It’s not all about long-glitzy runs, sometimes the very best in entertainment can be a fleeting moment – a single night’s performance amidst the musical juggernauts which roll into Edinburgh. Few venues host a more diverse and engaging repertoire of these events than Capital Theatres at the Festival Theatre or The Studio.
From some legendary musical theatre performers to introductory ballet sessions and comedy, 2024 finds a whole host of unique opportunities for audiences to get involved with something a little bit different than their usual night at the theatre.
On the subject of their one-nighter performances, Fiona Gibson, Chief Executive at Capital Theatres said:
“We are thrilled to offer a brilliant variety of one-nighters at Capital Theatres, adding to the richness and excitement of our programme. We have the author and creator of the iconic TV hit Sex and the City Candace Bushnell; the Scottish premiere of comedian Rob Brydon’s show with his fabulous band; brand-new Scottish play The Collie’s Shed, highlighting the trials and tribulations faced in mining and working-class communities; plus the beautiful voice of local lass Barbara Dickson in her Farewell Tour. There really is something for everyone to enjoy!”
But the best part? These ten examples aren’t even the entire roster! With comedy icons like Ian Sterling and the legendary Jools Holland returning as part of the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival, there is no better place to be than at the Festival Theatre or The Studio.
Dr Louise Newson: Hormones and Menopause – The Great Debate
A night looking to educate and challenge the misconceptions surrounding
menopause and advocate for better healthcare for women, leading medical expert Dr Louise Newson will be in Edinburgh in October as part of their inaugural theatre
tour.
Accompanied by Dublin-based comedian Anne Gildea, this is an evening of learning and laughter for all audiences, an opportunity for entertainment and education for women, families, and yes, the chaps too.
There are options for VIP add-ons for audiences, featuring an opportunity to meet Dr Louise Newman, with refreshments, a goodie bag, and a signed copy of Newman’s book.
Festival Theatre
October 7th, 2024
19:30pm
Tickets from £33.75
A one-night performance of the critically acclaimed The Collie’s Shed is not one to skip when it makes a return at The Studio on May 12th.
Based in a local Men’s Shed in East Lothian, dramatising the real stories from the mining strikes throughout East Lothian, including those at Bilston Glen, we follow four retired miners as they discover a review into the policing process of these strikes by the Scottish Government will suddenly impact them, their friendship, and their relationships.
A chance to learn of the people behind the characters, the history of who they once were, and crucially, where they stand on the picket line.
Fresh from a revival at the 2023 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Shelley Middler’s The Collie’s Shed brings a powerful call to arms over injustice which continues to have impact to this day. Heading into the fortieth year since the strikes began, take the chance to see why Middler is recognised as one of Scotland’s most notable playwrights to watch out for.
The Studio
May 10th, 2024
19:30pm
Tickets from £14.00
Uncanny Live: I Know What I Saw
Having only just left Edinburgh’s Queen Hall, the phenomenal demand for additional tickets for the sell-out show Uncanny: I Know What I Saw brings Danny Robbins back to Edinburgh, now as the Festival Theatre, in 2024.
Now audiences have another chance to join 2:22 creator Danny Robbins and his team of experts and sceptics for this thought-provoking night of terror, featuring chilling real-life accounts of the supernatural experienced by people on a daily-basis, all brought to life on the stage through a mix of thrilling theatrical invention in a mix of storytelling, sound design, and projection.
It is a projection, right?
A night for all of those interested in the paranormal, looking for a quick fright, of the dedicated members of #TeamBeliever or #TeamSceptic, everyone is welcome in Edinburgh. Even those who may never have left from The Empire days…
Festival Theatre
May 28th, 2024
19:30pm
Tickets from £24.25
You all know the story, so now is the perfect opportunity to share it with those who may not – that is right, the race is on with Northern Ballet’s Tortoise & The Hare!
Boastful, the rude Hare will not stop bragging about their speed and winning record, while thoughtful Tortoise decides its time to take part of one of these races. And despite the laughter, and the fact no one thinks Tortoise stands a chance, they may just surprise you all – especially Hare…
Experts in the form of movement, see our thoughts on Northern Ballet’s Great Gatsby or Casanova, this is going to be the perfect introduction to live ballet and music for your little (and bigger) ones, who will cheer alongside a playful cast of characters in this re-telling of the classic story.
Festival Theatre
May 26th, 2024
14:00pm and 16:00pm
Tickets from £20.25
Entering their 22nd year, Cass Pancho’s genre-refining Ballet Black return to the Festival Theatre with a new double bill, HEROES.
Comprised of two performances, the first is award-winning choreographer, Mthuthuzeli November’s contemplation on the purpose of life with The Waiting Game. Drawing on their exciting and vivacious work around the meaning of life, originally created in 2020, November infuses the piece with a dynamic soundtrack featuring the voices of Ballet Black artists.
