‘The Snow Queen’ – Scottish Ballet (His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen) | Review by Hannah Davidson
Image: Scottish Ballet Scottish Ballet return to His Majesty’s Theatre this week with their mesmerising production of The Snow Queen. Following a hugely successful tour in 2022, the production returns to Scotland throughout the festive season. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale of the same name – and notably the story that formed the…
‘The Woman In Black’ (Theatre Royal, Glasgow) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
The Woman in Black has been frightening theatre audiences since 1987, and now it continues its scare fest across the UK with it’s tour stopping off this week in Glasgow at the Theatre Royal, playing until Saturday 24th January 2026. The Woman in Black is based on Susan Hill’s 1983 book of the same name and was adapted to stage by Stephen Mallatratt. An aging Arthur Kipps hires a young…
Fawlty Towers: The Play (Aberdeen Music Hall) Review by Joann Watt
Bringing one of Britain’s most beloved sitcoms to the stage is a risky business, but Fawlty Towers: The Play rises to the challenge with confidence, affection and relentless comic energy during its Aberdeen run at the Music Hall from Tuesday 20th- Saturday 24th January. Carefully adapted from classic television episodes, the production captures the spirit…
‘Jack & The Beanstalk’ (Edinburgh Festival Theatre) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
Edinburgh’s panto stars Allan Stewart, Grant Stott, Jordan Young and gang take to the Festival Theatre stage for one final hoolie in Jack & The Beanstalk before they head back home to the King’s Theatre next year. Packed with jokes-a-plenty, spellbinding special effects and one of the most beautiful sets in all of Pantoland, this year’s festive season just got even brighter. There are giants in the sky! Jack McTrot teams up with…
‘Mamma Mia!’ (Edinburgh Playhouse) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
It’s been just over twenty-five years since Mamma Mia opened in London’s West End, since then it has become a global phenomenon. With two motion pictures, several runs on Broadway and too many tours to count, the hit jukebox musical has made its way back to the Edinburgh Playhouse for the first time in six years to play the theatre’s coveted festive season. Mamma Mia plays the Playhouse until Sunday…
Beauty & The Beast (BTC Productions, Church Hill Theatre) | Review by Sam Eastop
Having never seen a BTC show prior, I didn’t know fully what to expect for their 2025 Panto production of Beauty and the Beast at the Church Hill Theatre, but having seen some pantomime’s written and directed by Lewis C. Baird before I knew it was likely to be a fun evening. The town of…
‘Miss Saigon’ (Edinburgh Playhouse) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
Boublil and Schönberg’s international hit musical adaptation of Puccini’s opera ‘Madame Butterfly’, ‘Miss Saigon’, returns to Edinburgh for the first time in almost eight years with a brand-new production produced by Michael Harrison in association with Cameron Mackintosh. Playing at the Edinburgh Playhouse until Saturday 1st November 2025. The musical is set during the final…
‘Come From Away’ (Blackout Productions) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
Blackout Productions return to the Church Hill Theatre this week with the breathtaking hit Broadway & West End musical – ‘Come From Away’. The award-winning musical is set in Gander, Newfoundland during the events of 9/11, with book, music and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, highlighting acts of kindness from the people of…
Òran (Lemon Tree, Aberdeen) Review by Hannah Cook.
A modern retelling of a classic Greek Myth underscored by electronic hip-hop? Say less, I’m sat. Following its sold out run at the Edinburgh Fringe last year, Wonder Fools have taken ‘Òran’ on tour, stopping at Aberdeen’s Lemon Tree on Wednesday. Retelling the Greek Myth of Orpheus, through a beautiful blend of spoken word, lyrical…
Mary, Queen of Scots – Scottish Ballet (His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen) Review by Hannah Davidson
Scottish Ballet return to His Majesty’s Theatre Aberdeen this week with their intense, atmospheric and bold new production of Mary, Queen of Scots. As Elizabeth I nears the end of her reign, she finds herself consumed by visions, both real and imagined, of her cousin and rival, Mary, Queen of Scots. This exciting new production…
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (Leading Lights, Aberdeen Arts Centre) Review by Hannah Davidson
Aberdeen’s own Leading Lights are delighted to return to the Aberdeen Arts Centre stage in style, strutting their stuff with their 30th anniversary production of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie! Inspired by the real-life story of Jamie Campbell, this award-winning, uplifting musical follows a teenager with big dreams and a bold vision: to wear a dress…
tick, tick… BOOM! – Hallirackit Theatre (The Lemon Tree) Review by Joann Watt
Aberdeen was in for a real treat with Hallirackit Theatre’s homecoming production of tick, tick…BOOM! exploding onto the Lemon Tree stage last night! Following a successful Fringe Run last year it only felt right that Hallirackit brought this exciting new production to a home audience. Tick, tick… BOOM! is all about the creative struggle and…
Tartan Tabletop (Bramley @ Gilded Balloon @ Appleton Tower) | Review by Sam Eastop
The Tartan Tabletop gang are back after their second sold-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe. Get ready for improvised comedy at the roll of a dice as four heroes blunder their way through an adventure like no other – aided by the weird and wonderful Noblin the Goblin, played by a different guest star comedian…
r/Conspiracy (Gilded Balloon, Appleton Tower) | Review by Stacey Brown
r/Conspiracy dives into the strange comfort and creeping loneliness of our always-online lives. Ella Hällgren’s debut play introduces us to Alex, a Reddit addict whose guilty pleasure is scrolling through hyper-local posts about her local town. But when a thread pops up about a mysterious “machete man” spotted in her local park, Alex’s idle curiosity…
Jumper Bumps (Gilded Balloon, Appleton Tower) | Review by Stacey Brown
Jumper Bumps by Ameilia Rodger is a warm and authentic celebration of female friendships – the kind that’s messy, frustrating, loyal and unshakeable. Best friends and flatmates Eris and Atlanta navigate their early twenties in very different ways but always holding each other’s hand. Eris dreams of being a mum and craves the unconditional love…
Come From Away (Captivate Theatre) | Review by Sam Eastop
Come From Away took the world by storm upon its opening on Broadway on 12th March 2017. Since then it has toured the world and musical theatre super fans have streamed the hell out of the soundtrack (myself included) so when Captivate announced they were doing a production of it at the Edinburgh Fringe 2025…
Hal Cruttenden: Can Dish It Out But Can’t Take It (Pleasance Courtyard) | Review by Sam Eastop
Hal balances light and dark very well. As he says of himself, he can be quite “nasty” on stage, but it’s always with a twinkle in the eye and a tongue in cheek. Hal is back at the Edinburgh Fringe to delve into topics like middle-age dating, parenthood, divorce, insane modern politics and social media. With…
Note Of Concern (TheSpace on the Mile) | Review by Sam Eastop
A school reunion turns into a bit of a nightmare when two estranged friends from school wind up trapped in their old teacher’s classroom. With reflections, plenty of laughs and some surprising twists, the two realise the glory days may be behind them and that their old teacher might not have been so bad after…
Mother, Maiden and Crone (TheSpace @ Niddry Street Studio) | Review by Sam Eastop
All I knew about Mother, Maiden and Crone was that it was a show about the witches from Macbeth but if were in the queer scene in Edinburgh, what came next over 60 minutes was a true delight. The show follows Mother, the in house drag queen of Limbo Bar & Kitchen, it’s important we…
Showstoppers (Pleasance Grand) | Review by Sam Eastop
Settling into my familiar seat in the Pleasance Grand, 70 minutes of pure entertainment magic awaited as 750 excited viewers took their seats in anticipation. Having seen this show before many times, Showstoppers is one I make sure to catch each year at the fringe, as it is yet to disappoint. The story of this…
‘School of Rock – The Musical’ (Forth Children’s Theatre) | Review By Sam Eastop
Forth Children’s Theatre’s School of Rock is at Broughton High School until the 9th August with a matinee on Saturday 9th. Having recently seen their production of the Sound of Music in April, it’s hard to believe FCT brought together a mammoth rock musical in such short time, but they have and it’s raring for…
Homo(sapien) – Assembly Roxy | Review by Stacey Brown
Homo(sapien) is an outrageous, heartfelt and mostly sexless romp through the life of Joey Kavanagh, a young Irish Catholic man who is desperate to get laid. Brought to life by writer and performer Conor O’Dwyer, Joey makes the decision after learning about a young man who was murdered for being gay, that life is too…
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen) Review by Joann Watt
Step through the wardrobe into the magical kingdom of Narnia where a world of wonder awaits. The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe bursts onto the HMT stage from 17th-21st June 2025 with roaring delight! Celebrating the 75th anniversary of C.S. Lewis’s classic novel, watch The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe come to life…
‘Picture You Dead’ (Theatre Royal, Glasgow) | Review By Keiran McLean
Peter James’ Picture You Dead has been brought to life on to the stage, bringing a crime thrilling Roy Grace mystery to audiences who are riding along with the mysterious adventure. It has hit the stage at Glasgow’s Theatre Royal and the question is – who can you trust? The story follows two detectives who…
Restless Natives (His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen) Review by Joann Watt
The 80s Scottish cult classic ‘Restless Natives’ zooms onto the His Majesty’s Theatre Aberdeen stage from 21st-24 May 2025 and guess what? It is in the form of a musical! Restless Natives tells the tale of two disenchanted young lads Will and Ronnie who are weary about their future prospects and unfulfilled lives in…
‘The Book of Mormon’ (Glasgow King’s Theatre) | Review By Rebecca Donati
‘The Book of Mormon’ (the nine-time Tony Award and four-time Olivier Award-winning Best Musical) is in town at the King’s Theatre in Glasgow, and what a delight it is. A provocative, powerful production which encourages the audience to look beyond its mocking nature and find true meaning in it’s commentary. Be warned, the musical will…
Little Women (His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen) Review by Hannah Cook.
The touring production of Little Women at His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen offers a heartfelt and intimate retelling of Louisa May Alcott’s classic. Directed by Loveday Ingram, the focus is on the deep connections between the March sisters, with emotionally rich performances and a stripped-back design that highlights the warmth of the family’s bonds. This…
‘Moulin Rouge – The Musical’ (Edinburgh Playhouse) | Review By Sam Eastop
You can’t help but be gobsmacked as you take your seat in the Edinburgh Playhouse – admiring the sheer eccentric beauty of the stage in this production of Moulin Rouge. I was personally going into this, having never seen the iconic 2001 Baz Luhrmann film, completely blind. And wow, am I glad I did. Paris,…
Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) (His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen) Review by Joann Watt
Pride and Prejudice (sort of) explodes onto the HMT stage from Tuesday 29th April – 3rd May 2025. Direct from its triumph in the West End this witty little gem won a Laurence Olivier Award Best Comedy and Evening standard award. This wonderfully unique and imaginative retelling of Jane Austen’s iconic love story! Pride and…
Seagully Blonde – Aberdeen Student Show (His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen) Review by Hannah Cook
The annual Aberdeen Student Show has returned to His Majesty’s Theatre with Seagully Blonde, a riotous reimagining of Legally Blonde packed with Doric flair, outrageous humour, and sky-high antics. This year’s production blends beloved elements of the classic musical with a heavy dose of north-east charm, resulting in a comedy that’s proudly local and endlessly…
‘The Sound of Music’ (Forth Children’s Theatre) | Review By Sam Eastop
Forth Children’s Theatre are performing their version of the musical The Sound of Music, based on the memoir of Maria Augusta Trapp. Their run is at Broughton High School until Saturday 12th April 2025. A young postulate who serves as a governess to the seven children of the imperious Captain Von Trapp brings music and joy…
The Odd Couple – Ten Feet Tall Theatre (The Craig Centre, Aberdeen) Review by Hannah Cook
Ten Feet Tall’s Ensemble Productions delivered a delightful rendition of Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple (Female Version) at the Craig Centre for Performing Arts in Aberdeen. Set in 1985 New York, the play follows the comedic turmoil that ensues when free-spirited Olive invites the obsessively tidy Florence to move into her apartment after Florence’s marriage…
‘Ghost Stories’ (Edinburgh Festival Theatre) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
A night of terror, palpitations, and screams are guaranteed with “Ghost Stories” currently playing Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre until Saturday 29th March 2025. To avoid spoilers, there is no insight into the fear that awaits you in this review, however, be rest assured that Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman’s script for this play is packed…
‘War Horse’ (Theatre Royal, Glasgow) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
The international sensation “War Horse” returns to Glasgow, playing the Theatre Royal until Saturday 5th April 2025. The story follows Joey, young Albert’s beloved horse, who is sold to the Cavalry and shipped to France. He’s soon caught up in enemy fire, and fate takes him on an extraordinary journey, serving on both sides before finding…
‘An Inspector Calls’ (His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen) | Review by Hannah Cook
Few productions leave audiences as in awe as An Inspector Calls, and this latest UK tour is no exception. Produced by PW Productions, one of the most prolific and significant theatre producers, founded by the late Peter Wilson MBE, this revival of Stephen Daldry’s iconic staging is as gripping as ever. With its ingenious set…
‘Priscilla Queen of The Desert’ (The Bohemians, Edinburgh Festival Theatre) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
One of Edinburgh’s leading amateur theatre companies, The Bohemians, are taking audiences Down Under with their fabulous production of the cult classic jukebox musical “Priscilla Queen of the Desert”. The company have also moved into Capital Theatres’ Festival Theatre for this production, ensuring to give their fabulous divas and queens the large stage they deserve.…
‘Dear Evan Hansen’ (His Majesty’s Theatre) | Review by Joann Watt
This week is going to be a good week and here’s why….Dear Evan Hansen blows us away with roaring applause at His Majesty’s Theatre Aberdeen from 5th-8th March 2025! Let me introduce you to Evan Hansen: A shy high school kid who struggles with crippling anxiety and has just one wish- to fit in. The…
‘Dear Evan Hansen’ (Glasgow King’s Theatre) | Review By Keiran McLean
Dear Evan Hansen hits the stage of Glasgow’s King’s Theatre to bring the house down with the renowned and popular musical, running until Saturday 1st March 2025. The performance from the off was full of life and energy, the cast and band set a good bar from the opening few scenes for what to expect…
‘Now That’s What I Call A Musical’ (Edinburgh Playhouse) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
Craig Revel Horwood and Pippa Evans’ new musical ‘Now That’s What I Call A Musical’ has blasted its way into Edinburgh this week, playing the Edinburgh Playhouse until Saturday 1st March. It’s Birmingham, 1989. Gemma and April, two school friends, are busy planning their lives, with Gemma dreaming of being a Nurse and April longing…
‘Kinky Boots’ (Glasgow King’s Theatre) | Review By Rebecca Donati
Looking for something to Raise You Up this week in Glasgow? Get yourself along to see Kinky Boots The Musical at The King’s Theatre. An astounding production which immerses you and guides you on a brilliant emotional journey. You’ll leave the theatre celebrating triumphantly, feeling empowered and free to Just Be. This joy-filled sensation, based…
‘Murder on the Orient Express’ (His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen) | Review by Hannah Cook
All aboard for a first-class night of mystery, intrigue, and razor-sharp wit as ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ steams onto HMT’s stage this week. Agatha Christie’s classic whodunnit has been given a thrilling theatrical makeover, packed with sharp dialogue, atmospheric staging, and terrific sound design. With a train full of eccentric suspects, a murder most…
‘& Juliet’ (His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen) | Review by Joann Watt
Presenting & Juliet a musical which dazzles and shimmies its way onto the stage at His Majesty Theatre from 4th-8th February 2025. This loud and proud tale tells the story of Juliet. Where is Romeo you may ask? Well strap yourselves in because this tragic love story has a fierce twist! The story imagines what…
‘Hairspray’ (Glasgow King’s Theatre) | Review By Rebecca Donati
Good morning Glasgow! Are you a ‘Hairspray’ fanatic? Then get yourself to The King’s Theatre to see an all time fan favourite, running until the 1st of February 2025. Although the performance is lacking a bit of magic, it is still a great night out, filled with your favourite songs and evoking you to be…
‘The Nutcracker’ ( Scottish Ballet/His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen) | Review by Joann Watt
The Scottish Ballet presents The Nutcracker which graces the His Majesty’s Theatre Aberdeen stage from 29th January- 1st February 2025. This divine production brings light and warmth to everyone’s hearts- a true delight to watch on a cold mid winter’s evening. This is Scottish Ballet’s artistic Director Christopher Hampson third revival of Peter Darrell’s short…
‘Mary Poppins’ (Festival Theatre, Edinburgh) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
The world’s favourite flying nanny has returned to Edinburgh to kick off Capital Theatre’s 2025 programming with a spoonful of sugar. The stage adaptation of Disney’s classic movie, ‘Mary Poppins’, is playing the Festival Theatre until Saturday 15th February. Based on P.L Traver’s stories, this musical follows the Banks family, as they try to gain…
‘She Burns’ (Scottish Storytelling Centre/Johnnie Walker Princes Street) | Review By Katie McNulty
‘She Burns’ returns from a sell-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, to celebrate not only the life and art of Robert Burns, but the lives of the women that surrounded him and inspired some of his most famous works. Written by Sarah MacGillivray, with musical arrangements by Nicola Alexander – and of course incorporating…
‘Chicago’ (His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen) | Review by Hannah Cook
Chicago is back on the tour bus, and proving yet again that razzle-dazzle never goes out of style. With its sharp-edged satire, sizzling choreography, and a score that oozes glamour and grit, this iconic musical reminds us why it’s still the toast of the town nearly a century after its Jazz Age beginnings. As the…
‘Bat Out of Hell’ (Edinburgh Playhouse) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
‘Bat Out of Hell’ kicks off it’s second UK Tour at the Edinburgh Playhouse, bringing a bold arena style vision to the hit Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf musical. Based loosely on J.M Barrie’s Peter Pan, the story follows Raven as she escapes the grips of her corporate father (Falco), and escapes to join The…
‘Jack & The Beanstalk’ (Portobello Town Hall) | Review By Sam Eastop
Settling into my seat at Portobello Town Hall for Stage Door’s sophomore Panto outing is an exhilarating feeling after the success of last year’s Cinderella. With a returning cast and Production team, I was very excited to see what was in store from the Porty Panto this year. Jack McTrott works on a farm with…
‘Beauty & The Beastie’ (Pavillon Theatre, Glasgow) | Review By Keiran McLean
It’s that time of year again! Panto season has come around and families and theatre lovers alike will be flocking to theatres all over Scotland to enjoy some hilarious shows throughout the festive period. ‘Beauty and the Beastie’ takes to the stage at the Pavillion Theatre, with their star studded cast looking to give the…
‘Cinderella’ (Edinburgh Festival Theatre) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
