Our Brochure - April 2025 by captheatres

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It’s curtain up on our Spring 2025 brochure, starring an incredible line-up of productions, from gripping drama to world-class dance and unmissable musicals. We will be treated to a world premiere in Rambert’s double bill KISMET, while Birmingham Royal Ballet’s electrifying Black Sabbath – The Ballet is sure to have the Festival Theatre rocking later this year. Drama fans won’t want to miss Aaron’s Sorkin’s award-winning adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird, before embarking

on a mysterious journey in Death on the Nile. Nominated for an incredible 13 Olivier Awards, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre’s stunning Fiddler on the Roof is set to be the hottest ticket in town this September.

We look forward to sharing these extraordinary experiences with you very soon.

Warmest wishes,

Fiona Gibson Chief Executive, Capital Theatres

Cover: Birmingham Royal Ballet: Black Sabbath - The Ballet

what will you see next?

DIRECT FROM THE WEST END

13 – 17 May 2025

Step through the wardrobe to magical Narnia and join Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter as they meet new friends, face dangerous foes and learn the lessons of courage, sacrifice, and the power of love.

BASED ON THE NOVEL BY C.S. LEWIS

THE PAST WON’T BE SILENCED

LIZA GODDARD CAROLINE HARKER GRAY O’BRIEN

25 – 28 Jun 2025

Two women arrive at a croft in a deserted village. Cut off from the modern world, they are drawn into the croft’s dark history, then the weekend takes an unexpected turn.

Post Show Talk 27 Jun

“Chilling”

Drama

16 – 20 Sep 2025

Step into a world of deception, desire, and deadly ambition. Tom Ripley is a nobody until a chance encounter changes everything, and in the sun-drenched glamour of 1950s Italy, the lines between truth and deception begin to blur.

How far would you go to become someone else?

Age 12+

Friends Discount

A new play by Directed by

HARPER LEE’S TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD AARON SORKIN BARTLETT SHER

21 – 25 Oct 2025

The riveting, award-winning stage adaptation of the seminal American novel about racial injustice and childhood innocence became a Broadway and West End sensation. Now this thrilling courtroom drama comes to Edinburgh. “Powerful. Important”

Sunday Express HHHHH

Age 12+

Friends Discount

THE GLOBAL PHENOMENON RETURNS TO EDINBURGH

The acclaimed production

Photography:

Based on the beloved novel by Michael Morpurgo • Adapted by Nick Stafford In association with the award-winning Handspring Puppet Company

2 – 11 Oct 2025

The National Theatre’s acclaimed production returns this October.

An unforgettable theatrical experience which takes audiences on an extraordinary journey from the fields of rural Devon to the trenches of First World War France. Based on the beloved novel by Michael Morpurgo, this powerfully moving and imaginative drama, filled with stirring music and songs, is a show of phenomenal inventiveness. At its heart are astonishing life-sized horses by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company, who bring breathing, galloping, charging horses to thrilling life on stage.

At the outbreak of World War One, Joey, young Albert’s beloved horse, 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 himself alone in No Man’s Land. Albert, who remained on his parents’ Devon farm, cannot forget Joey. Though still not old enough to enlist, he embarks on a treacherous mission to find Joey and bring him home.

“Theatrical magic”

The New York Times “An extraordinary piece of theatre, absolutely guaranteed to move the heart”

Sunday Express

HHHHH

Age 10+

Friends Discount

Drama

10 – 15 Feb 2026

From the multi award-winning Mischief comes Christmas Carol Goes Wrong, a festive slice of pure escapism at the worst production in Christmas past, present and yet to come! Don’t be a Scrooge, book now.

“The funniest theatre troupe in Britain”

The Telegraph Friends Discount

A THRILLING MURDER MYSTERY FEATURING THE NATION’S FAVOURITE DETECTIVE

House of Ghosts

Starring Tom Chambers as Morse

3 – 7 Mar 2026

A chilling mystery unfolds when a young actress dies on stage, and what begins as a suspicious death inquiry takes a darker turn when Morse and Lewis uncover a connection to events in Morse’s own past.

