The List

Festival Theatre Edinburgh

With its impressive Colin Ross-designed three-story glass façade, the former Empire Palace Theatre is at once welcoming and grand. It boasts one of the largest stages in the UK; so big that it has occasionally been converted into a studio theatre with room to spare. The auditorium seats over 1900 people on three levels. Maintaining a tradition for variety that dates back nearly two centuries, it programmes everything from popular comedy to classical opera. Not only is it the capital’s home for Scottish Ballet and Scottish Opera, it is also one of the cornerstones of the Edinburgh International Festival and, thanks to investment in cutting edge projection equipment, the Edinburgh International Film Festival. Having built a reputation as a leading dance house, it hosts a cutting-edge contemporary dance season alongside large-scale musicals, international ballet productions and a variety of one-night musical and comedy events. At street level, Café Lucia is open daily, and there are bars on each floor open on performance days in addition to private function rooms. The same management runs the King's Theatre.

What's On @ Festival Theatre Edinburgh

The Ultimate Classic Rock Show

The Ultimate Classic Rock Show

9 May 2025 - 30 May 2026

Dust off your air guitars for an evening of the very best classic rock anthems from legends past and present! Let them take you on a roller coaster journey of classic rock nostalgia, performing hit after hit, live with stunning accuracy and high energy accompanied by an incredible light and projection show, they're guaranteed to have you on your feet all night. Over two hours of classic rock anthems from artists including Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin, Queen, Pink Floyd, Deep Purple, Free, The Eagles and Jimi Hendrix to name but a few!
The Magic of Motown

The Magic of Motown

3 May 2025 - 19 Apr 2026

Magic of Motown 20th Anniversary Tour Seen by millions, The Magic of Motown is back with its 20th Anniversary Tour! It’s no surprise that this show is one of the biggest success stories in British theatre history. Come celebrate our brand-new show as we Reach Out and show you there ain’t no mountain high enough with the biggest Motown party of the year. Get ready for all the hits, glittering costumes, dazzling dance routines and outstanding musicianship in this breath-taking live concert spectacular. You will be going Loco down in Acapulco as we take you back down memory lane with all the Motown classics from artists such as: Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Supremes, The Four Tops, Martha Reeves, The Jackson 5, Smokey Robinson, and many, more. Celebrate the sound of a generation with one very special night of The Magic of Motown! This is a tribute show and is no way affiliated with any original artists/estates/management companies or similar shows. The promoter reserves the right to alter the programme.
Lost In Music - One Night at the Disco
Get ready to recreate the Magical '70s and let us take you on a musical journey straight to the heart of Disco! Relive some of the greatest songs of all time from Artists such as Donna Summer, Gloria Gaynor, Earth Wind & Fire, Sister Sledge and Chic. This show boasts a sensational live band, incredibly talented cast and stunning vocals and is sure to have you dancing all night long! So, come dressed to impress as we celebrate the golden age of Disco! With songs such as Never Can Say Goodbye, On The Radio, Hot Stuff, Car Wash, Boogie Wonderland and many, many more! It's the feel-good show of the year! Lose yourself with us and leave your troubles at home! This is a tribute show and is in no way affiliated with any original artists/estates/management companies or similar shows.
Hamilton

Hamilton

1 May 2025 - 28 Mar 2026

The multi award-winning musical Hamilton tells the story of Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies orphaned after a hurricane who becomes a hugely important figure in American history. After arriving in the US, he not only rises from poverty to power as George Washington's right-hand man in the Revolutionary War, but he also goes on to shape the country's first government - all while facing rivalries from political foes and challenges in his personal life.
The Horne Section

The Horne Section

3 Jun 2025 - 17 Nov 2025

Following their hit BBC Radio 4 series, and many years of sell-out shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and London’s West End, don’t miss everyone’s favourite Dictionary Corner regulars on 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and the first band to ever host Never Mind The Buzzcocks. Expect a heady mix of spontaneous stand-up, spectacular performance and outlandish musical talent led by the brilliant comedian, and creator of Taskmaster, Alex Horne. The Horne Section are Joe Auckland (trumpet and banjo), Mark Brown (saxophone), Will Collier (bass), Ben Reynolds (percussion) and Ed Sheldrake (keyboards).
Iain Stirling: Relevant

