Festival Theatre Listings

Upcoming shows at the Festival Theatre

Festival Theatre
13/29 Nicolson Street EH8 9FT. Phone booking: 0131 529 6000
Website: www.capitaltheatres.com

The Festival Theatre. Photo © Thom Dibdin

Click on the name of the show to go to its ticketing site.

The 1,915 seat Festival Theatre is Capital Theatres’ flagship venue. It is currently taking all the company’s main-stage performances while the King’s Theatre is dark for a major refurbishment and upgrade. The stage has the largest performance area in Scotland and is the third largest in the UK.

There is lift access to all floors and flat access from the lift to all seating areas in the Stalls.

2026

May 2026

Guys and Dolls (Southern Light)
Wed 13 – Sat 16 May 2026
Evenings: 7.30pm; Mat Sat: 2.30pm.
Luck be a lady tonight! When gambler Sky takes a bet on whether he can get Sarah from the Save A Soul Mission to go on a date, the stage is set for comedy and romance. This classic musical features well-known songs including Sit Down You’re Rocking The Boat, Luck Be A Lady and I’ve Never Been In Love Before. Book here.

Lost in Music – One Night at the Disco
Sun 17 May 2026
Evening: 7.30pm.
Step back into the era of glitter balls and groove – Lost in Music is back with a brand-new, high-energy show that’s bigger, bolder, and more dazzling than ever! A spectacular night of non-stop disco anthems from sensational live band, powerhouse vocalists, and vibrant production bring the magic of the 70s back to life. Book here.

An Evening With Louis Theroux
Fri 22 May 2026
Evenings: 7.30pm.
For more than three decades, Louis Theroux has travelled the world meeting people on the extremes. Now, he offers audiences the chance to step inside the mind of one of Britain’s most distinctive documentary makers. In this intimate, in-depth conversation, he will reflect on the moments that shaped his career, the interviews that surprised him and the environments that tested him. Book here.

June 2026

The Marriage of Figaro (Scottish Opera)
Fri 29/Sun 31 May, Tue 2, Thurs 4, Sat 6 June 2026
Tue – Sat: 7.15pm; Sun: 3pm.
Sir Thomas Allen revives his much-loved production of Mozart’s unstoppable masterpiece. Simon Higlett’s sumptuous designs provide the backdrop for a comedy of social revolution and subversion that is as relevant today as ever, and this time sung in English. Book here.

NT Live: The Playboy of the Western World
Tue 9 Jun 2026
One perf: 7.30pm.
Film screening from the National Theatre. Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton) joins Éanna Hardwicke (The Sixth Commandment) and Siobhán McSweeney (Derry Girls) in John Millington Synge’s riveting play of youth and self-discovery. Book here.

NT Live: All My Sons
Wed 10 Jun 2026
One perf: 7.30pm.
Film screening from the National Theatre. Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) and Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Hard Truths) feature in a five-star, triumphantly acclaimed new production of Arthur Miller’s classic play, from visionary director Ivo Van Hove (A View from the Bridge). Book here.

Dracula
Fri 12 – Sat 13 Jun 2026
Evenings: 7.30pm; Sat Mat: 2.30pm.
Driven by masterpieces from Bach, Rachmaninov, Mozart, Liszt, Mussorgsky, Mendelssohn, Saint-Saëns and Debussy, this haunting retelling unleashes a collision of desire, torment and immortality. Choreographed by Joel Burke, the production features a powerhouse international cast of alumni from ballet companies across the world. Book here.

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo
Tue 16 – Wed 17 Jun 2026
Evenings: 7.30pm.
For almost 50 years, the all-male comedy ballet company Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo (affectionately known as the “Trocks”) have been delighting audiences of all ages at sell-out performances featuring their fabulous sense of fun and their flawless dance. Originally from New York, the Trocks are now loved world-wide for their sassy spoofs and hilarious homages to classical ballet. Book here.

Ballet Black at 25
Fri 19 Jun 2026
Evening: 7.30pm.
For twenty-five years, Cassa Pancho’s Ballet Black has brought bold new ballet to stages across the UK, creating and sharing original stories with dancers from around the world. This anniversary season celebrates a quarter of a century of innovation, mentoring and collaboration, while looking ahead to the future. Book here.