Panto is back at Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre with our regulars bringing us a new version of ‘Cinderella’, featuring all the magic and comedy you would expect during the festive period. You have till Tuesday 31st December 2025 to take a trip to Prince Charming’s ball. Allan Stewart brings us his usual cheeky and hilarious antics as…
‘The Sound of Music’ (Pitlochry Festival Theatre) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
Pitlochry is very much alive with ‘The Sound of Music’ this Christmas. Pitlochry Festival Theatre are staging a new production of the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein masterpiece until 22nd December 2024. Following Maria Rainer’s journey from nun to governess, set in the Austrian hills during the 1938 Anschluss, this is a profoundly moving and heartwarming…
‘101 Dalmatians’ (UK Tour, Edinburgh Playhouse) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
‘101 Dalmatians’, a stage adaptation of the beloved book (and Disney movie) by Dodie Smith, has hit the road on a UK Tour following it’s premiere at Regents Park Open Air Theatre in Summer 2022. This week the musical has turned the Edinburgh Playhouse spotted for its debut run in Scotland’s Capital. The cast in…
‘& Juliet’ (UK Tour, Edinburgh Playhouse) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
After a bleak week with rather shocking news from across the pond, it’s a relief for the warm hug of a musical, ‘& Juliet’, to be playing at the Edinburgh Playhouse until Saturday 16th November. This musical shows what would happen if Anne Hathaway took the quill from William Shakespeare and gave Juliet a life after Romeo.…
A Streetcar Named Desire (His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen) Review by Joann Watt
Tennessee Williams triumphant masterpiece A Streetcar Named Desire oozes its way onto His Majesty’s Theatre’s stage this week showing from 12th -14th November 2024 with burning delight! This sizzling hot tale is set in the sultry summer heat of New Orleans in the 1940s which truly packs a punch with themes of love, lust and…
‘Only Fools And Horses – The Musical’ (UK Tour, Edinburgh Playhouse) | Review By Jennifer Mackie
Au revoir! Mange tout, Mange tout as Del Boy would say. Yes, rolling into town to the Edinburgh Playhouse for one week only comes a treat for the fans of Only Fools and Horses – ‘Only Fools and Horses The Musical’! Spend an evening re-living the best moments from the hit show with all your…
‘The Spongebob Musical’ (Allegro, Church Hill Theatre) | Review By Sam Eastop
‘The SpongeBob Musical’ is playing at the Churchill Theatre and the Allegro cast is ready to share a fun-fuelled two-hour extravaganza with Edinburgh. With songs written by titans of the music industry and the reputation and popularity of the show and movies creating a buzz already, Allegro is sure to make a bang this Bonfire…
‘The Rocky Horror Show’ (The Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
What better way to spend your Halloween week than seeing one of the most iconic horror spoofs of all time, ‘The Rocky Horror Show’, playing Glasgow’s Pavillion Theatre until Saturday 2nd November. 3. The story follows young lovers, Brad and Janet. Their car breaks down outside a rather spooky-looking castle where they come across a…
‘The Book of Mormon’ (Edinburgh Playhouse) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
The Mormons have returned to Edinburgh after a hit run in 2022. Playing the Edinburgh Playhouse until Saturday 2nd November, this hysterically funny musical follows Elder Price and Elder Cunningham as they voyage to Uganda on their mission to spread the word of the lord and teach communities of The Book of Mormon. Adam Bailey…
‘Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street’ (Blackout Productions – Church Hill Theatre) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
The late great Stephen Sondheim’s ‘Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street’ is a musical so rarely performed in Scotland and hasn’t been performed professionally in the UK for almost ten years. This week Blackout Productions bring a fresh and very exciting version of the musical to the Church Hill Theatre in Edinburgh. You…
‘Hairspray’ (Edinburgh Playhouse) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
1960s Baltimore has come to the Edinburgh Playhouse this week with the hit Broadway and West-End musical ‘Hairspray’, playing until Saturday 12th October. The story follows Tracy Turnblad, as she rises to fame as a dancer on The Corny Collins show. With a body and nature that breaks the norm, Tracy uses her platform to encourage…
‘A Dame of Two Halves’ (The Studio, Capital Theatres) | Review By Matthew Attwood
Them Is Brothers Comedy presents ‘A Dame of Two Halves!‘, a rip-roaring two-act adventure following two sister dames in Panto Land. Presented at Capital Theatre’s The Studio, this show was written and performed by the Harrison and Leo MacNeill and consisted of two one act shows. The first act ‘On The Run: Dame Over!’ which…
Blood Brothers (Edinburgh Playhouse) | Review by Stacey Brown
Blood Brothers is a staple in British theatre, so when it was announced it would be coming to the legendary Edinburgh Playhouse, I was thrilled! Blood Brothers is a heart-wrenching tale of fate, class and the unbreakable ties of family. A powerful combination of gut-wrenching drama and moments of light-hearted comedy leave the audience in…
‘Heathers’ (His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen) | Review by Hannah Cook
September 24th, 2024. Dear Diary, In a world where high school hierarchies reign supreme the UK tour of Heathers the Musical crashes onto Aberdeen’s HMT stage like a glittering grenade. Adapted from the cult classic film that gave us the phrase ‘What’s your damage?’ and a soundtrack of unforgettable angst, this musical iteration captures the…
‘Sister Act’ – Leading Lights – (Aberdeen Arts Centre) | Review by Hannah Davidson
Leading Lights are bringing glitz, glamour, and a whole lotta soul to Aberdeen Arts Centre this week with their production of Sister Act! Based on the hit 1992 film of the same name, Sister Act follows the sassy Deloris Van Cartier, a lounge singer with big dreams who is forced to join a convent as…
‘Come From Away’ (Edinburgh Playhouse) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
The West End and Broadway smash hit ‘Come From Away’ has finally made it’s way to Scotland on the musical’s debut UK Tour, playing the Edinburgh Playhouse until Saturday 21st Sept before moving onto Glasgow King’s Theatre from Tuesday 24th Sept. Having made it’s Scottish debut in Aberdeen last week – the musical surrounds the…
It Is Well With My Soul (Destiny Church, Leith) | Review By Sam Eastop
Destiny Church hosts Handiwork’s Christian musical that makes its Scottish debut on the 23rd August, before heading on tour around parts of England. It Is Well With My Soul is a musical about Philip Bliss, the man who wrote the music for the famous hymn of the same name. After returning home from the civil…
‘Sarah Hester Ross Is What?’(Just The Tonic-Nucleus )| Review By Marcus Lundie
‘Sarah Hester Ross Is What?’ is a wonderful new show by the hilariously talented musical comedian Sarah Hester Ross. Ross rose to internet fame with her hilarious Tik Tok series ‘Florida Men’ in which she uses a date and googles; Florida Man (Insert Date) and turns whatever story comes up into a hysterical song. The…
What The F*ck Happened To Love and Hope (The Space on The Mile) | Review by Stacey Brown
What The F*ck Happened to Love and Hope is a great title. I think we’ve all pondered that question before. We follow teenager Nina and her best friend Faye who find themselves in the terrifying culture of assault and spiking. What The F*ck Happened To Love and Hope is a raw depiction of the shattering…
Hysterical by Sally MacAlister & Koi Collective (Greenside @ George Street) | Review By Sam Eastop
Squeezing into the slightly cramped space at Greenside’s Olive Studio, the space isn’t quite the size I expected to see Koi Collective’s newest outing at the Edinburgh Fringe. However, having seen their first foray into fringe life in 2022, I knew that the next 50 minutes would be filled with laughs, surprises and exciting theatre. …
Hot Girl Summer (The Space @ Symposium Hall) | Review By Sam Eastop
The term ‘Hot Girl Summer’ is all the rage nowadays, but somehow I knew that what was in store from Isla Fairfield’s one woman show would somehow stand out from the crowd. It’s clear from the off that Fairfield is no stranger to the stage or the spotlight. She bounces around the stage effortlessly for…
Oedipus Rex (National Museum of Scotland) | Review by Stacey Brown
When I read the programme for this year’s Edinburgh International Festival, I jumped at the opportunity to see Igor Stravinsky’s opera Oedipus Rex. Not only is it one of the greatest Greek tragedies, it is being performed at The Scottish National Museum joined by a 100-strong community chorus. I knew immediately that this was going…
Hamlet (The Lyceum) | Review by Stacey Brown
The Edinburgh International Festival’s theme this year speaks to the importance of collective experiences to bind us closer together, and this is truly accomplished by Teatro La Plaza’s performance of Hamlet. Eight actors with Down’s Syndrome take to the stage to share their desires and frustrations between their lives and one of the most famous…
Festival (Art Space@St Marks Church) | Review by Keiran McLean
Theatre productions normally have a quick turn around process, but have you ever thought of starting the creation of a show on a Monday – then performing that show at one of the biggest theatre festivals in the world on the Sunday? Well, The Performance Academy took on this task yet again for this years…
I Know A Guy (PBH Free Fringe: Uno Mas) | Review by Marcus Lundie
‘I Know A Guy’ is a fabulous new addition to this year’s PBH’s Free Fringe, PBH’s Free Fringe makes the Edinburgh Fringe Festival more accessible for both artists and audiences, offering free venues to artists and free tickets to audiences. Sharon Em provides an insight into her life specifically her history with men and her…
My Little Phobia (Riddles Court) | Review By Stacey Brown
Do you have a phobia? Something that can totally debilitate your life and cause you to do some strange stuff? And would you put on a show about your fear? Well, that’s exactly what Emily Markoe has done in My Little Phobia. We follow performer and creator Emily as she tidies up her childhood bedroom.…
‘100% My Type on Paper’ by Drop Dead Theatre | C-Alto Studio | by Lauren Shaw
‘100% My Type on Paper’ from Drop Dead Theatre provides a theatrical and yet still realistic analysis of dating in a world where love has so many different meanings. It is no secret that the increase of social media in our day to day lives has changed society dramatically, and Lola Annesley shows us just…
Jazz Emu: Knight Fever (Pleasance Courtyard) | Review By Sam Eastop
Queueing in a secondary line for 20 minutes past the advertised start time had me worried to begin with, but the sheer sprawling size of the gathering crowd shows just how vast Jazz Emu’s reach has gone across today’s Fringe audience. Once we eventually took our seats in Pleasance one, and having seen some really…
Murder! At The Cirque Du Banquet! The Terrible, Final Case Of Detective Ace Dekkard. (Dead Parrot Collective) | Review by Sam Eastop
Running away to the Circus at The Studio at Paradise in Augustine’s for “Murder! At The Cirque Du Banquet! The Terrible, Final Case Of Detective Ace Dekkard” feels like a long sentence. And it is. But it’s worth it for the Dead Parrot Collective’s sophomore outing at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival. When famed travelling…
Frankenstein (On A Budget) (Pleasance Dome – Jack Dome) | Review by Stacey Brown
Frankenstein (On a Budget) sounds like a pretty obvious title. Lamphouse tell the iconic story of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein but on a budget. One actor, dodgy backdrops, cardboard props and home-made costumes. However, this version of Frankenstein is a comedy-musical extravaganza that showcases the best of the Fringe: silly, brilliant talent and audience interaction. Lamphouse…
Rat Tails (Fruitmarket) | Review by Stacey Brown
Jeremy McClain makes his theatre and writing debut this Fringe Festival with Rat Tails. McClain has taken inspiration from his own life to create the story of Jasper, a neurotic, gay, American model agent who is waiting in an NHS maternity ward as he tells us about he and his husband’s journey through surrogacy. Throughout…
FLIGHT (Pleasance Dome) | Review by Stacey Brown
DARKFIELD is the talk of the Fringe this year, and their production FLIGHT has been on my radar for a while. Set in a container, simulating an aeroplane experience, FLIGHT immerses you into the scariest flight experience you’ve ever had. Participants don binaural 360 sound headphones before being plunged into complete darkness, relying solely on…
Wilford Wellman’s Wellbeing (Hallirackit Theatre) | Review by Stacey Brown
Wilford Wellman’s Wellbeing is a delightful, absurdist play brought to life by brand-new theatre company Hallirackit Theatre. We follow Wilford, a young man in hospital struggling to get better as he is ‘tormented’ by hammed up, caricatures of his family members and doctor. We enjoy the silly antics of the players and sympathise with Wilford’s…
ARCADE (DARKFIELD) | Review by Stacey Brown
With content warnings such as “in complete darkness” and “not suitable if you are claustrophobic”, DARKFIELD’s latest immersive audio experience ARCADE really excited me. ARCADE lets you spend 30 minutes in a completely dark shipping container, transporting you to a different reality, using 360 degree binaural sounds and sensory effects. It immerses you in a…
Stupid Sexy Poem Show (Scottish Storytelling Centre) | Review by Stacey Brown
Stupid Sexy Poem Show is exactly what it says on the tin! It’s a spoken-word, comedy-cabaret filled with sexy jokes, self-deprecation and God complexes by the extremely funny and award-winning slam poetry artist Rosie Jo (RJ) Hunter. Articulating their experience as an emerging artist in the public-eye, we see RJ at their silliest and most…
Werewolf by Binge Culture (Edinburgh Fringe) | Review by Sam Eastop
Immersive from its opening seconds, Werewolf performs in the round and in amongst its audience for a long “containment” in the small space of the Former Women’s Locker Room at Summer Hall. Werewolf sets itself up as an apocalyptic safe room against a disease outbreak. We meet 3 wardens, there to make sure things go…
‘Kev Campbell Was He’ (theSpaceUK) | Review by Sam Eastop
Kev Campbell Was He is a one man show written and performed by Alexander Tait, playing at the Space @ The Symposium Hall. In a nightclub toilet in the heart of Glasgow, a graffiti attempt goes horribly wrong and takes eighteen-year-old Kev Campbell on a journey of self-discovery where he must face the role he…
One In Four by Dogstuff (Edinburgh Fringe) – Review by Sam Eastop
One In Four is playing at the Space @ Surgeon’s Hall and puts 4 new roommates together who are actually all aliens yet under the impression that the other three are human. Dixon Cashwell plays the first roommate the audience encounters. He is jittery and complete uncomfortable in his human body. Cashwell plays this insane…
Godfather Death: A Grimms’ Musical (Edinburgh Fringe) – Review by Sam Eastop
Godfather death is a dark, gothic musical for fans of Grimm tales, lovely music and strong performances playing at The Space @ Surgeon’s Hall. When a 13th child is born to a poor family, neither God nor the devil are accepted to be the child’s godparent by the mother, Death ends up being chosen and…
Shake It Up: The Improvised Shakespeare Show (Edinburgh Fringe) – Review by Sam Eastop
Shake it up is an Improv Shakespeare Show that is laugh-a-minute fun, taking place at 1pm at Guilded Balloon Patter House at the Edinburgh Fringe. The cast request suggestions of lines to deliver throughout the show and ask one member of the audience their name and a country: “Emma of Mongolia” was the setting for…
50 Ways Jesus (Almost) Ruined My Life – Edinburgh Fringe Festival | Review by Sam Eastop
Settling down in the tiny, slightly cramped Hollywood Room at the City Cafe I was kindly given the end of a bench as one of the last people to sit down ready to hear the tails of woe induced by (or perhaps not) Jesus on the lives of two comedians. This show’s formula is something…
’Paul Savage: Hopes Under the Hammer’ (Just the Tonic at The Caves – The Wee One) | Review By Lauren Shaw
‘Hopes Under the Hammer’ is Paul Savage’s stand up show at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival, laughing at the lows that are part of the everyday for renters in Britain. Playing at Just the Tonic – The Caves this August, this is a must see show for those who can find humour in the dire state of…
‘Chatterbox’ by Lubna Kerr (Pleasance Courtyard- The Green) | Review By Lauren Shaw
‘Chatterbox’ by Lubna Kerr is a biographical story of Lubna’s experience as a young child who moved to Scotland from Pakistan, struggling to fit in with her peers when she couldn’t speak English. The play mixes elements from her past in a storytelling format, with poignant moments of her current self, spoken to the audience. Kerr’s acting is impressive…
‘Doktor Kaboom: Man of Science’ (Pleasance Courtyard- Beyond) | Review By Lauren Shaw
‘Doktor Kaboom: Man of Science’ is an exemplary show that combines a love of theatre, and science – mixed with a flare for dramatics to create one of the most fun, educational and hilarious family-friendly shows the Edinburgh Fringe has ever seen. Playing at the Pleasance Courtyard-Beyond this August, Doktor Kaboom shows adults and children…
‘Here You Come Again’ (Edinburgh Playhouse) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
Dolly Parton has a new musical in town, ‘Here You Come Again’ features a versatile range of Parton’s discography hitting the Edinburgh Playhouse stage until Saturday 27th July. This story sees Dolly’s glam Country Western life collide with that of Kevin, an aspiring British comedian cooped up in his childhood loft bedroom, during the 2020…
‘The Pillowman’ – Aberdeen Repertory Theatre (The Blue Lamp, Aberdeen) Review by Hannah Cook
Aberdeen Repertory Theatre debuted in the Blue Lamp last night with raw and earnest energy with an adaptation of Martin McDonagh’s darkly riveting play “The Pillowman,” grappling with complex themes of storytelling, trauma, and censorship. Directed by Keegan Gess, this rendition showcases Aberdeen’s fantastic local talent while delivering a thought-provoking experience. It tells the tale…
‘Legally Blonde’ – Giz Giz Youth Theatre (The Tivoli Theatre, Aberdeen) | Review by Hannah Davidson
Giz Giz Youth Theatre are strutting into their 40th year in style and a whole lotta pink this week at the Tivoli Theatre, Aberdeen with a special anniversary reunion show. Giz Giz alumni, as well as present company members have come together to produce a high energy and all together fabulous production of Legally Blonde. …
‘The Wizard of Oz’ (Glasgow King’s Theatre) | Review By Rebecca Donati
‘The Wizard of Oz’ is a celebration of dreams, an extremely fulfilling and heartwarming sensation which must be seen. Starring Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood as The Wicked Witch of The West, and Allan Stewart as The Wizard, this spectacular production will be truly magical experience for all the family. Craig Revel Horwood…
‘The Syndicate’ (Theatre Royal, Glasgow) | Review By Rebecca Donati
Starring Emmerdale’s Samantha Giles, Coronation Street’s Brooke Vincent and TV favourite, Gaynor Faye, who also directs, The Syndicate follows five supermarket employees whose lottery syndicate numbers come in, just as their jobs and livelihoods are under threat. Will a share of the £24million jackpot make their dreams come true or their nightmares a reality? One…
Sunshine on Leith – Lyric Musical Society (His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen) Review by Hannah Cook
Nearly 1200 Aberdonians traded Rosemount for Leith last night for Lyric’s highly anticipated production of ‘Sunshine on Leith’, performing at His Majesty’s Theatre this week. A fantastic feel-good story from Stephen Greenhorn, set to iconic songs from world-renowned Scottish band The Proclaimers, ‘Sunshine on Leith’ is both a funny and moving play about Davy and…
‘Hen Night Horror’ (The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow) | Review By Keiran McLean
Your Hen Night is supposed to be an event that you never want to end, a celebration with the people you love, and a night you will always remember. Well, at least the last one was true for the hen party of the bride to be – Amanda MacNamee. 5 Brick May & Imagine Theatre…
‘Life of Pi’ (Theatre Royal, Glasgow) | Review By Rebecca Donati
If you see any live performance this week in Glasgow make it ‘Life of Pi’ performing at The Theatre Royal, it will not disappoint. After a cargo ship sinks in the middle of the vast Pacific Ocean, there are five survivors stranded on a single lifeboat – a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan, a sixteen-year-old…
‘Grease’ (Glasgow King’s Theatre) | Review By Rebecca Donati