Drama

24 – 28 Mar 2026

Bitter rivals. Buried secrets. A love to die for.

From the creative team behind Murder on the Orient Express, join world-famous detective Hercule Poirot on board a luxurious cruise under the heat of the Egyptian Sun.

“First class. Beautifully done”

The Daily Mail HHHH (on Murder on The Orient Express) Friends Discount

a new comedy about the battle that rocked the nation

BLURVSOASIS 1995

21 – 25 Apr 2026

writtenby john niven

On one side, clean-cut, art-school Londoners. On the other, raw, unapologetic lads from Manchester. At the centre of it all? The greatest chart battle in history. Relive the mayhem in this brand-new, uncensored comedy.

directedby matthew dunster

9 – 13 Sep 2025

DIRECT FROM THE WEST END

Nominated for an incredible 13 Olivier Awards. One of the greatest musicals of all time - featuring If I Were A Rich Man, Matchmaker and Sunrise, Sunset - Fiddler on the Roof is an exuberant celebration of love and life.

The Guardian HHHHH Age 12+ Friends Discount

Book by JOSEPH STEIN Music by JERRY BOCK Lyrics by SHELDON HARNICK

23 – 27 Sep 2025

When Percy Jackson discovers that he is the half-blood son of a Greek God, his life takes a dramatic turn. Adapted from the best-selling novel, this is the perfect adventure for gods and mortals alike!

“Completely magical”

Official London Theatre

Age 8+

Friends Discount

The Merry Widow

29 May, 1, 5 & 7 Jun 2025

Feisty, fabulous and filthy rich, Hanna Glawari is the merriest widow in New York. This captivating will-they, won’t-they romance evokes all the glamour of 1950s Manhattan. Sung in English with English supertitles. Glorious Lehár

Friends Discount

Lehár

Access Opera The Merry

Widow

3 Jun 2025

With dementia friendly values at its core, this performance is open to all. Performed by a full cast and orchestra, it also features a presenter to introduce the story as well as characters and music from the opera.

Trial by Jury

Access for All

Emma Jenkins & Toby Hession

30 May & 6 Jun 2025

Join us for an unmissable double-bill of classic Gilbert & Sullivan comedy and new writing. Expect scandal, satire and laughs.

Age 12+

Friends Discount

Gilbert & Sullivan

Arthur Miller’s drama of power & persecution

1 – 3 May 2025

Helen Pickett’s intense, visceral choreography in this edge-of-your-seat production unleashes the emotional force of Arthur Miller’s famous play about the 17th century Salem witch trials.

SHADOWS

PATRONS

KWAME KWEI ARMAH & THANDIWE NEWTON

PATRONS

KWAME KWEI ARMAH & THANDIWE NEWTON

21 May 2025

Cassa Pancho’s Ballet Black returns with an exciting new double bill including Pancho’s My Sister, the Serial Killer, as well as new work from Brooklyn-born Chanel DaSilva. Post Show Talk

“A haunting dance spectacle”

The Independent HHHHH Age 12+ Friends Discount

Dance

DANCE CONSORTIUM PRESENTS CANADA’S LEADING CONTEMPORARY

DANCE COMPANY

PASSING BY JOHAN INGER FRONTIER BY CRYSTAL PITE

23 & 24 May 2025

Vancouver-based Ballet British Columbia presents Crystal Pite’s Frontier originally created for Nederlands Dans Theater and Johan Inger‘s PASSING. Post Show Talk 23 May

“Gorgeous energy”

The Independent

Friends Discount

10 – 14 Jun 2025

Recorded by The Who, Quadrophenia defined a generation. Prepare to be blown away as the power of dance brings a whole new dimension to the raw energy and emotion of one of the UK’s most iconic rock albums.

