Theatre in Scotland has come a long way from its musical hall traditions, with an excellent tradition of drama, comedy and dance. The region now offers a vast wealth of theatrical performances ranging from the weird and wacky side shows of the Fringe to acclaimed community drama of the Highlands
Scotland is world renowned for its Repertory Theatre and has some of the finest examples of in house theatre companies in Britain. The Dundee Rep Theatre is often at the forefront of unique and exciting theatre production, with many lauding it as one of the countries best! It has a strong tradition of working with both the community and recognised actors offering a wealth of excellent drama, musical and dance.
For something a little different, then Mull Little Theatre is arguably the smallest rep theatre in the UK; offering an up close and personal theatrical experience! The tourist resort of Pitlochry offers a fabulous array of summer time rep, popular dramas and comedy performances for the massing tourists.
Edinburgh is traditionally the focal point for Scottish theatre with the spectacular Fringe Festival in August taking most of the headlines. Running from August 6th – 28th; street performers, comedians, clowns and musicians turn thee streets into a hive of activity, with music and laughter filling the air. Inside, some of the world’s finest actors and directors tread the cities boards. Each year, the Fringe holds host to a number of World Premieres, bringing the great and good from stage and screen to the Scottish capital. Performances are held across the city with many of them free, making the festival both an enjoyable and economical experience!
Edinburgh also holds host to a number of excellent theatres, well worth a visit if you are planning a short break there. The Royal Lyceum Theatre Company is one of Scotland’s leading theatres; its royal patronage insures an incredible range of drama from Shakespeare to many modern day classics. Entering into its 40th year, its artistic director Anthony Thompson is heralding the occasion with Performances of As You Like It and Tennessee Williams sultry classic, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.
The city’s Playhouse Theatre welcomes many touring West End Musicals and offers broad repertoire including a fantastic musical programme. The Festival Theatre is Edinburgh’s mightiest lyric theatre, with one of the largest stages in the UK. Currently showing the fantastic Blood Brothers and the mesmerising Woman in Black, it courts publicity with the controversial showing of the Jerry Springer Opera early next season. The theatre also maintains an excellent dance and ballet repertoire.
The main theatre district in London is located in the West End. This is traditionally defined as being The Strand to the south, Oxford Street to the north, Regent Street to the west and Kingsway to the east. Most theatres are concentrated in Drury Lane, Shaftesbury Avenue and The Strand. There are about forty large theatres in this area and it if often referred to as Theatreland.
Most of these theatres and late Victorian or Edwardian in design and most are privately owned. They all have tremendous character but it can be difficult to make improvements to many of them due to their protected status.
A Few Good Men This story, starring Rob Lowe, will be on stage at the distinctive Haymarket Theatre. A Few Good Men was initially performed on Broadway in the 1980’s. This mesmeric drama has also been produced as a screenplay and turned into a blockbuster film in 1992.
And Then There Were None
An enigmatic mystery, meticulously planned by Agatha Christie, this is a new stage adaptation by Kevin Elyot. Ten strangers are invited to an island retreat and during dinner everyone is accused of hiding a guilty secret.
Billy Elliot
With the film version being a runaway success, Billy Elliot was a natural contender for a musical theatre experience. With music and lyrics by Sir Elton John it has been critically acclaimed as the ‘Best British Musical Ever’ The story centres around young Billy Elliot and his dreams of becoming a ballet dancer.
Chicago
With a phenomenal score, including ‘All that Jazz’ and ‘Razzle Dazzle’, has been engaging London theatre goers for six years.
Blood Brothers
This outstanding musical drama is currently showing at the Phoenix Theatre in London’s West End. Critics have called this Willy Russell show an ‘epic piece of theatre’