Iain Stirling: Relevant

14 Oct 2025 - 15 Oct 2025

The BAFTA-winning comedian, ‘national sensation’ (Evening Standard) and ‘extremely funny’ (Daily Telegraph) Iain Stirling, is bringing his intuitive razor-sharp humour back on tour with a brand new stand-up show for 2024. As the iconic voice of Love Island, star and writer of sitcom Buffering on ITV, and with his own stand-up special, Failing Upwards, on Prime Video, Iain hits the road once more with a brand new hour (of jokes) in his biggest tour to date! (It’s called RELEVANT if you’re interested). Touring the UK and Ireland in 2024. (May contain strong language and adult material; suitable for 16+.)
Country Roads

Country Roads

9 May 2025 - 20 Feb 2026

Come with us to the place you belong, for a night of the very best country classics! Leave your 9 to 5 worries at the door and get ready as - for one night only - we celebrate the Kings and Queens of country music.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

13 May 2025 - 22 Nov 2025

Direct from London, step through the wardrobe this winter into the magical kingdom of Narnia for the most mystical of adventures in a faraway land. Join Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter as they wave goodbye to wartime Britain and say hello to a talking Faun, an unforgettable Lion and the coldest, cruellest White Witch. The nations favourite novel, now on the stage.
Australian Bee Gees Show

Australian Bee Gees Show

4 May 2025 - 24 May 2025

It's Saturday Night Fever every night with The Australian Bee Gees Show – A Tribute to the Bee Gees. One of the most successful and adored acts in musical history is recreated in a 75-minute multi-media concert event. You'll hear hits like Staying Alive, You Should Be Dancing, How Deep Is Your Love, and Jive Talkin'.  The performers authentic take on the trio’s clothes, style and moves showcase five decades of the Brothers Gibb's success as rock and disco legends, while audiences groove to their memorable music and are immersed in the disco era.  The Australian Bee Gees Show has performed to over 1 million people in sold out theatres and concert halls across the globe, in over 40 countries - For one night only be a part of the magic that is, The Australian Bee Gees Show.
Scottish Ballet - The Crucible

Scottish Ballet - The Crucible

1 May 2025 - 24 May 2025

Scottish Ballet is set to bewitch us once again with the return of their award-winning production of The Crucible, after thrilling audiences in London and the USA.
Trial by Jury Double Bill - Scottish Opera
First performed in 1875, this is the first major hit from the partnership of WS Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan. Set around a classic case of broken vows - the defendant having literally left the claimant at the altar - the trial bubbles over with emotion, humour, and downright chaos, leaving the jury divided. How will they decide between the charming yet swindling defendant and the utterly captivating claimant?   Following the crowd-pleasing political satire In Flagrante, which premiered on the 2023/24 Opera Highlights tour, Emma Jenkins and Toby Hession present a daring new operetta set in the press room at Number 9 Downing Street.   When a scandal threatens to break about the frontrunner in a bloody leadership campaign, a lawyer is needed to prevent information from reaching the press. Sylvia Lawless from the firm Lawless, Lawless, Lawless and Crook must find the loopholes in this modern take on unsavoury behaviour. Trial by Jury is a new co-production by Scottish Opera, D'Oyly Carte Opera and Opera Holland Park A Matter of Misconduct! is a new co-commission and co-production by Scottish Opera and D'Oyly Carte Opera Trial by Jury and A Matter of Misconduct! are presented as a double bill Content warning: Contains jokes, some of which are really naughty. There's no swearing in it, but quite a bit of innuendo. Sung in English with English supertitles
War Horse

War Horse

2 Oct 2025 - 11 Oct 2025

WAR HORSE The global phenomenon returns - War Horse is an unforgettable theatrical experience which takes audiences on an extraordinary journey from the fields of rural Devon to the trenches of First World War France.
Quadrophenia - A Mod Ballet

Quadrophenia - A Mod Ballet

10 Jun 2025 - 19 Jul 2025

Meet the new generation… In 1973, guitar smashing rock genius Pete Townshend wrote Quadrophenia. Recorded by The Who - it quickly became an iconic and multi-million selling album. Quadrophenia defined a generation and in 1979 inspired the cult classic feature film of the same name. Now it’s back – this time as an explosive dance production – Quadrophenia, A Mod Ballet with a large cast of exceptional dancers, introducing new audiences to troubled mod Jimmy’s story while remaining true in spirit to the much-loved original. Quadrophenia is steeped in the mythology of the 1960s - sharp suits, soul music, vespas and parkas but its themes of lost youth, rebellion, the search for belonging and hunger for social change are just as urgent today. A rich, orchestral version of the album by Rachel Fuller, first heard in concert version at The Royal Albert Hall and recorded by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is the backdrop for this adrenaline filled rollercoaster ride. Choreographer Paul Roberts and Director Rob Ashford bring together some of the UK’s finest creative talent from the worlds of music, theatre, film and dance. With original costumes by renowned British fashion house Paul Smith and Natalie Pryce, projection by Nick Hillel and lighting design by Fabiana Piccioli. Prepare to be blown away as the power of dance brings a whole new dimension to the raw energy and emotion of one of the UK’s most iconic rock albums.
The Merry Widow

