As ever, Jools continues to dazzle, involve and impress audiences with his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra and their exuberant live performances on their Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra UK tour.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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).

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+.)

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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!

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!

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.

The nation’s favourite dance double act, Anton Du Beke and Giovanni Pernice, are Together Again in 2025 with a brand new show. 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.

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!

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!

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.

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. 2025 Olivier Awards

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.

Would you spend a night in a creepy croft? Escape to the Highlands with this real life ghost story. 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. Liza Goddard (Doctor Who, Bergerac) and Caroline Harker (A Touch of Frost) star alongside Gray O’Brien (who recently performed at the Festival Theatre in Rebus) in this haunting play drawing on Scottish folklore. Join us… in the Croft.

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. Fri 5 Dec – 6.30pm Join the Scottish Ballet Artistic Team as they share insights from behind the scenes of their production of The Snow Queen focusing on the creation of the show, the choreography, and the music. Find out more.

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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

A singer, composer and actor, Lyle Lovett has broadened the definition of American music in a career that spans 14 albums. Coupled with his gift for storytelling, the Texas-based musician fuses elements of country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel and blues in a convention-defying manner that breaks down barriers. Whether touring as a 'Duo' or with his 'Acoustic Group' or his 'Large Band,' Lovett's live performances show not only the breadth of this Texas legend's deep talents, but also the diversity of his influences, making him one of the most compelling and captivating musicians in popular music. Since his self-titled debut in 1986, Lyle Lovett has evolved into one of music's most vibrant and iconic performers. Among his many accolades, besides the four Grammy Awards, he was given the Americana Music Association's inaugural Trailblazer Award, and was named Texas State Musician. His works, rich and eclectic, are some of the most beloved of any artist working today.

This electrifying new stage adaptation of The Talented Mr. Ripley brings Patricia Highsmith’s iconic psychological thriller to life like never before. Step into a world of deception, desire, and deadly ambition. 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. Stage rights by Diogenes Verlag AG Zürich.

Don’t miss this guaranteed comedy catastrophe from Mischief, the multi award-winning company behind 'The Play That Goes Wrong'. The Cornley Amateur Drama Society are back with tidings of chaos and joy, ready to tackle the Charles Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol. A new production of Christmas Carol Goes Wrong smashes into the Festival Theatre direct from a strictly limited West End run. As the Cornley crew hilariously battle miscommunication, delays to their set, actors missing in action and a growing feud over who will play the lead, it’s sure to be a disastrous take on the much-loved classic Christmas story of Ebenezer Scrooge. Will the drama society finally change their ways, or will their misfortunes wreak havoc with hysterical consequences? Enjoy a slice of pure escapism at the worst production in Christmas past, present and yet to come!

A Cuban take on the favourite festive classic, Carlos Acosta’s brand-new production Nutcracker in Havana explodes onto the Festival Theatre stage, featuring new choreography by Carlos Acosta CBE performed by more than 20 dancers from his Cuban company, Acosta Danza. Set to an exuberant Cuban version of the magnificent Tchaikovsky score, the timeless story is brought to life with ballet at its core, enriched with Acosta Danza’s unique style and with Cuban dance traditions beautifully woven throughout the much-loved and joyful family tale. For dance fans around the globe, Carlos is an international superstar of the classical ballet world. Born in Havana and trained at the National School of Ballet in Cuba, he went on to dance professionally with the world’s most prestigious companies, with London’s Royal Ballet becoming his home. Having tackled huge titles throughout his career, from Carmen to Don Quixote, Nutcracker in Havana is an opportunity for Acosta to fuse this festive treat with a little Havana heat.

It’s Gang Show time! This November, young people from South East Scotland Scouts and Girlguiding Edinburgh return to the Festival Theatre to present the annual Gang Show. With powerful music, hilarious comedy, dramatic moments and incredible choreography the Edinburgh Gang Show has to be seen to be believed. Our gang of Brownies, Cubs, Guides, Scouts, Explorers and Rangers are ready to entertain with a brand new show for 2025! Brownies Cast 1 will perform Tuesday 4th, Wednesday 5th, Thursday 6th Forth, Inveralmond, Leith, Raeburn, and Turnhouse Brownies Cast 2 will perform Friday 7th, Saturday 8th Matinee, Saturday 8th Evening Abercorn, Blackford, Braid, Harlaw, and Pentland Check the division and district for Brownies on the Girlguiding Edinburgh website Cub Scouts perform in all six performances.