With original costumes by Paul

Age 12+

Friends Discount

Sadler’s Wells, Extended Play and Universal Music UK present

With orchestral score

Smith

Dance

3 – 5 Jul 2025

Two heartfelt works. Rambert’s dancers bring to life the chaos, quiet and connections of airports in Emma Evelein’s Gallery of Consequence, and dynamic energy to Johan Inger’s B.R.I.S.A.

“A dance company firing on all cylinders” The Guardian Age 12+

Friends Discount

Daniel Shea

In association with

The Heavy Metal dance experience

Black Sabbath

– The Ballet

30 Oct – 1 Nov 2025

Carlos Acosta is turning up the volume on Birmingham’s musical legacy, with original heavy metal heroes Black Sabbath providing the soundtrack.

“A

headbanging triumph” The Times HHHH

Age 8+

Friends Discount

Sofia Leñares. © Perou.

Dance

3 & 4 Feb 2026

Following a hugely successful, sell-out premiere tour, Carlos Acosta’s Cuban take on the festive classic explodes onto the stage, performed by his company, Acosta Danza.

“A breath of fresh air”

The Guardian HHHH

Age 8+

Friends Discount

14 – 18 Apr 2026

A powerful tale of obsession, possession and one girl’s dream to be the greatest dancer in the world. Featuring the music of Bernard Herrmann with sumptuous designs by Lez Brotherston.

“A gorgeous swirl of story telling and style”

The Independent Age 7+ Friends Discount

Dance

16 & 17 May 2025

Wee Man

A highly physical dance-theatre work by award-winning choreographer Natasha Gilmore, celebrating and questioning masculinity across generations.

12 Jul 2025

More fun, more dance, more song and even more entertainment than ever before! Anton and Giovanni are back with a brand-new show.

World Premiere

Friends Discount

Associate company

Hopeful Monsters

5 & 6 Sep 2025

The story of evolution told entirely with hands. A tale of survival, connection and the playfulness of living.

Age 5+

Friends Discount

30 Sep 2025

Tenterhooks presents the wild, funny and touching true story of how a very special grizzly bear became a folk legend.

Age 6+

Friends Discount

9 – 11 Oct 2025

Based on the book by Julia Donaldson and Illustrated by Rebecca Cobb, we follow the adventures of a little girl who cuts out a string of paper dolls to take on a fantastical adventure.

Friends Discount

27 Nov – 7 Dec 2025

This glittering production is inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale – which was also the basis for Frozen.

From the bustle of a winter’s market to the shivers of a fairytale forest, take a journey to the Snow Queen’s palace, where you’ll find her surrounded by the icy fragments of an enchanted mirror. Along the way, you’ll meet a sparkling cast of characters, from young lovers parted by a spell to a circus ringmaster with a few tricks up his sleeve.

Choreographed by Christopher Hampson and designed by the award-winning Lez Brotherston, this story of love and friendship is a delight for the whole family.

“Pure magic… a flawless performance” The Wee Review HHHHH

“A magical work… this is a show not to miss ”

Arts Review Edinburgh HHHHH

Friends Discount

13 Dec 2025 – 11 Jan 2026

Join Allan Stewart, Grant Stott and Jordan Young for the panto you’ve all BEAN waiting for!

Follow Jack, and climb a beanstalk of gigantic proportions to cloudland in the spectacular family pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk.

Doomed to sell his trusty cow, join Jack’s fight to outwit the evil giant and win riches beyond his wildest dreams. Featuring laughs, music, special effects and bundles of audience participation in this GIANT of a pantomime!

