Tag: theatre

Brian Cox returns to Scottish stages in James Graham’s new play Make It Happen

  • Brian Cox (Succession, Braveheart) returns to Scottish stages in a new play by leading British playwright James Graham (Dear England, Sherwood)
  • The first major artwork to tell the story of Royal Bank of Scotland’s role in the 2008 financial crash

WORLD PREMIERE

A National Theatre of Scotland, Edinburgh International Festival and Dundee Rep Theatre co-production in association with Playful Productions and Neal Street Productions

Make It Happen
Written by James Graham                                                                                                    
Directed by Andrew Panton                                                                                                              
With Brian Cox

Opening performance of the 2025 Edinburgh International Festival on Friday 1 August 2025, then running until Saturday 9 August. Previewing at Dundee Rep Theatre in late July and at the International Festival on Wednesday 30 and Thursday 31 July.

Make It Happen is an epic new satirical play by acclaimed playwright James Graham, directed by Andrew Panton, Artistic Director of Dundee Rep Theatre. This unique co-production between National Theatre of Scotland, Edinburgh International Festival and Dundee Rep Theatre marks the return of Brian Cox to Scottish stages for the first time in a decade.

The world premiere of Make It Happen opens the Edinburgh International Festival’s 2025 programme of theatre, music, opera, and dance. It runs for a week at the Festival Theatre from 1–9 August, with previews at the International Festival on 30 and 31 July and at Dundee Rep Theatre from late July.

‘There is no such thing – as too big.’

Behold the rise, fall and fail of the biggest bank in the world – The Royal Bank of Scotland.

Helmed by Fred ”The Shred” Goodwin, with his fervent belief in the wisdom of the ‘founder of modern capitalism’, Adam Smith, the once prudent RBS soon plummets, placing Scotland at the heart of the global financial crash of 2008.

Set in Edinburgh, Make It Happen sees legendary actor Brian Cox return to the Scottish stage for the first time in a decade as Adam Smith, the ghost of fiscal past. Written by James Graham (Sherwood, Dear England), hailed as one of the most influential and finger-on-the-pulse writers of our time, and directed by the award-winning Andrew Panton, this bitingly funny new satire delves into the unchecked growth, spiralling greed and nail-biting hubris that brought the world’s economy to its knees.

This fictionalised satire features a mixture of characters and incidents inspired by real-life events, with others entirely imagined.

James Graham, writer, said: “Like many writers, an Edinburgh stage is the first place ever I dared put a full play in front of an audience.

“To be invited to join the prestigious Edinburgh International Festival programme this summer is an honour and a thrill. And to work with the National Theatre of Scotland, the Dundee Rep, and of course – Brian Cox, whom I’ve been desperate to write for for as long as I can remember.

We still live in the long shadow of the 2008 financial crash and our inability to reset from that inheritance and its divisive legacies, so it feels right to be interrogating it artistically. But we hope to do so in a show full of music and story, larger-than-life characters, cheeky humour, and some ghosts from Scotland’s centuries’ long past thrown in as well…”

Andrew Panton, director, said: ​​”It’s a personal honour and huge responsibility to tell what became a global story that started in the city close to where I grew up.

“Working with an exceptionally talented cast, creative and production teams, I’m excited to be directing this new play, bringing it to audiences at Dundee Rep Theatre and Edinburgh International Festival stages.”

Brian Cox, actor, said: “I’m excited to be doing a play written by James Graham who is such a great writer.

“It’s been a long time since I played in Scotland – it’s good to be back.”

Jackie Wylie, Artistic Director of the National Theatre of Scotland said: “I am thrilled that audiences will get to experience the combined talents of James Graham and Brian Cox, taking on the collapse of Royal Bank of Scotland in this epic new play, directed by the gifted Andrew Panton, produced in partnership with the brilliant institutions, Dundee Rep and Edinburgh International Festival.

“Dealing with seismic global moments that have shaped our national psyche, at the world’s most significant arts Festival is the perfect project for the National Theatre of Scotland  and we are truly proud of this special collaboration”

Nicola Benedetti, Edinburgh International Festival Director, said: “We are extremely proud to present a brand-new play by James Graham,  ‘Make It Happen’, which will open the 2025 International Festival in August.

“This co-commission with the National Theatre of Scotland and Dundee Rep demonstrates our ongoing commitment to bringing vital Scottish stories to the world stage, and invites us to examine events that took place in Edinburgh but rippled across the globe.

“Illuminating this year’s festival theme ‘The Truth We Seek’, ‘Make it Happen’ exemplifies the level of ambition and thought-provoking work that defines the Edinburgh International Festival. We cannot wait to see you there.”

Paisley born Fred Goodwin was the Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Bank of Scotland Group between 2001 and 2009, presiding over RBS’s rapid rise to become the world’s largest company (by assets) and the fifth-largest bank (by stock market value), and their even more rapid fall in 2008, which coincided with the worldwide economic crisis. Make It Happen is the first major artwork exploring RBS’s role in this tumultuous period in recent history.

‘James Graham is fast becoming the pre-eminent playwright of his generation.’ The Guardian

James Graham is an award-winning screenwriter and playwright, whose recent work includes Dear England (National Theatre of GB and West End) which won the Olivier award for Best Play in 2024 and is currently being adapted into a BBC miniseries.

Other theatre work includes: This House (National Theatre of GB, West End and UK tour), which was chosen by popular vote as the best play of the 2010’s for the major theatre publisher Methuen; Punch (Nottingham Playhouse and transferring to the Young Vic in spring 2025); Best of Enemies (Young Vic, 2022), winner of the Critics’ Circle Theatre Award; Tammy Faye (The Almeida), and Ink (The Almeida), which transferred to Broadway and was nominated for six Tony Awards; Labour of Love (Noel Coward Theatre, 2018) which won the Olivier award for Best Comedy.