Following overwhelming demand (mainly from his wife Rosie who is desperate to get him out of the house), Chris Ramsey will be back on the road in 2026 with a brand-new stand-up show. Here, Man! is the hotly anticipated follow-up to Chris’ last sell-out stand-up tour 2020 which saw him perform to over 100,000 people nationwide (albeit thanks to Covid, not in the year intended and with a slightly regrettable tour title!). As seen on The Chris & Rosie Ramsey Show, Strictly Come Dancing, and Taskmaster, presenting Children in Need, and co-hosting his weekly mega-hit marital podcast Shagged.Married.Annoyed, alongside (long-suffering) wife Rosie Ramsey, don’t miss Chris as he brings his trademark stand-up to Edinburgh.

Sparks fly in this heavy metal ballet experience. Carlos Acosta is turning up the volume on Birmingham’s musical legacy. Original Heavy Metal heroes, Black Sabbath, provide the soundtrack for this incredible production . Suitable age 8+. Contains bleeped out swearing and references to drug use. Also contains dry ice, smoke, flashing lights and loud music.

Another Agatha Christie crime classic takes to the stage. On board a luxurious cruise under the heat of the Egyptian sun, a couple’s idyllic honeymoon is cut short by a brutal murder. As secrets that have been buried in the sands of time finally resurface, can the world-famous detective, Hercule Poirot, untangle the web of lies and solve another crime? Following the sell-out tours of And Then There Were None and Murder on the Orient Express, Death on the Nile reunites celebrated director Lucy Bailey (Witness for the Prosecution), writer Ken Ludwig and Fiery Angel for the European premiere of a brand-new adaptation of the globally celebrated Agatha Christie story on a nationwide tour.

A chilling mystery unfolds when a young actress suddenly dies on stage during a performance, and Detective Chief Inspector Morse embarks on a gripping investigation. Starring Tom Chambers (Father Brown, Strictly Come Dancing) as Inspector Morse, this original story written for the stage is a must-see for fans of compelling detective stories and thrilling mysteries. What begins as a suspicious death inquiry takes a darker turn when the legendary inspector, together with DS Lewis, uncovers a connection to sinister events in his own past, twenty-five years earlier. Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts marks the first-ever stage adaptation of the iconic detective. ITV’s long-running Inspector Morse, hailed by Radio Times as ‘The greatest British crime series of all time’, has inspired equally beloved spin-offs, Lewis and Endeavour.

We are delighted to present this double bill in association with Rambert and to host the World Premiere of Gallery of Consequence at the Festival Theatre. Like getting stuck in traffic, waking up on the wrong side of the bed, or running into an ex. It’s the delicate balance between the plans we make and the twists we never see coming. KISMET brings together two heartfelt works that reflect on the unpredictable and deeply human experience we all share. Airports are unusual places. Every gate tells a story, and every departure marks a choice. In Gallery of Consequence, choreographer Emma Evelein reflects on the moments that shape our lives. With striking sounds and visuals, Rambert’s dancers bring to life the chaos, quiet, and connections we find in transit in this moving new piece. Inspired by the Spanish word for “breeze”, Johan Inger’s B.R.I.S.A. is a joyful whirlwind of movement, music, and humour. With leaf blowers propelling the action and a killer soundtrack (featuring Nina Simone), this iconic work explores how the smallest shifts can spark transformation. Rambert’s dancers bring warmth, playfulness, and dynamic energy to a piece that celebrates the beauty of breaking free. KISMET is produced in association with Capital Theatres. This production is made possible thanks to the support of the Rambert Commissioning Circle. Gallery of Consequence was generously supported by The Thistle Trust.

