Experience the exhilarating buzz of live performance this spring as Edinburgh plays host to an array of sensational shows.
Whether you crave the rhythm of dance, the harmony of musicals, the laughter of comedy, the grandeur of opera, or the depth of drama, Edinburgh offers a host of dazzling opportunities. And this springtime, there’s a fantastic selection of shows coming to Edinburgh’s theatres.
Simply too many to feature here, we’ve complied a small selection of the city’s top springtime theatre offerings – all sure to create memories that will linger long after the curtain falls.
Hamilton
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s award-winning Hamilton, uses hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B, and Broadway music to retell the iconic story of Alexander Hamilton, the visionary immigrant from the West Indies who rose to prominence as George Washington’s right-hand man during the Revolutionary War.
Winner of 11 Tony Awards including Best Musical, 7 Olivier Awards, the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the 2016 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album, don’t miss your chance to see this cultural phenomenon which is touring the UK in 2024.
Hamilton appears at Festival Theatre from 28 February to 27 April 2024.
The Girls Of Slender Means
From the novel by Muriel Spark, The Girls of Slender Means is set in the summer of 1945 and depicts the experiences of a group of young women navigating the aftermath of the war while contemplating their futures in a time of peace.
Audio described performances take place on 02 and 04 May 2024.
The Girls Of Slender Means run at The Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh between 13 Apr and 04 May 2024.
Madagascar The Musical
Join Alex the lion, Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe and Gloria the hippo for a fun-filled escapade – Madagascar The Musical.
Filled with lots of fun and upbeat songs and suitable for ages 3 years+, it stars CBBC and Strictly Come Dancing contestant, Karim Zeroual as the island’s King Julien.
A signed performance takes place on 27 April and an audio described performance on Thursday 25 April 2024.
See Madagascar The Musical at Edinburgh Playhouse from 25 to 27 April 2024.
The Drifters Girl
Learn about the fascinating story of The Drifters and Faye Treadwell, the legendary manager who guided them through triumphs and trials in The Drifters Girl.
This acclaimed production, nominated for Best New Musical at the 2022 Olivier Awards, features an outstanding soundtrack filled with classic Drifters hits like Saturday Night At The Movies, Save The Last Dance For Me and Stand By Me.
The Drifters Girl runs at Edinburgh Playhouse from 30 April to 04 May 2024.
Scottish Ballet: Swan Lake
After its sell-out 2016 debut, Scottish Ballet: Swan Lake makes a long-awaited return to Edinburgh.
Tchaikovsky’s haunting and unforgettable score is brought to life by the Scottish Ballet Orchestra. From the impressive splendour of the Palace ballroom to the moon-lit lake where swans glide in perfect formation, this compelling tale of tragic romance has it all.
An audio described performance runs on the afternoon of 04 May 2024.
See Scottish Ballet: Swan Lake at Festival Theatre between 02 and 04 May 2024.
Everyone’s Welcome to Edinburgh
Running as part of Edinburgh Tradfest, Everyone’s Welcome to Edinburgh celebrates the music and songs originating from and honouring Scotland’s capital city.
Guests will be treated to a mix of old and new tunes, ranging from music heard in the Old Town in the 1700s to protest songs from the miner’s strike in the Lothians during the 1980s.
Everyone’s Welcome to Edinburgh is at Traverse Theatre on 06 May 2024.
EDGAS: The Gondoliers
In commemoration of its centenary year, Edinburgh Gilbert & Sullivan Society present the classic opera, EDGAS: The Gondoliers. Step into the charming streets of Venice, where love, laughter and cases of mistaken identities intertwine in this captivating production.
Audio description and BSL interpreted performances take place on 11 May 2024.
Experience The Gondoliers at Festival Theatre from 08 to 11 May 2024.
Edward Scissorhands
Since its debut in 2005, Matthew Bourne’s enchanting dance rendition of Edward Scissorhands has captivated audiences globally.
Based on the Tim Burton movie, with music by Danny Elfman and Terry Davies, Bourne and his New Adventures Company reimagine the witty, bittersweet story of a lonely boy in a new world.
An audio description performance runs on 18 May 2024.
Edward Scissorhands will appear at Festival Theatre between 14 and 18 May 2024.
Macbeth (an undoing)
Following its successful international tour in New York and London, the acclaimed 5-star production Macbeth (an undoing) is back at The Lyceum.
This version of the classic Scottish play focuses on Lady Macbeth. When her husband returns from battle with a prophecy of becoming the King of Scotland, Lady Macbeth is determined to do whatever it takes to fulfil their ambitious desires.
Audio described performances take place on 23 and 25 May 2024.
Macbeth (an undoing) is at The Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh from 14 to 25 May 2024.
The Searchers ‘Thank You’ Tour
In 2023, The Searchers made a comeback for what they anticipated to be their final tour. However, the overwhelming success of that tour has led them to agree to one more encore, The Searchers ‘Thank You’ Tour.
Featuring songs such as Sweets For My Sweet, Goodbye My Love and Don`t Throw Your Love Away, make sure you don’t miss the opportunity to witness the farewell performance of this legendary band.
Catch The Searchers ‘Thank You’ Tour at The Queen’s Hall on 22 May 2024.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
The timeless tale of a car with magical powers flies in Edinburgh this May.
Perfect for the whole family, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang blends adventure and humour with a host of heart-warming songs, including Toot Sweets, Truly Scrumptious and of course the favourite, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
See Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at Edinburgh Playhouse between 28 May and 01 Jun 2024.
Storm Lantern
Sophie Scholl, caught by the Nazis distributing prohibited leaflets, now confronts execution. She faces a crucial decision: confess and betray her beliefs or stay true to her principles. What values are worth sacrificing your life for?
Storm Lantern was nominated for a 2023 CATS award for best production for children and young people and is suitable for 12+ years.
See Storm Lantern at Traverse Theatre between 04 and 06 June 2024.
Shirley Valentine
When Shirley’s best friend proposes a trip to Greece, she quickly packs her bags and sets off for a two-week getaway.
Featuring award-winning Sally Reid in the lead role, Shirley Valentine celebrates women, freedom, and rediscovering yourself.
Shirley Valentine will be at The Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh from 12 to 29 June 2024.
The Shires
With three consecutive UK Top 3 albums, four #1 UK Country albums and numerous sold-out headline shows, The Shires are the UK’s most successful country music export.
See The Shires at The Queen’s Hall on 22 June 2024.
From live theatre to ground-breaking exhibitions, discover more events coming to Edinburgh.