For television, James is the writer and creator of Sherwood which first aired on BBC One in 2022 to five star reviews, winning the Royal Television Society Award for Best Drama and two BAFTAS. Other TV includes Brexit: An Uncivil War, broadcast on Channel 4 and HBO, and was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Television Movie. His Channel 4 drama, Coalition won the RTS Award for Best Single Drama (2019), and Quiz (ITV and AMC), adapted from his stage play and directed by Stephen Frears, was one of the most watched UK TV dramas of 2020.

Andrew Panton is an award-winning theatre director and currently Artistic Director and Joint CEO of Dundee Rep Theatre. For Dundee Rep, his directorial credits include August: Osage County, The Children, A Christmas Carol, Oor Wullie, Passing Places and Spring Awakening.

He has previously worked with National Theatre of Scotland as director on digital lockdown short Out of the Woods with Alan Cumming and A Sheep Called Skye, and as staff director on the original UK & International tours of Black Watch. He has also directed productions for the Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh, Citizens Theatre Glasgow, Royal & Derngate, Perth Theatre and The Stephen Joseph Theatre.

His recent work includes A History of Paper, which won a Scotsman Fringe First, an immersive production of Peter Greenaway’s The Cook, The Thief, His Wife and Her Lover, and the gig-theatre musical No Love Songs which will transfer to Sydney and New York in spring 2025. Andrew’s work for television includes: Children in Need, The Naked Choir and The Voice (BBC) and he was a creative director for the opening ceremony of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Brian Cox is an award-winning Scottish actor, known for his work on stage and screen. Born in Dundee, he trained at Dundee Rep Theatre before going on to work at the Royal Lyceum Theatre, Royal National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company where he first gained recognition for his portrayal of King Lear.

His numerous accolades include two Olivier Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award. Recent entries on his extensive list of theatre credits include Long Day’s Journey Into Night (Wyndham’s Theatre) and The Score (Theatre Royal Bath). His screen work includes Succession (HBO), Braveheart (Paramount Pictures, 20th Century Fox) and Nuremberg (TNT).

Brian returns to Scottish stages for the first time in a decade, last appearing on Scottish stages in 2015 in Waiting For Godot at the Royal Lyceum Theatre. He previously worked with National Theatre of Scotland in 2020 when he played Inspector Rebus in a special digital short, John Rebus: The Lockdown Blues written by Ian Rankin for their lockdown Scenes for Survival series, created in partnership with BBC Scotland.

Creative Team: Set Designer: Anna Fleischle; Costume Co-Designers: Anna Fleischle and Angelica Rush; Movement Director: Emily Jane Boyle; Musical Supervisor and Arranger: Martin Lowe; Lighting Designer: Lizzie Powell; Sound Designer: Tingying Dong; Video co-designers: Lewis den Hertog and Anna Fleischle; Associate Designer: Angelica Rush; Casting Director: Stuart Burt CDG

Supported by Sir Ewan and Lady Brown

Make It Happen is also supported by the Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund through Creative Scotland.

Previewing at Dundee Rep Theatre (late July); opening at Edinburgh International Festival, at the Festival Theatre, (previews Wed 30 & Thurs 31 July) Fri 1 August – Sat 9 August

Full cast to be announced.

More information here: https://www.eif.co.uk/events/make-it-happen

Tickets will go on sale for performances at Edinburgh International Festival on 27 March, with priority booking available.          

The Edinburgh International Festival’s full programme will be announced on 13 March 2025.

Mary Poppins: The Show WILL go on!

Important information for audiences: Mary Poppins – Friday 24 January, 7.30pm

The weather warning in place for Edinburgh is currently due to end at 5pm today Friday and therefore the performance should begin as planned at 7.30pm.

Maggie, June, Billy and a Giant Rabbit walk into a Theatre Bar …

Looking back on a year of theatre | NTS 2024

It’s been another busy year taking theatre out on the road across Scotland and beyond. Moving memoirs brought to the stage, new twists on Country classics and jaw-dropping dramatic moments.

We have been touring to theatres, schools, community halls, art centres, hospitals, cinemas, libraries and festivals. As well as exhibitions, short films, documentaries, podcasts, residencies and more.

In 2024, we visited 62 venues across Scotland, and beyond.

Here are some highlights of the year from your national theatre…

We kick started the year celebrating young audiences and performers.

Theatre in Schools Scotland (TiSS) took to the road with two brilliant shows for primary, school children, Cloud Man and Going for Gold: Me and Linford Christie landing in school halls.

Cloud Man by Constellation Points/Ailie Cohen and Lewis Hetherington, presented by Scottish Theatre Producers. Going for Gold: Me and Linford Christie by Victoria Beesley, presented by Catherine Wheels.

Meanwhile Hannah Lavery’s Protest continued to inspire youth activism at the Traverse Theatre.

Co-commissioned and co-produced by Fuel, Imaginate and Northern Stage in association with National Theatre of Scotland.

In January we presented work in Edinburgh and toured to schools in Edinburgh, Grangemouth, Coatbridge, Bathgate, Aberfeldy, Dallas, Fort William, Kenmore, Pitlochry, Glasgow, Airdrie and Wishaw with Theatre in Schools Scotland (TiSS).

Cloud Man and Going for Gold continued their TiSS adventures.

“I’ve learnt that anything is possible. If I never came out my comfort zone I’d never have made these memories… Life changing.”

Thank U, Next participant.

We took up residency at Bellahouston Academy with 21Commoners Lucy Gaizely and Gary Gardiner to explore teen lives with a cast of 12-to-16 year olds with the extraordinary Thank U, Next.

A National Theatre of Scotland production in association with Bellahouston Academy, created by 21Common.