The Merry Widow

22 May 2025 - 14 Jun 2025

A lavish Parisian party is a grand occasion for dancing, drinking and (in)discreet love affairs. But Baron Zeta, the ambassador to the fictional cash-strapped state of Pontevedro, has a slightly more serious matter on his mind. Among his party guests is Hanna Glawari. Hanna is the glamorous Pontevedrian widow who arrived in Paris to enjoy her late husband’s immense fortune. Baron Zeta cannot bear the thought of Pontevedro losing half its national wealth should Hanna marry a Parisian. So, he assigns the charismatic Count Danilo to watch over her heart. But little does he know that they have quite the history... Director John Savournin (Opera Highlights Spring 2022) brings his joyful touch to Lehár’s waltz-filled charmer. Designer takis brings his dynamic visuals to the romance. A new English translation by John Savournin (book) and David Eaton (lyrics) makes the opera’s wit sparkle, with the cast to be announced later in 2024. Sung in English with English supertitles. Pre-show talk - Sat 24 May 6pm This half-hour session delves into the detail of The Merry Widow, enhancing your enjoyment and extending your knowledge of the piece. Tickets are free but should be reserved in advance as there is limited availability. Save money with Eden Court Friends. Pre show talk
Ghost Stories

Ghost Stories

20 May 2025 - 12 Jul 2025

The long-running West End hit returns! When Professor Goodman, arch-sceptic out to debunk the paranormal, embarks on an investigation of three apparent hauntings – as recounted by a night-watchman, a teenage boy, and a businessman awaiting his first child – Goodman finds himself at the outer limits of rationality, and fast running out of explanations. Enter a world full of thrilling twists and epic turns, where the ultimate love-letter to horror is imagined live on stage. A fully sensory and electrifying encounter, Ghost Stories is one of London’s best reviewed plays of all time and will keep you on the edge-of-your-seat. This is a theatrical experience like no other. After exhilarating audiences across the world with record breaking, sell-out productions and a smash hit film, Andy Nyman and Jeremy Dyson’s Ghost Stories is genuine scary fun, a worldwide phenomenon more spine-tingling and fantastically terrifying than ever.
Backstage Tour

Backstage Tour

3 May 2025 - 1 Nov 2025

The Festival Theatre sits on Edinburgh’s longest continuous theatre site, has played host to everyone from David Bowie to The Great Lafayette, and burned down twice. Want to find out more, or just stand on stage and feel like a star? This backstage tour is a great chance to go behind the scenes; see the workings of the theatre and walk down memory lane as we chat through the theatre's fascinating history. Includes tea, coffee and biscuits at the end of the tour!
Calamity Jane

Calamity Jane

1 May 2025 - 27 Sept 2025

Gosh almighty! Grab a posse because the whip crackin' musical comedy classic Calamity Jane is a rollin' on over the plains to a theatre near you. Based on the much-loved Doris Day movie, this plumb fancy new production stars the multi-award-winning West End actor and singer Carrie Hope Fletcher (Cinderella, Les Misérables). Meet the fearless, gun slingin' Calamity Jane – biggest mouth in Dakota territory and always up for a fight. She'll charm you hog-eyed though, especially when trying to win the heart of the dashing Lieutenant Gilmartin, or shooting insults at the notorious Wild Bill Hickok. But when the men of Deadwood fall hard for Chicago stage star Adelaid Adams, Calamity struggles to keep her jealousy holstered. Her heart's a thumpin'... but who for? With the sure-fire classic songs The Deadwood Stage (Whip-Crack-Away), The Black Hills of Dakota, Just Blew in from the Windy City, and the Oscar-winning Secret Love, The Watermill Theatre’s Production of Calamity Jane, is directed by Nikolai Foster, co directed and choreographed by Nick Winston and features musical supervision by Olivier, Grammy and Tony Award winner Catherine Jayes. What are you waiting for, you wild coyotes? Whip-crack-away and book now!
Mary Poppins

