In preparation for its twentieth anniversary in 2026, here is a roundup of the National Theatre of Scotland’s line-up of shows and exhibitions next year.
The High Life, 7-11 April 2026, the Festival Theatre
Based on the eponymous BBC Scotland original series, The High Life returns as a musical starring Alan Cumming, Forbes Masson, Siobhan Redmond, and Patrick Ryecart. This production features new and original music, and is full of camp comedy, silliness, and lots of fun.
Stand & Deliver: The Lee Jeans Sit-in, 19-20 May 2026, the Traverse Theatre
Written by the Glasgow-based Frances Poet, Stand & Deliver will tell the legendary story of the seven month-long sit-in staged at the Lee Jeans factory in 1981. Developed in conversation with the women who were involved in the strike, the play is staged to a live 80’s soundtrack, and is co-produced by the National Theatre of Scotland as part of its ‘NTS at 20’ celebration.
Through the Shortbread Tin, 7 Aug – 20 Sep 2026, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Through the Shortbread Tin tells the story of the greatest literary hoax of all time. Returning to theatres in Scotland after its critically and commercially acclaimed tour in 2025, it will also tour to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Through the Shortbread Tin is performed in Scots and Gaelic, with songs, and explores Scottish culture, myths, and history through the lens of commercialisation and modernisation.
The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, 2-18 October 2026, the Royal Lyceum Theatre
Adapted from Muriel Spark’s beloved novel of the same name, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie returns to Scottish theatres after the premiere of its original stage version six decades ago. The 2026 production is adapted by David Harrower, and is expected to be visceral, seductive, and uniquely modern.
One Hundred Voices, 12-28 August 2026, Scottish Parliament
The Scottish Parliament will host an interactive, audio-guided installation that recognises and celebrates the work of Caring Scotland, an oral history project that documents the lives of the Care Experienced community in Scotland. Led by the acclaimed playwright Nicola McCartney, the installation at the Scottish Parliament brings the stories to life with sound, light, and space as the audience moves through a series of rooms.
“Interior of the Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh” by LochLowry is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
