFest

Free Theatre Auditions in Edinburgh This Weekend!

Renowned talent management and theatre training programme, Stagebox, is back in Edinburgh this month hosting free auditions at Festival Theatre this Saturday ()17th July 2021.

Stagebox Edinburgh launched in February 2021, providing the region’s rising stars with unrivalled talent management and performance training programmes.

Amongst a number of success stories nationwide, Stagebox client Abby Wallace from Edinburgh recently landed a prime role in the brand-new BBC comedy series, Dinosaur, as Young Nina.

But Abby is not the first rising star from Scotland; she follows in the footsteps of 11-year-old Stagebox client, Lexi Sheppard, who is currently filming for a Netflix movie musical and previously trod the boards as Young Cosette in Les Miserables on London’s West End.

If you know a young performer aged 8-18 years old who is looking to take their talent to the next level, Stagebox is inviting auditionees to take to the stage at the in-person audition workshops.

Successful candidates will enjoy the exclusive award-winning performance training programme in Edinburgh during the school holidays, as well as benefitting from the talent management at Stagebox.

Commenting on the upcoming auditions, Stagebox’s General Manager, Jasmine Quinlan Gardner, said: “We’re thrilled to return to Edinburgh following our May auditions in the city – as a widely-respected hub for the creative arts we are so excited to bring this opportunity to the region’s budding talents.”

Kirsti Bagger, Head Agent at Stagebox said: “We have completely removed Stagebox audition fees this year as we’re passionate about accessibility and inclusivity. Whether you’ve got plenty of experience or are a complete newcomer, anyone can audition to become a part of Stagebox – we’re simply looking for passion, ambition and star quality!”

These auditions are guaranteed to fill up fast and limited spaces apply.

To register your spot for the Edinburgh audition date, please visit Eventbrite.

To find out more about Stagebox, please head to: https://www.stagebox.uk/

*Auditions will be socially distanced in adherence with COVID-19 guidelines.

Raw Material and Capital Theatres present James IV – Queen of the Fight

Raw Material and Capital Theatres, in association with the National Theatre of Scotland, have announced a new large-scale production James IV – Queen of the Fight that will come to stages across Scotland in autumn 2022.

Scotland, 1504, seen fresh through the eyes of new arrivals, Ellen and Anne, two Moorish women who were expected to take their place at a royal court … but not this one. 

Both women now have to fight to find and keep a place in the dazzling, dangerous world of the Scottish Court of James IV. It’s a world where war is never far away, words of love and promises of peace are not what they seem and where poets might turn out to be more dangerous than any assassin. 

Rona Munro’s vividly imagined trilogy has already brought to life three generations of Stewart kings who ruled Scotland in the tumultuous fifteenth century to the acclaim of audiences and critics from Scotland to Auckland. 

The original trilogy opened at the Edinburgh International Festival in 2014 before touring Scotland and internationally, winning several awards. They were acknowledged as a landmark event in Scottish and UK theatre. Now comes James IV with Laurie Sansom directing once more. 

Co-produced by Raw Material, the award-winning, independent, producing company based in Glasgow, and Capital Theatres, Scotland’s largest theatre charity based in Edinburgh, the production will open at the Festival Theatre, Edinburgh in the autumn of 2022 before touring Scotland.    

Rona Munro said: “The first three James Plays – James I – The Key Will Keep the Lock, James II – The Day of the Innocents and James III – The True Mirror, were among the most exciting and the most satisfying theatre productions I’ve ever been part of.

“To be able to continue this work, with Laurie and with this team is, for me, to continue that excitement. My larger ambition is to extend the Stewart history of Scotland through James V, Mary Queen of Scots and to conclude with James VI who became James I of England.

“My hope is that I can make this history more accessible, make those invisible in history visible again and provide a representation of the most potent and telling truth of history- it was made by people like us.”

Laurie Sansom said: “It’s a great privilege to be returning to the world created by Rona in the first trilogy of James Plays.

“It was probably the most challenging and rewarding creative project I have worked on, and it’s now thrilling to be realising a long-held ambition to continue the story with the support of Raw Material, Capital Theatres and the National Theatre of Scotland.”