Following this, Franco–British artists and Choreographer in Residence at Ballet Black, Sophie Laplane, creates a new piece for Ballet Black. Laplane’s new work will explore the complexity of humanity, self-acceptance, and heroism in this celebratory piece.
Continuing the transform the landscape of British ballet, creating a prominent platform for dancers and artists of Black and Asian descent, they have aided in establishing a new canon of ballet repertoire that resonates with audiences around the world.
Festival Theatre
June 18th, 2024
19:30pm
Tickets from £19.25
Lea Salonga – Stage, Screen, and Everything In Between
The first in musical theatre royalty events, official Disney legend, Lea Salonga, is coming to Edinburgh with their extraordinary talents with a brand-new tour Stage, Screen & Everything in Between.
Returning, initially, to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane – the iconic venue where she made her name as the original Miss Saigon thirty-five years ago, before bringing her warmth and recognisable vocals to the Festival Theatre.
This is a rare chance to experience stage and screens most beloved moments from Salonga’s best-known roles in Miss Saigon, Les Miserable, Mulan, and ofcourse, Aladdin. But that is not all, Edinburgh audiences can expect some new-found favourites from the late, great, Stephen Sondheim – whom Salgona paid tribute to in the acclaimed West End hit Old Friends.
Festival Theatre
June 30th, 2024
19:30pm
Tickets from £31.75
A true pleasure of ours, The Ocean Film Festival World Tour features a whole new collection of short films centred around the planet’s most incredible asset: our oceans.
A night of celebration, mystery, and discovery awaits audiences in Edinburgh at the Festival Theatre this October. Presented by the team behind the recent Banff Mountain Film Festival UK & Ireland Tour, this selection combines breathtaking marine life and wild seafaring voyages in a cinematic adventure.
Still curious about The Ocean Film Festival World Tour? Then Have a Gander at our coverage of the previous Banff festivals in Edinburgh, and meet the surfers, paddlers, divers, sailors, and scientists who dedicate their lives to the call of the ocean.
Festival Theatre
October 16th, 2024
19:30pm
Tickets from £19.75
The Horne’s Selection Hit Show
That’s right folks, it’s little Alex Horne, this time as part of Britian’s funniest band.
Tuning up their instruments for another successful tour, The Horne Section’s Hit Show! Brings all the charm and humour of the hit Channel 4 show on the road. Performing at the Festival Theatre this year, this unruly and ridiculous night is spear-headed by a six-headed comedy band with five exceptionally talented musicians, and well, the unmusical Alex Horne (Taskmaster).
Prepare for plenty of comedy, messing around, enthusiastic dancing, and a song or two by this talented lot who have, separately, been performing with the likes of Florence and the Machine, George Ezra, Robbie Williams, Madness, Amy Whinehouse, and a whole crop of talented folks. Certainly not one to miss.
Festival Theatre
November 4th, 2024
19:30pm
Tickets from £29.25
Carrie Hope Fletcher – Love Letter
The next legendary stage performer making their way to the Festival Theatre stage, following on from the enormously successful UK Concert Tour, ‘An Open Book,’ performer, author, vlogger, and award-winning West End star Carrie Hope Fletcher is back in Edinburgh later this year.
Carrie Hope Fletcher – Love Letters will see the musical theatre sensation exploring the forms of love: from the romantic to the material, unrequited to obsessive, as they highlight a composition of musical classics surrounding the themes.
Do not miss out on this wonderful chance to join fellow fans in concert, for a performance which is guaranteed to bring star-quality, warmth, and might just repair (or break) a heart or two in equal measure.
Festival Theatre
October 15th, 2024
19:30pm
Tickets from £29.25
NT Live Encore Screening: The Motive and the Cue
Continuing to make tremendous use of the Festival Theatre’s enormous and high-quality projection system, NT Live Encore Screening continues with Same Mendes’ The Motive and the Cue.
Set in 1964: Burton, newly married to Elizabeth Taylor, is to play the title role in an experimental new Broadway production of Hamlet under John Gielgud’s exacting direction. But as rehearsals progress, two ages of theatre collide, and the collaboration of actor and director threatens to unravel.
Mendes directs two giants of performance in Mark Gatiss (Doctor Who, Sherlock) as John Gielgud, and Johnny Flynn as Richard Burton in this comedic and fierce new play. Written by Jack Thorne (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) and designed by Es Devlin (The Crucible), this best new play winner was filmed for screening following a sold-out run at the National Theatre.
Festival Theatre
May 28th, 2024
19:00pm
Tickets from £17.50
Interested in being featured? With many previews and Q&As lined up, we’re always happy to chat about including your show in future articles. Please do get in touch through the contact page to feature in an upcoming ‘Have A Gander’