Mary Poppins

21 May 2025 - 20 Sept 2025

Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s multi award-winning musical MARY POPPINS returns. The magical story of the world’s favourite Nanny is triumphantly and spectacularly brought to the stage with dazzling choreography, incredible effects and unforgettable songs. Starring Zizi Strallen, returning to play the title role following great acclaim on the recent sell-out international tour, and Charlie Stemp as Bert, who recently gave an award-winning performance as Arthur Kipps in Cameron Mackintosh’s production of Half A Sixpence. The stage production of MARY POPPINS is brilliantly adapted from the wonderful stories by PL Travers and the original film. It is co-created by Cameron Mackintosh and has a book by Oscar-winning screenwriter and Downton Abbey creator, Julian Fellowes. With a timeless score by Richard M Sherman and Robert B Sherman including the classic songs; Jolly Holiday, Step in Time, Super-cali-fragil-istic-expi-ali-docious and Feed the Birds with new songs and additional music and lyrics, including Practically Perfect, by the Olivier award-winning British team of George Stiles and Anthony Drewe.
Ballet BC

Ballet BC

23 May 2025 - 24 May 2025

PASSING by Johan Inger In PASSING, legendary Swedish choreographer and longtime Ballet BC collaborator Johan Inger traverses a vast landscape of human emotion, taking audiences on an epic, theatrical, often touching ride. Inspired by climate catastrophe, PASSING explores relationships, from the intimate to the societal. Set to an original score by Amos Ben-Tal with selections from Erik Enocksson and Louis T. Hardin (aka Moondog), the sonic journey is as beautifully complex and captivating as the movement language throughout. Frontier by Crystal Pite Originally created for Nederlands Dans Theater in 2008 and reimagined for Ballet BC, Frontier, by four-time Olivier award-winning Canadian choreographer Crystal Pite will take the stage in spring 2025. Featuring 24 dancers, the visionary, enigmatic Frontier examines the unknown - the characterization of dark matter, the personification of shadows. “As a creator, I find a pleasing parallel between what we don’t know about the universe, and what we don’t know about consciousness” says Pite. “Creation for me is about venturing into unknown territory and being in a generative relationship with doubt.” Stay in your seat on Fri 23 May and learn more about the show with a Post Show Talk from Ballet BC.
Access Opera - The Merry Widow

Access Opera - The Merry Widow

3 Jun 2025 - 3 Jun 2025

With Dementia Friendly values at their core, these shortened performances are open to all. Performed by a full cast and orchestra, they also feature a presenter to introduce the story, characters and music from the opera. There are wheelchair spaces and extra staff on hand to help. There is also a smaller capacity to allow everyone space, and brighter lighting levels in the auditorium, giving you the flexibility and freedom to move about as required. Sung in English with English supertitles and narration Kindly supported by Scottish Opera's Education Angels Part of Scottish Opera's 2024/25 Season
Anton & Giovanni - Together Again

Anton & Giovanni - Together Again

12 Jul 2025 - 12 Jul 2025

The nation’s favourite double act, Anton Du Beke and Giovanni Pernice, are Together Again in 2025 with a BRAND NEW SHOW. Anton & Giovanni - Together Again is going to be the smash-hit tour of the summer… More fun, more dance, more song, and even more entertainment than ever before! The show will be an enthralling experience for all ages, showcasing the duo’s incredible talents and irresistible chemistry on stage. With a collection of breathtaking routines, stunning choreography, and a seamless blend of Ballroom, Latin, and Musical Theatre, ANTON DU BEKE and GIOVANNI PERNICE - TOGETHER AGAIN is guaranteed to be an unforgettable show full of entertainment.
Jesus Christ Superstar

Jesus Christ Superstar

7 May 2025 - 10 May 2025

An amateur production by arrangement with The Really Useful Group Limited Lyrics by Tim Rice, Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber What’s the buzz? The first musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice to be produced for the professional stage, Jesus Christ Superstar has wowed audiences for over 40 years. A timeless work, the rock opera is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary and universally known series of events, but seen through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. Includes themes of suicide and depictions of violence and flogging.
Jack and the Beanstalk

Jack and the Beanstalk

13 Dec 2025 - 11 Jan 2026

Join Allan Stewart, Grant Stott and Jordan Young for the GIANT of a pantomime we've all BEAN waiting for! Doomed to sell his trusty cow, join Jack and his family as they fight to outwit the evil giant, win riches beyond his wildest dreams, and earn the hand of the girl he loves. Jack and the Beanstalk will be spectacularly brought to life by sensational song and dance numbers, fantastic special effects, magic beans and bundles of audience participation in this giant of a pantomime!
Gary Meikle

