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.
NB: The Festival Theatre has now re-opened in line with Scottish Government advice. Full details here: welcomeback.
2022
July 2022
Anton and Giovanni – Him & Me
Friday 1 July 2022
Evening: 7.30
Strictly Come Dancing professionals Anton Do Beke and Giovanni Pernice join forces. The Ballroom King and the two-time Guinness World Record holder will be joined by a world class cast of dancers and singers. Book here.
Sarah Millican: Bobby Dazzler
Sat 2/Sun 3 July 2022
Evenings: 8pm.
Sarah is back on tour with a new stand-up show. In this, her sixth international tour, you’ll learn about what happens when your mouth seals shut, how to throw poo over a wall, trying to lose weight but only losing the tip of your finger, a surprisingly funny smear test, and how truly awful a floatation tank can actually be. Book here.
Zog and the Flying Doctors
Sat 9 – Wed 13 July 2022
Sat 4.30pm, Sun 11am, 2pm & 4.30pm, Mon, Tue & Wed 11am & 2pm.
Zog, super keen student turned air-ambulance, still lands with a crash-bang-thump. Together with his Flying Doctor crew, Princess Pearl and Sir Gadabout, they tend to a sunburnt mermaid, a unicorn with one too many horns and a lion with the flu. Book here.
Mania: The Abba Tribute
Sat 23 July 2022
Evening: 7.30pm.
A special concert presentation, which celebrates the music of ABBA “in a respectful and enjoyable way”, reviving special memories of when ABBA ruled the airwaves. If you’re looking for an excuse to party, reminisce or simply be entertained by the best music ever, then Mania: The Abba Tribute is for you! Book here.
Grease
Fri 29/Sat 30 July 2022
Evenings: 7.30pm; Sat Mat: 2.30pm.
Oh, those summer nights at the all-American Rydell High School where the T-bones and the Pink Ladies rule… 200 talented youngsters, directed and choreographed by the Beyond Broadway Productions team, hit the Festival Theatre like a bolt of greased lightening with the high-energy cult classic. It’s Electrifying! Book here
August 2022
Rusalka (EIF)
Sat 6, Mon 8/Tue 9 August 2022
Evenings: 7.15pm.
A new production of Dvořák’s haunting fable of a water sprite who sacrifices everything when she falls in love with a human prince, featuring Natalya Romaniw comes to the International Festival, with the Philharmonia Orchestra, Douglas Boyd and Garsington Opera. Book here
Coppelia (EIF)
Sun 14 – Tue 16 August 2022
Evenings: 7.30pm; Tue Mat: 2.30pm.
Scottish Ballet test the boundaries of dance, theatre and film in this distinctive new version of the classic ballet, blending location and real-time filming with projection and live performance in a world premiere. Book here
A Little Life (EIF)
Sat 20 – Mon 22 August 2022
Sat/Sun: 6pm; Mon: 2pm.
Acclaimed director Ivo van Hove adapts Yanagihara’s novel for the theatre into a deeply moving performance of epic proportions. Dutch actor Ramsey Nasr won the Louis d’Or (Best Male Performance) for his portrayal of central character Jude. Book here
Jungle Book Reimagined (EIF)
Thurs 25 – Sun 28 August 2022
Thurs-Sat: 7.30pm; Sat/Sun matinees: 2.30pm.
Following the success of 2018’s XENOS, internationally celebrated choreographer and International Festival favourite Akram Khan makes his return to the Festival Theatre, with a magical dance retelling of Kipling’s family classic. Book here
September 2022
BambinO
Thurs 1 – Sat 4 Sept 2022
Two shows daily: 10am & 11.30am (45 mins)
This five-star, sell-out show has been entertaining babies in Scotland and around the world since it was created in 2017. A magical piece of music theatre aimed at an audience that does not often get a look-in at opera… but whose minds are wide open to new sounds and experiences. Performance takes place in the Empire Rooms. Book here.
James Smith Live: The C Word
Thurs 1 Sept 2022
Evening: 8pm.
The brand new live show experience to accompany the release of HOW TO BE CONFIDENT – the third instalment in James’ no-nonsense guides to gaining the tools to empower your decision-making and change your life. Book here.
Rush: A Joyous Jamaican Journey
Saturday 3 Sept 2022
Evening: 7.30pm.
The story of Reggae music: the Windrush Generation and how their music took the world by storm. Narrated by comedian John Simmit the show features ska, rock steady, calypso, gospel, lovers rock, dancehall and Reggae played live by the JA Reggae Band. Book here.
Sister Act
Tue 6 – Sat 17 September 2022 – postponed to October 2023.
The Osmonds – A New Musical
Tue 20 – Sat 24 September 2022
Evenings: 7.30pm;
Matines Wed, Thurs, Sat: 2.30pm.
See news: Osmonds for Edinburgh.
Jukebox musical telling the official story by Jay Osmond about the five brothers from Utah who were pushed into the spotlight as children and went on with their younger siblings to create smash hits decade after decade. Book here.