Hope Dickson Leach’s Scots Gothic classic, The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde was screened as part of Victoria Film Festival.

National Theatre of Scotland and Selkie Productions, Supported by Screen Scotland and Sky Arts.

We celebrated our 18th birthday!

We toured to Bellahouston and Glasgow, presented work in Edinburgh, Harrogate, London, Cambridge, Colchester, Coventry, Poole and Victoria, Canada and the Netherlands and visited schools in Dunkeld, South Queensferry, Cumbernauld, Grangemouth, Edinburgh, Oban, Dallas, Tain, Lairg, Orkney, Sanday, Westray and Stronsay with TiSS.

“A startling, unique, powerfully honest work.”

★★★★ – The Telegraph

Marc Brew and Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui’s raw and life affirming an Accident/a Life had its UK premiere at Tramway following a presentation in Holland.

A Marc Brew Company and Eastman co-production in association with National Theatre Scotland.

We brought the drama to Rockvilla with the BBC’s Bring the Drama creative careers event.

And we launched Caring Scotland, a wide-reaching nationwide Listening Project, led by artist and foster parent Nicola McCartney, to record the testimony of care-experienced people across Scotland.

A National Theatre of Scotland, Who Cares Scotland and National Library of Scotland project.

And Going for Gold ran its final furlongs with TiSS

In March we toured to Glasgow and presented work in Plymouth, Exeter and Newcastle and visited schools in Dumfries, Langholm, Edinburgh and Glasgow with TiSS.

“Delightfully creative and warming show.”

★★★★ – The Reviews Hub

We shō’ed up for Independent Arts Projects with our support of Shō and the Demons of the Deep, written by Zoë Bullock, adapted from the work by Annouchka Gravel Galouchko and directed by Shilpa T-Hyland, which opened at Platform Glasgow.

An Independent Arts Projects (IAP) production in association with National Theatre of Scotland.

We teamed up with New College Lanarkshire on a mini documentary project, The Making of of Maggie & Me.

We celebrated surviving Thatcher’s Britain at the Mitchell Library, with Damian Barr and James Ley chatting to our Artistic Director Jackie Wylie as part of the Aye Write book festival.

We launched A Big Map for the Big Yin where we encouraged folks to leave their own homages to Scotland’s most beloved comedian, Billy Connolly.

In April we toured to Glasgow, Aberdeen, Shetland and Tobermory.

“Funny, moving and powerful in equal measure, it’s an expertly told story and it deserves to be a hit.”

★★★★★ – WhatsOnStage

Maggie & Me James Ley and Damian Barr’s epic adaptation of his celebrated memoir, directed by Suba Das took the Tron Theatre, Glasgow by storm.

A National Theatre of Scotland production.

Damian Barr returned to North Lanarkshire for a sell-out event at Motherwell Library.

“A poignant, colourful and hilarious performance.”

★★★★★ – Scottish Field

The mighty Dear Billy – Gary McNair’s love letter to the Big Yin from the people of Scotland returned with a run at His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen.

A National Theatre of Scotland production.

And an Accident/a Life continued to astound audiences at the Steps Dance Festival in Switzerland, visiting Sierre, Bulle and Basel and at the Norfolk and Norwich Festival.

In May we toured to Dunoon, Dunkeld, Melrose, Wick, Dumfries, the Edinburgh International Children’s Festival, Inverness, Perth, Cumbernauld, Dundee, Aberdeen, Glasgow and Inverness and presented work in Switzerland and Norwich.

We tore up the miles in June with three shows on the road, Maggie & Me, Shō and the Demons of the Deep and Dear Billy.

Damian Barr popped over to the National Library of Scotland to talk about taking his memoir from page-to-stage with Chitra Ramaswamy.

In June we toured to Inverness, St Andrews, Dundee, Northampton, Edinburgh and Manchester.

We invited local people to take to the stage at Springburn Auditorium for a joyous celebration of the North Glasgow region, led by our community artist in residence, Eoin MacKenzie with the Neighbourhood Variety Show.

A performance project by Eoin McKenzie as part of the National Theatre of Scotland’s Neighbourhood Project.

We announced that Kal Sabir was the winner of our South Asian short film commission with his forthcoming short film Kinaara.

And we aspired to get greener by launching the second edition of the Theatre Green Book.

In July we presented work in Glasgow.

The Fifth Step previewed at Dundee Rep Theatre, ahead of opening at the Edinburgh International Festival.

“Highly entertaining, often very funny, and sometimes brilliantly tense.”

★★★★ – The Scotsman

We provoked audiences with David Ireland’s sizzling two-hander, directed by Finn Den Hertog, marking a homecoming to Scottish stages for Jack Lowden, alongside Sean Gilder.

A National Theatre of Scotland production.

“this production is absolutely joyous – a truly magnificent story of two remarkable women.”

★★★★★ – Broadway World

We hoe-downed with Grid Iron, for Charlene Boyd’s June Carter Cash, The Woman, Her Music and Me, directed by Cora Bissett which opened at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe enjoying a sold-out run, winning a Fringe First, with a shout out for Parents in the Performing Arts too.

A National Theatre of Scotland and Grid Iron co-production.

Pamela Carter and Stewart Laing delved into the archive and pulled out Extraordinary Trash: A Theatre Essay featuring Adura Onashile as ‘The Archivist’ at the Edinburgh International Book Festival.

Dear Billy ended its 2024 World Tour of Scotland and Salford by bringing joy to audiences at the Assembly Rooms during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Meanwhile, over in Glasgow, we headed down the canal to premiere Wonder Lands at Pinkston Gala Day, Roisin McLinden, our community artist in residence’s, film fusing community arts practice and cycling.

In August we toured to Edinburgh, Banchory, Glasgow and Dundee.

June Carter Cash saddled up and hit the road for a sold out tour across Scotland, including opening the Outwith Festival, and ending its journey at Findhorn Bay Festival.