Gary Meikle

9 May 2025 - 28 Nov 2025

On 23rd January 2024 I was diagnosed as being neurodivergent which was kind of a surprise to me, funny enough, not to anyone that knows me. Although surprising this pretty much answered my full life and why I am the way I am. So come join me in a show where I’ll give you a 1st hand insight from my delusional eyes to what goes on in my ever expanding mind with stories of how I’ve manage to survive through a life of total confusement to how and why I now prefer to be alone, mostly!
Pride and Prejudice* (*Sort Of)

Pride and Prejudice* (*Sort Of)

1 May 2025 - 14 Jun 2025

It’s the 1800s. It’s party time. Let the ruthless matchmaking begin. Direct from its triumph in the West End where it won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Comedy, Pride & Prejudice (Sort of) is a unique and audacious retelling of Jane Austen’s most iconic love story. Men, money and microphones will be fought over in this irreverent but affectionate adaptation where the stakes couldn’t be higher when it comes to romance. This “smart, laugh out loud funny” (Daily Telegraph) show features a string of pop classics including Young Hearts Run Free, Will You Love Me Tomorrow and You’re So Vain.
Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake

Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake

28 May 2025 - 4 Oct 2025

When it premiered at Sadler’s Wells in 1995, Matthew Bourne’s triumphant modern re-interpretation of Swan Lake turned tradition upside down, and took the dance world by storm. Now firmly established as a modern day classic, this iconic production is perhaps best-known for replacing the traditional female corps de ballet with a menacing male ensemble. A Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist, Matthew Bourne blends dance, humour and spectacle with extravagant, award-winning designs by Lez Brotherston, to create a provocative and powerful Swan Lake for our times. Collecting over 30 international theatre awards including three Tonys, Swan Lake has been acclaimed as a landmark achievement on the international stage. It has become the longest running ballet in the West End and on Broadway and enjoyed four hugely successful tours in the UK and thrilled audiences all over the world.
Fiddler on the Roof

Fiddler on the Roof

9 Sept 2025 - 13 Sept 2025

WINNER - BEST MUSICAL - CRITICS' CIRCLE AWARDS A theatrical triumph, the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre’s sold-out electrifying Fiddler On The Roof is coming to Edinburgh in what is set to be the theatre event of 2025. This is a rare opportunity to catch this critically acclaimed production from the powerhouse creative team directed by Jordan Fein (Oklahoma, Young Vic), choreographed by Julia Cheng (Cabaret) and designed by Tom Scutt (Winner of the 2024 Tony Award for Cabaret). It’s 1905 in the tiny village of Anatevka where Tevye, a Jewish milkman, lives his life by their proud traditions. For his five daughters, that means a visit from the matchmaker. As each daughter challenges his beliefs, against the backdrop of a changing world, can Tevye hold on to his roots, or must he bend to the will of his children and learn to embrace the unfamiliar? One of the greatest musicals of all time - featuring ‘If I Were A Rich Man’, ‘Tradition’, ‘Matchmaker’ and ‘Sunrise, Sunset’ - Fiddler on the Roof is a classic musical of joy, revolution and community and an exuberant celebration of love and life.
Footloose

Footloose

18 Jul 2025 - 19 Jul 2025

Join us for an outstanding performance as The Beyond Broadway Experience brings you FOOTLOOSE… When Ren and his mother move town, he is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period at his new high school. But he’s not prepared for the rigorous local edicts, including a ban on dancing instituted by the local preacher, who is determined to exercise control over the town’s youth. When the reverend’s rebellious daughter sets her sights on Ren, her roughneck boyfriend tries to sabotage Ren’s reputation, with many of the locals eager to believe the worst about the new kid. The heartfelt story that emerges pins a father longing for the son he lost against a young man aching for the father who walked out on him. To the rockin’ rhythm of its Oscar and Tony-nominated Top 40 score, augmented with dynamic new songs, Footloose celebrates the wisdom of listening to young people while guiding them with a warm heart and open mind. Stage Adaptation by DEAN PITCHFORD and WALTER BOBBIE Based on the Original Screenplay by DEAN PITCHFORD Music by TOM SNOW Lyrics by DEAN PITCHFORD Additional Music by ERIC CARMEN, SAMMY HAGAR, KENNY LOGGINS and JIM STEINMAN
The Croft