‘Grease’ is performing at The King’s Theatre in Glasgow this week and what an incredibly fun night it is. This production is an intriguing fresh take on the classic musical we know and love. With its phenomenal score, bursting with hits including Summer Nights, Greased Lightnin’, Hopelessly Devoted to You and You’re the One That…
‘A Play, A Pie And A Pint – Medea on the Mic’ (Òran Mór, Glasgow) | Review By Rebecca Donati
‘Medea on the Mic’ is an extremely captivating exploration of reclaiming your story, filled with Glaswegian charm and wit. Tonight on the mic, it’s Medea! Join everyone’s favourite princess-sorceress for one hell of a good time as she shares stories of when she was Scottish and swaggered into the wonderlands of Berlin, Tehran and New…
‘Cluedo 2 The Next Chapter’ (Theatre Royal, Glasgow) | Review By Keiran McLean
The nostalgic characters of everyone’s favourite mudder mystery Cluedo return to the stage with their hilariously silly sequel – Cluedo 2 The Next Chapter. Written by Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran, Cluedo 2 sets the stage of the next whodunnit in rockstar extraordinaire Rick Blacks mansion house. As everything begins to unravel, the absurd and…
‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ (Edinburgh Playhouse) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
The automotive supreme musical ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ has hit the road and is visiting the Edinburgh Playhouse until Saturday 1st June. Based on the Ian Fleming motion picture, the musical follows inventor Caractacus Potts, struggling to get by after the passing of wife, to please his children (Jeremy & Jemima) he purchases an almost scrapped…
‘The 39 Steps’ (Theatre Royal, Glasgow) | Review By Keiran McLean
The tagline – “4 actors, 139 characters, 100 hilarious minutes” – couldn’t have represented this show any better. The Hitchcock classic, The 39 Steps, has returned on tour to showcase Patrick Barlows hilariously ridiculous adaptation. The writing by Barlow hits the comedic nail on the head with the farcical funny moments having the audience laughing…
‘Dear Billy’ (National Theatre of Scotland) | Review By Rebecca Donati
Dear Billy’ presented by the National Theatre of Scotland is a beautifully crafted mosaic of Scottish voices which embodies the spirit of Billy Connolly as a symbol of hope. If you don’t know who Billy Connolly is, ask the people of Scotland. And if you want to know about the people of Scotland, ask them…
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen) Review by Hannah Cook
Following a record-breaking three-year West End residency, sold-out UK & Ireland Tour and Amazon studios award-winning film, the smash-hit and critically acclaimed musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie returned to a standing ovation in Aberdeen last night, and rightfully so. Nothing short of spectacular, this production delivers glamour, heart and bite. Inspired by the true story…
‘Edward Scissorhands’ (Edinburgh Festival Theatre) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures have revived their stage adaptation of Tim Burton’s iconic 1990s movie, ‘Edward Scissorhands’. Edward, a synthetic man with scissor hands, is taken in by Peg, a kind woman, after the passing of his inventor. To fit in, Edward must get used to suburban life. This ballet adaptation of the culture classic…
‘Maggie & Me’ (Tron Theatre, Glasgow) | Review By Rebecca Donati
‘Maggie & Me’ is a heart wrenching, thought provoking production which sheds light on the power of survival. ‘Maggie & Me’ presented by the National Theatre of Scotland is based on Damian Barr’s award-winning memoir, adapted for stage by Damian Barr and James Ley. Vitally this production showcases the power of sharing your voice and…
‘In Bloom’ (Not So Nice!) | Review By Lauren Shaw
Last week saw the debut of some brilliant work from Not So Nice! Theatre. ‘In Bloom’ is the latest scratch night of theirs to provide a platform to emerging actors, playwrights and directors amongst many other creatives. For those who may not know; a scratch night is a chance for creatives to develop work, usually…
‘Sister Act’ (Glasgow King’s Theatre) | Review By Rebecca Donati
‘Raise Your Voice’ at the King’s Theatre in Glasgow this week for the excellent cast of ‘Sister Act The Musical’. This production leaves nothing to be desired, filling the theatre with joy and laughter throughout. Based on the iconic movie, this sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, sisterhood and music tells the hilarious…
‘Bonnie & Clyde’ (King’s Theatre, Glasgow) | Review By Rebecca Donati
Raise a Little Hell at the The King’s Theatre in Glasgow this week at ‘Bonnie & Clyde’. Direct from the West End, this production is the epitome of live life fast. This astounding production makes for a fantastic night out with incredible performers, excellent direction and intricate and fascinating use of lighting, set and projections.…
‘James V: Katherine’ (The Studio, Capital Theatres) | Review By Matthew Attwood
Raw Material and Capital Theatres bring an exciting new production of playwright Rona Munro’s ongoing James V series with their latest production, James V: Katherine. Presented at Capital Theatre’s The Studio. This production delves into the historical events of Katherine Hamilton and the persecution she underwent when her brother and male family members were labeled…
Bonnie & Clyde (His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen) Review by Hannah Davidson
Bonnie & Clyde is hellraising in theatres around the UK after an award winning run in London’s West End in 2022. At the height of the Great Depression, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow went from two small town nobodies to America’s most renowned and infamous folk heroes – and Texas law enforcements worst nightmare. Winner of the WhatsonStage‘Best New Musical 2023’ award, the West…
‘The Kite Runner’ (Theatre Royal, Glasgow) | Review by Rebecca Donati
‘The Kite Runner’ is an exceptional, provoking piece of theatre which challenges you to question your own privilege and how you can use it to fight injustice. Based on Khaled Hosseini’s international bestselling novel, this haunting tale of friendship spans cultures and continents and follows one man’s journey to confront his past and find redemption.…
‘Forth Children’s Theatre’s 45th Anniversary Gala’ (Church Hill Theatre) | Review By Lauren Shaw
This week has seen Forth Children’s Theatre honour their past and celebrate their 45th anniversary with a cabaret-style gala, a collection of their work from past, present and even future performances. A creative team of co-directors, Musical directors and choreographers (namely Taylor Doig, Jack Nixon, Mark Mclaughlin and Jack Gardner) comprised a wonderfully talented group…
‘Pretty Woman The Musical’ (Edinburgh Playhouse) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
The ‘Pretty Woman’ stage adaptation has walked down Leith Street and entered the Edinburgh Playhouse for a run until Saturday 13th April. Based on the iconic 1990s motion picture, the musical follows Edward, a rich entrepreneur, and Vivian, a prostitute, that Edward hires to accompany him on a few social events. Trouble ensues when he…
‘The Woman in Black’ (Theatre Royal, Glasgow) | Review by Keiran McLean
Horror fanatics and jumpscare lovers are lining up for the epitome of horror theatre – ‘The Woman in Black’, which is playing in Glasgow’s Theatre Royal this week. Susan Hill’s comedic, tense, psychological thriller (adapted by Stephen Mallatratt) had the audience glued to the edge of their seats waiting for the next scream! The story…
The Yeoman of the Guard – Aberdeen Gilbert & Sullivan Society (Tivoli Theatre, Aberdeen) Review by Hannah Cook.
Aberdeen Gilbert & Sullivan Society marks its 48th year with its production of The Yeoman and the Guard at the beautiful Tivoli Theatre this week. The Tower of London is the setting for Gilbert & Sullivan’s beloved operetta, The Yeomen of the Guard. The arrival of a travelling troupe of performers sparks forbidden romances, fantastical…
‘Sunshine On Leith’ (Church Hill Theatre) | Review by Marcus Lundie
The Bohemians, Edinburgh’s renowned amateur theatre company presents ‘Sunshine On Leith’ at the Church Hill Theatre. Morningside’s sunny disposition just got sunnier with a wonderful rendition of the Leith based smash hit musical ‘Sunshine On Leith’. Sunshine On Leith written by Stephen Greenhorn, was originally created and produced by the Dundee Rep Theatre. The story follows two Scottish soldiers who…
‘Peter Pan Goes Wrong’ (Theatre Royal, Glasgow) | Review By Keiran McLean
J.M Barrie’s beloved tale of the boy who never grows up has been an iconic story for many generations, however, the modern twist on the tale of Peter Pan has been taking the nation by storm. Mischief Theatre’s ‘Peter Pan Goes Wrong’ is a side splitting comedy that follows Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society’s production of…
‘Hamilton’ (Festival Theatre, Edinburgh) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
Finally, after almost a decade of waiting, the Broadway and West-End smash hit, ‘Hamilton’, has made it’s way to Edinburgh, playing at the Festival Theatre until Saturday 27th April 2024. ‘Hamilton’ follows the real-life story of one of America’s foremost founding fathers and first Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton. The cast for this musical…
‘An Officer and a Gentleman The Musical’ (Glasgow King’s Theatre) | Review By Rebecca Donati
‘An Officer and a Gentleman The Musical’ brought to you by the producers of the Curve production is a stylistic, edgy take on the much loved romantic drama. This production is jam packed with some of your favourite eighty’s music which lifts the energy of the overall production. Despite excellent performers, stylistic direction and brilliant…
‘Peter Pan Goes Wrong’ (Edinburgh Playhouse) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
J.M Barrie’s whimsical tale of the boy who never grows up in Neverland has been seen revived on stage many times in many different forms, however, in recent years there has only been one production that critics and audiences alike have been raving about. That is of course Mischief Theatre’s ‘Peter Pan Goes Wrong’. This…
‘Movies To Musicals 10th Anniversary’ (SEC Armadillo) | Review by Keiran McLean
The Glasgow Philharmonia return with movies to Musical’s 10 year anniversary show. From local theatres 10 years ago to a jam packed SEC Armadillo in 2024 – this show celebrates the growth and success of Movies to Musicals. Ross Gunning composed and produced an excellent show from start to finish. The anniversary show felt just…
‘The Wizard of Oz’ (Edinburgh Playhouse) | Review by Marcus Lundie
‘The Wizard of Oz’ comes to the Edinburgh Playhouse to blow our slippers off and toss us over the rainbow into the merry old land of Oz. This fantastic revival hits the Edinburgh stage, giving us all a fresh take on L. Frank Baum’s original tale. Andrew Lloyd Webber and Jeremy Sams’s new adaption is…
‘Rock Of Ages’ (Aberdeen Arts Centre) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
This week the Granite city has been rumbling due to the face-melting rock coming from Treading The Board’s production of ‘Rock of Ages’ playing Aberdeen Arts Centre till Saturday 10th February. This 80s-based love story about wannabe rocker Drew Boley and aspiring actress Sherrie Christian facing LA’s highs and lows has been an audience pleaser since…
‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ (Edinburgh Playhouse) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ has arrived in Edinburgh for a week at the Playhouse (playing till Saturday 10th Feb). The Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical has been updated in a new production from Regents Park Open Air Theatre. Loosely based on the Gospel’s accounts of the Passion, ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ brings rock and a…
Life of Pi (His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen) – Review by Hannah Davidson
Based on the best-selling novel by Yann Martel and Oscar winning feature film, Life of Pi was adapted for stage in 2019 by Lolita Chakrabarti. After winning 5 Olivier Awards, including Best New Play and 3 Tony awards, the grand adventure embarks on its first ever UK tour – with His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen playing…
‘Shrek the Musical’ (King’s Theatre, Glasgow) | Review By Keiran McLean
Who doesn’t love a love story. Where a shining knight – or shiny green ogre – rescues the princess in distress at the top of the tower. Based on the classic, beloved motion picture – Shrek the Musical hits the stage of Kings Theatre Glasgow for a ‘Shrek-tacular’ evening for all of the family. Join…
‘Same Team – A Street Soccer Story’ (Traverse Theatre) | Review By Matthew Attwood
On the 12th of December, the Traverse Theatre presents the world premiere of Same Team, A Street Soccer Story by Robbie Gordon and Jack Nurse; a story created with the women of Dundee Change Centre. This electric play explores the emotional highs and lows of five woman from different walks of life on a journey…
‘Wicked’ (Edinburgh Playhouse) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
This festive season the Edinburgh Playhouse is unleashing the Witches of OZ on Scotland, as the third ‘Wicked’ UK Tour opens in Scotland’s answer to Broadway. ‘Wicked’ tells the story of two unlikely friends, Elphaba Thropp (later known as the Wicked Witch of the West) and Galinda Upland (later known as Glinda the Good), whose friendship struggles through their opposing personalities,…
‘Cinderella’ (Portobello Town Hall) | Review By Jennifer Mackie
Pull up a chair, get the tinsel out and get ready for a Christmas treat! Cinderella is playing down at Portobello Town Hall and this is not one to be missed. Lewis Baird’s laughter-fuelled take on the classic fairy-tale will have you laughing out loud and up dancing in the aisles. Running until 23rd December…
‘Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs’ (Glasgow King’s Theatre) | Review By Jennifer Mackie
Mirror, Mirror on the wall, where’s the fairest panto of them all? Well, if you head over to the King’s Theatre in Glasgow for this year’s pantomime classic Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, you’re sure to find out! Panto season is off to a roaring start and if you want fun-family entertainment that everyone will enjoy then Alan McHugh’s version is a…
‘The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan’ (Edinburgh Festival Theatre) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
The 2023 festive season has arrived! ‘The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan’ kicks off our coverage of Scotland’s theatre this Christmas. Our swashbuckling adventure follows Smee, May McSmee, Starky, Peter Pan, Wendy, and Tinkerbell as we continue the tales of Neverland, and they face the infamous Captain Hook once more. Playing Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre until Sunday 31st…
The Guns of Johnny Diablo – A Play, A Pie & A Pint (The Lemon Tree, Aberdeen) Review by Hannah Cook
A Play, A Pie & A Pint finishes its Autumn 2023 Season with a new hilarious farce about blazing bullets, oversized egos and actors behaving like arses. Co-presented by Aberdeen Performing Arts, ‘The Guns of Johnny Bravo’ follows the BBC producing a radio version of the recently discovered spaghetti western script of the same name,…
School of Rock – Harlequin Productions (Tivoli Theatre, Aberdeen) Review by Hannah Cook
Harlequin Productions is back in the Tivoli Theatre this week with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s award-winning smash hit musical, School of Rock. Based on the hilarious film of the same name, we follow Dewey Finn, a failed wannabe rock star who decides to earn a few extra bucks by posing as a substitute teacher at a…
‘2:22 A Ghost Story’ (The King’s Theatre, Glasgow) | Review By Keiran McLean
Have you ever thought you heard something, and you don’t know what it is. Is it a ghost? The wind? You’re imagination? And no one believes you – everyone thinks you’re crazy…until…. 2:22 A Ghost Story hits the stage in Glasgow’s King’s Theatre with the award winning, star studded, brilliantly funny supernatural thriller gaining attraction…
‘Pretty Woman The Musical’ (Theatre Royal, Glasgow) | Review By Rebecca Donati
‘Pretty Woman The Musical ’ by Ambassador Theatre Group Productions has hosted it’s extremely exciting Scottish premiere at the Theatre Royal in Glasgow following it’s roaring success in the West End. This excellent adaptation merges everything you want from this production with movie easter eggs, movie quotes, a visually stimulating design and its very own…
‘Aladdin – The Musical’ (Edinburgh Playhouse) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
After years of waiting, Disney’s international hit ‘Aladdin’ has finally embarked on its maiden UK Tour, opening in Scotland’s very own Edinburgh Playhouse. The story follows down on his luck Aladdin as he desires more than the poor life he currently leads. His fortune changes when he bumps into Princess Jasmine and is then recruited…
‘Treason – The Musical’ (Edinburgh Festival Theatre) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
Remember, remember, the 5th of November, gunpowder, treason and plot. I see no reason, why gunpowder treason, should ever be forgot. Guy Fawkes’ world comes to life in the international premiere of ‘Treason’, a brand-new musical, which is about to embark on a UK Tour. The musical debuts this week at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre,…
‘Nae Expectations’ (Tron Theatre)| Review by Rebecca Donati
‘Nae Expectations’ is a Glaswegian sensation which turns a challenging classic piece of literature into a humorous and accessible performance. Produced by the Tron Theatre Company the artistic director Andy Arnold works again with Gary McNair to deliver this irreverent and dynamic adaptation to Scottish audiences. Pip is just your average wee guy – happy…
‘Dear Daddy, Who Art In Heaven’ (Impact Arts)| Review by Matt McBrier
From the complex relationship between religion and queer theory, “Dear Daddy, Who Art in Heaven” emerges as a refreshing and bold exploration of the intersection between faith, identity, and sexuality. Trevor Telesz’s witty writing blends humour and introspection, creating an engaging narrative that both challenges and entertains. The play revolves around a young man grappling…
‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ (The King’s Theatre Glasgow) | Review By Rebecca Donati
‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ is a contemporary wonder. Timothy Sheader directs this mesmerizing new production of the iconic global phenomenon, Jesus Christ Superstar which comes to Glasgow King’s for one week only! Starring Julian Clary as Herod*, Ian McIntosh as Jesus, Shem Omari James as Judas and Hannah Richardson as Mary. Originally staged by London’s Regent’s…
‘Quiz: The Coughing Major Millionaire Scandal’ (The King’s Theatre, Glasgow) | Review By Rebecca Donati
‘Quiz: the Coughing Major Millionaire Scandal’ is a thought provoking depiction of controversy and conformity. An excellent time capsule of British “culture” and attitudes. This two sided, black and white version of events is a mind spinning adaptation of the well known scandal. This slick, clever piece of theatre will have you on the edge…
Scottish Ballet’s ‘Twice Born’ (His Majesty’s Theatre) – Review by Hannah Davidson
Scottish Ballet return to Aberdeen for one night only with their latest commissioned piece, ‘Twice-Born’. The double bill of contemporary ballet showcases two contrasting pieces by Olivier award winning dancer, Dickson Mbi (Twice-Born) and internationally acclaimed choreographer, Cayeton Soto (‘Schachmatt’). Split into two acts, Soto’s piece ‘Schachmatt’ (Checkmate!) is presented as the first act. Soto…
‘Sister Act’ (Edinburgh Festival Theatre) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
‘Sister Act’ the musical is back on the road and is touring the UK with its new London Palladium production. This stage adaptation of the 1992 film follows Deloris Van Cartier as she goes into hiding in a convent, when witnessing her boyfriend (Curtis Jackson), murder one of his henchmen. Whilst in the convent, undercover as…
‘Wake Up’ (Beacon Arts Centre) | Review By Rebecca Donati
‘Wake Up’ is a sensational display of physical theatre and storytelling at its best. This production is a display of three very unique and interesting physical theatre performances. These three outstanding plays emerged from Solar Bear’s ‘Make a Change’ programme which is a space for deaf artists to experiment and develop creative ideas. A truly…
‘ROMEO + JULIET’ (The King’s Theatre Glasgow) | Review By Rebecca Donati
‘Romeo + Juliet’ is an enthralling, revitalised retelling of a well loved classic. This modern twist version brings non-conformity and uninhibited love to the forefront. It screams rebellion with fresh dark and sultry lens. The production addresses many important topical societal conversations, a thought provoking production not to be missed! Matthew Bourne’s ‘Romeo + Juliet’…
‘2:22 – A Ghost Story’ (Edinburgh Festival Theatre) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
Following an acclaimed run in London’s West End, ‘2:22 – A Ghost Story’ has embarked on its maiden UK Tour. This chilling story follows new parents Jenny and Sam, as they face unexplained paranormal phenomena within their recently bought run-down house. When they invite Lauren and her new partner Ben to dinner, the four attempt to…