Simon and Garfunkel: Through the Years
Sat 20 June 2026
Evenings: 7.30pm.
Critically acclaimed as one of the world’s greatest tribute shows, Simon & Garfunkel Through the Years continues to delight audiences across the globe. Featuring stunning vocal harmonies from world-class musicians, this spectacular concert transports you on a journey through the epic songs and history of the much-loved Simon and Garfunkel. Book here.

The Karate Kid – The Musical
Tue 23 – Sat 27 Jun 2026
Tue – Sat: 7.30pm; Mats Thurs, Sat: 2.30pm.
Heartfelt coming-of-age story takes flight with spectacular musical numbers and dazzlingly inventive choreography. Daniel LaRusso’s journey is reimagined through movement, music, and raw, energetic storytelling. Book here.

July 2026

This is Rambert
Thur 2 – Sat 4 Jul 2026
Thur/Fri: 7.30pm; Sat mat: 2.30pm.
This is Rambert: living, breathing dance DNA. Spotlighting the voices, visions and ideas shaping our world today — dance that’s alive with urgency, energy and relevance. Rambert’s centenary brings together bold, high-impact works from (LA)HORDE, Emma Evelein and a brand-new commission. Book here.

Nikita Kuzmin – Supernova
Fri 10 Jul 2026
Evening: 7.30pm.
Strictly Come Dancing finalist and fan favourite Nikita Kuzmin takes centre stage in the explosive new dance spectacular. Created in collaboration with Jason Gilkison and presented by Burn the Floor, Supernova is a show fuelled by the firepower of world class performers and creatives. Book here.

K-Pop All Stars
Sat 18 Jul 2026
One performance: 3pm.
From stadium-shaking anthems to breathtaking choreography, K-Pop All Stars celebrates the global phenomenon redefining pop culture. With explosive performances of today’s biggest K-pop hits from BlackPink, NewJeans, Katseye, and BTS and spectacular numbers inspired by the smash-hit film K-pop Demon Hunters, this high-energy tribute brings the thrill of Seoul’s stages to life. Book here.

Little Shop of Horrors (Beyond Broadway)
Fri 24/Sat 25 Jul 2026
Evenings: 7.30pm; Sat mat: 2.30pm.
When timid floral assistant Seymour stumbles upon a strange plant, he has no idea how his life is about to change. As the plant’s growth draws attention to the struggling Skid Row flower shop, Seymour finds himself on the brink of fame, fortune, and the affection of his coworker, Audrey. The Beyond Broadway Experience features 200 talented young performers. Book here.

August 2026

Edinburgh International Festival

The Galloping Cure (EIF)
Opera Ventures Productions, Scottish Opera
Sat 8 – Tue 11 Aug 2026
Sun, Tue/Wed: 7pm. (2hrs 15m)
Local doctor Theresa Hart works tirelessly for her community in a fading, forgotten corner of the world. When the charismatic Lucky Mack comes to town, her daughter Noy is captivated. A ride on his carousel – the first one always free – promises miraculous relief from all aches and pains, and soon the whole town is swept up in euphoria. But getting off the ride gets harder with every turn. This world premiere from Opera Ventures Productions reunites Scottish Opera with the creative forces of composer Missy Mazzoli, librettist Royce Vavrek and director Tom Morris. Book here.

Ihsane (EIF)
Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève / Eastman.
Tue 18 – Thu 20 Aug 2026
Evenings: 7.30pm. (1hr 40m)
Double Olivier Award-winning choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui’s latest work explores how the world changes in a never-ending cycle of destruction and rebirth. Live music, composed and led by Tunisian viola d’amore player Jasser Haj Youssef, follows each step of the dancers from Cherkaoui’s two companies. Draped in earth-toned costumes and surrounded by Persian rugs, they pay homage to both contemporary dance and cultural traditions. Book here.

A Masked Ball (EIF)
Zurich Opera House,
Wed 26 – Sun 30 Aug 2026
Wed/Thurs, Sat: 7pm; Sun: 2pm. (2hrs 50m)
Love and deception swirl at the centre of Giuseppe Verdi’s tragicomic opera from Zurich Opera House, given a fresh twist by Welsh director Adele Thomas. Riccardo, the Governor of Boston, is in love with his best friend’s wife. Caught between love and loyalty, Riccardo risks everything – his political standing and even his life. Book here.