Fiona Gibson, CEO of Capital Theatres said: “I’m truly excited to be co-producing the next James Play with the highly talented duo that is Raw Material along with the support of National Theatre of Scotland.

“Gillian and Margaret-Anne have an eye for that special story that audiences just won’t want to miss.  As Scotland’s largest theatre charity, we are delighted to support independent producers and enable them to create new work for our stages.

“With this announcement we are also revealing a new artistic thread which will continue to enrich our work at Capital Theatres; broadening out our programming by taking a more active role in a select number of co-productions; allowing us to collaborate with a range of fantastic producing partners such as Raw Material and play a central role in the creative life of Scotland’s theatre sector.

“Having had a sneak peek during the initial development phase of James IV, we can’t wait to see what Rona and Laurie finally create.”

Gillian Garrity & Margaret-Anne O’Donnell, Raw Material said: “We are beyond thrilled to be working with Capital Theatres on this new production of James IV – Queen of the Fight by Rona Munro.  

“As independent producers we are acutely aware of the need for high quality Scottish plays that can perform on some of our largest stages.   This past year has been challenging across all parts of our sector and we look forward to heralding the return of our creative artists to venues and stages with the best stories and plays that will entertain and delight audiences across Scotland and beyond.

“Through a new co-producing partnership with the incredible team at Capital Theatres led by Fiona Gibson, a script by Rona Munro, direction by Laurie Sansom and support from the National Theatre of Scotland we are raring to go and very much looking forward to touring James IV to audiences across Scotland in autumn next year.”

Jackie Wylie, Artistic Director of National Theatre of Scotland said: “We are hugely excited to be supporting the next stage in Rona Munro’s ambitious and thrilling historical theatrical saga. We know that audiences will be delighted to have the opportunity to return to the Scottish court and to find out what happens next to Rona’s vividly imagined Scots Royals. 

“It’s brilliant to have Laurie Sansom at the helm and to welcome him back to Scottish theatre. We are also proud to be supporting an exciting new producing partnership between Capital Theatres and Raw Material which promises to bring much to audiences, artists and the sector”

More support for Capital Theatres

Three charitable arts organisations will receive a share of £3 million of additional funding as part of the ongoing emergency coronavirus (COVID-19) support for culture.

Capital Theatres – which operates the Festival Theatre, the King’s Theatre and The Studio in Edinburgh – will receive £800,000.

Aberdeen Performing Arts – which runs His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen Music Hall and The Lemon Tree – will receive £1.4 million.

Eden Court Highlands – Scotland’s largest single-site arts venue – will receive £800,000.

The funding is part of the £185 million package of targeted COVID-19 funding announced by the Scottish Government last month.

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “This funding will help to secure the future of three of Scotland’s important independent performing arts charities, protecting jobs and addressing some of the financial pressures they are facing.

“These venues all receive UK and international touring work of major scale, make a significant contribution to the economy and support a network of arts organisations, artists and creatives at the heart of our cities and regions.

“The Scottish Government has allocated more than £120 million of additional funding to support culture and heritage since the start of the pandemic and we will continue to listen to the needs of the sectors.”

Chief Executive of Aberdeen Performing Arts Jane Spiers said: “This funding will go a long way towards helping us survive, thrive and play our part in the cultural and economic recovery of the North-East.

As an arts charity with a high reliance on earned income and over 500 show cancellations to date through 2021 and into 2022, it provides us with a vital lifeline. 

“This new funding recognises the unique scale of the challenge facing large scale theatres and concert halls, the significance of culture to the region’s economic future and the vital role Aberdeen Performing Arts plays in civic, cultural and community life.

“We wouldn’t be here today without all the financial support we’ve been able to access to date from the Scottish Government, from our local authority and generous donations from audiences. It means more than words can say. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back when it’s safe to do so.”

This additional support takes the overall emergency COVID-19 funding from the Scottish Government to £2.38 million for Aberdeen Performing Arts, £2.07 million for Eden Court Highlands and £1.55 million for Capital Theatres.