‘And Then There Were None’ (Theatre Royal, Glasgow) | Review By Keiran McLean
A classic crime story has been rebirthed on stage for the loving fans of Agatha Christie and crime fans alike to flood the Theatre Royal in Glasgow to become detectives in this famous whodunit. Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None follows ten strangers, who are lured to a solitary mansion on Soldier Island, off…
‘Battery Park’ (Beacon Arts Centre) | Review By Keiran McLean
Have you ever imagined, breaking out of your small, rundown town to become a rockstar around the world? Battery Park follows the story of Greenock based band Battery Park, a rock band that were in the fast lane to stardom – when it all began to fall apart. Sleeping Warrior Theatre Company bring to the…
Matthew Bourne’s ‘Romeo + Juliet’ (Edinburgh Festival Theatre) | Review By Erin Munro
Matthew Bourne’s: Romeo + Juliet is showing at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre from Tuesday 19th – Saturday 23rd September 2023. This bold reimagining transports the Shakespearian tragedy from 16th Century, fair Verona to the seemingly timeless Verona Institute where the young lovers are separated into Girls and Boys dormitories. This adaptation keeps the skeleton of…
Shrek The Musical – (His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen) – Review by Hannah Davidson
Based on the hit 2001 ‘Best Animated Feature Film’ Academy Award winner and much-loved family favourite, Shrek the Musical is back entertaining audiences across the country. Shrek follows the story of an anti-social, highly territorial ogre whose peaceful swamp and solitude is disrupted by the overbearing ruler, Lord Farquaad when he attempts to banish a…
Dracula: Mina’s Reckoning (His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen) | Review By Hannah Cook
National Theatre of Scotland and Aberdeen Performing Arts in association with Belgrade Theatre, Coventry presented Dracula: Mina’s Reckoning at His Majesty’s Theatre this week. The much anticipated retelling of Bram Stoker’s classic sunk its teeth into Aberdeen theatre-goers, with thrilling staging, playful humour and terrifying jumpscares. We follow the story under the buzzing lights of…
‘Chasing Butterflies’ (10Dome – Pleasance Dome)| Review By Keiran McLean
On the chase, hunting the prolific Butterfly Butcher – Detective Richard finds himself hunting the unhuntable. Tracking a killer with no M.O and no patterns to hunt towards lead. As the butcher terrorises London, Richard has to catch his killer, without falling into the out of his own madness. No one is safe. Everyone should…
‘Les Millénniables’ (The SpaceUK, Niddry Street) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
‘Les Millénniables’ is a spoof contemporary retelling of Victor Hugo’s iconic tale, surrounding millennials and the struggles they have faced within the 21st Century. The American cast of this production showcase amazing talent through their versatile vocals, comic timing and general openness to embrace the farcical nature of this production. The energy they consistently provide…
‘Godot is a Woman’ (Forth – Pleasance Courtyard) | Review by Rebecca Donati
‘Godot is a Woman’ by Silent Faces is an outstanding display of political physical theatre and the impact it can have in today’s theatres. It challenges copyright laws and outdated gender ideals whilst playfully exploring the topics’ cultural significance. Since Samuel Beckett wrote Waiting for Godot, he and his estate have notoriously challenged – often…
‘JM Coetzee’s Life & Times Of Michael K’ (Main Hall – Assembly Hall)| Review By Rebecca Donati
‘JM Coetzee’s Life & Times Of Michael K’ is visually extraordinary with remarkable storytelling. Coetzee’s novel has been adapted by Lara Foot in collaboration with the Handspring Puppet Company. Produced by The Baxter Theatre Centre and Dusseldorfer Schauspielhaus. This production explores imprisonment, escapism, love and loss in the most beautifully balanced way. The hauntingly beautiful…
Kitchen Underwear (Greenside, Infirmary Street), | Review by Marcus Lundie
When Ash and Zee move into their tiny Edinburgh apartment, they begin to navigate the emotional rollercoaster that is their early twenties. What they don’t expect is confronting the ageold question of, “do I want to date you, or do I just want to be you?” “Kitchen Underwear” details the highs and lows of sapphic…
‘A Perfectly Average Glimpse into a Perfectly Average Day’ (ZOO Playground 2) | Review by Stacey Brown
A Perfectly Average Glimpse into a Perfectly Average Day is a collection of five very different monologues that exude dark humor. From an obsessive nosy neighbour to a bitter swimming coach to a pissed-off best man, Millie Haldane has taken very ordinary scenarios and created an extraordinary hour of theatre. Stripped back from technological fanfare,…
‘Violet And Me’ (Pleasance Attic – Edinburgh Fringe Festival) | Review By Sam Eastop
With what feels like an infinite amount of shows to view at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe, settling in to a small little venue to see Dorothy Lyman’s one woman show felt like a nice, and needed, change of pace from the hustle and bustle going on outside in the Pleasance Courtyard. ‘Violet and Me’ is…
‘God Catcher’ (Ermintrude – Underbelly, Bristo Square) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
There is an obscene amount of new musicals debuting at the Fringe this year, but one has been the talk of the town, and that’s ‘God Catcher’. ‘God Catcher’ reimagines the story of Arachne, the most talented weaver in all of ancient Greece. In the myth, after defeating the goddess Athena in a weaving challenge,…
‘Shadow Boxing’ (Studio 2, Assembly – George Square) | Review By Keiran McLean
Shadow Boxing is a hard hitting, one-man show depicting the story of a gay, male, champion boxer who proved to the sporting world that even after being outcast and blacklisted, his talent and dedication would prevail. Shadow Boxing – written by James Gaddas – had essentially next to no set. The stage lay bare with…
‘The Hunger’ (Studio 4, Assembly – George Square) | Review By Keiran McLean
Barely surviving in an apocalyptic, disease ridden world on a farm running scarily short of supplies. Meghan and Deborah take refuge on their farm as they protect each other from the outside world, but when their trust and relationship gets put in jeopardy – does your mum always know best? The set was very simple…
‘Appraisal’ (Studio 2, Assembly – George Square) | Review By Keiran McLean
Have you ever hated your manager and wanted to get one back on them? Or better yet, have you ever been blackmailed by your employer in an abuse of power? In a tale of twists and suspense, Mountain Hare Productions Appraisal hits the stage of Assembly George Square to entertain us with a very funny…
‘Greatest Days’, The King’s Theatre Glasgow | Review By Rebecca Donati
Hilarious comedy, stories of friendship and womanhood – we’ll Take That! ‘Greatest Days’ features more than 15 record-breaking Take That songs, alongside a heart-warming and hilarious story of love and laughter from Tim Firth, the award-winning writer of Calendar Girls, that will make your heart Shine.The musical follows five boy band obsessed best friends in…
The Ocean at the End of the Lane (His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen) Review By Hannah Cook
National Theatre’s adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s best-selling novel ‘The Ocean at the End of the Lane’ has been let loose upon Aberdeen’s His Majesty’s Theatre this week with gripping effect. It follows a man returning to his childhood home, finding himself standing beside the pond of an old Sussex farmhouse where he used to play.…
‘42nd Street’ (Theatre Royal Glasgow) | Review By Rebecca Donati
Curve and Sadler’s Wells Production of ‘42nd Street’ is a dazzling, theatre extraordinaire. A truly remarkable display of craftsmanship. This performance will take your breath away from military like clean precision to eye capturing lighting design. Directed by Jonathan Church, choreographed and designed by Olivier Award winners Bill Deamer and Rob Jones. ‘42nd Street’ is…
‘Hole’ (Paradise at Augustines- The Snug) | Review By Stacey Brown
Hole takes us on a journey into the human psyche, exploring the complexities of the human experience with a thought-provoking storyline. The juxtaposition of dark themes and humour create an unsettling and genuinely funny piece. In the setting of The Snug in Paradise at Augustines, Hole is an intimate experience between actor and audience. Hole…
‘A Working Title’ (The Space on the Mile) | Review by Saskia Werkhoven
The best thing to see after a whole of watching new writing is watching a play about writing and the highs and lows of it. Cramped with time, a young writer has to deliver a story of some kind to his boss, but hit with a torrential writer’s block, is faced with issues with what…
Brass Colours (TheSpace – Surgeon’s Hall) | Review by Saskia Werkhoven
Fun for all ages to watch, Brass Colours brings us on a journey with musical instruments (some known, some less known) and shows us how music is a universal language and can bring us all together. From pieces we are all familiar with to original little bits, these 5 gentlemen give the audience an extremely…
Dreams of a Clown (Greenside – Emerald Theatre) | Review by Saskia Werkhoven
Emotional, passionate, artistic and breath-taking, Soul Penny Circus gives us an incredible circus/physical theatre piece that stays with you for a long time. Told through movement and music, the performers invite the audience to take part in their games to remind us of the power of play, perfect for both children and adults (who need…
In Memoriam (TheSpace – Surgeon’s Hall) | Review by Saskia Werkhoven
Nothing will make you feel more alive than a play about a funeral. In Memoriam is comedic, fast-paced and poignant, reflecting on the chaotic nature of organising a meaningful farewell of a loved one with some excellent one-liners and dad jokey humour that keeps you laughing for about 90% of the piece. An ensemble piece…
‘An Interrogation’, Old Lab – Summerhall) | Review By Rebecca Donati
‘An Interrogation’ is a gripping, all encompassing drama which will suck you into a thrilling fight for power. Produced by Ellie Keel Productions. A young detective works against the clock as she questions a suspect who looks like the least likely person to be linked to a murder. He’s a devoted son, a successful businessman…
‘Concerned Others’, Demonstration Room – Summerhall) | Review By Rebecca Donati.
‘Concerned Others’ is a visual masterclass, one of the most innovative productions at this years festival – not to be missed. Tortoise in a Nutshell is a multi-award winning Edinburgh-based visual theatre charity dedicated to creating world-class visual theatre that ignites the imaginations of audiences around the globe. This performance is part of the Made…
‘Help Yourself’ (Demonstration Room, Summerhall) | Review By Rebecca Donati
‘Help Yourself ’is a fun, high energy satire which cleverly explores societies “need to fix” anyone who expresses any discomfort. The performance encourages the audience to create a comforting place for others to express, free of expectation. Produced by Emma Ruse Productions this performance challenges the audience to explore how they contribute to this toxic…
‘Burnt Lavender’ (Greenside, Forest Theatre) | Review by Saskia Werkhoven
A lovely narrative on queer culture and history of being oneself executed beautifully through physical theatre and cabaret-esque costumes does pull through although at times may feel underwhelming. Through a series of monologues, voice clippings and orders from a megaphone, the cast are showing their performative self and then their true self, although the difference…
Noam Shuster Eliassi: Coexistence my A** (Bar 50, Upstairs) | Review by Saskia Werkhoven
If you’ve ever wondered how one can solve world peace, I highly suggest you go see Noam Shuster Eliassi, who can tell you all the complexities, joys and let downs of being an Iranian Jew activist from Israel/Palestine. Taking the stage in front of a crowded, incredibly small and unreasonably warm room you actually want…
‘Before the Drugs Kick In’ (TheSpace, Surgeon’s Hall) | Review by Saskia Werkhoven
A festival that provides us with so many stand up comedians gives us also a fictional one called Lynn, a mother who made a “mistake” many years ago and has had to suffer the consequences of being isolated and scrutinized by society in the American suburbs. Based on real events, writer and director Mike Lemme…
‘Adults’ (Traverse Theatre, Traverse 1) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
‘Adults’ is the newest work from renowned Scottish playwright Kieran Hurley. Hurley is best known for his plays ‘Mouthpiece’ and ‘The Enemy’, showcasing his unflinching voice when it comes to exploring complex contemporary themes and issues. Amongst a raft of anonymous Air BnBs in Edinburgh, ‘Adults’ follows thirty-something Zara who is running her own business…
‘After The Act’ (Traverse Theatre, Traverse 1) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
‘After The Act’ is a new semi-verbatim musical that portrays the accounts of members of the LGBTQ+ community and those that opposed them during the 80s & 90s while section 28 was in place within our schools. This show uncovers the trauma and scars that have been left on a generation due to Margaret Thatcher’s…
‘Little Women’ (Paradise In Augustines, The Studio) | Review By Katie McNulty
Bare Productions has returned to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this year with their production of ‘Little Women’. A musical adaption of the classic novel by Louisa May Alcott with Music by Jason Howland, Lyrics by Mindi Dickstein, and a book by Allan Knee. This musical tells the story of the March sisters (Jo, Meg, Amy,…
‘Divas: From Stage To Screen’ (Gilded Balloon, Patter Hoose – Other Yin) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
Cabarets are a big trend at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe. These intimate affairs come in a variety of forms with different narratives, influences and styles. However, since it’s debut last year Big Band Does Productions’ ‘Divas: From Stage To Screen’ has been the cabaret that everyone has been talking about. The female and non-binary-led show…
Reuben Kaye: The Butch Is Back (Assembly George Square Gardens, Spiegeltent Palais Du Variete) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
The Butch is very much back. Reuben Kaye was the frontman for two five-star productions at last year’s Fringe, and this year he’s back in all his woke, edgy & filthy glory. From the offset the audience are embedded in Reuben’s world. Bright colours, bold costumes and a sniff of drama in the opening number.…
‘One Week In Magaluf’ (The SpaceUK, Surgeons Hall) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
Everyone loves a jukebox musical right? How about a musical that centers around a girl’s holiday? Well, we think we found the perfect tonic to brighten up your Fringe. ERA Productions’ ‘One Week In Magaluf’ is currently enjoying it’s triumphant return to the Fringe with sellout audiences lapping up this fun, camp and hilarious romp.…
Myra DuBois: Be Well (Pleasance Dome) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
Myra DuBois’ career trajectory has somehow landed her back in Edinburgh for another run at the Fringe. And having seen her hit show last year, I wanted to see the sense of loathing from DuBois, being back in a packed room with some of her admirers. For those not familiar with Myra DuBois, she is…
Larry Dean – ‘Work In Progress’ (Monkey Barrel Comedy) | Review By Sam Eastop
Larry Dean entertains audiences at Monkey Barrel Comedy in this Year’s Edinburgh Fringe with a work in progress show. Having watched quite a bit of his stuff online, I was very excited to finally see Dean in the flesh in front of an eager Fringe crowd. Dean starts with some humble, polite audience interaction with…
‘Garage Warriors’ (Raw Toast Productions) | Review By Sam Eastop
After seeing Raw Toast’s debut at last year’s Edinburgh Fringe, I knew I had to see what they had in store this year. With Raw Toast member Lewis Aitken in the writer’s chair for this outing, and returning Director Matthew Attwood, it seemed like a solid base for a good 50 minutes of comedy. When…
‘Continental Comedy’ (Kilderkin) | Review By Marcus Lundie
Another comedy compilation show that’s part of this years’ PBH Free Fringe, ‘Continental Comedy’ features comedy stand up acts based all across the world that have come right here to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The show is emceed by the absolutely snort-cackle worthy Sharon Em, she is a wonderfully talented comedian who truly knows what…
‘Bits ‘N’ Pieces’ (Leith Arches) | Review By Stacey Brown
As I walked into Leith Arches, I had been transported into an underground rave. The audience were buying drinks or dancing, or simply looking at the colorful lights and soaking in the atmosphere. I had heard great reviews of Saltire Sky’s ‘Bits N Pieces’, so I was thrilled to experience it myself. Off the back…
‘Nobody’s Talking About Jamie’ (Iron Belly, Underbelly Cowgate) | Review By Keiran McLean
From a bad break up to rooming with an extravagant American spin instructor – Nobody’s Talking About Jamie hits the stage of Underbelly Cowgate to tell his story – from how he went from proposing to his ex girlfriend, to now being “that bitch”. Jamie Finn blends storytelling, comedy and original music as he explores…
‘Sofa, So Funny, So Fringe.’ (Kilderkin) | Review By Marcus Lundie
Part of this years’ PBH Free Fringe, ‘Sofa, So Funny, So Fringe’ is a stand-up compilation show brought to us by the hilarious Leslie Gold and the witty Nick Kirk. This show is fantastic, incredibly smart humour which really bases itself off of the naturalistic mundane, which I personally love. Nick Kirk has some fabulous…
‘24,23,22’ (Iron Belly, Underbelly Cowgate) | Review By Keiran McLean.
Imagine you wake up, it’s a normal day…..but is it really? Imagine waking up and not knowing that every decision you make that day will change your life drastically – or end it. Chronic Insanity bring to the fringe a tale of two people’s life’s that inherently change the others drastically. Fran progresses through the…
‘Big Fish’ (Music Hall, Assembly Rooms) | Review By Rebecca Donati.
Big Fish is a thought provoking tale which allows the extremely talented performers from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland to shine. Edward Bloom’s larger-than-life stories delight everyone – much to the dismay of his pragmatic son, Will. As Edward’s health deteriorates and the realisation of a future without his father sets in, Will embarks on…
‘Sunshine On Leith’ (Bijou, Assembly Rooms) | Review By Rebecca Donati.
Sunshine on Leith is a fun, heart capturing exploration of what it means to be human following mistakes, tribulations, love and forgiveness. Captivate Theatres’ vibrant, energetic, emotional, sell-out production is back. Sunshine on Leith by Stephen Greenhorn follows the highs and lows of Ally and Davy as they negotiate families, friendships and love in this…
Ed (Zoo Playground) | Review by Marcus Lundie
Ed: the new, totally unofficial, ginger-inclusive parody sketch show is a late-night comedy parodying Ed Sheeran’s rise to stardom is premiering at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Accompanied by a glittering live band and fresh from a sold-out London run, makes its Edinburgh Fringe debut. ‘Ed’ is a positively mad experience for any audience member…
‘MANikin’ (Leith Arches) | Review By Stacey Brown
MANikin follows the life of Fraser Patterson, a young, “porky” man from Aberdeenshire who struggles with bullies, girlfriends and his weight. We see him grow from a happy primary school boy, unknowing of the teasing that faces him at high school, to a young man who struggles to navigate his peers leaving him and finding…
‘How To Bury A Dead Mule’ (JackDome, Pleasance Dome) | Review By Keiran McLean.
How To Bury A Dead Mule is a solo show that sees Richard Clements tell his grandfather -Norman Clements’ story – a story shared by thousands and thousands of men that served inthe Second World War and severely suffered subsequently with what they had witnessed.Arriving at the Edinburgh Fringe – Pleasance Done – after an…
‘Best Man’ (The Wee Coo, Underbelly George Square) | Review By Keiran McLean.
The role of a best man is pretty simple when you break it down – plan a cracking stag do andright a really funny, embarrassing speech for the groom. This speech was funny andembarrassing, but for all the wrong reasons and for the wrong person. Best Man by Colman Hayes and Mikey Fleming hits this…
‘The Collie’s Shed’ (Other Yin, Patter Hoose Gilded Balloon) | Review By Keiran McLean.
When the Iron Lady closed the doors to the mines around the UK, hundreds of thousands ofminers lost their jobs and began one of the most famous strikes in British history to fightagainst the hierarchy. Shelly Middler’s The Collie’s Shed comes to the Gilded Balloon toexplore the drastic effect it had on four miners in…
‘The Real William Shakespeare… As Told By Christopher Marlowe’ (Greenside @ Riddles Court) | Review By Stacey Brown.