The Croft

25 Jun 2025 - 28 Jun 2025

Original Theatre, Joshua Beaumont & Huw Allen in association with Wiltshire Creative present A Thriller by Ali Milles Directed by Philip Franks The past won’t be silenced. Based on a true highland story. In the remote Scottish Highlands two women arrive at a former Crofters Hut in the deserted village of Coillie Ghille. When suddenly the weekend getaway takes an unexpected turn. Cut off from the modern world, Laura and Suzanne find themselves drawn into the dark history of the Croft and the lives that passed before them. In this bold and haunting play the present interweaves with the past as ancient tales surface and the terrifying truth lurking in the Croft is revealed. Starring Liza Goddard, one of the UK's favourite actresses, most recently seen in Noises Off and known for her roles in Doctor Who and Bergerac, Caroline Harker (A Touch of Frost) and returning to Edinburgh after his starring role in Rebus: A Game Called Malice, Gray O’Brien (Coronation Street, Casualty). Directed by Alastair Whatley (Birdsong) and produced by Original Theatre (Birdsong, Murder in the Dark, Agatha Christie’s The Mirror Crack’d), The Croft will be setting pulses racing this Spring. Stay in your seat on Fri 27 Jun and learn more about the show with a Post Show Talk.
The Snow Queen

The Snow Queen

27 Nov 2025 - 7 Dec 2025

This glittering production is inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale – which was also the basis for Frozen. From the bustle of a winter’s market to the shivers of a fairytale forest, take a journey to the Snow Queen’s palace, where you’ll find her surrounded by the icy fragments of an enchanted mirror. Along the way, you’ll meet a sparkling cast of characters, from young lovers parted by a spell to a circus ringmaster with a few tricks up his sleeve. Choreographed by Christopher Hampson and designed by the award-winning Lez Brotherston, this story of love and friendship is a delight for the whole family.
To Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird

21 Oct 2025 - 25 Oct 2025

Aaron Sorkin’s riveting, award-winning stage adaptation of the seminal American novel about racial injustice and childhood innocence became a Broadway and West End sensation with star-studded sell-out seasons on both sides of the Atlantic. Now this thrilling courtroom drama embarks on a UK & Ireland tour for the very first time. Successful lawyer, Atticus Finch, encourages kindness and empathy in his children, but is pushed to the limits of these qualities himself when he resolves to uncover the truth in a town that seems determined to hide it. Set in 1934 Alabama, To Kill a Mockingbird was inspired by novelist Harper Lee’s own childhood and has sold more than 45 million copies worldwide. It won the Pulitzer Prize for Literature and was long at the top of the banned book lists. Oscar winning writer Aaron Sorkin's stage adaptation of To Kill A Mockingbird is paired with Bartlett Sher’s visionary direction. Aaron Sorkin has had many years of great success on stage and screen. He is perhaps best known as the creator and screenwriter of hit TV series The West Wing, and as the screenwriter for The Social Network, for which he received an Academy Award, Golden Globe, BAFTA and Writer’s Guild Award. He is also the writer-creator of The Newsroom and Academy Award-winning film A Few Good Men. Bartlett Sher spent over ten years as Director of New York’s Lincoln Centre Theater, and has also headed acclaimed productions such as My Fair Lady, The King and I and South Pacific. Jonathan Church Theatre Productions presents Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird by Aaron Sorkin UK Tour Originally presented by Leeds Playhouse. Please note: This production contains racially explicit language, themes and content and references to sexual abuse and violence. There will be brief gunfire audio in the performance. Images by Julieta Cervantes from North American tour. UK Tour casting to be announced.
Chris Ramsey: Here Man

Chris Ramsey: Here Man

14 Sept 2025 - 26 Apr 2026

Chris stands out as a leading figure in the comedy scene today. His high-energy delivery, and off-the-cuff style have made him a staple on British television.
Little Women

Little Women

13 May 2025 - 4 Oct 2025

Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women was an immediate critical and commercial success. The book was inspired by Alcott’s experiences growing up and is one of the best loved novels of all time. Experience the enduring journey of the March sisters - tomboy Jo, beautiful Meg, sensitive Beth, and spoilt Amy, as they navigate the challenges of the Civil War era, forging unbreakable bonds of love and family. Step into the world of sisterhood, courage, ambition and follow them as they progress into womanhood. Still as relevant today Little Women is a celebration of women proving that women can be heroes of their own story, can be bold, persistent, self-assured to stand strong in who they are, and what they desire for themselves in their present and future. Anne-Marie Casey’s masterful new adaptation of the classic story offers a captivating rendition of Little Women that breathes new life into a cherished classic. The recent success of the Greta Gerwig film, the nostalgia of the classic book, combined with a beautiful adaptation provides an exciting theatrical experience guaranteed to be a night (or afternoon!) filled with laughter, tears, and a heart-warming lifting of the spirits.
Ballet Black: SHADOWS

