Listings Mon 4 – Sun 10 Sept 2023
What’s on Edinburgh’s stages this week…
A trio of very different shows are in town this week, as the post-EdFringe hiatus begins to fade. There is also the chance to hang out at the Lyceum for their family fun day.
There’s comedy from Brendan O’Carroll who tours his classic Mrs Brown Rides Again to the Playhouse, musical theatre from the Lothian Youth and Arts Musicals Company with Seusical at the Church Hill and a true-life mystery and ghost story in Keepers of the Light at the Studio.
A scene from Keepers of the Light. At The Studio on Friday and Saturday.
First out of the blocks are the LYAMC, who are back in their now traditional role as the opening company for the Edinburgh amateur’s autumn season.
Seussical (Church Hill Theatre, Wed 6 – Sat 9. Tickets here.) is something of a LYAMC favourite, combining a whole bunch of Dr Seuss’s books and characters together into a musical by Lynn Ahrens (book and lyrics) and Stephen Flaherty (book and music).
The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust that contains the Whos, including Jojo, a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many “thinks.” Horton faces a double challenge: not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird.
It’s brilliantly crazy stuff that captures Dr Seuss’s apparently effortlessly naive storytelling in a piece where friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant.
dysfunctional
Mrs Brown Rides Again (Playhouse, Thurs 7 – Sat 9. Tickets here.) has been dormant for the last decade apparently. Now Agnes Brown and her dysfunctional family are back to romp their way through what seem to be Mammy’s last days at home.
After hearing a plot by her children to have her put into a home, Agnes decides to display a new lease of life and prove them wrong. Not as easy as seems, with a psychiatrist trying to put her in her place, her neighbours wait for a heart bypass and, worst of all, a family secret that everyone seems to know except her.
Keepers of the light (Studio, Fri 8 – Sat 9. Tickets here.) is a quietly spooky tale from Orcadian playwright Izzy Gray, which was a sell-out hit in its tour of small venues last year. It’s now setting off on a Scottish coastal tour after three performances at the Studio, with tickets remaining for the Saturday matinee only.
It tells the true story of three lighthouse keepers who disappeared from their post on the Flannan Isles lighthouse, 20 miles west of the Outer Hebrides in December 1900, though the contemporary eyes of three technicians who find themselves stranded on the remote station in modern times.
The Family Arts Day at the Lyceum (Sat 9, 10am – 4pm, details here) is inspired by their favourite books. There is a whole bunch of book-related arts and crafts going on, the chance to look round back stage and a special reward from the Welcome Desk for those who are dressed in favourite book character.
The whole thing is free and there is plenty to engage with for the casual visit, with most drop-in events suitable for all ages. You will need to book for the various workshops, however. Full details on the Lyceum website.
Listings
Click on the name of the show or the Book here link to go to its ticketing site.
Church Hill Theatre
33 Morningside Road, EH10 4DR.
Seussical (LYAMC)
Wed 6 – Sat 9 Sept 2023
Evenings: 7.30pm, Sat mat: 2.30pm.
The Lothian Youth Arts & Musicals Company with the musical based on Dr Seuss’s many children’s books. The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust that contains the Whos, including Jojo, a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many “thinks.” Book here.
Lyceum Theatre
Grindlay Street EH3 9AX. Phone booking: 0131 248 4848.
Family arts day
Saturday 9 September
10am – 4pm. Free – at various locations within The Lyceum Theatre and 30b Grindlay Street.
The Lyceum throws open the doors for a fun-filled family day inspired by their favourite books… Dress up as your favourite book character and visit the Welcome Desk for a special reward.
Drop-in activities throughout the day, (for all ages, no need to book): Treasure Hunt, Bookmaking Crafts, Story Corner and Character Costumes
Timed activities (free, but booking required via the Box Office on 0131 248 4848). Traditional Tales, Backstage Tours, Book Detectives Drama Workshop. Full details on the Lyceum website here.
Playhouse
18 – 22 Greenside Place, EH1 3AA. Phone booking: 0844 871 3014
Mrs Brown’s Boys – Mrs Brown Rides Again
Thurs 7 – Sat 9 Sept 2023
Evenings: 7.30pm; Sat matinee: 2.30pm.
Brendan O’Carroll and the original cast of Mrs. Brown’s Boys bring their classic play Mrs. Brown Rides Again to the stage for the first time in 10 years. Agnes Brown and her dysfunctional family romp their way through what seems to be Mammy’s last days at home… Book here.
The Studio
22 Potterrow, EH8 9BL. Phone booking: 0131 529 6000
Keepers of the Light
Fri 8/Sat 9 Sept 2023
Evenings: 7.30pm.
An old mystery told through a modern lens, playwright Izzy Gray’s production returns to Edinburgh shores following its sell-out 2022 run. Book here.
ENDS