We welcomed Gus Gowland as our first Resident Composer.

In September we toured to Glasgow, Dunfermline, Kirkcudbright, Stranraer, Arran, Oban, Ullapool, Findhorn Bay.

Thank U Next enriched young lives at Cumbernauld Academy with the next troupe of talented young performers taking to the stage at Lanternhouse.

A National Theatre of Scotland production in association with Cumbernauld Academy, created by 21Common.

We shone on a light on those that paved the way with our Portraits of an LGBTQI+ Generation at St John’s Hospital, Livingstone.

A National Theatre of Scotland and All the Queens Men project in partnership with Eden Court Theatre and Luminate

We marked Care Experienced Week with a special in conversation event at National Library of Scotland, with artist Juano Diaz and sent our project facilitators around the country to listen and gather testimony from care experienced individuals.

We embraced Gothic horror at Halloween with a special free screening of The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde with a post-show chat from the lead creatives at the National Library of Scotland at Kelvin Hall.

In October we toured to Cumbernauld, and presented work in Glasgow, Livingston, Sweden and Norway.

We paid tribute to the much loved and missed Beldina Odenyo with the powerful Tero Buru at Platform, Glasgow, directed by Julia Taudevin.

A Leah McAleer project, produced by Disaster Plan in association with the National Theatre of Scotland.

We Pushed the Boat Out with our support for new commissions at Edinburgh’s spoken word festival, at the Storytelling Centre.

And we made gingerbread men with pupils in schools across the country as the playful Ginger went on tour with TiSS.

Created by Tortoise in a Nutshell, created in association with Platform and Lyth Arts Centre.

In November we toured to Glasgow and Edinburgh and visited schools in the Isle of Lewis, North Uist, Kinross, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Blackridge, Livingston, Orkney, Sanday, Westray, Stronsay, Shetland, Aberdeen, Bellshill, Cumbernauld and Oban with TiSS.

Jack Hunter and his deeply personal and political One of Two ended its important TiSS tour.

Presented by Independent Arts Projects.

We celebrated Scottish playwriting by supporting Fergus Morgan’s podcast – A History of Scottish Drama in Six Plays featuring NTS shows, Black Watch, Men Should Weep and The Cheviot, The Stag and The Black, Black Oil.

Produced by the Scottish Society of Playwrights in association with Bespoken Media and the Traverse Theatre.

In December, we toured to schools in Tain, Alness and Culloden with TiSS.

A YEAR IN REVIEW

Throughout 2024 we:

  • Toured to 62 venues across Scotland and beyond
  • Visited 62 schools with Theatre in Schools Scotland
  • Added 2 new shows and resources to our Education Portal
  • Hosted 15 First Nights events connecting with 275 Participants
  • Delivered 74 accessible performances
  • Continued to reduce our carbon footprint
  • Won 3 awards at the UK Theatres Awards, Audio Production Awards and  Scotsman Fringe First and were nominated for 12 more!

Please do read our Annual Report and Financial Statement for 2022 to 2023 here.

A standing ovation for the hundreds of actors, creatives, artists, technicians and freelancers that worked with us this year. Full creative credits are available for each project and production via the links above.

With thanks to…  

Our funders, friends and followers, our audiences and allies, our participants and partners, our co-producers, cheerleaders and communities.

And all our wonderful donors and supporters.

None of this would be possible without your generosity and goodwill!

We send our thanks to the Board too for their ongoing enthusiasm, guidance and governance.  

We are really looking forward to getting out round Scotland in 2025 – our full season will be announced in January 2025.

We hope to see you at your local theatre this year!

With love from all the team at the National Theatre of Scotland.

Through the Shortbread Tin comes to Scottish stages in 2025

WORLD PREMIERE  

National Theatre of Scotland presents 

Through the Shortbread Tin 

Written and performed by Martin O’Connor 
Directed by Lu Kemp 

Musical Director and Composer – Oliver Searle, Sound and Video Designer – Rob Willoughby, Set and Costume designed by Emma Bailey and Rachel O’Neill 

1 April to 2 May 2025 

A Scotland-wide tour opening at Melrose, touring to Glasgow, Edinburgh, Ullapool, Stornoway (Isle of Lewis), Portree (Skye), Dornie (Lochalsh), Cumbernauld, Oban, Helensburgh, Lerwick (Shetland) and Inverness.  

Opening Performance at Corn Exchange, Melrose on 2 April 2025 

The story of the greatest literary hoax of all time.  

In 1760 Scottish poet James Macpherson set the world ablaze with stories of the third-century Scottish bard, Ossian. This tartan-trimmed tale of Highland history spread far and wide, capturing the imagination of thousands– but was it built on a deception? 

In 2025 Scottish poet Martin O’Connor decides to revisit Macpherson’s epic and begins to question 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?  

Imagine that you didnae ignore the myths.

Imagine you were telt your history. 

Imagine ye could hod onto the stories.

Imagine ye could create yer ain truth. 

© Eoin Carey

Through The Shortbread Tin is a new show, performed in Scots, with Gaelic songs, which explores Scottish culture, myths, history and identity.  

Martin will be joined on stage by three female Gaelic choral singers, singing original songs composed by Oliver Searle.  

Audiences are invited to 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.  

BACKGROUND TO OSSIAN

In 1760 Highlander Macpherson published Fragments of Ancient Poetry to great critical and commercial acclaim. The poems were collected from oral sources around Scotland and were presented as the work of a third century bard, Ossian, soon dubbed The Homer of the North. 

There soon followed two other publications, Fingal and Temora, and together they set the Scottish and European literary world alight. The ‘Ossian effect’ soon saw a rise in interest in Scottish and Highland ways of life and an increase in tourism and cultural interest.