September 2026

Ocean Film Festival
Sat 5 Sept 2026
Evening: 7.30pm.
Climb aboard for a night of ocean adventure. Venture to rarely explored depths of the planet with this selection of short films, meet the surfers, paddlers, divers and scientists who have dedicated their lives to answering the call of the ocean. Plunge into the wonders of the big blue – without getting your feet wet! Book here.

Serena Terry: Therapy
Sun 6 Sept 2026 (postponed date)
Evening: 7pm.
After a four month hiatus, an exhaustive list of therapies and an explorative mission towards self care, Serena’s back to her best! Still medicated, still peri-menopausal and a little bit mentally unstable, but functioning, wearing a bra when out in public again and ready to tell you all about her journey to recovery and the life altering events that came in between. Book here.

The Silence of the Lambs
Tue 8 – Sat 12 Sep 2026
Evenings: 7.30pm; Mats Thur, Sat: 2.30pm.
When FBI trainee Clarice Starling is sent to interview the psychiatrist and infamous murderer Hannibal Lecter, it’s hoped his brilliant mind will help catch sadistic new serial killer. But Dr Lecter has questions of his own. Should Clarice keep a safe distance, or let Hannibal into her head? Book here.

SIX the Musical
Tue 15 – Sat 26 Sept 2026
Tue – Sat: 8pm (Fridays & Wed 23: 8.30pm). Early eve: Fridays & Wed 23: 6pm: Mats: Sat: 4pm; Sun: 2pm.
From Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses, the six wives of Henry VIII take to the mic to tell their tales, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an 80-minute celebration of 21st century girl power. These Queens may have green sleeves but their lipstick is rebellious red. Book here.

October 2026

Emergence (Scottish Ballet)
Thur 1 – Sat 3 Oct 2026
Evenings: 7.30pm.
Crystal Pite’s Emergence is a breathtaking fusion of classical ballet and raw, insect-like movement that casts dancers as swarming creatures in a darkly beautiful universe, creating spectacular formations that blur the boundaries between individual and collective consciousness. Book here.

Barnum
Tue 6 – Sat 10 Oct 2026
Evenings: 7.30pm; Thurs, Sat mats: 2.30pm.
Matt Rawle stars as the world’s greatest showman, P.T. Barnum. Hand in hand with wife Charity, Barnum’s life and career twists and turns as he schemes and dreams his way to headier heights. Book here.

Sylvia
Mon 12 – Sat 17 Oct 2026
Evenings: 7.30pm; Thurs, Sat mats: 2.30pm.
Torn between loyalty, love, and revolution, the remarkable story of Sylvia Pankhurst’s life explodes onto the stage. Powerhouse talent Beverley Knight reprises her Olivier award winning role as Emmeline Pankhurst, alongside Sharon Rose  as Sylvia. Book here.

Circa: Duck Pond
Fri 30 & Sat 31 Oct 2026
Fri: 7.30pm; Sat: 2.30pm.
The world’s most romantic ballet is re-imagined as a circus spectacular, full of Circa’s signature physicality and shot through with cheeky humour and a thoroughly contemporary energy. Book here.

November 2026

Matthew Bourne’s The Car Man
Tue 3 – Sat 7 Nov 2026
Evening: 7.30pm; Thurs, Sat mat: 2.30pm.
Loosely based on Bizet’s ever-popular opera, the familiar 19th Century Spanish cigarette factory becomes a greasy 1950’s Mid-West garage-diner, where the dreams and passions of a small-town are shattered by the arrival of a handsome and enigmatic stranger. Fuelled by heat and desire, the inhabitants are driven into an unstoppable spiral of greed, lust, betrayal and revenge. Book here.

A Man For All Seasons
Tue 24 to Sat 28 Nov 2026
Evenings: 7.30pm; Thurs, Sat mat: 2.30pm.
Martin Shaw stars as Sir Thomas More – scholar, ambassador, lord chancellor and friend to King Henry VIII. The most powerful and dangerous figures who shaped English history are brought vividly to life in Robert Bolt’s award-winning play. Book here.

