The near-forgotten Scottish new wave of cinema of the 1980s is to receive a minor reappraisal this summer, as Leith Theatre has announced that the musical adaptation of Michael Hoffman’s 1985 classic, Restless Natives, will be performed on its unique raked stage.

The adaptation will be undertaken by Hoffman himself, alongside the film’s screenwriter, Ninian Dunnett, and composer, Tim Sutton, who’s taken inspiration from Big Country songs and the themes of the delightfully quirky film, which follows two underdogs who fashion themselves into bandits of the Scottish Highlands, fleecing busloads of tourists while wearing cheap Halloween masks. 

It’s a rare chance for musical lovers to enjoy the interiors of Leith Theatre while it continues its journey towards restoration. Although the Leith Theatre Trust has operated on a pop-up basis in the past, bringing a wide range of cultural activity, its creative focus has more recently been within the TV and film industry, hosting a large number of shoots and productions. This will be the first theatre production to make Leith Theatre its home since 2018. 

Restless Natives producer Andy Paterson said, ‘We are so inspired by the Trust’s vision for this incredible building. Our memories of shooting key scenes from the film just a few hundred yards away on the Western Harbour make this new partnership all the more special. We can’t wait to bring the Clown and the Wolfman back to their actual and spiritual home in Edinburgh.’

Meanwhile, Lynn Morrison, chief executive from the Leith Theatre Trust, said, ’Despite the challenges posed by our building’s health, we remain committed to being at the heart of cultural life in Leith. This theatre adaptation blends theatre, film and music which is everything we love, and we couldn’t be prouder to welcome this exciting crossover and summer opportunity to our venue.’

Originally opened in 1932, Leith Theatre has faced its fair share of adversity across almost 100 years, having been closed for two decades after being hit by a bomb in 1941, and closed again in the 1980s due to operational costs. The Leith Theatre Trust was established in 2016 following lengthy community campaigning to save the building from private development, and are working to secure capital investment to ensure that this cultural asset is protected for future generations. 

The producers of Restless Natives: The Musical and the team at Leith Theatre are also actively seeking additional programming for the venue’s spaces from June until the end of the Edinburgh Festival season in August. Both the Main Auditorium (1,600 seats) and the more intimate Thomas Morton Hall (180 seats) have availability. Interest is invited from artists and organisations working within a wide range of creative and cultural artforms. Email [email protected] for more information.

Beyond its run at Leith Theatre, Restless Natives: The Musical will be staged at Perth Theatre from Thursday 24 April–Saturday 10 May, Stirling’s Macrobert Arts Centre from Wednesday 14–Saturday 17 May, Aberdeen’s His Majesty’s Theatre from Wednesday 21–Saturday 24 May), Inverness’ Eden Court from Thursday 29 May–Sunday 1 June, and Glasgow’s The King's Theatre from Tuesday 24–Saturday 28 June.  

Restless Natives: The Musical, Leith Theatre, Edinburgh, Saturday 7- Sunday 22 June.