The impact of Ossian was immediate and permanent, even if the individual poems eventually fell out of fashion. But soon after publication, debates over Ossian’s aesthetic and moral ‘legitimacy’ surfaced, which plagued the writer and the impact and legacy of the work.  

Martin O’Connor is an award-winning theatre-maker, performer and poet from Glasgow. He is interested in exploring ideas of voice and identity through theatre and poetry, with particular interest in Scots, Gaelic and verbatim.   He won Scots Performer of the Year Award at this year’s Scots Language Awards.

He was granted a Gavin Wallace Fellowship in 2018, hosted by Playwrights’ Studio Scotland and the Lyceum Theatre, marking the first stage in his research into James Macpherson and Ossian. 

He makes work for solo performance as well as with, and for, other people. He was the National Theatre of Scotland Writer in Residence in 2020. Previous projects include Turntable (MJ McCarthy/Red Bridge Arts), Mark of the Beast (Martin O’Connor/Platform), Togail Nàisean/ Building a Nation (Glasgow Life).

Martin O’Connor, writer and performer said: “I’m looking forward to staging this work after many years of research and development, and I can’t wait to begin working with Lu and the rest of the creative team to tell this story.

“I have been fascinated with the history of Ossian and Macpherson since I started learning Gaelic and since I have rediscovered my Scots voice, and it gave me a jumping off point to explore all things linguistic, cultural and historical about Scotland, and my own upbringing.

“It seems that not many people know about Ossian and Macpherson, the hoax that he created, and the impact that it had on him and wider Scottish culture, so I am very excited to be staging this work and telling this tale at a time when we are still asking big questions about our country and identity.” 

Through the Shortbread Tin is directed by Lu Kemp, a theatre director and dramaturg with a distinctive reputation for her work in new writing. Lu was Artistic Director of Perth Theatre between 2016 to 2023.

Her tenure was notable for supporting the creation of new work by Scottish artists and community engaged productions. As a freelance director, Lu has worked for The Citizens, The Royal Lyceum Theatre, National Theatre of Scotland, Artangel, London,The Tricycle, Almeida and The Royal Shakespeare Company.     

Touring to Corn Exchange, Melrose (Preview Tues 1 April) Wed 2 April; Tron Theatre, Glasgow Fri 4 & Sat 5 April; Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh Tues 8 & Wed 9 April; Macphail Centre, Ullapool Saturday 12 April; An Lanntair, Stornoway Tues 15 April; Aros Centre, Skye (with SEALL) Thurs 17 April; Dornie Community Hall, Lochalsh (with SEALL) Fri 18 April; Cumbernauld Theatre Wed 23 April; Corran Halls, Oban Thurs 24 April; Cove Burgh Halls, Helensburgh Fri 25 April; Mareel, Shetland Mon 28 & Tues 29 April; Eden Court, Inverness Thurs 1 & Fri 2 May. 

On social: #ShortbreadTin 

OPEN MEETING: Cramond Drama Group and our next Pantomime

Monday 28 October 7.30pm at Cramond Kirk Halls

Calling all potential actors, stagehands, costume makers and painters of scenery!

Cramond Drama Group, supported by the Cramond Association, is planning the forthcoming events for Christmas 2024 and for 2025 – including our next pantomime – and we need your help.

We have a small, strong team but still need a chair (and a person to sit in it) as well as lots of actors, helpers and friends to make it happen.

If It’s Drama You Want, Don’t Miss It !

Edinburgh International Festival attracts new audiences

EIF attracts new audiences with Affordable Tickets and Innovative Experiences

  • The 2024 Edinburgh International Festival was more inclusive than ever: more than twice the number of tickets were issued to under 18s, young musicians, and D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent audiences compared to last year.
  • The most expansive affordable ticket offer to date saw over 50% of tickets for the 2024 International Festival sold at £30 or less, with over 5,000 £10 tickets purchased by those who needed them most — a 100% increase on 2023.
  • Scottish talent took centre stage, with 50% of performers from or based in Scotland, all five national performing companies featured, and over 200 specialist freelancers, demonstrating the essential role of Scotland’s arts sector in delivering the International Festival. 

The 2024 Edinburgh International Festival concluded yesterday after an exhilarating 24-day celebration of opera, dance, music and theatre in Scotland’s capital. With over 160 ticketed performances and more than125,000 attendees across the city’s venues, the Festival showcased 21 world, European, UK and Scottish premieres affirming its role as an essential destination for arts and culture. 

Under the leadership of Festival Director and Scottish violinist Nicola Benedetti, the theme Rituals That Unite Us successfully brought together over 2,000 internationally renowned artists from 42 nations, exploring the deep connections which bind us all through live performance.

At the heart of this year’s Edinburgh International Festival was a commitment to ensuring that cost is not a barrier to cultural discovery, making high-quality art accessible to the broadest possible audience. 

Over 50% of tickets were sold at £30 or less, and more than 5,000 targeted £10 tickets were sold — a 100% increase on last year. Double the number of free tickets were taken up by NHS staff, charity workers, and low-income benefit recipients through the Tickets for Good programme, marking the highest uptake since the Festival signed up to the initiative.

Additionally, the number of D/deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent concession tickets doubled, with twice as many people enrolling for the Access Pass, which provides a tailored experience for audience members with access requirements. 

The International Festival reaffirmed its dedication to nurturing the next generation of artists and audiences, with a notable increase in young people attending and participating. This year saw more than triple the number of free tickets to young musicians issued through the Young Musician’s Pass compared to 2023 and U18s ticket purchases rose by 100% from 2023.

Over half of all bookers were new to the Festival this year, the highest level since the pandemic. The International Festival also focused on talent development, with initiatives like Rising Stars providing early career artists with invaluable opportunities to work and perform alongside professional mentors such as the Leonore Piano Trio and Yura Lee. 