You may know her as Bake-Off Sue, Taskmaster Sue, Just A Minute Sue, or the Sue that gives you travel envy - but stand-up Sue is full of surprises. In this brand-new show, she shares the unlikely happenings from a career in the spotlight. What’s the fallout when your pituitary gland goes haywire on live TV? How do you convince the public you didn’t really fall onto that hoover attachment? And when intimate photos get splashed all over the internet, how do you switch the shame to dignity and joy? In her first live show in over a decade, Sue delivers a hilarious treatise on stigma, humiliation, and misunderstanding.

London, 1995. Two of the country’s biggest bands release singles on the same day, commencing the battle of Britpop. On one side, clean-cut, art-school Londoners. On the other: raw and unapologetic lads from Manchester. Rivalries flare, friendships fracture and at the centre of it all a mania that would define an era – were you Blur or Oasis? From the chaos of the Brit Awards to the infamous chart war, The Battle is a wickedly funny dive into one of the greatest rivalries in rock history. Featuring legendary personalities and unforgettable clashes, it was never just about the music, but power, pride, and uncontrollable competitiveness. Expect filthy language and razor-sharp dialogue in this cut-throat new comedy that puts you right at the heart of the feuding, the fame, and the fallout.

When New York City teenager Percy Jackson discovers that he is the half-blood son of the Greek god, Poseidon, his life takes a dramatic turn as he is plunged into a world much bigger than he could possibly have imagined. With newly discovered powers he is unable to control, an unwanted destiny and a whole textbook’s worth of mythical monsters on his trail, Percy must learn what it means to be a hero. The future of the world hangs in the balance as Percy and his friends embark on an epic adventure that will have you on the edge of your seat.

Danny Robins and his team of experts are back with A BRAND-NEW SHOW for 2025, with thrillingly new and terrifying real-life stories and witness accounts that will have you utterly gripped. The first Uncanny live stage show I KNOW WHAT I SAW was one of the best-selling paranormal shows in theatre history. This is NOT an ordinary podcast show. This is story-telling and paranormal investigation at its peak. Using a unique backdrop of sound, video projection and theatrical magic, Danny will bring to life accounts of hauntings, apparitions, poltergeists, UFOs and events that seem to defy logical explanation, examining them with the help of experts Ciarán O’Keeffe and Evelyn Hollow and input from you, the audience, as you get the chance to share your theories and your own experiences. As always, whether you are Team Sceptic, Team Believer or somewhere in between, everyone is welcome. So… do you have a fear of the dark? Or are you brave enough to try to solve these chilling, intriguing mysteries?

Matthew Bourne’s production of The Red Shoes Based on the film by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger and the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale. Music by Bernard Herrmann. A timeless fairytale and Academy Award-winning movie, The Red Shoes has captivated audiences and inspired generations of dancers with its powerful tale of obsession, possession and one girl’s dream to be the greatest dancer in the world. Victoria Page lives to dance but her ambitions become a fierce struggle between the two men who inspire her passion. Matthew Bourne’s magical double Olivier Award-winning production of the legendary Powell and Pressburger film is set to a score orchestrated by Terry Davies, featuring the mesmerizing music of golden-age Hollywood composer Bernard Herrmann, with sumptuous designs by Lez Brotherston (set and costumes), Paule Constable (lighting) and Paul Groothuis (sound). An intoxicating drama where life imitates art with fateful consequences, The Red Shoes will dazzle your senses and break your heart.

The Bohemians are back to perform the worldwide smash hit musical, We Will Rock You by Queen and Ben Elton. The first adult amateur company in Edinburgh to perform it. A story that is set in a future where rock music is forbidden, until a group of rock rebels (the Bohemians) make it their mission to bring it back against all odds in their fight against the all-powerful Globalsoft company and its boss, Killer Queen. Packed full of Queen hits such as the anthems Bohemian Rhapsody, Somebody to Love, One Vision and We Will Rock You, this show is guaranteed to get you rocking out and cheering for more. We Will Rock You has been performed in 28 countries to over 16 million people, and the Bohemians are ready to rock the Festival Theatre. The Bohemians’ 2025 production of Priscilla Queen of the Desert was a smash hit with audiences saying they couldn’t believe this was an amateur company!