Ballet Black: SHADOWS

21 May 2025 - 4 Nov 2025

Now in its 23rd year, Cassa Pancho's Ballet Black makes its return to Festival Theatre with an exciting new double bill including Pancho's darkly comic adaptation of Oyinkan Braithwaite's international bestselling novel, My Sister, The Serial Killer. When Korede gets a distress call from her sister Ayoola, she knows what to do: bleach, rubber gloves, nerves of steel, and a strong stomach. It’s the third boyfriend Ayoola has killed in "self-defense," and the third mess Korede has to clean up. She should probably go to the police, but family comes first. Things take a turn when Ayoola begins dating the doctor Korede secretly loves, forcing Korede to choose between saving him and betraying her sister... The double bill is completed by Brooklyn-born, award-winning choreographer Chanel DaSilva, making her British choreographic debut. Renowned for using the arts to inspire meaningful change, DaSilva has been commissioned by prestigious companies such as The Washington Ballet, Parsons Dance Company, and Dallas Black Dance Theatre, and made history as the first Black woman to choreograph for The Joffrey Ballet. In her debut for Ballet Black, DaSilva delves into the profound practice of shadow work, exploring its power to reveal our true selves. Her work is celebrated for its deep exploration of humanity and its potential to inspire transformation both within the dance world and beyond.
Tim Rice – My Life In Musicals – I Know Him So Well
Due to popular demand, following his sell-out tour, Sir Tim Rice, the multi-award-winning, internationally renowned lyricist, will return to theatre stages with his extraordinary live musical theatre event - My Life In Musicals - I Know Him So Well. The show will see Tim reflect on his illustrious career at the heart of musical theatre, sharing anecdotes behind the songs - the hits and the misses along with stories of his life and live performances from the wonderful catalogue of songs that are synonymous with his name and that of his collaborators. Musical accompaniment will be from some of the UK's leading West End singers and musicians led by Musical Director Duncan Waugh. Tim is associated with writing the lyrics for so many of the world's much-loved hit musicals - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Chess and the Disney productions The Lion King, Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast. His work has not been limited to musical theatre alone with Evita transferring to the big screen and theme music for the James Bond movie Octopussy. With the show packed full of songs including Don't Cry For Me Argentina, Any Dream Will Do, A Whole New World, Can You Feel The Love Tonight, I Don't Know How To Love Him, Circle of Life, Chess, Hakuna Matata, Another Suitcase in Another Hall, I Know Him So Well, All Time High, Must Love Me, One Night In Bangkok, My Life In Musicals is an absolute must for fans of musical theatre and brilliant music.
Make It Happen

Make It Happen

30 Jul 2025 - 9 Aug 2025

World premiere Brian Cox stars in this biting satire on the Scottish banking ambition that shattered the global economy. Behold the rise, fall and fail of the biggest bank in the world - The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS). At the helm is Fred 'The Shred' Goodwin, armed with an unshakeable belief in the wisdom of the founder of modern capitalism’, Adam Smith. The once prudent RBS soars and then 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. Following his outstanding portrayal of the title character in Lanark at the International Festival, Sandy Grierson takes on the role of Goodwin. 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 epic new satire delves into the unchecked growth, spiralling greed and nail-biting hubris that brought the world’s economy to its knees. Take your seat for this unmissable drama; decadence, world-domination and a dizzying descent await. This is a fictionalised satire, featuring a mixture of characters and incidents inspired by real-life events, with others entirely imagined. Supported by Sir Ewan and Lady Brown Co-produced by Edinburgh International Festival, National Theatre of Scotland and Dundee Rep Theatre and presented in association with Playful Productions and Neal Street Productions. James Graham Writer Andrew Panton Director Anna Fleischle Set Designer Anna Fleischle & Angelica Rush Costume Co-Designers Emily Jane Boyle Movement Director Martin Lowe Musical Supervisor & Arranger Lizzie Powell Lighting Designer Tingying Dong Sound Designer Angelica Rush Associate Designer Lewis den Hertog Video Co-Designer & Animator Anna Fleischle Video Co-Designer Stuart Burt CDG Casting Director Brian Cox Adam Smith Sandy Grierson Fred Goodwin Full cast and creative team to be announced There will be a post-show talk on 4 Aug. Post-show talks are an informal opportunity for you to connect further with artists. It will begin 10 minutes after the performance ends and is expected to last no more than 30 minutes. You are welcome to stay for as little or as long as suits you.
Mary, Queen of Scots