October 2022
James IV – Queen of the Fight
Fri 30 Sept – Sat 8 October 2022
Tue – Sat 7.30pm; Thurs, Sat: 2.30pm.
Employing the same wit and theatricality of the first three James Plays, acclaimed playwright Rona Munro takes you back to a thrilling and uncharted period of Scottish history. Scotland, 1504, the dazzling, dangerous world of the Scottish Court of James IV. It’s a world where war is never far away, words of love and promises of peace are not what they seem and where poets might turn out to be more dangerous than any assassin. Book here.
Harry Hill: Pedigree Fun!
Sun 9 October 2022
Evening: 7.30pm.
Harry is back with brand-new amazing jokes in an all-singing, all-dancing one-man spectacular. “I hadn’t realised how much I missed performing live until lockdown stopped me from doing it,” says Harry, “It’s great to be going back on stage and the good news is I am planning a very silly show.” Book here.
The Cher Show
Tue 11 – Sat 15 October 2022
Evenings: 7.30pm; Matines Thurs, Sat: 2.30pm.
See news: Cher Show for Edinburgh.
From a young kid with big dreams, to the dizzying heights of global stardom, The Cher Show uses 35 of her hits to tell the incredible story of Cher’s meteoric rise to fame, flying in the face of convention at every turn. Directed by Arlene Phillips and choreographed by Oti Mabuse. Book here.
Dr Richard Shepherd: Unnatural Causes
Sun 16 Oct 2022
Evening: 7.30pm.
Meet the forensic pathologist, Dr Richard Shepherd. He has performed over 23,000 autopsies, including some of the most high-profile cases of recent times: the Hungerford Massacre, the Princess Diana inquiry, Bali bombings and 9/11. Book here.
Freedom starring Joe McElderry
Mon 17 Oct 2022
Evening: 7.30pm.
Freedom starring Joe McElderry pays homage to one of the world’s most iconic music legends. Celebrating George Michael’s immense catalogue of Grammy award-winning hits Freedom will have you on your feet and singing along with fast-paced classics and sensational ballads performed by Joe and a full live band. Book here.
Martin Bayfield’s Rugby Legends
Wed 19 Oct 2022
Evening: 7.30pm.
From the police beat to the Hollywood movie screen to a Five Nations Grand Slam and MasterChef final, Martin Bayfield has had a varied life! Join former England international and true giant of the game Martin Bayfield as he embarks on his ‘Rugby Legends’ UK tour. Book here.
Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo
Sun 23 Oct 2022
Evening: 7.30pm.
The all-male comedy ballet company, “The Trocks”, has been delighting audiences of all ages at sell-out performances featuring their fabulous sense of fun and their flawless dance for almost 50 years. They return to Edinburgh with another dose of tutus, testosterone and fierce false eyelashes. Not to forget their prima ballerina attitude, immaculate technique and daring physicality. Book here.
Lost in Music
Sun 23 Oct 2022
Evening: 7.30pm.
Join us as we recreate the Magical 70’s! Let us take you on a musical journey straight to the heart of Disco! Relive some of the greatest songs of all time, from artists such as Donna Summer, Gloria Gaynor, Earth, Wind and Fire, Sister Sledge, and Chic. Book here.
South Pacific
Tue 25- Sat 29 October 2022
Tue – Sat 7.30pm; Weds, Thurs, Sat: 2.30pm.
Chichester Festival Theatre’s critically acclaimed, landmark production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s powerful love story with a cast of over thirty and a full orchestra. Set on a South Pacific island during World War ll it features songs such as Some Enchanted Evening, I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair and Bali Ha’i. Book here.
November 2022
Scottish Opera – Ainadamar
Tue 8, Thurs 10 & Sat 12 Nov 2022
Tue, Thurs, Sat: 7.15pm.
Argentinian composer Osvaldo Golijov creates a vibrant, poetic sound world combining opera with flamenco dance and song as he brilliantly reimagines and explores the life and works of Federico García Lorca – playwright and poet. Book here.
Scottish Ballet – The Snow Queen
Sat 19 Nov – Sat 10 Dec 2022
Tue 6, Wed – Sat: 7.30pm, Fri-Sun: 2.30pm.
Scottish Ballet’s spectacular production of The Snow Queen returns. Hans Christian Andersen’s tale – set to the music of Rimsky-Korsakov, choreographed by Christopher Hampson and designed by Lez Brotherston – travels from the bustle of a winter’s market to the shivers of a fairy tale forest and the icy fragments of an enchanted mirror in the Snow Queen’s castle. Book here.
December 2022
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Sat 17 Dec 2022 – Sun 22 Jan 2023
(Not Mons or Sun 25)
Tue – Sat: 2pm & 7pm; Suns, Sat 24 & Sat 31: 1pm & 5pm. No mats: Wed 4, Thurs 19, Fri 20.