As an international festival deeply rooted in Scotland, an impressive 50% of the artists were from Scotland in 2024, highlighting the exceptional calibre of local talent alongside their international peers.

This included approximately 250 multigenerational performers in the world-first Healing Arts Scotland Opening Celebrationat the Scottish Parliament, and representation from all five Scottish national performing arts companies—National Theatre of Scotland, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet and Scottish Chamber Orchestra.  

The International Festival also employs over 200 specialist freelancers and relies every year on a pipeline of talented writers, actors, musicians, dancers, singers, producers, facilitators, technicians and cultural workers.

In the precarious funding landscape currently faced by the Scottish arts sector, the Festival remains committed to supporting and advocating for the indispensable community of creative individuals and organisations of which Scotland can rightly be proud. 

Under the theme of ‘Rituals That Unite Us’, the 2024 International Festival programme also reimagined ways in which live performance could bring audiences and artists closer together. 

Audiences sat in beanbags to enjoy six informal concerts at the Usher Hall, including Brazil’s Ilumina, The Hallé, and the European Union Youth Orchestra, while The Hub series once again welcomed audiences into the home of the International Festival for intimate and unforgettable performances from around the world. 

Six artist rehearsals were made accessible to the public and schools, offering a unique behind-the-scenes glimpse into the creative process, while 20 Q&A sessions were offered by artists after their performances to deepen the experience for attending audiences.  

Offering a deeper look into the Festival’s inner workings, 36 audio introductions, hosted by Kate Molleson and Nicola Benedetti, featured insights from artists, programmers, and creatives behind the programme’s performances.

Listened to 32,794 times by audiences, The Warm Up invited artists to discuss the unique rituals they undergo before creating a piece or stepping onto the stage. Nicola Benedetti also made her BBC Radio 3 presenting debut in a six-part series focusing on the origin story and impact of the International Festival, which continues to broadcast until 7 September.

Additionally, nineteen concerts from the Festival were recorded for BBC Radio 3 and will be available on BBC Sounds. More than 130 behind-the-scenes videos shared across the International Festival’s social media channels garnered 1 million views from online audiences. 

Additionally, over 300 people enjoyed a free VR experience with the Philharmonia Orchestra at the Festival’s inaugural Community Connections Hub, held this year in the Edinburgh suburb of Broomhouse. Following this, 2,000 attendees attended a Family Concert at the Usher Hall, where young music lovers had the chance to experience the Philharmonia Orchestra in person, with Festival Director Nicola Benedetti performing on violin. 

Over 7,000 people joined together for a new ritual for the city and the International Festival at the highly anticipated Opening Event: Where to Begin, presented in partnership with The Macallan. Where to Begin launched Edinburgh’s festival season with an immersive experience at the historic Old Town site of George Heriot’s, brought to life by the creative team at Pinwheel. 

Festival Director, Nicola Benedetti said, “Our Festival has been an outstanding success this year. The theme, Rituals That Unite Us, resonated in profound ways with our visiting artists and home community. Although we bring stories from around the world, they change when they interact with the unique spirit of Edinburgh, artist upon artist expressing their awe and desire to return.

“We diversified the experiences in our venues, making the Festival as accessible and affordable as possible. Beanbags returned, as did the intimacy of our home, the Hub.  We programmed exceptional international premieres, doubled the number of Under 18 tickets on last year, and tripled the Young Musician’s Pass attendees – an initiative that offers free Festival tickets to young musicians.”

“Against a tumultuous backdrop of funding crisis, two aspects of our identity were reinforced and strengthened. We are deeply rooted in Scotland, and will continue to present the best of Scottish talent alongside our international counterparts.

“Most importantly, we are making an indelible impact on access to culture for our local community. To present the world’s greatest art to the broadest possible audience is what we are here to do.” 

Chief Executive, Francesca Hegyi said “Our theme for this year’s programme, Rituals that Unite Us, beautifully captured the sense of togetherness felt throughout this past month. There’s something profound and powerful about this shared experience that brings people from every corner of the world and all walks of life together.  

“As we celebrate this year’s Festival, we must also recognise the current fragility of the Scottish cultural sector. With 50% of our 2024 artists hailing from Scotland, the Festival relies on exceptional local talent both on and off the stage and we are deeply concerned about the ongoing survival of our creative community.  

“The International Festival is the original spark that lit this city’s path to becoming the world’s Festival City. “Now, 77 years later, we thank you for joining us once again for the ritual that we look forward to each year: the Edinburgh International Festival.” 

Traverse Theatre launches Autumn 2024 season

  • The Traverse’s Autumn 2024 season stages home-grown and international performances exploring issues of social justice.
  • Traverse 1 highlights include Enough of Him by May Sumbwanyambe, To Save The Sea by Isla Cowan and Andy McGregor and The Tailor of Inverness by Matthew Zajac.
  • Traverse 2 highlights include The Brenda Line by Harry Mould, Bullring Techno Makeout Jamz by Nathan Queeley-Dennis and Piece of Work by James Rowland.
  • A Play, A Pie & A Pint returns for a six-week run under the new leadership of Brian Logan.
  • Music at the Traverse programme continues to grow with fourteen acts confirmed and on sale.

As we prepare to dive into the joy and excitement of TravFest24, we wanted to take some time to look ahead to our Autumn season – as there’s no slowing down for us come September! Performances tackle social issues head on, see many of our valued partners return and bring big laughs to our stages in a season packed with captivating and compelling work.

Following on from the success of a sold-out run of Maggie & Me, the National Theatre of Scotland are back in October with the revival of May Sumbwanyambe’s Enough of Him which won the 2023 CATS Award for Best New Play. This co-production with Pitlochry Festival Theatre is an incisive and emotive new play based on the true story of Joseph Knight, directed by previous Traverse Artistic Director Orla O’Loughlin.