We’ve all heard the theories about Shakespeare. He was actually a woman, he was a collection of people, or he wasn’t a person at all. Well, this play isn’t a theory; it’s a hallucination. Written by Shaul Ezer, The Real William Shakespeare… As Told by Christopher Marlowe does everything it says on the tin. We…
‘Pitch’ (Above, Pleasance Courtyard) | Review By Rebecca Donati.
An energetic (foot)…ball of queer joy, Pitch will take you through a journey of the importance of finding that sense of self and more importantly being integrated into a community which understands you. It comes as no surprise that this performance is a winner of the Pleasance Charlie Hartill Reserve Fund. This topical, stylised piece…
Dusk (Lyceum Theatre) l Review by Marcus Lundie
Brazilian film and theatre director Christiane Jatahy brings her theatrical work to the UK for the first time in this arresting performance of Dusk, based on Lars von Trier’s film Dogville. Attempting to escape the oppressive, quasi-fascist regime of her country, a young Brazilian woman Graça flees her homeland. She finds refuge in a community of theatre artists staging Dogville and…
‘Teardrops on My Dildo’ (Bedlam Theatre) | Review By Stacey Brown.
I am a theatre fan first at The Fringe, but I love ending an evening at the festival with a stand-up comedian. They say you can’t judge a book by its cover, but when I read the title “Teardrops on My Dildo”, I knew we were in for a treat. Vanessa Larry Mitchell is a…
‘What Girls Are Made Of’ (Music Hall, Assembly Rooms) | Review By Rebecca Donati.
Renowned production ‘What Girls Are Made Of’ by Cora Bissett leaves you psyched up, ready to take on the world and kick it’s arse! Produced by Raw Materials and Traverse Theatre Company and directed by award winning director Orla O’Loughlin this production asks what knowledge can we pass onto future generations? It urges you to…
‘Bitter Lemons’ (Beneath, Pleasance Courtyard) | Review By Rebecca Donati.
Bitter Lemons is a punchy, riveting, energetic ball of feminine acknowledgement. In the pressurised worlds of football and finance, two women carve their own path. After the loss of her dad, a goalkeeper prepares for the league final, while an ambitious banker battles her fears of being tokenised to secure a promotion. But as their…
‘Self-Raising’ (QueenDome, Pleasance Dome) | Review By Rebecca Donati.
Self-Raising is an emotional whirlwind of an experience which must be enjoyed by all. Growing up Deaf in a family with a secret concealed from both her siblings and herself, shaped Jenny Sealey’s childhood. Discovering the truth a few years ago, she was sent into a spin as she realised that her life could have…
Improv Therapy (TheSpace Triplex) | Review by Saskia Werkhoven
A concept that is interesting and cute – improvisation to deal with the things that are tough, emotional, embarrassing and make them comical and ensure trust in yourself and others. There is still some work to be done. We find Megan McCaleb and Jeanette Caremi: two extremely positive and engaged performers who are very upbeat…
Holly Spillar: Hole (Underbelly: Bistro Square) | Review by Saskia Werkhoven
A microphone and a loop pedal is all that accompanies Holly Spillar on stage by the Underbelly hall. And it works like a charm. It becomes an extension of her as she gives a performance that highly memorable and lives up to its expectations of being hysterical and incredibly informative! Spillar discusses the troubles of…
Mystery House (The Turret, Gilded Balloon) | Review by Saskia Werkhoven
Tucked away at the top of the Turret in the Gilded Balloon, Mystery House, written and performed by Wendy Weiner, tells us the tale of Sarah Winchester and her infamous home in California she spent 38 years building in order to keep spirits at bay. A stiff start to the performance in a small space does…
‘RENT’ (Paradise in Augustines- The Sanctuary) | Review By Stacey Brown
First of all, happy Fringe ’23 everyone! Edinburgh is jammed packed with new, weird and wonderful performances. However, there’s nothing quite like finding your favourite show with a Fringe Festival makeover this August Jonathan Larson’s RENT is a staple in modern musical history and a personal favourite of mine. It redefined the Rock Opera genre,…
‘Winnie The Pooh’ (Edinburgh Festival Theatre & Glasgow King’s Theatre) | Review By Katie McNulty
Jonathan Rockefeller has created a new musical stage adaption of ‘Disney’s: Winnie ThePooh’ has just visited the Festival Theatre in Edinburgh as a part of its UK premiere. It’sa production that invites the audience into the Hundred Acre Wood to follow the adventures of Pooh Bear and friends throughout the seasons. The musical is set…
‘Footloose’ (Tivoli Theatre, Aberdeen) | Review By Hannah Davidson
Giz Giz Youth Theatre celebrates their 40th anniversary as Aberdeen’s longest running youth theatre company with the hit musical, ‘Footloose’, based on the classic 1984 film of the same name. Footloose follows Ren McCormack, a feisty teenager whose city life is turned upside down when he and his mother leave Chicago for backwater Bomont. As…
Kinky Boots – The Lyric Musical Society (His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen) Review By Hannah Cook
The Lyric Musical Society put boots on the ground at His Majesty’s Theatre this week with the uplifting and feel-good Kinky Boots. Inspired by true events, Kinky Boots follows the story of Charlie Price. Having inherited a failing shoe factory from his father, Charlie forms an unlikely partnership with a drag queen named Lola, who inspires…
The Mousetrap (His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen) Review By Hannah Cook
The longest-running show in the world has landed in His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen this week. The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie premiered in November 1952 in London, with Christie estimating the show would only last 8 months. This current UK tour now marks its 70th anniversary. This murder mystery follows the newlywed Ralstons hosting a…
‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’ (Edinburgh Festival Theatre) | Review By Katie McNulty
Based on the novel ‘These Foolish Things’ which inspired the film with a star-studded cast, the Edinburgh Festival Theatre hosts ‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’. A production written by Deborah Moggach and directed by Lucy Bailey. It’s a drama-comedy that follows a group of elderly brits who – for different reasons – have all travelled…
‘The Stamping Ground’ (Edinburgh Festival Theatre) | Review By Sam Eastop
All I knew about “Stamping Ground” going in was that it was set in the highlands and that it was a Runrig jukebox musical. Having not delved into the long and weathered discography of the Scottish musical legends myself, I recognised nothing other than “Loch Lomond” amid their Spotify top 5 most streamed songs, meaning…
‘The King and I’ (Glasgow King’s Theatre) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
Bartlett Sher’s revival of ‘The King and I’ has embarked on a brand-new UK Tour, stopping off in Glasgow until Saturday 20th May. Set in 1860s Bangkok, the musical tells the story of the unconventional and tempestuous relationship that develops between the King of Siam and Anna, a British schoolteacher whom the modernist King, in…
A Streetcar Named Desire – Scottish Ballet (His Majesty’s Theatre) Review By Hannah Cook
Last performed in Scotland in 2015, Scottish Ballet is back with its production of A Streetcar Named Desire. This production rejuvenates the enduring masterpiece of Tennese Williams’ original work with stylish design, impeccable dance and heartbreaking tragedy to His Majesty’s Theatre. Grace Paulley’s portrayal is compelling as the unstable Blanche Dubois. We watch the character…
‘The Mousetrap’ (Edinburgh Playhouse) | Review By Matthew Attwood
Adam Spiegel presents Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap, a historic 70th-anniversary production of the longest running murder mystery play. Growing up as a devoted fan of murder mysteries, this reviewer was excited to be caught up in the thrilling experience of an intricate murder mystery plot penned by the great Agatha Christie. Set in rural England,…
Ayetanic – Aberdeen Student Show (His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen) Review By Hannah Cook
Aberdeen Student Show sets sail once again for its 102nd year with ‘Ayetanic’. The Student Show has been a regular occurrence in His Majesty’s Theatre since 1921, each show reflecting the culture and humour of the North-East. With all profits raised by its parody performances going towards local charities, with last year’s ‘Dirty Danestone’ raising…
‘The Ocean at the End of the Lane’ (Edinburgh Festival Theatre) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
National Theatre have unleashed their stage adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s hit novel ‘The Ocean at the End of the Lane’ on a UK tour. Returning to his childhood home, a man finds himself standing beside the pond of the old Sussex farmhouse where he used to play. He’s transported to his 12th birthday when his…
Stornoway, Quebec – Theatre Gu Leòr in association with An Lanntair (The Lemon Tree, Aberdeen) Review By Hannah Cook
The time is 1888. We’re in Stornoway, Quebec. It’s bitingly cold and five people are trapped in a remote saloon during a hellish snowstorm. One is a bounty hunter, fueled on whiskey with a score to settle. Another is the most wanted man in Canada. Inspired by a true story, Calum L MacLeoid’s Gaelic Western explodes…
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen) Review By Hannah Cook
Based on the Sunday Times bestseller that inspired the much-loved film, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel follows a rag-tag group of British retirees as they settle in what is promised to be a residential paradise, perfect for adventure and new opportunities. They find disappointment with foul food and run-down accommodation, but endure as they begin…
‘9 To 5’ (Edinburgh Music Theatre) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
Edinburgh Music Theatre brings Dolly Parton’s hit musical ‘9 To 5’ to the Church Hill Theatre in Morningside until Saturday 8th April. ‘9 To 5’ follows Violet, Judy & Doralee as they struggle to work under their misogynistic and egotistical boss, Franklin Hart Jr. When they take matters into their own hands, things escalate quickly,…
‘Kidnapped’ (National Theatre of Scotland) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
National Theatre of Scotland debuted their brand-new swashbuckling Rom-Com ‘Kidnapped’ at the Beacon Arts Centre last week, and we were lucky enough to be at the world premiere. ‘Kidnapped’ is based on the novel by Robert Louis Stevenson, 19-year-old Davie has never left home, never been kissed and never fired a gun. Armed with nothing…
Climate Week North East: ‘Burnt Out’ (The Lemon Tree, Aberdeen) | Review By Hannah Cook
In the midst of Climate Week North East, The Lemon Tree hosted Penny Chivas’ ‘Burnt Out’. A solo dance theatre work centred around our changing climate, utilising spoken word and movement to take us through Penny’s own experience of wild bushfires in Australia. Starting with collecting matchsticks scattered across the floor in complete silence, it…
‘Charlie And The Chocolate Factory’ (Edinburgh Playhouse) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
‘Charlie And The Chocolate Factory’ has finally begun it’s first UK Tour bringing audiences a world of pure imagination. Based on the beloved Roald Dahl tale, this contemporary and colourful musical follows young Charlie Bucket, and his Grandpa Joe as they join a small group of contest winners who get to tour the magical and…
‘Annie’ (Edinburgh Playhouse) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
The hit Broadway & West End Musical ‘Annie’ has arrived at the Edinburgh Playhouse as part of it’s new UK Tour. The story follows a confident New Yorker orphan, Annie, as she longs to find her parents. When she is invited to spend Christmas with billionaire Oliver Warbucks, could she finally have found a way to leave…
‘Sad Girls Club’ (Glasgow Comedy Festival) | Review By Rebecca Donati
‘Sad Girls Club’ is a hilariously relatable satire performing at the Glasgow Comedy Festival! On Mother’s Day weekend this ode to women fits perfectly on the rostra whilst simultaneously encouraging donations to two charities both Back Off Scotland and Glasgow Women’s Aid. This empowering piece of writing packs a punch covering a range of women’s…
Charlie and The Chocolate Factory (His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen) Review By Hannah Cook
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory made its Scottish Premiere as its first stop on the UK and Ireland Tour in Aberdeen this week in colourful style and dazzling spectacle. Anyone familiar with Roald Dahl’s story will know the story of Charlie Bucket. A young boy from an impoverished family and four other children win a…
The Worm Who Turned – A Play, A Pie And A Pint (The Lemon Tree, Aberdeen) Review By Hannah Cook
A Play, A Pie and A Pint returns to Aberdeen at the Lemon Tree this week with a mini musical; The Worm Who Turned. A clever production involving high drama within the vegetable patches of the Juliet Allotments of Glasgow’s West End. Adulterous husband Ford and his mistress Jane plan to sell the much loved allotments…
‘The Rocky Horror Show’ (Edinburgh Playhouse) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
‘The Rocky Horror Show’ has returned to Edinburgh, the cult musical features hits such as‘The Time Warp’ and ‘Sweet Transvestite’. The Edinburgh Playhouse is the final Scottish stop of the musical’s current UK tour, playing Scotland’s Broadway till 18th March 2023. The story follows young lovers, Brad and Janet. Their car breaks down outside a…
‘Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby’ (Edinburgh Festival Theatre) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
Rambert Dance in association with Birmingham Hippodrome bring the BBC’s critically acclaimed drama, ‘Peaky Blinders’, to stage in the form of dance. This production digs deep into the relationships between characters, giving insights to origin stories and struggles that we never seen on screen. ‘Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby’ plays Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre until…
‘Movies To Musicals’ (King’s Theatre Glasgow) | Review By Keiran McLean
Ross Gunning and his extremely talented cast of young performers – joined alongside by West End and Broadway stars Laura Pick, Alistair Brammer and Louise Dearman – hit the stage in front of a packed Theatre Royal, performing a variety of styles and genres of musical theatre – showcasing their development and excellent range (both…
‘The Bodyguard’ (Edinburgh Playhouse) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
‘The Bodyguard’ has turned into a mega-hit of a musical, featuring the music of Whitney Houston, athrilling and engaging storyline. Plus, the greatest love of all… well kind of. Former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge –…
‘Anything Goes’ (Forth Children’s Theatre) | Review By Sam Eastop
This being my third Forth Children’s Theatre production I knew I could expect an entertaining evening at the Edinburgh Tabernacle, with an ultra-talented cast, I couldn’t wait to see what they had in store for me. I had never seen the show Anything Goes before and knew nothing going in, so all was a surprise,…
‘All Shook Up’ (Bohemians Lyric Opera Company) | Review By Katie McNulty
The Bohemians Lyric Opera Company presents ‘All Shook Up’. A jukebox musical made up entirely of Elvis Presley numbers with a book written by Joe DiPietro. Set in the 1950s, the plot is clearly inspired by William Shakespeare’s ‘Twelfth Night’ with an abundance of love triangles and the leading lady, Natalie disguising herself as a…
‘Macbeth (An Undoing)’ Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh | Review By Katie McNulty
‘Macbeth (an undoing)’ by Zinnie Harris is a new play that reimagines the famous Shakespearean tragedy. The story starts very loyal to the original text. The deviation only begins when Macbeth returns home from battle, a thane of Glamis and Cawdor with the promise of becoming king. Harris’s work explores the gender roles within the…
‘The Bodyguard’ (Glasgow King’s Theatre) | Review By Rebecca Donati
Start your night off with a bang..literally! The international, award-winning smash-hit musical TheBodyguard is back! Starring Pussycat Doll, and multi-platinum Grammy nominated Melody Thornton* asRachel Marron and Ayden Callaghan (Emmerdale, Hollyoaks) as Frank Farmer. Former Secret Serviceagent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknownstalker. Each expects to be…
‘Jersey Boys’ (Edinburgh Playhouse) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
‘Jersey Boys’ is back out on the road, touring the UK once again. This production is one of the most iconic stage musicals of the 21st century and audiences have been lapping up the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons for almost twenty years. The story of “Jersey Boys” follows the bandmates of…
‘Burns’ (Edinburgh Playhouse) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
‘Burns’ is a show thirty years in the making, conceived by an original idea from music giants David Gest and Michael Jackson, now brought to life on the Edinburgh Playhouse stage by Diane Aspinall and Tish Tindall. The story brings Robert Burns into the 21st century, adapting his life into a modern-day tale. Tish…
‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ (Edinburgh Festival Theatre) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
Edinburgh’s King’s Theatre may be closed for renovation but the annual Panto festive fun has relocated to Capital Theatres’ Festival Theatre for Crossroads Production’s take on ‘Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs’. The classic fairytale has been revamped into a visually stunning and hilarious big budget extravaganza running until 22nd January 2023. Allan Stewart returns…
‘My Fair Lady’ (Edinburgh Playhouse) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
Bartlett Sher’s revival of ‘My Fair Lady’ has landed at the Edinburgh Playhouse for Christmas. Lerner & Loewe’s classic musical follows Eliza Doolittle’s rise from the gutters of Covent Garden in 1913 to the grandeur of an embassy ball, all under the watchful eye of Professor Henry Higgins and Colonel Pickering. Playing the Playhouse until…
‘Beauty & The Beast’ (Forth Children’s Theatre) | Review By Sam Eastop
Having been a bit of a Panto-hater until recently when a friend of mine dragged me along to see one he regarded as the best around, I was incredibly excited to see this production of ‘Beauty & the Beast – The Panto’ at the Wee Hub at Ocean Terminal. I had seen a production from…
‘Beauty and The Beast’ (Glasgow King’s Theatre) | Review By Keiran McLean
It’s December and that time of year finally comes back around…it’s Panto time! The family event that has become a staple in Scottish theatre and never fails to put a smile on everyone’s face. The King’s Theatre’s illustrious panto returns once again – with Crossroads Pantomimes, this year we are treated to the beloved tale…
‘The Commitments’ (Edinburgh Playhouse) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
‘The Commitments’ has rolled into Edinburgh, playing the Edinburgh Playhouse until Saturday 3rd December. Based on Roddy Doyle’s novel and 1991 motion picture, ‘The Commitments’ follows a riotous Irish band whose talent is compromised by the bandmate’s rocky relationships. This is very much an ensemble lead production where each cast member is key in delivering…
‘The Snow Queen’ (Scottish Ballet) | Review By Marcus Lundie
Scottish Ballet’s winter show, ‘The Snow Queen’ sends chills through audiences at Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre with their spell-binding interpretation of Hans Christen Andersen’s classic tale. The story surrounds two sisters; the Snow Queen and the Summer Princess. From the bustle of a winter’s market to the shivers of a fairytale forest, take a journey to…
‘Bugsy Malone’ (Edinburgh Playhouse) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
The West End and UK Touring production of ‘Bugsy Malone’ has arrived in Edinburgh. This farcical tale follows rivals Fat Sam and Dandy Dan as they attempt to do one another out of business, this production features splurge guns and custard pies galore. Playing at the Edinburgh Playhouse till Sunday 20th November. ‘Bugsy Malone’ is…
‘Sister Act’ (Glasgow King’s Theatre) | Review By Keiran McLean
The King’s Theatre transforms itself into the majestic, and slightly crumbling, holy convent as we prepare to be left in stitches from laughter with sore cheeks from smiling at this incredible production of ‘Sister Act’. Disco diva Deloris’ life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder. Placed under protective custody she is hidden…
‘Pride and Prejudice (*Sort Of)’ (Glasgow King’s Theatre) | Review By Rebecca Donati
