The Scottish International Storytelling Festival celebrates the Year of the Horse with performances by storytellers Tony Bonning and Allison Galbraith, sharing tales of horses, including kelpies and Clydesdales. Bonning's journey of storytelling, combining adventure and resilience, aims to inspire audiences to embrace their heroic journeys in life.
The Scottish International Storytelling Festival (SISF 2026) presents "Rewilding Scotland's Epics," featuring performances of the Ossian and Columba cycles. Led by Donald Smith, a team of storytellers and musicians bring Scotland's ancient tales to life, emphasizing nature's role. The festival highlights storytelling's cultural significance amid contemporary challenges.
In a review of "Waitress" at The King's Theatre, Laurie Kemmett praises the musical's heartfelt story and impressive performances, particularly by Lucie Jones as Jenna. However, she notes outdated stereotypes and issues with the spotlight distracting from the action. Overall, the show offers beautiful vocals but lacks some key elements for a perfect production.
Marina Funcasta reviews the Berliner Ensemble's performance of Oscar Wilde's "De Profundis" at the Coronet Theatre. She describes it as an intense exploration of desire, pain, and artistic creation, with Jens Harzer embodying Wilde's spirit. The adaptation captures the emotional depth of Wilde's prose, transcending mere translation.
The Citizens Theatre's production of "Tristan and Yseult," directed by Emma Rice, explores love's complexities through captivating performances. Tristan and Yseult's passionate romance contrasts with King Mark's steady devotion, each character embodying unique facets of love. The innovative stage design and the inclusion of comedic "Unloved" characters enhance the emotional depth, making it a moving experience.
In Matthew MacVarish’s solo piece, a woman's intense journey through urban isolation and selflessness unfolds against a stark backdrop, highlighting profound humor and loneliness while reflecting on her overlooked worth.
Scottish Ballet's "Emergence," showcasing choreographers Julia Cheng and Crystal Pite, presents a captivating exploration of conformity and power dynamics. The performance features impactful solo and ensemble pieces, highlighted by Kayla-Maree Tarantolo's struggle against darkness in "Entress," and a powerful ensemble in "Emergence." The visually stunning production celebrates female choreography.
Legally Blonde: The Musical at Edinburgh Playhouse showcases vibrant energy and female empowerment, led by Amber Davies. Despite minor lyrical updates, it delivers an entertaining, glittery spectacle that captivates audiences.
"I'll Be Seeing You," directed by Alan Cumming and Ben Occhipinti, is a dazzling world premiere at Pitlochry Festival Theatre. It explores the clash between modern queer identity and 1950s celebrity culture through the lens of a conflicted playwright. With strong performances, particularly from Simon Russell Beale, the production balances humor and poignant themes of sexuality and societal acceptance.
Wallace the Musical, a hip hop retelling of William Wallace’s story, seamlessly blends humor and emotion, probing his legacy while highlighting overlooked female figures. The energetic score complements a talented cast, with standout performances from Kimberly Mandindo and Ross Mann. The production invites questions about historical narratives, engaging audiences in a vibrant, entertaining experience.