As well as Enough of Him, we are delighted to also welcome Pitlochry Festival Theatre with The Brenda Line by Harry Mould and directed by Ben Occhipinti. Based on the lesser-known history if the Samaritans in the 70s and 80s as well as the lived experience of Harry Mould’s mother, this is a story about women, love and listening.

Sleeping Warrior Theatre Company will highlight the urgency of the climate crisis with their latest musical, To Save The Sea by Isla Cowan and Andy McGregor. Inspired by a real-life 1995 protest, the makers of Battery Park and Crocodile Rock will bring this epic adventure story to the Traverse for three nights as part of their Scottish tour.

Also returning to the Traverse Dogstar Theatre’s The Tailor of Inverness by Matthew Zajac and directed by Ben Harrison, which presents an unforgettable and moving story of displacement and survival in war-torn Europe; particularly powerful in light of the current war in Ukraine.

Having received rave reviews during its run at the Paines Plough Roundabout during the Edinburgh Fringe 2023, NathanQueeley-Dennis brings Bullring Techno Makeout Jamz directed by Dermot Daly to Traverse 2 at the start of November. Ruckus, an award winning, compelling one-woman thriller by Jenna Fincken which premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2022, explores the suppression and destruction caused by coercive control.

The first week of November sees two distinct new productions directed by Tessa Walker. In Traverse 1, Run, Rebel is an electrifying adaptation of Manjeet Mann’s acclaimed novel for audiences of 11+ combining physical theatre, mesmerising visuals and a talented ensemble cast, setting the stage for a transformative story of revolution, empowerment and courage. In Traverse 2, Bright Places by Rae Mainwaring is a darkly funny and deeply honest autobiographical story about growing up in the shadow of chronic illness.

We are also in for a treat with a handful of one-night delights this Autumn. Star of The Office (Australia), Felicity Ward returns with her new show I’m Exhausting for her first national tour in six years. Fresh from their appearance on BBC Three’s RuPaul’s Drag Race UK VS The World, Choriza May hits the road with their first ever solo theatre show extravaganza; The Choriza May Show. Award-winning poet and playwright Inua Ellams brings his chaotic, audience-led poetry event, Search Party,a unique interactive experience where the boundary between artist and audience blurs into a dynamic act of creation.

For audiences looking for something more experimental we are pleased to be welcoming back James Rowland with his new show Piece of Work which will feature his distinct mix of storytelling, comedy and music. Arán & Imby Manchán Magan will see the performer baking sourdough bread while offering insights into the wonders of the Irish language.

Our six-week run of A Play, A Pie & A Pint will return this Autumn with six new plays taking to our stages, as part of our first season collaborating with new Artistic Director Brian Logan.

Continuing on from the success of the inaugural season of Music At The Traverse we are delighted to be presenting in excess of fourteen gigs within our upcoming Autumn season. Including crowd-pleasers Espen Eriksen Trio and RANT as well as innovative newcomers Ryan Young and Amy Hollinrake, these one-nighters are sure to bring music to our ears and warmth to our souls as the nights get colder.

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Full programme and booking: https://www.traverse.co.uk/whats-on

More from the Traverse: Website | Facebook | Instagram | X

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LISTINGS

THE CHORIZA MAY SHOW

Our Rita in association With Phwoar

Traverse 1: Fri 13 SeptOn sale now: https://www.traverse.co.uk/whats-on/event/the-choriza-may-show-autumn-24

RUCKUS

by Jenna Fincken

Metal Rabbit Productions

Traverse 2: Tue 1 – Thu 3 OctOn sale now: https://www.traverse.co.uk/whats-on/event/ruckus-autumn-24

SEARCH PARTY

by Inua Ellams

Traverse 2: Fri 4 OctOn sale now: https://www.traverse.co.uk/whats-on/event/search-party-autumn-24

TO SAVE THE SEA

by Isla Cowan & Andy McGregor

Sleeping Warrior Theatre Company

Traverse 1: Thu 10 – Sat 12 OctOn sale now: https://www.traverse.co.uk/whats-on/event/to-save-the-sea-autumn-24

THE TAILOR OF INVERNESS

by Matthew Zajac, Directed by Ben Harrison

Dogstar Theatre Company

Traverse 1: Thu 14 – Sat 16 NovOn sale now: https://www.traverse.co.uk/whats-on/event/the-tailor-of-inverness-autumn-24

ENOUGH OF HIM

by May Sumbwanyambe

National Theatre of Scotland and Pitlochry Festival Theatre

Traverse 1: Tue 22 – Sat 26 Oct

On sale now: https://www.traverse.co.uk/whats-on/event/enough-of-him-autumn-24

ARÁN & IM

by Manchán Magan

Produced by Once Off Productions & supported by Culture Ireland

Traverse 2: Fri 25 – Sat 26 Oct

On sale now: https://www.traverse.co.uk/whats-on/event/aran-im-autumn-24

BULLRING TECHNO MAKEOUT JAMZ

by Nathan Queeley-Dennis, Directed by Dermot Daly

Ellie Keel Productions and Paines Plough Present

Traverse 2: Thu 31 Oct – Sat 2 Nov

On sale now: https://www.traverse.co.uk/whats-on/event/bullring-techno-makeout-jamz-autumn-24

BRIGHT PLACES

by Rae Mainwaring, Directed by Tessa Walker

UK Premiere | Carbon Theatre, in association with Birmingham Rep

Traverse 2: Wed 6 – Fri 8 Nov

On sale now: https://www.traverse.co.uk/whats-on/event/bright-places-autumn-24

RUN, REBEL

by Manjeet Mann, Directed by Tessa Walker

Pilot Theatre

Traverse 1: Thu 7 – Sat 9 Nov

On sale now: https://www.traverse.co.uk/whats-on/event/run-rebel-autumn-24

THE BRENDA LINE

by Harry Mould, Directed by Ben Occhipinti

A Pitlochry Festival Theatre production

Traverse 2: Wed 13 – Sat 16 Nov

On sale now: https://www.traverse.co.uk/whats-on/event/the-brenda-line-autumn-24

PIECE OF WORK

by James Rowland

Traverse 2: Thu 21 – Sat 23 Nov

On sale now: https://www.traverse.co.uk/whats-on/event/piece-of-work-autumn-24

FELICITY WARD: I’M EXHAUSTING!