Born and bred in Glasgow ‘Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of)’ is an absolute delight. The iconic novel reimagined to stage by Isobel McArthur, Pride and 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,…
‘Legally Blonde’ (Church Hill Theatre) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
The colour pink, adorable dogs and showstopping musical numbers are all taking over Edinburgh this week, in Allegro’s much anticipated production of ‘Legally Blonde’. The musical is based on the 2001 motion picture that starred Reece Witherspoon. The story follows Elle Woods as she moves from her glamourous life in Malibu to become a law…
‘Saturday Night Fever’ (Edinburgh Playhouse) | Review By Sam Eastop
I had never seen the film of ‘Saturday Night Fever’ so didn’t know what to expect other than flared costumes, disco music, and DANCE. The show, on at the Edinburgh Playhouse, delivered on those aspects and much more. The musical follows Tony Manero as he works a dead-end-job and spends his nights dazzling his friends…
‘Girl From The North Country’ (Edinburgh Playhouse) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
‘Girl From The North Country’ has arrived in Edinburgh after dazzling audiences in London’s West End and cities across the UK. The musical surrounds the guests, and family of a guesthouse in Duluth Minnesota in 1934 during the time of the great depression. ‘Girl From The North Country’ runs at the Edinburgh Playhouse until 22nd…
‘James IV: Queen Of The Fight’ (Theatre Royal, Glasgow) | Review By Keiran McLean
From sword fighting, to pretend tournaments, to reconciling relationships. James IV is a masterclass for Scottish theatre and another hit in the chain of Rona Munro’s James series. National Theatre of Scotland’s, James IV tells the tale of King James IV, Queen Margaret, Lady Anne and Lady Ellen and the turmoil within the royal quarters…
‘Dreamgirls’ (Glasgow King’s Theatre) | Review By Keiran McLean
Dreamgirls takes to the stage of Glasgow’s Kings Theatre to entertain an audience with classic songs, heartbreak and redemption. Tom Eyen’s Dreamgirls is a beautiful musical loved by millions for its wonderful story of the trials and tribulations of The Dreams, a trio that went from rising backing singers to world famous phenomenons. The music…
‘The Cher Show’ (Edinburgh Festival Theatre) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
The icon and legendary singer Cher has finally had her life turned into a stage musical in a modern adaptation directed by Arlene Phillips. ‘The Cher Show’ is currently playing the Edinburgh Festival Theatre until Saturday 15th October. Millie O’Connell presents innocence, youth and a desire for fame as Babe, the youngest of Cher’s incarnations.…
‘South Pacific’ (Theatre Royal, Glasgow) | Review By Keiran McLean
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic award winning musical, South Pacific makes its way onto the stage at Theatre Royal, with Julian Ovenden and Gina Beck reprising their roles and leading a sensational cast in what was bound to be a must-see for fans and theatre lovers alike. South Pacific – based on a south pacific island…
‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’ (Theatre Royal Glasgow) | Review By Keiran McLean
From Britain to Bangalore – Deborah Moggach’s The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel returns to the stage at the Theatre Royal to showcase comedy, romance and unity in this beloved play. A group of youthful pensioners wanted a bit more for the remainder of their lives than sitting in a retirement home by the sea -…
‘Movies To Musicals’ (Beacon Arts Centre) | Review By Keiran McLean
Ladies, gentlemen, and those who are yet to make up their minds. Movies to Musicals are back with their 2022 tour! Movies to Musicals 2022, produced by the Glasgow Philharmonia, are back with an all singing, all dancing superstar performance. Founded by Ross Gunning, Movies to Musicals are a charitable organisation who live and breathe…
‘The Book of Mormon’ (UK Tour) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
The Mormons are back in Scotland after a triumphant run at the Edinburgh Playhouse last month. ‘The Book of Mormon’ follows Elder Price and Elder Cunningham as they head off to Uganda in an attempt to spread the lord’s word. Robert Colvin is great as Elder Price, the versatility in his portrayal and strong vocals…
‘Girl From The North Country’ (Theatre Royal, Glasgow) | Review By Keiran McLean
A beautifully stylistic story infused with a sense of family and community, yet driven by individual stories and twists, accompanied by the fantastic music of Bob Dylan – Conor McPherson’s Girl from the North Country hit the stage of the Theatre Royal for its Scottish premiere! Set in Duluth, Minnesota, a small, rundown guesthouse run…
‘Beautiful’ (Glasgow King’s Theatre) | Review By Jennifer Mackie
Some of you may not know who Carole King is, but for sure you have heard her songs. At just 17, Carole King wrote her first number 1 hit and since then her career blossomed and grew. But who is the woman behind the songs? Well Beautiful tells the story of how it all began,…
‘Bugsy Malone’ (Theatre Royal – Glasgow) | Review By Jennifer Mackie
Grab your splurge guns and watch out for those custard pies because Bugsy Malone rolled into Glasgow’s Theatre Royalthis week and it’s one for all the family to enjoy! Set during the Prohibition era in New York, a time where mobsters, showgirls and dreamers coveted the streets, two rival gangster bosses are at loggerheads. Fat Sam and Dandy…
‘Rock Of Ages’ (Glasgow’s Kings Theatre) | Review By Becky Campbell
If you’re looking for a high-energy, 80s display of sex, drugs and rock and roll, Rock of Ages at the King’s Theatre in Glagsow is your ideal night out! Rock of Ages follows the story of a young country sweetheart Sherrie Christian as she makes the move to the Sunset Strip seeking stardom. Instead, she…
’20 Minutes of Action’ (The Pleasance – Pleasance Beneath) | Review By Matthew Attwood
Lionheart Theatre presents 20 Minutes of Action. An exhilarating piece of theatre exploring the topic of women’s safety through the lens of a controversial sexual court case in recent American history. Collating the statements, letters, and transcripts of those involved, 20 Minutes of Action lays bare the failings of the criminal justice system in cases…
‘Murder, She Didn’t Write’ (Pleasance – Pleasance Beyond) | Review By Matthew Attwood
Degrees of Error, provide a wonderful improvised comedy in the style of a 1920’s murder mystery. ‘Murder She Didn’t Write’ puts the audience at the centre of the action as the cast brilliantly orchestrate a brutal murder in the Cluedo game style. A different murder for every show at the Pleasance Beyond- Pleasance Courtyard from…
‘as british as a watermelon’ (Edinburgh International Festival) | Review By Erin Munro
‘as british as a watermelon’ is running as part of the Edinburgh International Festival programme Refuge at The Studio – Potterrow. The series, in partnership with Scottish Refugee Council questions ‘what it means to be international in today’s world.’ mandla rae, writer and performer of ‘as british as a watermelon’, pieces together fractured memories of…
‘One-Woman Show’ (Traverse Theatre) | Review By Rebecca Donati
Liz Kingsman’s One-Woman Show is quintessential fringe material. This epic one-woman show is a comedic masterclass. Liz has the audience in the palm of her hand from the offset. Liz’s script drives you through the multitude of cliches that we are accustomed to seeing from modern writing of women. Liz as a performer is absolutely…
‘Tiger Lillies: One Penny Opera’ (Underbelly – Cowbarn) | Review By Matthew Attwood
On their 30th anniversary, the Tiger Lillies return to the Edinburgh Fringe with their dark, twisted and humorous One Penny Opera. ‘Based on the seminal 18th century Beggar’s Opera the band present a new song cycle swarming with highwaymen, thieves, jailers, pimps, and prostitutes – a world of greed, crime, poverty, and inequality’. Fringe goers…
‘Jungle Book reimagined’ (Edinburgh International Festival) | Review By Rhona Williams
Edinburgh International Festival presented Jungle Book Reimagined at the Festival Theatre this week, and what an absolute triumph it was. This piece of mesmerising physical theatre was choreographed by Akram Khan in the most spectacularly stunning way. The piece featured extremely impressive physicality from all of the performers, alongside striking animated projections and booming voice…
‘Sweet FA’ (Tynecastle Park) | Review By Rebecca Donati
A heartwarming, enriching capsule of Scottish women’s football. Sweet F.A gives you everything from live Scottish music to the hilarious depiction of the Scottish Football Association. Set during the first world war this performance highlights the importance of women’s roles during the war. Taking over factory jobs from men the women played their part in…
‘Amy Gledhill: The Girl Before the Girl you Marry’ (Carnivore 2 @ Monkey Barrel Comedy) | Review By Lauren Shaw
Amy Gledhill’s comedy is refreshingly honest and something every young girl in their 20s should be lucky enough to experience. A small venue in Cowgate’s Carnivore, Amy fills the room with tears of laughter as she recalls her misfortunate in her past relationships. Running from August 24th-28th, there is not enough dates for this show…
‘Kai Samra: Native’ (Pleasance Dome – 10Dome) | Review By Sam Eastop
Kai Samra’s ‘Native’ was my first time sitting to review a stand-up comedian in any capacity. In his intensely personal and reflective piece, Samra takes the audience on a journey through his roots, his Grandfather’s inspiring story, and his challenging, yet rewarding upbringing. Samra starts off by saying the show is mainly about his Grandfather,…
‘We Are Traffic – An Uber Adventure’ (Assembly Rooms – Drawing Room) | Review By Sam Eastop
Jonathan Tipton Meyers sits on stage in his cab awaiting the audience to take their seats and buckle in their seatbelts at the Assembly Rooms on George Street. In his amazingly honest, and thought-provoking storytelling show, he examines what humans are looking for, and how we all connect to each other in our own unique…
‘Salamander’ (Pretty Knickers Productions – Greenside @ Riddles Court) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
Pretty Knicker Productions bring ‘Salamander’ to the Edinburgh Fringe 2022. Inspired by true events that took place in Leith in 1980, ‘Salamander’ follows a group of female sex workers as they meet in a local church to discuss poetry, life and… Freddie Mercury? This is in the aftermath of a young sex worker being murdered…
‘Shrek the Musical’ (Rose Theatre Edinburgh) | Review By Rachel Clinton
‘Shrek the Musical’ tells the familiar tale of the much-loved ogre Shrek and his quest to regain his swamp from a gaggle of fairytale creatures after they are banished from the Kingdom of Duloc by its tyrannical ruler Lord Farquaad. Accompanied by an annoying talking donkey, Shrek bargains with Lord Farquaad and they reach an…
‘This Is Paradise’ (Traverse Theatre) | Review By Rebecca Donati
Michael John O’Neill’s ‘This is paradise’ returns to the Traverse theatre in Edinburgh this year. This poetic, soulful monologue takes you through the inner turmoil of Kate as she desperately seeks inner peace parallel to the peace Northern Ireland is promised to gain from The Good Friday Agreement. Playing the Traverse Theatre until 28th August. 10…
‘The Importance of Being… Earnest?’ (The Pleasance – Beyond) | Review By Rebecca Donati
Hilarious, Say It Again, Sorry? HILARIOUS! The Importance of Being… Earnest? is a wonderfully wacky, fun experience for all. Audience participation has revived this Wilde classic that we have all groaned at having studied in higher drama into a magical, once-in-a-lifetime ephemeral experience. The show’s simplistic concept is what makes it so special, during this…
‘Muster Station: Leith’ (Edinburgh International Festival – Leith Academy) | Review By Katie McNulty
‘Muster Station: Leith’ is a piece of immersive theatre that takes the audience into an apocalyptic world. The UK is being flooded, and we have all been brought to the Muster Station in the hopes of boarding an arc that will allow us to survive a great wave that’s set to hit Edinburgh within 6…
‘Divas: From Stage to Screen’ (BBD Productions – The Rose Theatre) | Review By Katie McNulty
BBD Productions invites Edinburgh Fringe-goers to an evening of live music, celebrating the most renowned divas of the movie and musical world. Audiences can find ‘Divas: From Stage to Screen’ running at Rose Theatre (the Main Stage) from 18th – 28th August at 10.30pm. Beginning with the overall look of the show, it’s gorgeous. (Flameless)…
‘Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch’ (Underbelly – George Square, Udderbelly) | Review By Marcus Lundie
Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch by Fat Rascal is a tell all musical that lets us in on the real story of Ursula from Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Ursula let’s the audience know her past, how she met king Triton, her wrongful framing and banishment for murder and a hilarious telling…
‘An Untitled Love’ (Edinburgh International Festival – King’s Theatre) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
‘An Untitled Love’ is Kyle Abraham’s dance exploration of Black love in America, set to the soundtrack of D’Angelo & The Vanguard. Abraham produces this contemporary production in collaboration with A.I.M and the Edinburgh International Festival, playing at Edinburgh’s King’s Theatre until Sunday 21st August. The ensemble of dancers for this production showcase a versatile…
‘Midsummer’ (The SpaceUK @ Niddry Street) | Review By Stacey Brown
Midsummer is an adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Titlyard tell us the story of how a crew of office workers putting on a play end up trapped in crazed love triangles and under magic spells, all at the hands of the fairy jester Puck. As someone who isn’t a fan of amateur…
‘Any Suggestions, Doctor?’ (The Pleasance Dome) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
‘Any Suggestions, Doctor?’ is the improvisation show based on the BBC’s much loved flagship television sci-fi series, ‘Doctor Who’. Within this show an ensemble of actors take suggestions from the audience to create a totally original ‘Doctor Who’ episode on stage before their eyes. The ensemble for this production clearly have a love and great…
‘The End of Eddy’ (Edinburgh International Festival – Church Hill Theatre) | Review By Stacey Brown
The End of Eddy, based on Édouard Louis’ autobiographical novel, is about the harsh reality of growing up in a violent, working-class environment; especially if you’re queer. Our four actors take us through the journey of Eddy’s childhood and teenage years. From being beaten at school to masturbating with his friends, we follow Eddy through…
‘Bad Teacher’ (Underbelly – Daisy) | Review By Marcus Lundie
Bad Teacher is a one woman show that comedically takes the audience through a day in the life of ‘Bad Teacher` Evie. The story goes through key checkpoints in the teacher’s day whilst switching back and forth between hilarious cutaways, whether it be on the London underground or under the water getting hunted by jaws-esque…
‘Bianca Del Rio: Unsanitized’ (The Pleasance – EICC) | Review By Stacey Brown
Bianca Del Rio is back! The season six winner of Ru Paul’s Drag Race and renowned glamourous clown is back at the Fringe this year with a hilarious routine that had the room cackling. From Covid-19 to All-Stars, Bianca’s got a lot to say! Bianca walked out in a gorgeous yellow jumpsuit with her hair…
‘The Book of Life’ (Edinburgh International Festival) | Review By Keiran McLean
The Book of Life brings light upon the powerful and inspirational firsthand stories of those affected by the Rwandan genocide in 1994 and pushed the light through the shadows of the tragedy, remembering the life and love in this heartwarming show. Rwandan writer and activist Odile Gakire Katese and the Women Drummers of Rwanda showcase…
‘Bonfire Man’ (Omni Free Fringe) | Review By Keiran McLean
Bonfire Man brings joy, humour and bafflement in the best way possible with these wacky, unique and extremely distinct characters. Ben MacPherson’s Bonfire Man explores, mockumentary style, the crazy devoted festival lovers who attend the Nevada Desert every year to leave their souls behind with other creatives in the blistering heat at a festival that’s…
‘Coming Out of My Cage (And I’ve Been Doing Just Fine)’ (Underbelly – Cowgate, Iron Belly) | Review By Keiran McLean
An hour long show about the song Mr Brightside….do you think it’s a hit? Oh it’s definitely a hit. Coming out of my Cage (And I’ve been doing just fine) goes into the deep depths of mega cult sensation – Mr Brightside by the Killers. This show is an interactive investigation with karaoke, throwing apples…
‘Hedda’ (Greenside Infirmary Street) | Review By Lauren Shaw
Wonderlabs’ reinvention of Henrik Ibsen’s classic play ‘Hedda Gabler’ is exactly what you’d hope for upon hearing that the story and its characters are to be modernised for the telling of this tale. Dafna Rubinstein has introduced modern audiences into the world of technology; male dominated, and cocaine driven. The essence of Hedda Gabler is…
‘Hungry’ (ROUNDABOUT @ Summerhall) | Review By Keiran McLean
Hungry is a hilariously funny play that explores class, queerness, cultural appropriation, food and the cost of gentrification. Chris Bush’s play is an amazing story about a chef – Lori – and waitress Bex who one night get together in a walk in fridge and the rest is history. The story follows the two as…
‘One Man, Two Guvnors’ (Captivate Theatre – Rose Theatre) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
Captivate Theatre bring their brilliant production of Richard Bean’s farcical comedy, ‘One Man Two Guvnors’, to the Edinburgh Fringe. The iconic comedy plays at The Rose Theatre at 18:00 until 28th August. ‘One Man, Two Guvnors’ follows Francis Henshall as he becomes minder to Roscoe Crabbe, a small-time East End hood, now in Brighton to collect…
‘Randy Feltface: Alien of Extraordinary Ability’ (Assembly George Square Studios – Studio Two) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
The international star, Randy Feltface, returns to Edinburgh with his show ‘Alien of Extraordinary Ability’. In this hilarious and at points harrowingly honest show, Randy delivers a candid scope of planet earth, examining how messed up the human race really is. Randy is playing Studio Two in Assembly George Square studios at 21:15 until 28th…
‘Exodus’ (National Theatre Scotland – Traverse Theatre) | Review By Rebecca Donati
The National Theatre of Scotland deliver a hard-hitting, political satire to the Traverse this year for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Exodus mimics the contradiction and cover-ups within the UK parliament. The satire when used subtly is very effective. The humour of the performance comes through in the exaggeration which may at times take away from…
‘Myra DuBois’ A Problem Shared’ (Underbelly – The Dairy Room) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
Myra DuBois returns (reluctantly) to the Edinburgh Fringe with her new show ‘A Problem Shared’, where the iconic drag queen becomes an agony aunt. Myra is playing Underbelly Bistro Square (The Dairy Room) at 19:45 until 28th August. Myra is hysterical, her unfiltered delivery with a tinge of glitter is enough to make the dourest-faced…
‘A Wee Journey’ (Edinburgh International Festival – The Studio) | Review By Katie McNulty
As a part of the REFUGE series, Palestinian artist Farah Saleh and Turkish musician Oğuz Kaplangı bring ‘A Wee Journey’ to the Edinburgh International Festival for its world premiere. A production that uses both choreography and live music to convey lived experiences of migration and refuge-hood. Specifically, it depicts the journeys made to Scotland. The…
‘Nina Conti: The Dating Show’ (The Pleasance Grand) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
Nina Conti returns to the Edinburgh Fringe with her new show for 2022, ‘The Dating Show’. Nina Conti lends her fabulous ventriloquist skills to audience members who dare to declare they are single or in a relationship. Playing The Pleasance Grand until 28th August at 18:00. Nina Conti is a very likable person with her bright…
‘Bits N Pieces’ (Saltire Sky Theatre – Leith Arches) | Review By Marcus Lundie
‘Bits N Pieces’ by Saltire Sky Theatre is an interactive dark comedy play that at its heart seeks to educate its audiences about the serious harm that current drug stigma, misinformation and ignorance, can do. The play follows three friends Dougie, Tommy and Matty as they regale of past escapades, figure out what on earth…
‘Friendsical’ (Assembly Rooms, George Street) | Review By Matthew Attwood
A beloved TV sitcom started in the 90’s. Ten seasons full of laugh-out-loud comedy, emotional highs and lows of a friendship between six thirty-somethings living in New York. Plus an on and off-again relationship that put viewers through the ringer every season capturing the world’s attention. Brooke Mauchline Productions presents ‘Friendsical’, a monstrous parody musical…