Mary, Queen of Scots

15 Aug 2025 - 17 Aug 2025

World premiere Renaissance meets punk in Scottish Ballet’s retelling of the story of one of Scotland’s most famous women. Two women. Two crowns. One story. As her death approaches, Elizabeth I of England is haunted by memories - both real and imagined - of her cousin and rival, Mary, Queen of Scots. Bound by blood yet divided by power, their lives were a dangerous dance of ambition, intrigue and betrayal. The two queens’ fraught relationship is explored in this stunning world premiere from Scottish Ballet’s choreographer-in-residence Sophie Laplane and co-creator James Bonas. With striking designs by Soutra Gilmour (Sunset Boulevard) and a bold new score from the team behind the 2022 International Festival sensation Coppélia, Mary, Queen of Scots reimagines the story of one of Scotland’s most famous women. This new production imagines a Renaissance where punk meets haute couture, and where Mary and Elizabeth's relationship inspires a rich, resonant journey through memory, history and myth. Supported by Flure Grossart Scottish Ballet Sophie Laplane Choreographer & Co-Creator James Bonas Director & Co-Creator Mikael Karlsson & Michael P Atkinson Original Score Soutra Gilmour Set & Costume Designer Bonnie Beecher Lighting Designer Anouar Brissel Projection & Video Design There will be a post-show talk on 16 Aug after the matinee performance. Post-show talks are an informal opportunity for you to connect further with artists. It will begin 10 minutes after the performance ends and is expected to last no more than 30 minutes. You are welcome to stay for as little or as long as suits you.
Figures in Extinction

Figures in Extinction

22 Aug 2025 - 24 Aug 2025

Scottish premiere Dance and theatre legends Crystal Pite and Simon McBurney unite to confront the climate crisis through spellbinding movement and sound. We live in an age of disconnection - from the natural world and one another. Can we name what we’re losing? What does it mean to bear witness to a destruction we both cause and endure? Returning to the International Festival, Nederlands Dans Theater (NDT) and Complicité present Figures in Extinction. This collaboration between visionary choreographer Crystal Pite and groundbreaking theatre-maker Simon McBurney confronts hard truths about humanity's impact on the world and explores art’s meaning in the face of mass destruction. Both artists are celebrated for their International Festival triumphs - Pite’s inventive Assembly Hall and McBurney’s boundary-pushing The Encounter. Fusing contemporary dance with striking soundscapes and dialogue - from the crack of melting ice caps to the jarring chatter of social media influencers - Figures in Extinction calls for unity in a fractured world, finding a collective spark of hope in the darkness. Supported by James and Morag Anderson Simon McBurney Director & Co-Creator Crystal Pite Choreographer & Co-Creator Co-produced by Nederlands Dans Theater (NDT) and Complicité Co-commissioned by Factory International Co-produced by schrit_tmacher Festival, Les Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg and Montpellier Danse
The Talented Mr Ripley

The Talented Mr Ripley

16 Sept 2025 - 20 Sept 2025

"I never wanted to murder anyone. It was necessary." Step into a world of deception, desire, and deadly ambition. How far would you go to become someone else? This electrifying new stage adaptation of The Talented Mr. Ripley brings Patricia Highsmith’s iconic psychological thriller to life like never before. With razor-sharp dialogue, simmering tension, and a dangerously charismatic antihero, this gripping production will pull you into Ripley’s intoxicating world—where nothing is quite as it seems. Tom Ripley is a nobody—scraping by in New York, forging signatures, telling little white lies—until a chance encounter changes everything. When a wealthy stranger offers him an all-expenses-paid trip to Italy to bring home his wayward son, Dickie Greenleaf, Tom leaps at the opportunity. But in the sun-drenched glamour of 1950s Italy, surrounded by shimmering waters and whispered secrets, Tom is seduced by the life Dickie leads—the freedom, the wealth, the effortless charm. Fascination turns to obsession, and as his grip tightens on Dickie’s world, the lines between truth and deception begin to blur. What starts as an innocent opportunity spirals into a chilling game of lies, identity theft, and murder.

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