Live Nation in association with Ebdon Management

Traverse 1: Sat 23 Nov

On sale now: https://www.traverse.co.uk/whats-on/event/felicity-ward-im-exhausting-autumn-24

MUSIC AT THE TRAVERSE

Wed 11 Sep – Mon 25 Nov

Full selection on sale now: https://www.traverse.co.uk/whats-on/music-at-the-traverse

A PLAY, A PIE & A PINT

A Play, A Pie and A Pint at Òran Mór, presented in association with the Traverse Theatre

Tue 17 Sep – Sat 26 Oct

[ON SALE SOON]

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Full programme and booking: https://www.traverse.co.uk/whats-on

North Edinburgh Arts: Summer fun for children and families

Summer’s here! We’re running an exciting programme of fun activities and creative events for local children, young people, and their families throughout July and August. Come and join the fun!

Highlights include:

🌼Film Festival Workshop with Folk Film Gathering (Ages 8+): Learn about film festival programming on Thursday 11 July, 5:30pm-7pm at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre.

🌼NEA x Edinburgh Science Mini Summer Festival (All ages): Enjoy fun science activities on Tuesday 18 July, 11am-3pm at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre.

🌼The Show for Young Men (Ages 8+): A special preview performance on Wednesday 31 July, 11am at PASS Theatre, Edinburgh College Granton Campus.

🌼Fringe at… North Edinburgh Arts! (All ages): Family-friendly performances and workshops on Saturday 10 August, 10:30am-12:30pm at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre.

🌼Travelling Gallery – Where We Stand (All ages): An exhibition on community ownership on Thursday 15 August, 10am-4pm at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre.

🌼Play Rangers (Ages 5+): Creative outdoor play every Friday afternoon in local parks.

🌼Family Badminton (Ages 7+): Weekly sessions on Mondays, 4:30pm-7:30pm at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre.

🌼Cycling Group (Ages 8+): Family-friendly cycling every Wednesday, 10am-11:30am, meeting at 67 Pennywell Road.

Join us for a summer full of creativity, outdoor fun, and community spirit!

Visit our website for full details at northedinburgharts.co.uk/summer-2024/

Hit podcast to stream live from Vue venues in Edinburgh next week  

A hit podcast, a legendary musical and a modern ballet will all be screening from Vue this May.  

Starting with Help I Sexted My Boss (14 May), William Hanson and Jordan North will be broadcasting live from the London Palladium in this brand-new show. 

Entertaining listeners around the world, Help I Sexted My Boss has amassed more than 50 million listens since launching over six years ago. From very different backgrounds, watch on as the comedy duo help listeners navigate the challenges of modern life. 

Also coming next week (16 and 19 May) is the legendary musical theatre classic 42nd Street, which tells the story of Peggy Sawyer, a talented young performer with stars in her eyes who gets her big break on Broadway.  

Filmed live at the magnificent Theatre Royal in the heart of London’s West End, it stars national treasure Bonnie Langford as Dorothy Brock and features iconic songs 42nd Street, We’re In The Money and Lullaby of Broadway.  

Arriving on the big screen at Vue on 22 May is The Winter’s Tale from the Royal Ballet. It tells the story of King Leontes, who is crippled with an all-consuming jealousy when his friend King Polixenes of Bohemia stays with him and his wife Hermione. 

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this season, The Winter’s Tale is an award-winning modern ballet classic, packed with emotional turmoil heightened by Joby Talbot’s compelling score and Bob Crowley’s atmospheric designs. 

Robert Smith, General Manager for Vue Edinburgh Omni, said: “Here at Vue, we pride ourselves on showcasing so much more than the biggest blockbusters – giving fans from all walks of life the chance to catch some of the best life performances from the comfort of their local Vue venue.” 

For more information and to book tickets, visit myvue.com.  

The Scottish Institute unveils new campus with red carpet launch event

The evening marked the opening of The Scottish Institute of Theatre, Dance, Film and Television following renaming and opening of new campus

The Scottish Institute of Theatre, Dance, Film and Television (The SI; formerly the MGA Academy of Performing Arts) unveiled its brand new Livingston campus last night at a red-carpet launch event celebrating the renaming of the school and new facilities for its students.

The launch party, held at The SI’s new state of the art facilities in Livingston, Scotland, marks a pivotal rebrand for the school with a name change, a new campus and new management from Ireland’s Silver Rock Studios.

The university is also now expanding its reach to international students for the first time as well as continuing to boost local Scottish talent, positioning Scotland as the go-to destination for success in the creative industries.

All guests, staff, and students were treated to an evening of performances, art installations, and a special performance of Dougie MacLean’s famous Caledonia from the school’s current students.

Alumni from The MGA Academy of Performing Arts, now known as The Scottish Institute, have gone on to success in film and television including playing leading roles in BBC’s Gossip Girl and major West End shows such as The Book of Mormon, Wicked and Six!.

Under its new management from Ireland’s Silver Rock Studios, and with new President and CEO Andy Egan, future students will be guaranteed credits as part of their degree, as part of The Scottish Institute of Theatre, Dance, Film and Television’s plans to foster the stars of tomorrow.