“A Christmas cracker of a Panto!” What’s Good to Do

“An avalanche of sparkling Christmas magic”

The Scotsman HHHH

2025

Sat 13 Dec 2pm 7pm

Sun 14 Dec 1pm 5pm

Mon 15 Dec

Tue 16 Dec 10.30am (S) 7pm

Wed 17 Dec 2pm

Thu 18 Dec

Fri 19 Dec 2pm 7pm Sat 20 Dec 2pm 7pm Sun 21 Dec 1pm 5pm Mon 22 Dec 2pm 7pm Tue 23 Dec 2pm 7pm

Wed 24 Dec 1pm 5pm Thu 25 Dec

Fri 26 Dec 2pm 7pm Sat 27 Dec 2pm 7pm Sun 28 Dec 1pm 5pm Mon 29 Dec 2pm 7pm

Tue 30 Dec 2pm 7pm Wed 31 Dec 1pm 5pm

2026

Thu 1 Jan

Fri 2 Jan 2pm 7pm Sat 3 Jan 2pm 7pm Sun 4 Jan 1pm 5pm Mon 5 Jan 2pm 7pm Tue 6 Jan Wed 7 Jan 2pm 7pm Thu 8 Jan 7pm Fri 9 Jan 2pm (R) 7pm Sat 10 Jan 2pm 7pm Sun 11 Jan 1pm 5pm

(S) Schools Performance

(R) Relaxed Performance

An inclusive panto for people requiring additional support and their families.

Friends Discount

Also coming up

7 May 2025

Age 14+

LIFE is set in a drawing class. The audience are invited to draw, doodle, or simply watch the story emerge. Friends Discount

25 May 2025

Dust off your air guitars for an evening of the best classic rock anthems from legends past and present!

31 Aug 2025

‘AN EVENING WITH’

and his ACOUSTIC GROUP

7 – 10 May 2025

Southern Light, Edinburgh’s oldest amateur company present this timeless rock opera. Friends Discount

18 & 19 Jul 2025

The Beyond Broadway Experience cast of local young people present the explosive 80s musical.

The four-time Grammy Award winning legend brings his acoustic band to Edinburgh.

6 Sep 2025

Age 12A

Dive into a night of inspiring ocean adventure films, showcasing epic journeys and stunning marine wildlife!

5 Sep 2025 Age 16+ “Uniquely hilarious”

The Scotsman

4 – 8 Nov 2025

Join the Gang as South East Scotland Scouts and Girlguiding Edinburgh return with another vibrant musical extravaganza!

10 Nov 2025

Age 10+

Brand new tales from the master of paranormal storytelling, Danny Robins. Friends Discount

8 Feb 2026

Age 14+

The hotly anticipated follow-up to Chris’ last sell-out tour.

“Stand-up gold” The Guardian

7 Feb 2026

Age 12A

Join top adventurers for two epic film programmes! Featuring thrilling expeditions, and adrenaline-fueled action!

22 Mar 2026

Age 16+

A hilarious treatise on stigma, humiliation, and misunderstanding. Friends Discount

Take Part

Backstage Tours

3 May, 7 Jun, 5 Jul, 6 Sep, 4 Oct, 1 Nov

Did you know that the Festival Theatre sits on Edinburgh’s longest theatre site and has played host to everyone from David Bowie to The Great Lafayette? Want to find out more, or stand on stage and feel like a star?

Includes a tea or coffee and cake at the end.

Cost £15 Friends Discount

Talk Ballet: Scottish Ballet

2 May

6.30pm

Join the Scottish Ballet artistic team as they share insights from behind the scenes of their production of The Crucible focusing on the creation of the show, the choreography, and the music.

Cost £5

Artist Support

Join us for monthly learning and networking sessions for local theatre makers at the Studio Theatre.

8 May Fundraising for Beginners 11 Jun Talking Tech on Tour

Jul The Big Edinburgh Theatre Meet Up Cost Free but ticketed

Introduction to Puppetry Workshops (The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe)

13 - 16 May

Various times available

Festival Theatre or your preferred setting

Suitable for schools, youth and performance groups. Step into a magical world of creativity and storytelling with our hands-on Introduction to Puppetry Workshop, inspired by the beloved classic

Sharing the extraordinary

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe and led by professional artist Jessica Innes. No experience needed!