Mirror, Mirror on the wall – our Panto is the most magical of them all! With the King’s closed for a major redevelopment, the King’s Panto is relocating to the Festival Theatre with Allan Stewart as Nurse May, Grant Staff as Henchman, Jordan Young as Muddles, Liz Ewing as Queen Malevolista and Clare Gray as Lavinia, daughter of Lord Lucifer. Book here.
2023
January 2023
An Inspector Calls
Tue 31 Jan – Sat 4 Feb 2023
Evenings: 7.30pm, Sat mat: 2.30pm.
Stephen Daldry’s multi award-winning National Theatre production of JB Priestley’s classic thriller returns. Hailed as the theatrical event of its generation, winning more awards than any other production in history, it has thrilled more than 4 million people worldwide. Book here.
February 2023
Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby
Tue 28 Feb – Sat 4 March 2023
Evenings: 7.30pm, Sat mat: 2.30pm.
Rambert Dance with a new dance theatre event, delving into the story of Tommy Shelby and the Peaky Blinders, written by the creator of the global hit television series Steven Knight and directed/choreographed by Benoit Swan Pouffer. Dazzling, athletic dance and stunning dramatisation with iconic eclectic Peaky soundtrack from a live on-stage band. Book here.
The Story of Soul
Sun 5 March 2023
Evening: 7.30pm.
Join the Love train, as we give you the best of our Love and show you there ain’t nobody who does it better. This powerful performance from our talented cast will showcase for you some of the biggest hits of a generation. Book here.
Scottish Opera: Il trittico
Thurs 23, Sat 25 March 2023.
Sat, Weds: 6pm.
World-renowned director Sir David McVicar returns to Scottish Opera with Puccini’s epic triptych – Il tabarro, Suor Angelica and Gianni Schicchia – in a first both for him and the Company. Book here
Swan Lake (Birmingham Royal Ballet)
Wed 29 Mar – Sat 1 April 2023
Evenings: 7.30pm, Mats Thurs: 2pm, Sat: 2.30pm.
The greatest of all romantic ballets returns in “one of the world’s finest productions” (The Observer). BRB revives Peter Wright and Galina Samsova’s glorious Swan Lake – with the Royal Ballet Sinfonia performing Tchaikovsky’s superb music alongside BRB’s spectacular dancers. Book here.
April 2023
Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty
Tue 11 – Sat 15 April 2023
Evenings: 7.30pm, Mats Thurs, Sat: 2.30pm.
Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty reawakens, celebrating 10 years since its premiere, when it became the fastest selling production in the company’s history. Book here.
The Ocean at the End of the Lane
Tue 18 – Sat 22 April 2023
Evenings: 7.30pm; Wed, Thurs, Sat mats: 2.30pm.
Neil Gaiman’s thrilling adventure of fantasy, myth and friendship, is a five-star spectacular from the English National Theatre which blends magic with memory in a tour-de-force of storytelling that takes audiences on an epic journey to a childhood once forgotten and the darkness that lurks at the very edge of it. Book here.
May 2023
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Tue 30 May – Sat 3 June 2023
Tue – Sat 7.30pm; Matinees Thurs, Sat: 2.30pm.
Based on the Sunday Times bestseller which inspired one of this century’s most treasured films. An eclectic group of British retirees journey to India to embark on a new life. The luxury residence is far from the opulence they were promised, but as their lives begin to intertwine and they embrace the vibrancy of modern-day India, they are charmed in unexpected and life-changing ways. Book here.
June 2023
Carrie Hope Fletcher: An Open Book
Sun 4 June 2023
Evening: 7.30pm.
Actress, author, vlogger and award-winning West End sensation Carrie Hope Fletcher is heading out on her first ever UK tour. Performing songs from her career, expect fan favourites including hits from Heathers, Les Miserables, The Addams Family and many more interspersed with chat about Carrie’s life and career. Book here.
Scottish Opera: Carmen
Fri 9, Sun 11, Tue 13, Thu 15 & Sat 17 June 2023.
Tue, Thu, Fri & Sat: 7.15pm; Sun: 3pm.
Georges Bizet’s classic opera of jealousy, lust, and life outside the dictates of society gets a boldly updated new production, translated and performed in English, to conclude Scottish Opera’s 60th Season. Book here.
Titanic The Musical
Mon 19 – Sat 24 June 2023
Evenings: 7.30pm; Mats: Thu & Sat 2.30pm.
Based on real people aboard the most legendary ship in the world, Titanic The Musical is a stunning and stirring production focusing on the hopes, dreams and aspirations of her passengers who each boarded with stories and personal ambitions of their own. All innocently unaware of the fate awaiting them. Book here.
October 2023
Sister Act
Tue 2 – Sat 7 October 2023
Tue – Sat: 7.30pm; Mats: Thu & Sat 2.30pm.
This sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, sisterhood and music tells the hilarious story of the disco diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder. Brace yourselves Sisters: The Broadway and UK smash-hit musical, has been reimagined for the 21st century. Book here.
ENDS