‘Psychodrama’ (Traverse Theatre) | Review By Rebecca Donati
Psychodrama is a chilling thriller that leaves you wanting more. The mid-career actress played brilliantly by Emily Bruni keeps the audience engaged throughout the performance. Psychodrama is one of a few one-woman shows being performed at the Traverse this year, seeing so many female-led stories and performances throughout the fringe this year has been inspiring…
‘The Richard Osman Fan Club’ (Paradise in The Vault) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
‘The Richard Osman Fan Club’ from Warped Productions is playing Paradise in The Vault at 17:15 until 28th August (except 21st August). This 30-minute play follows elderly lady Greta and the young Adam as they discuss Richard Osman, plus try to find Greta a gripping tale for her new book inspired by Osman’s ‘The Thursday Murder…
‘The Kaye Hole’ (Assembly Checkpoint) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
‘The Kaye Hole’ presented by Reuben Kaye is a variety extravaganza, playing Assembly Checkpoint Saturday 19th, Sunday 20th, Friday 26th, Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th August at 23:40. Reuben Kaye hosts this show once again providing stellar entertainment for the audience through raucous and very cheeky comedy, making this late-night affair extra special. The sections in…
‘The Beatles Were A Boyband’ (F-BOMB Theatre – Gilded Balloon) | Review By Rebecca Donati
F-Bomb theatre has done it again! Returning to the Fringe Festival this year with The Beatles Were A Boyband these powerhouse women have managed to bag themselves some well-deserved awards. The company has received The Scotsman Fringe First award as well as upcoming writer Rachel O’Regan being awarded for innovation and outstanding new writing at…
‘Medea’ (Edinburgh International Festival – The Hub) | Review By Erin Munro
‘Medea’ is a retelling of Euripedes’ Greek tragedy by Liz Lochead. Written and performed in Scots’ dialect, this sharp and brutal production centres around mother figure, Medea, as she loses her family and community. The National Theatre of Scotland are playing ‘Medea’ at the Hub on Castlehill until the 28th August. This is an immersive…
‘ROOM’ (Edinburgh International Festival – King’s Theatre) | Review By Katie McNulty
James Thierrée and La Compagnie Du Hanneton have returned to the Edinburgh International Festival with ‘ROOM’. A new piece of theatre that rejects a plot yet conveys an array of music and movement that takes us on an entirely unique journey. Created, directed, and performed by James Thierrée, ‘ROOM’ is at King’s Theatre from 13th-17th…
‘Counting and Cracking’ (The Lyceum) | Review By Matthew Attwood
At this year’s international Fringe you can witness the harrowing tale of ‘Counting and Cracking’ written by S. Shakthidharan. Following one Sri Lankan family, their story is told through a multi-generational lens demonstrating the impacts of civil war and the dangerous journey of immigration. Performances are at the Lyceum Theatre, from 8th-14th August. At the…
‘Reuben Kaye: The Butch is Back’ (Assembly Checkpoint) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
Reuben Kaye is back at the Edinburgh Fringe! ‘The Butch is Back’ is Reuben’s one-man show where he delves into his life through music and comedy in fabulous style. Playing Assembly Checkpoint until 28th August (except 15th, 16th, 22nd & 23rd Aug). Reuben Kaye is a born performer, his presence alone entices the audience in, wanting…
‘Blood Harmony’ (Traverse Theatre) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
‘Blood Harmony’ tells the heartbreaking tale of sisters Anna, Maia and Chloe as they reunite in the wake of their mother’s death. We see them face loss, reminisce on their childhoods and take perspective over how far they’ve come since they were last together. This production is playing at the Traverse Theatre until 28th August. …
‘Ordinary Days’ (Royal Scots Club) | Review By Sam Eastop
Entering the Princess Royal Suite at the Royal Scots Club there was a buzz in the air. I had no idea what ‘Ordinary Days’ was about or what to expect, but that buzz was exciting. Only running for three days, it feels like the cast and crew are just itching to show the Edinburgh Fringe…
‘Wilf’ (Traverse Theatre) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
‘Wilf’ has returned to the Traverse Theatre until 28th August. This much-acclaimed play follows Calvin and he struggles through relationships, friendships and driving lessons. He finds that the only person there for him is his new car, Wilf. Michael Dylan is superb as Calvin; he supplies so much energy to the character. The chaos he…
‘Shoddy Detective & The Art of Deception’ (The SpaceUK on North Bridge) | Review By Matthew Attwood
Shoddy Theatre presents ‘Shoddy Detective & The Art of Deception’, a wildly funny and entertaining production centred around the mystery of a priceless stolen painting. A multi rolling, slapstick comedy that is entertaining from start to finish. Audiences can witness this wacky production from the 15th-20th August at the new venue TheSpace on North Bridge – Argyll Theatre (Venue 36). As audiences enter the theatre they are greeted by the wonderful Luke Rose as…
‘War of the Worlds (On a Budget)’ (The SpaceUK at Surgeons Hall) | Review By Stacey Brown
War of the Worlds (On a Budget) by Lamphouse Theatre is a one-man, musical-comedy production that takes you through the classic novel War of the Worlds (a very brief and cost-effective performance at that). With a combination of loop pedals, DIY props and lots of costume changes, Lamphouse reimagines Jeff Wayne’s classic in the most brilliant and hilarious way. When…
‘Windows Of Displacement’ (The Studio) | Review By Stacey Brown
Windows of Displacement by Akeim Toussaint Buck is a mesmerising performance that captures the emotions of migration, home and identity. The performance presents arecent history of humanity and focuses on Akeim’s journey from Jamaica to the UK. From border control and citizenship tests to the harsh reality of what colonialism has done to the world, Akeim raises these issues in a beautiful spoken word, dance performance.…
‘Hiya Dolly’ (The SpaceUK – Surgeons Hall) | Review By Matthew Attwood
Andy Jordan Productions presents ‘Hiya Dolly’, a scientific and musical retelling of ‘the most famous sheep in history– the world’s first cloned mammal.’ Written by Vince Licata, weare transported back to the late 90’s in the Roslin Institute and come to learn how Dolly came into this world. Jessica Donnelly is stupendous as the adorable attention seeking sheep Dolly. Donnelly’s performance is full of humour and charm, engaging audiences throughout with her quick…
‘Prometheus Bound (Io’s Version)’ (The SpaceUK on the Mile)| Review By Matthew Attwood
Myths Unbound and New Celts Productions presents a fresh perspective on the ancient Grecian tale of ‘Prometheus Bound’. As stated in the play’s title we experience this story through the tragic character of ‘Io’, as she falls victim to the abusive powers of the male gods within her story. Written by Kira Mason and Directed…
‘Reginald D. Hunter: Bombe Shuffleur’ (Assembly Rooms – Ballroom) | Review By Stacey Brown
Reginald D Hunter’s Bombe Shuffleur is a stand-up show that takes on subjects that other comedians might be skeptical talking about. From Brexit to Feminism, Reginald brings his cheeky and warm personality to every subject he talks about. The first thing I noticed was that the crowd were obviously big fans of Reginald already. The…
‘Showstopper! The Improvised Musical’ (The Pleasance Grand) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
‘Showstopper! The Improvised Musical’ has returned to the Edinburgh Fringe for it’s fourteenth year. The Showstoppers delightfully dazzle audiences with a brand-new improvised musical every night. Playing The Pleasance Grand at 21:30 until 28th August (except 16th Aug). ‘Do Not Pass Go’ was the musical that the audience helped create during the evening I attended,…
‘Esther Manito: #NotAllMen’ (Gilded Balloon – Teviot) | Review By Stacey Brown
#NotAllMen is a stand-up show by comedian Esther Manito that takes us on a journey from the lad’s culture of the ’90s to the Twitter, “not all men” trolls of today. Esther reflects on toxic masculinity from all stages of life; from cock-n-ball graffiti in school to having men on the internet bombarded her with…
‘Ode To Joy (How Gordon got to go to the Nasty Pig Party)’ (Summerhall) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
‘Ode To Joy (How Gordon got to go to the Nasty Pig Party)’ is James Ley’s newest play which explores the darker and more explicit side of gay culture. It follows Gordon on a journey of discovery which takes him down a path of sex, drugs and sportswear. ‘Ode To Joy’ is currently playing at…
‘The Single Lady’ (theSpace on North Bridge) | Review By Rachel Clinton
‘The Single Lady’ chronicles the scandalous secret love life of Queen Elizabeth I, daughter of the infamous Anne Boleyn. In this new ‘pop’ musical the so-called ‘Virgin Queen’ proves herself to be nothing of the sort—this musical oozes sexuality. When Elizabeth finds herself caught in a love triangle between her cousin and her childhood friend…
‘Séance’ (Pleasance Dome – Potterrow Plaza) | Review By Riodhna Walsh
SÉANCE is a spine-chilling piece created by DARKFIELD, running in Potterrow Plaza from the 9th till the 29th August, and lasts 20 minutes. This show is in a shipping container, which is designed to look like a Victorian séance room on the inside. Each audience member puts on a pair of headphones, and, once the…
‘Tales of Vomit, Trash and Broken Glass’ (The SpaceUK on The Mile) | Review By Rebecca Donati
Tales of vomit, trash and broken glass is a thought-provoking, emotive piece of theatre which will take you on a journey. After an ecological disaster unleashes a neurotoxin into the air, two people are thrust into a series of emotionally-charged vignettes, where they are forced to confront both the nature of their relationships and their…
‘Born Under A Bad Sign’ (The SpaceUK On The Mile) | Review By Sam Eastop
Born Under A Bad Sign was my third show of three at Venue 3 at the Space On The Mile, but my spirits were high getting ready to watch a play about football and Men’s Mental Health, both things I myself am passionate about. What followed was just over an hour of lad banter, funny…
‘Crossing The Void’ (The SpaceUK On The Mile) | Review By Sam Eastop
As I sat to watch my second of three shows, Crossing The Void, at the Venue 3 at The Space On The Mile, I thought I was in for a normal comedy piece about five friends and a silly fake Séance-gone-wrong. Boy was I wrong. What I watched over the next 70 or so minutes…
‘Trainspotting Live’ (Pleasance EICC – Cromdale Tunnel) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
It’s back, ‘Trainspotting Live’ has returned to the Edinburgh Fringe for the first time in three years. The immersive stage play takes audiences on a journey of drugs, sex, alcohol and the worst toilet in Scotland, following the disastrous lives of Renton, Tommy, Sick Boy, Begbie, June, Mother Superior and Alison. ‘Trainspotting Live’ is running at…
‘Murder Club’ (The SpaceUK on The Mile) | Review By Sam Eastop
Sitting in Venue 3 at the Space On The Mile, getting ready for ‘Murder Club’ got me excited. Back at the fringe, ready for a day of reviewing (this show my first of three in this venue) and to see what talents Edinburgh Napier had to present to the theatre world and the industry as…
‘Legally Blonde’ (The Space – Niddry Street) | Review By Becky Campbell
‘Legally Blonde’ is an iconic, feel-good musical based on the classic 2001 film starring Reese Witherspoon. It follows the story of Elle Woods as she chases love and a law career whilst on a journey of self-discovery and friendship. It is a mammoth production which Stage Avenue has adapted in a fun and camp way…
‘Mischief Movie Night’ (Pleasance at EICC – The Pentland Theatre) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
Mischief Theatre go back to their roots by returning to the Edinburgh Fringe with three shows this year, one of those shows is ‘Mischief Movie Night’ where the audience are the directors of an improvised movie. On the evening in which I attended, the genre was a heist film, ‘Otters Eleven’, where we had some…
‘Burn’ (National Theatre of Scotland – Edinburgh King’s Theatre) | Review By Matthew Attwood
Alan Cumming triumphantly returns to the Edinburgh Fringe this year in a co-production with the Edinburgh International Festival, National Theatre Scotland and New York’s Joyce Theatres production of ‘Burn’. A physical theatre show delving into the inner workings of Scotland’s national bard Robert Burns. Created by Alan Cumming and Director/ Choreographer Steven Hoggett. Audiences can…
Irvine Welsh’s ‘Porno’ (The Pleasance – Pleasance Beyond) | Review By Lauren Shaw
Easier Said Than Done’s version of Irvine Welsh’s 2002 novel “Porno”, tells the satisfying yet disturbingly funny sequel to the Scottish classic “Trainspotting”. The audience reminisces of the past tales of Begbie, Spud, Renton and Sickboy as we see what has become of them 15 years later. Adapted by Davie Carswell and directed by Felix…
‘Lightweight’ (Underbelly – The Wee Coo) | Review By Sarah Hopkins
In an hour exactly, Amie Enriquez offers a chaotically varied guide on suffering and surviving circumstances as bleak as they get – anorexia, dysfunctional and tone deaf families, an extensive stint in rehab, and 9/11. ‘How does she manage that?’ I hear you cry (and please, try to refrain from speaking unless you have the…
‘Boris III’ (The Pleasance – Pleasance One) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
‘Boris III’ follows an eighteen-year-old Boris Johnson playing Richard III in a school production. Apparently, he wasn’t prepared, didn’t learn his lines and the result was chaos. Boris the Third is a comedy imagining of what that school play might have been like. Will young Boris play the clown, charming his critics, or will he be remembered…
‘She Wolf’(Assembly Roxy Downstairs) | Review By Rachel Clinton
Isla Cowan’s ‘She Wolf’ is an ecofeminist monologue that confronts the harsh realities of not only living, but surviving in the modern world as a woman. The monologue is delivered by Maggie who is sitting on a bench in Edinburgh Zoo and is addressed to the wolves inhabiting the enclosure opposite. She interrogates woman’s place…
‘Daddy Issues’ (The Pleasance Courtyard – Below) | Review By Rebecca Donati
Sex, struggle, and solitude! ‘Daddy Issues’ is a topical, thought-provoking one-woman show and a must-see at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Passing Stranger Theatre Company was formed in 2018 and was founded by Anna Krauze the writer and solo performer of ‘Daddy Issues’. This production is funded by the Arts Council England, has been awarded…
‘Classic!’ (The Pleasance – Pleasance One) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
‘Classic!’ features a cast of 6 romping through all those classic novels you never had time to read. This production is currently playing at The Pleasance One at 14:40 until 29th August (except 15th & 22nd Aug). The six performers in this production deliver high energy, loads of comedy plus both verbally and physically abuse…
‘Big Band Does… Broadway’ (The Rose Theatre) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
Big Band Productions return to the Edinburgh Fringe with ‘Big Band Does Broadway’, playing every day at 22:30 in The Rose Theatre until 14th August. This production is really special. It’s rare in the Scottish theatre industry that we are blessed to witness a successful cabaret, never mind one which features young performers that seem like…
‘Hamlet’ (Ashton Hall, Saint Stephens Stockbridge) | Review By Rhona Williams
Hamlet is known across the globe as one of William Shakespeare’s most well known plays, and this year Ian McKellen and Peter Schaufuss collaborated on this work to create a whole new concept of what we have previously known Hamlet to be. Continuing to follow the traditional narrative of the play, this reimagining of it…
‘Making A Murderer: The Musical’ (Underbelly – Bistro Square) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
Based on the hit Netflix series, ‘Making A Murderer: The Musical’ tells story of a man and his family’s fight for freedom that has enthralled people all over the world and has helped shine a light on the injustices and failings of a broken system. This production runs at Underbelly Bistro Square till 29th August (except 15th…
‘Smashing Shakespeare: Juliet & Her Romeo’ (Captivate Theatre) | Review By Matthew Attwood
Captivate Theatre presents ‘Smashing Shakespeare’- A comedic musical adaption of Shakespeare’s most infamous plays ‘Romeo & Juliet’ and ‘Macbeth’. Book by Sally Lyall and music by Tommie Travers, Lyall also directs this production alongside Scott Coltman. Audiences can see these family-friendly, informative and laugh-out-loud shows from the 5th-27th (Excluding Sundays and 22nd, 23rd and 24th)…
‘How to Keep Up with The Kardashians’ (Underbelly – Belly Button) | Review By Matthew Attwood
SO LA FLAIR’s ‘How to Keep Up with The Kardashians’ is an empowering insight into the struggles of women fighting against today’s insane beauty standards. Shining a light on the hypocrisy of the Kardashian family. Rebelling and redefining feminine beauty as we the audience join the dance party protest, filled with live music, comedic sketch…
‘Kinky Boots’ (Bare Productions) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
‘Kinky Boots’ is the iconic Broadway and West End award-winning musical that tells the story of Charlie Price, a kind-natured shoe factory owner who forms an unlikely friendship with Drag Queen Lola to produce a line of high-heeled boots. This year Bare Productions bring this musical to the Edinburgh Fringe for the first time, running…
‘The Bleeding Obvious’ (Underbelly – Daisy) | Review By Erin Munro
Jessica Rowbottom is the frontwoman and singular member of the band ‘The Bleeding Obvious’. Rowbottom’s cabaret show covers her own experience coming out, dating and simply existing as a lesbian woman in Yorkshire – all of course intertwined with a self-composed soundtrack. Running at the Underbelly Bristo Sq. venue Daisy ‘The Bleeding Obvious’ is a…
‘The Addams Family’ (Captivate Theatre) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
The kooky and spookiest family have made their way to Edinburgh! Captivate Theatre presents us with ‘The Addams Family’, playing at The Rose Theatre until 24th August. This musical comedy follows Wednesday Addams as she attempts to prepare her family to meet her boyfriend’s family, the Beinekes. With Gomez struggling to keep a secret from…
‘My Son’s A Queer (But What Can You Do?)’ | Review By Lewis C. Baird
Rob Madge’s much raved about one hander ‘My Son’s A Queer (but what can you do?)’ has arrived in Edinburgh for the Fringe, running at Udderbelly until 29th August (except 10th, 15th & 22nd). When Rob Madge was 12, they attempted a full-blown Disney parade in their house for their grandma. As Rob donned wigs…
‘Sunshine On Leith’ (Captivate Theatre) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
Captivate Theatre’s ‘Sunshine On Leith’ returns to the Edinburgh Fringe running at The Rose Theatre till Sunday 28th August. ‘Sunshine On Leith’ follows the highs and lows of Ally and Davy as they negotiate families, friendships, and love in this comedic and moving story featuring songs of The Proclaimers. Sandy Queenan portrays Rab as a…
‘12th Night Lite’ (Paradise in Augustines – The Studio) | Review By Erin Munro
“12th Night Lite” does what it says on the tin, retelling the beloved Shakespeare comedy “Twelfth Night” in a one hour slot at The Studio – Paradise in Augustines. The script, edited by Ruth Garvey-Williams, retains the framework and humour of the classic whilst being cut to suit a Fringe performance space all with a…
‘A Thousand Sons’ (Greenside – Fern Studio) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
‘A Thousand Sons’ follows Bertie, a nuclear test veteran, from the 1950s to the present day; as he witnesses the horrors of Nuclear weapons, and fights for justice after experiencing life-changing repercussions. Jamie Sefton writes and stars in this production as Bertie. The sheer skill of storytelling that Jamie presents within this 45-minute, tense and disturbing…
‘Americana: A Murder Ballad’ (Assembly Checkpoint) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
‘Americana: A Murder Ballad’ tells the tale of a nation’s youth trapped in a murder ballad they cannot escape. A gunman lurks on every corner. He’s behind you. He’s beside you. He’s inside you. This is freedom. This is a warzone. This is Americana. How do we break the ballad? Cole Wagner portrays the writer,…
‘Happy Meal’ (Traverse Theatre) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
‘Happy Meal’ takes the audience back to the quaint days of dial up and MSN, where you’ll follow two strangers on their journeys to become who they always were. From teen to adult, from MySpace to TikTok, from cis to trans. This brand new play is debuting at Traverse 2 as part of TravFest and…