Cost £150 per workshop

Theatre Insights: Taster Day

8 Jun

10am - 4pm

Ages 12 - 14

Calling S1-3s who love drama! Want to discover what goes on behind the scenes at Scotland’s biggest performing arts organisation? Join us for a fun Taster Day, where you’ll get a sneak peek at everything from technical production to the world of showbiz and theatre making.

Cost £18

Theatre Insights: Holiday Club 14 - 17 July

10am - 4pm

Ages 15 - 18

Curious about careers in theatre? Join us for a four-day course! Learn about a range of inspiring roles in morning workshops, then spend the afternoons devising a new show to perform for friends and family at the end of the week.

Cost £60

Contact Creative Engagement engage@capitaltheatres.com

Dementia friendly

These events are suitable for people living with dementia, their families and caregivers. We release tickets one month in advance. Email us at engage@capitaltheatres.com if you want to talk to someone before attending.

Tea and ‘Jam’

Mon 28 Apr, Mon 26 May, Mon 30 Jun, Mon 21 Jul, Mon 29 Sept 11am – 12.30pm

Everyone is welcome for this uplifting dementia friendly celebration as Gus Harrower plays your favourite songs. Dancing shoes optional!

Cost Free but ticketed

The Hobby Box

Wed 30 April, Wed 25 June 11am – 12noon

Bring a cherished item along to Capital Theatres’ very own show-and-tell.

Cost Free but ticketed

Together in Song

Fri 2 May, Fri 6 June, Fri 4 July, Fri 5 Sept 2pm – 3pm

Celebrating life’s moments through a series of stories and songs picked and performed by people living with lived experience of dementia, with the Forget Me Notes choir.

Cost Free but ticketed

Brew and Blether

Wed 28 May, Wed 23 July, Wed 24 Sept 2pm – 3pm

These sessions are all about coming together for a warm cuppa and a chat in a relaxed and informal setting.

Cost Free but ticketed

Jack in the Box

Sat 31 May

11am and 2.30pm

A dementia friendly musical adventure with singer Michelle Burke, pianist James Ross, and the mischievous “Jack,” whose playful antics turn a train journey into a heartwarming tale of music and mischief.

Cost Free but ticketed

Comfy Ceilidh

Wed 4 June 11am – 12.30pm

Join us for a ceilidh with a twist, where everyone can get involved from the comfort of their seat.

Cost Free but ticketed

Kindly supported by

Access

The Festival Theatre and the Studio Theatre have automatic entrance doors and lifts to all levels. The Festival Theatre has accessible toilets on levels one and two, and the Studio Theatre on level one. We offer ear defenders and use of our theatre wheelchair.

How to Book Book accessible performances and services, or request a large print, braille or audio brochure by phone, in person, or online at capitaltheatres.com/access

Wheelchair users Please book wheelchair spaces in advance. All spaces have adjacent seats for companions. The Festival Theatre has 8 spaces in the stalls. The Studio Theatre has 2 spaces at the front.

Assistance Animals are welcome at all our theatres.

Headsets and Personal Induction Loops Available for all performances. Collect from a member of staff on arrival. The number of headsets and loops are limited. Box Office staff can advise on best seats for reception.

Captioning is similar to subtitles on TV. Captions are shown on two raised display units either side of the stage. The text is in large print and delivered at the same time as the words are spoken or sung. Please mention if you wish to use this service when booking your tickets.

BSL – Sign Language Interpreted A BSL Interpreter will stand on one side of the stage and interpret all spoken or sung speech. Please mention if you wish to use this service when booking your tickets.

Audio Description is a form of audiovisual translation. Through a headset (collect on arrival) a describer will tell you where the characters are on stage, what they are wearing, how they gesture and what the set looks like. Please mention if you wish to use this service when booking your tickets.

