2026’s theatre scene is looking invigorating to say the least, so I sat down and worked out what my top picks are. The list is chock-full (and Fringe shows are not even included!):
- Number one has to be One Day the Musical. Directed by Max Webster and the book by Daniel Grieg–some unmistakable names combined with the a beautiful storyline means there is much to miss out on. A transfer to the West End is something that could definitely be on the cards given the production team. If you haven’t caught it on Netflix, One Day follows the story of Em and Dex, and their story of love and desperation in a tragic romance. Don’t miss it.
One Day the Musical is playing at the Royal Lyceum from 27th Feb to 5th April.
- 2026 seems to be the season for musicals. Coming up we’ve got SIX the Musical. Camp and glorious, this story of Henry VIII’s wives is a must-see for any avid theatre-goer. This UK tour will add a spark to regional theatre across the country. Not only is this shimmering leotard production treating Edinburgh with it’s wonder but also marching onto stage is smash-hit musical, Operation Mincemeat which has become acclaimed across Broadway and The West End but will be at the King’s Theatre this autumn. It’s worth noting that you can grab Under 25 tickets for just £10 for any of Capital Theatres’ productions!
SIX the Musical is playing at the Festival Theatre from 15th to 26th September and Operation Mincemeat at King’s Theatre from 2nd to 7th November
- Jodie Comer is back in Suzie Miller’s Oliver award winning courtroom drama: Prima Facie. This is essential viewing for all, with its complex narrative as daily life poses threat to the lawyer’s profession. Not only will you be graced by Jodie Comer’s onstage presence but I’m highly excited to hear the soundtrack by ground-breaking artist, Self Esteem.
Prima Facie is playing at the Lyceum Theatre from 3rd to 7th February
- Dance blends with philosophical questioning as San Francisco Ballet continue the magic of the Edinburgh Festival with Mere Mortals. The production is a retelling of Pandora’s box but with a futuristic lens of the impact of Artificial Intelligence which is sure to attract audiences. Staggeringly choreographed, this will be a dance treat; the company return to Edinburgh after 20 years.
Mere Mortals is playing at Edinburgh Playhouse from 28th to 30th August
- Written by award-winning Gina Gionfriddo, Silence of the Lambs will land in Edinburgh to examine an interview between an FBI trainee interviewing a famous murderer. The trainee must decide whether to distance herself from this brutal killer or let the man engulf her. A gripping, psychological experience–this is a real head scratcher.
The Silence of the Lambs is playing at Festival Theatre from 8th to 12th September
- Dramatically framed staring into a camera four actors pose on the poster for this thriller. And just in this poster we get a sense for the high-stakes, high tempo drama which will play out in 2:22 A Ghost Story. The play tests what’s real and what’s not as the protagonist moves to a new suspiciously haunting house. Who will you believe?
2:22 A Ghost Story is playing at Edinburgh Playhouse from 25th to 30th May
- Stewart Laing reimagines the recently ignored playwright, George Bernard Shaw in Saint Joan. Originally a tale of a girl’s ability to lead France to victory in the Hundred Years War, this play serves to both reflect and challenge the teenager’s experience with authority and power in the war-wracked world we exist in.
Saint Joan is playing at Traverse 1 from the 18th to 21st March
- Metamorphoses is set to arrive on the Bedlam’s stage this semester with a ground breaking set design and a script which brings together various old stories ably adapted by some of Bedlam’s finest writers. This is surely set to be the student theatre event of the year.
Metamorphoses is playing at Bedlam Theatre from the 25th to 28th February 2026
- SYLVIA is an Olivier award-winning musical focussing on the rebellious icon Sylvia Pankhurst. Her life will be brought to life by Beverley Knight and Sharon Rose and incredibly choreographed by Kate Prince. Surely, this production is a recipe for success in Edinburgh and on its tour, with vibrant numbers and a varied soundtrack —what’s not to love?
SYLVIA is playing at the Festival Theatre from 12th to 17th October
- A heartwarming and glorious tale of dreams and dance–snuggle into your seats and enjoy The Red Shoes. Page, the female protagonist, lives to dance but watch as these dreams become crushed as men take over her life. Emotionally conveyed, this is one which everyone will enjoy.
The Red Shoes is playing at the Festival Theatre from 14th to 18th April.
One Day Rehearsal Image by Danny Kann, as part of Initial Press Release.