‘Footloose’ (Glasgow King’s Theatre) | Review By Rebecca Donati
Everybody cut loose on Monday night in Glasgow. Following two critically acclaimed tours and a West End run, Footloose is back and better than ever. Starring the wonderful Aston Merrygold and Darren Day ‘Footloose’ is a feel good phenomenon. The roof was roaring off of The King’s Theatre in Glasgow during their finale causing the…
‘LAND – A Scottish Musical’ (Kick The Door) | Review By Keiran McLean
From sheep on the hill, to the flats in Castlemilk, from soldiers on the coast, to laughing at the Pointless host, show compassion, take your neighbour’s hand, and appreciate life in this show they call LAND. LAND is a new musical by Scottish musical theatre company, Kick the Door. The show has just finished previewing…
‘Dreamboats and Petticoats: Bringing On Back The Good Times’ (Glasgow King’s Theatre) | Review By Rebecca Donati
Dreamboats and Petticoats are certainly bringing on back the good times in Glasgow this week. Bobby, Laura, Norman, Sue & the gang get back together for the follow-on musical inspired by the hit albums. This west-end sell-out will have you on your feet rocking and rolling. The sixties were well and truly alive, an innocence…
‘Footloose’ (Edinburgh Playhouse) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
‘Footloose The Musical’ is a stage adaptation of the hit 1984 Kevin Bacon motion picture. The story follows city boy Ren, who thinks life is bad enough when he’s forced to move to a rural backwater in America. But his world comes to a standstill when he arrives at Bomont to find dancing and rock…
‘Kneecaps’ (Moot Point Collective) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
Moot Point Collective in association with Framework Theatre Company presents a brand-new piece of writing from Joe Hunter in the form of ‘Kneecaps’. This exciting new play follows ex-partners Ali and Jess dealing with their past struggles while trying to survive a life-threatening new epidemic. Katrina Allen is incredible as Jess, the emotional depth and…
Lift – Stage 4 (The Basement Theatre, Aberdeen ) Review By Hannah Cook
The daily commute. Like every other day, off the tube at Covent Garden, faces now familiar from relentless routine. For 54 seconds you stand cramped in a lift with 7 complete strangers, wondering who these passengers are. Why are they here? What are their secrets? Could they be unknowingly connected? Who do they love? What…
‘Sunshine On Leith’ (Edinburgh King’s Theatre & Pitlochry Festival Theatre) | Reviewed By Sam Eastop
Sitting in the familiarity of the King’s Theatre’s stalls I prepared myself for an evening of joy, fun and all things Edinburgh. Over the next two and a half hours those expectations were met and exceeded to a degree I did not expect. I had only seen the film before this evening, but I couldn’t…
‘The Lion King’ (Edinburgh Playhouse) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
‘The Lion King’ has returned to Edinburgh after a sell-out run from December 2019 until it ended due to lockdown in March 2020. Now audiences are flocking to the Edinburgh Playhouse to finally see the end of the run, two years on. Produced by Disney and directed by the legendary Julie Taymor, the musical is…
‘Takin’ Over The Asylum’ (Royal Conservatoire of Scotland) | Review by Rebecca Donati
Donna Franceschild’s Takin’ Over the Asylum is known for the original 1994 BAFTA winning series with the beloved characters etched into our brains as they were. The series was adapted into this delightfully charming play for the Citizens and Lyceum Theatre in 2013. Directed once again by the brilliant Mark Thomson, this production is being brought back to life…
‘Wuthering Heights’ (Edinburgh King’s Theatre) | Review By Alison Jeni Frater
Last night I attended Wuthering Heights at the Kings Theatre in Edinburgh. I must admit I have never read the epic Emily Bronte novel that is piece is adapted from, so I was not sure what to expect. Wuthering Heights follows Heathcliff who is rescued from the Liverpool docks as a child where he is…
‘Anything Goes’ (Edinburgh Festival Theatre) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
‘Anything Goes’ has sailed into Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre till Sunday 15th May after a highly successful run in London’s West End last year. The story follows the S.S. American as she heads out to sea enroute to England, it seems that etiquette and convention head out the portholes as two unlikely pairs set off on…
‘Rock of Ages’ (Edinburgh Playhouse) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
‘Rock of Ages’ has head banged its way into the Edinburgh Playhouse, playing till Saturday 14th May. This musical has toured the UK several times and rocked out in London’s West End, however the question is, does the newest tour still rock? ‘Rock of Ages’ is set in the 1980s on the sunset strip (LA).…
‘A Murder is Announced’ (Edinburgh King’s Theatre) | Review by Stacey Brown
A Murder is Announced- A Miss Marple Mystery has all the charm of a classic ‘whodunnit’ that has you guessing throughout. The story of course is brilliant. After an announcement in the Gazette predicts a Murder at Letitia Blacklock’s house, she and her group of family and friends are anxious to see what might happen.…
‘Singin in the Rain’ (Edinburgh Festival Theatre) | Review by Alison Jeni Frater
Singin’ in the Rain has landed with a splash at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre this week. After it’s run at London’s Sadler’s Wells, Singin’ in the Rain has embarked on a UK tour. The 1952 classic film starring Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds is to die for and possibly one of my favourite films. I…
‘Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World’ (Edinburgh King’s Theatre) | Review by Rhona Williams
Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World (dir. Amy Hodge) had its Edinburgh debut at The King’s Theatre last night, and it was an utterly stunning piece of musical theatre. The new musical is an adaptation of Kate Pankhurst’s children’s book of the same title, that beautifully illustrates the importance of women throughout history that…
‘Oliver!’ (Forth Children’s Theatre) | Review By Rebecca Donati & Keiran McLean
Lionel Bart’s Oliver! Comes to the stage of the Edinburgh Tabernacle with the amazing young talent of the Forth Children’s Theatre bringing this classic musical to life. Forth Children’s Theatre are an established, award winning youth theatre company based in Edinburgh who were formed in 1979. This April, they put on their Easter show of…
‘Waitress’ (Edinburgh Playhouse) | Review By Stacey Brown
Sugar, butter, flour and a whole lot of talent! Waitress has hit the Edinburgh Playhouse and it’s just as tasty as we hoped. When waitress Jenna finds out she’s pregnant, she has to figure out how to start fresh without her horrible husband Earl. However, there are more than a few bumps in the road…
‘Magic Goes Wrong’ UK Tour (Edinburgh Festival Theatre) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
Mischief Theatre are back in Scotland with their UK Touring production of ‘Magic Goes Wrong’ which is currently playing Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre. ‘Magic Goes Wrong’ follows a hapless gang of magicians as they stage an evening of grand illusions to raise cash for charity. But as the magic turns to mayhem, accidents spiral out of…
‘Orphans’ (National Theatre of Scotland) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
National Theatre of Scotland’s brand-new original musical ‘Orphans’ is currently in the midst of it’s debut Scottish tour, running at Edinburgh’s King’s Theatre till Saturday 16th April. Based on the Peter Mullan movie set in Glasgow, 1998. One hell of a storm is ripping through the city. The Flynn siblings just need to survive the night…
‘Our Carnal Hearts’ (An Tobar & Mull Theatre and Arch 468) | Review By Rhona Williams
Our Carnal Hearts (dir. Rebecca Atkinson-Lord) written by Rachel Mars was an interesting expression of jealousy, envy and humanistic attitudes towards those closest to us in the real world. The play took the form of spoken word poetry whilst relying on the harmonies of a splendid mystical trio. The play started by engulfing the audience…
‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’ (Glasgow King’s Theatre) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
National Theatre’s ‘The Curious Incident of The Dog in the Night-Time’ UK tour has arrived at Glasgow King’s Theatre. The play follows Christopher, fifteen years old, we join his journey as he stands beside Mrs Shears’ dead dog. It has been speared with a garden fork, it is seven minutes after midnight and Christopher is…
‘Dreamgirls’ (Edinburgh Playhouse) | Review by Rhona Williams
Dreamgirls (dir. Casey Nicholaw) soulfully sashayed onto the Edinburgh Playhouse stage last night. From the moment that the magnificent conductor (Simona Budd) pounded on her cowbell, to the final harmony, the production was a whirlwind of enthusiasm, passion and impeccable talent. The musicalstarts in the 1960s, and follows the lives of three ambitious and talented singers, striving to make it big in the world of showbusiness. Through fantastic…
‘The Da Vinci Code’ (Edinburgh King’s Theatre) | Review By Keiran McLean
Dan Brown’s ‘The Da Vinci Code’ comes to Edinburgh King’s Theatre to showcase Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Bel’s adaptation of the beloved, grail hunting story. ‘The Da Vinci Code’ follows Professor Robert Langdon, a symbologist visiting Paris for a lecture, and cryptologist Sophie Neveu after a vicious murder in the Louvre Museum causes them to follow…
‘Beautiful’ (Edinburgh Festival Theatre) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
The Curve Leicester and Nikolai Foster’s revival production of ‘Beautiful’ The Carole King Musical has arrived at Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre. ‘Beautiful’ tells the inspiring true story of King’s remarkable rise to stardom, from being part of a hit song-writing team with her husband Gerry Goffin, to her relationship with fellow writers and best friends Cynthia…
‘Allan Stewart’s Big Big Variety Show’ (Edinburgh King’s Theatre) | Review By Keiran McLean
Variety shows are an adored form of theatre, loved by millions of people worldwide who just simply want to be entertained. An accumulation of different performers; styles, genres and experiences but all having the same final goal in mind – entertain the audience. If anyone knows what it takes to put together a star-studded, hilariously…
‘Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’ (Edinburgh Festival Theatre) | Review by Lewis C. Baird
‘Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’ has returned to the Edinburgh Festival Theatre! The original UK Tour had a stint at the Festival Theatre back in 2020, literally days before lockdown was imposed, now most of the original cast have returned to the Festival Theatre for another successful stint. ‘Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’ is based on a true…
‘Lena’ (Beacon Arts Centre) | Review By Rebecca Donati
Feather Productions in association with the Beacon Arts Centre presents the world premier of ‘Lena’written by BAFTA and Olivier award-winner Tim Whitnall. This original play tells the story of child starLena Zavaroni who shot into stardom after appearing on the hit talent show ‘Opportunity Knocks” in1973 at only ten years of age. My knowledge of…
‘Shrek The Musical’ (Edinburgh Bohemians) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
Edinburgh’s Bohemian Lyric Opera company has brought everyone’s favourite Ogre back to Scotland, finally! After a two-year postponement, the Bohemians finally have their production on stage. ‘Shrek the Musical’ follows a big, green, terrifying ogre living alone on a swamp… he doesn’t sound like a fairy tale hero, does he? But then, this is no ordinary fairy…
Six (Edinburgh Festival Theatre) | Review By Stacey Brown
Six follows the stories of the unfortunate six wives of Henry VIII, but it’s not how you quite remember it from history class. The ladies have taken control of the story and through the power of pop songs, they compete to determine which wife had it worse. After each of them have told their story,…
‘Hairspray’ (Edinburgh Playhouse) | Review By Rhona Williams
Hairspray (dir. Paul Kerryson) spritzed its way onto Edinburgh’s Playhouse stage last night and gripped the audience from the moment we said Good Morning to Baltimore. The timeless classic was a colourful treat to the senses and took the audience on an emotional voyage through the turbulent (yet hopeful) 1960s. The musical follows plus size…
‘Movies To Musicals’ (The Alhambra Theatre) | Review By Sam Eastop
Having seen Movies to Musicals before, I knew what to expect when entering the Alhambra Theatre, which I am very familiar with, in my hometown of Dunfermline. What I didn’t expect was how much fun I was going to have. I remembered the show centred around a strong cast of kids and young people with…
‘Class Act’ (Traverse Theatre) | Review By Rhona Williams
Class Act truly lived up to its name last night for its debut performance at the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh. The fantastic piece showcased the phenomenal work of pupils from five secondary schools across Edinburgh (Broughton High School, Craigmount High School, Craigroyston Community High School, Forrester High School and Royal High School). The short stories,…
‘One Man, Two Guvnors’ (Captivate Theatre) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
Captivate Theatre bring a brand-new production of Richard Bean’s farcical comedy, ‘One Man Two Guvnors’, to Musselburgh. ‘One Man, Two Guvnors’ follows Francis Henshall as he becomes minder to Roscoe Crabbe, a small time East End hood, now in Brighton to collect £6,000 from his fiancée’s dad. But Roscoe is really his sister Rachel posing as…
‘The Rocky Horror Show’ (Edinburgh King’s Theatre) | Review By Sam Eastop
As I took my seat in an ocean of black dresses, stockings, and sparkly outfits, I was ready to watch the madness of the Rocky Horror Show unfold for the first time. Having only ever watched the film until this point, I had heard fantastic things about the live show and was feeling incredibly excited…
‘Bedknobs and Broomsticks’ (Edinburgh Festival Theatre) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
‘Bedknobs and Broomsticks’ is a screen to stage adaptation I have been championing for the best part of a decade, and now finally the world premiere UK tour of the musical has arrived in Edinburgh! ‘Bedknobs and Broomsticks’ follows Charlie, Carrie and Paul Rawlins as they are evacuated from a desolated London in the midst…
‘Be More Chill’ (Aberdeen Arts Centre) | Review By Rebecca Donati
Be more chill is an ironic name for this production as it has the complete opposite effect on their audience who were pumping with adrenaline after seeing the Scottish premier of this production! The high energy and highly captivating musical blew the audience away in all ways imaginable. Treading the Board (TTB) are Aberdeen’s only…
‘Bat Out of Hell’ (Edinburgh Playhouse) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
Jim Steinman’s hit musical ‘Bat Out of Hell’ has rolled into Edinburgh in true Rock n Roll style. The musical is set in a dystopian world and follows the story of Raven; a girl trapped in her home by her tycoon father, Falco, that is until she falls in love with Strat, a member of the rebel group,…
‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’ (Edinburgh King’s Theatre) | Review By Stacey Brown
The critically acclaimed theatre production of C.S Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe transports you to a magical world. While we follow the Pevensie siblings into the world of Narnia, our imaginations run wild as a combination of music, movement, puppetry and costumes create the kingdom behind the wardrobe we all imagined as…
‘We Belong’ (Bare Productions) | Review By Stacey Brown
We Belong by Bare Productions is a cabaret show, showcasing their wonderful casts’ performing skills. Bare Productions unfortunately had to cancel all their performances over the last two years but they are back with a bang! We Belong is a fun filled, singalong evening for musical theatre lovers who need a taste of what we’ve…
‘School Of Rock The Musical’ (Edinburgh Playhouse) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
The iconic Jack Black movie ‘School of Rock’ was adapted into a stage musical back in 2015 and now in 2022 it’s finally made its way up to Scotland after rocking out in London’s West End. The story follows failed rocker Dewey Finn as he impersonates as his best friend, Ned Schneebly, taking a temp teacher…
‘White Christmas’ (Edinburgh Playhouse) | Review By Stacey Brown
What’s better than cozying up to watch a classic Christmas movie? How about watching it transformed onto a stage with big dance numbers and dazzling costumes! Based on the classic Bing Crosby movie of the same title, White Christmas transports you to 1954 where Broadway stars and ex-soldiers Bob Wallace and Phil Davis meet with…
‘Heathers the Musical’ (Edinburgh Playhouse) | Review by Lewis C. Baird
‘Heathers the Musical’ has finally arrived in Edinburgh on the final week of its debut UK tour. Based on the classic 1989 film, set in Westerberg High; which is ruled by a shoulder-padded, scrunchie-wearing junta: Heather, Heather and Heather, the hottest and cruelest girls in all of Ohio. But misfit Veronica Sawyer rejects their evil regime…
‘Les Misérables’ (Theatre Royal Glasgow) | Review By Sam Eastop
At this point I feel like a veteran Les Mis viewer, as it is easily the show I have seen live the most times in my life. However, this time round was different as I would be taking up the responsibility of writing a review afterwards. I found myself paying attention to different parts of the show…
‘Sleeping Beauty’ (Edinburgh King’s Theatre) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
After a year off, the world feels whole again as Panto returns to the Edinburgh King’s Theatre in the form of ‘Sleeping Beauty’. This is the first pantomime since 2019 and also the first since the late King’s Theatre legend, Andy Gray, passed away. The story of ‘Sleeping Beauty’ tells the tale of Princess Aurora…
‘Death Drop’ (Edinburgh King’s Theatre) | Review by Lewis C. Baird
What better way to spend your Wednesday night than watch a murder mystery that has the premise of your favourite drag queens and kings slaying… oh no wait, sorry, I meant being slain. ‘Death Drop’ is a murder mystery drag extravaganza set in the 90s, where a bunch of privileged influencers, a politician and three mental caterers…
‘Dirty Dancing’ (Edinburgh Festival Theatre) | Review By Stacey Brown
Dirty Dancing Review The iconic 1980s classic Dirty Dancing has been adapted for the stage, and it’s just as fun and sexy as you hoped it would be. The story follows Frances “Baby” Houseman, a young woman on holiday with her family at Kellerman’s resort. This is where she meets Johnny Castle, a dreamy, bad…
‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’ (Edinburgh King’s Theatre) | Review By Rhona Williams
As we finally depart so called “Spooky Season”, Tilted Wig’s production of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow directed by Jake Smith, appropriately haunts its audience with its captivating blend of traditional storytelling and a creepy gothic atmosphere. Philip Meeks’ enigmatic adaptation of Washington Irving’s well-known horror story is brought to the stage in a spine-chilling manner, with its fantastically versatile and symbolic set,…
‘The Play That Goes Wrong’ (Edinburgh King’s Theatre) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
‘The Play That Goes Wrong’ is considered one of the best comedy plays of the last decade. The play in question skyrocketed Mischief Theatre to one of the UK’s biggest and most acclaimed theatre producers. ‘The Play That Goes Wrong’, follows Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society’s (eventful) production of Murder at Haversham Manor. A classic murder mystery. However, things don’t go exactly to…
‘Beauty and the Beast’ (Edinburgh Playhouse) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
Disney has returned to the Edinburgh Playhouse until 27th November with the tale as old as time, ‘Beauty and the Beast the Musical’. This iconic Disney story follows an arrogant young prince, and his castle’s servants after they fall under the spell of a wicked enchantress, who turns the prince into a hideous Beast until he…
‘The Enemy’ National Theatre of Scotland (Edinburgh King’s Theatre) | Review By Lewis C. Baird
‘The Enemy’ is National Theatre of Scotland’s latest touring production, based on Henrik Ibsen’s ‘An Enemy of the People’. This re-envisioned play follows a Scottish town going under a massive redevelopment project that promises to bring money, jobs and new prospects to its forgotten population. However, when Dr Kirsten Stockmann discovers a dangerous secret, she knows…
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