Touch Tours of the set, costumes and props are usually available from 90 minutes before the Audio Described show. Touch Tour tickets are free and should be requested in advance. Touch Tours are exclusively for those using the audio description service and their companions.

Accessible Parking The Festival Theatre has a limited number of spaces available for accessible parking and pick up / drop off in the courtyard. Please email parking@capitaltheatres.com or phone 0131 662 1112.

capitaltheatres.com/access

How to book

Tickets for all our shows can be purchased from the Festival Theatre.

Online capitaltheatres.com

In Person at the Festival Theatre (Mon to Sat 10am – 4pm or until curtain-up) or at the Studio Theatre 30 minutes before curtain up. Phone 0131 529 6000 (Mon to Sat 11am – 3pm) Groups (8+) 0131 529 6005 (Mon to Fri 11am – 3pm)

Next Generation Text (NGT) Relay 18002 0131 529 6003 (a text relay assistant will relay the phone conversation between you and our Box Office)

How to find us

Festival Theatre 13-29 Nicolson St, Edinburgh EH8 9FT

Studio Theatre 22 Potterrow, Edinburgh EH8 9BL

BY BUS Travel with our official transport partner, Lothian Buses, to Nicolson Street. Download the ”Bus & Tram” App to plan your journey, purchase tickets and more!

BY CAR No parking on Nicolson St.

Single yellow lines and Pay & Display spaces available on side streets.

BY TAXI Drop-off points outside front doors at both theatres. We are happy to order a taxi after the performance for those with mobility issues.

Discounts

25 & Under - £10 on the day Tickets available until 30 mins before curtain on most performances. Bookable online for 16-25 year olds. For 11-15 year olds, in person at box office or call 0131 529 6000. Valid photo ID required. Full details online.

Babes in Arms For most shows, children under the age of 4 cannot be admitted to the auditorium, as loud sounds and special effects can be scary for little ones. Tickets for babies under 12 months are usually available for our young children’s shows and relaxed performances (please check website). They won’t have their own seat, they can enjoy the show while sitting on their carer’s lap. Please note that everyone attending, no matter their age, will need their own ticket.

Access Access users can choose to receive 50% off the price of their ticket, and 50% off essential companion tickets, subject to availability. Available by phone and in person or online by

completing a short form. capitaltheatres.com/access Concessions Are available on some shows. Please check show pages on the website for details. Friends discounts only apply on certain performances. Ticket prices are subject to change with demand, book early for the best seats and prices. Exclusions may apply to all discounts and are subject to availability and not available on all shows. Discounts can be withdrawn at any time. Discounts apply to full price tickets only. Only one discount per ticket. Proof of status must be shown where appropriate. Tickets are non-refundable unless the performance is cancelled.

Booking T&Cs can be found on our website: capitaltheatres.com/terms Postage will be £2 if you ask us to post your tickets.

Theatre Development Fund

Ticket prices include a contribution to our theatre development fund which pays for the restoration and upkeep of our theatres.

Terms

Please see our website capitaltheatres.com/terms for full terms and conditions or capitaltheatres.com/faq for some frequently asked questions. Latecomers may not be admitted until a suitable break in the performance, which could be the interval. The Latecomers Policy is set on a show-by-show basis. We advise you to arrive at least 30min before the performance to avoid queues, especially if collecting tickets.

Admission Policy Management reserves the right to refuse admission.

Cancelled Performance If a performance is cancelled we will make every effort to accommodate you at another time, or offer a refund.

All info correct at time of going to print and subject to change.

TicketPlan cancellation protection is available at the time of purchase. Your tickets are non-refundable and this will protect you against cancellation resulting from certain unforeseen circumstances.

Visit ticketplangroup.com for full terms and conditions.

Wheelchair Spaces

Thanks to all our supporters

As a charity, Capital Theatres relies on the generous support of many who help us to share extraordinary live experiences with everyone again and again.

We are an independent theatre organisation and a registered

Scottish Charity No SC018605

Public Funders