December 2026

The Choir of Man
Tue 1 – Sat 5 Dec 2026
Evenings: 7.30pm; Thurs, Sat mat: 2.30pm.
Welcome to the best pub in the world… Come ready to drink in the excitement! A wildly talented group of incredible instrumentalists, world-class wordsmiths, and sensational singers, this cast of nine (extra)ordinary guys serve it all… live – in an uplifting celebration of community and friendship where everyone is welcome. Book here.

Cinders! (Scottish Ballet)
Friday 11 – Thursday 24 December 2026
Evenings: 7.30pm (Tue – Sat except Tue 15, Thu 24).
Mats Sat/Sun & daily from Thurs 17: 2.30pm; except Thu 24: 1.30pm.
In Cinders!, the classic gets a romantic twist: on some nights, Cinders is a woman swept off her feet by her Prince; on others, a man swept off his feet by his Princess. In this revival, we’re adding new possibilities – some performances will feature a male Cinders meeting his Prince, or a female Cinders meeting her Princess. Book here from 12 noon, Friday 13 March.

January 2027

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Tue 12 – Sat 16 Jan 2027
Tue – Sat: 7.30pm; Mats Thur, Sat: 2.30pm.
Christopher Boone is gifted with a brilliant mind for numbers but unsettled by the unpredictability of people and everyday life. When a neighbour’s dog is killed, he finds himself under suspicion. Determined to prove his innocence, he is drawn into a mystery that grows darker and more complex with every clue he uncovers. Book here.

February 2027

The Ultimate Classic Rock Show
Sat 7 Feb 2027
One perf: 7.30pm.
Dust off your air guitars for an evening of the best classic rock anthems from legends past and present. A roller coaster journey of classic rock nostalgia, hit after hit performed live with stunning accuracy and high energy accompanied by an incredible light and projection show. Book here.

Agatha Christie’s The Hollow
Tue 9 to Sat 13 Feb 2027
Evenings: 7.30pm; Thurs, Sat mat: 2.30pm.
Following sell-out tours of Murder on the Orient Express and Death on the Nile, Fiery Angel reunites with director Lucy Bailey to bring this darkly seductive new staging of one of Agatha Christie’s most compelling mysteries The Hollow. Book here.

Ed Gamble: Fresh Hell
Sun 14 Feb 2027
Evenings: 7.30pm; Mats: Thurs, Sat: 2.30pm.
Everyone’s annoying cousin, Ed Gamble, is going back on tour in 2027 across the UK & Ireland with some more of his stand-up grot. Host of visualised spin-offs The Traitors: Uncloaked and Taskmaster The Podcast, come and see the self-appointed Crown Prince of Visualised Companion Podcasts harrumph about the stage. Book here.

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
Tue 16 – Sat 20 Feb 2027
Evenings: 7.30pm; Mats Thurs & Sat: 2.30pm.
Jamie New is sixteen and lives on a council estate in Sheffield. Jamie doesn’t quite fit in. Jamie is terrified about the future. Jamie is going to be a sensation. Supported by his brilliant loving mum and surrounded by his friends, Jamie overcomes prejudice, beats the bullies and steps out of the darkness, into the spotlight. Book here.

March 2027

Heathers: The Musical
Tue 23 to Sat 27 Mar 2027
Evenings: 7.30pm; Thurs, Sat mat: 2.30pm.
Welcome to Westerberg High, where popularity is a matter of life and death. Based on the iconic movie starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, Heathers the Musical is wickedly funny, deliciously dark and full of big fun! Book here.

April 2027

Fascinating Aïda
Sun 4 Apr 2027
One perf: 7.30pm.
The world’s greatest cabaret troupe are back with a brand new show featuring the devilishly funny and gloriously glamorous Dillie, Liza and Adèle. With brand new songs generated by human neural networks and using their combined deep-learning age of 278 years, they have data-mined their back catalogue to bring audiences their greatest, most sensationally analogue show ever! Book here.

May 2027

Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella
Tue 4 to Sat 8 May 2027
Evenings: 7.30pm; Thurs, Sat mat: 2.30pm.
New Adventures returns with the 30th anniversary celebration of one of their beloved productions, Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella – a thrilling and evocative love story, set in London during the Second World War. Book here.