A Heartfelt, Foot-Stomping Triumph
The world premiere of Wild Rose at the Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh is a powerful, heart-on-its-sleeve production that captures the raw passion of country music and the struggles of chasing an impossible dream. Directed by John Tiffany and based on the 2018 film of the same name, this musical follows the brash and fiery Rose-Lynn Harlan, a former inmate and single mother determined to swap Glasgow for Nashville, no matter what stands in her way.
With a soundtrack packed full of country music anthems—both beloved classics and some lesser-known gems—the show is a love letter to the genre. Act One is a high-octane, boot-stomping ride, full of energy, humor, and powerhouse vocals. Act Two slows things down, allowing for deeper character development and emotional payoffs as Rose-Lynn is forced to confront the reality of her responsibilities and dreams.
At the heart of the production is Dawn Sievewright’s electrifying performance as Rose-Lynn. She is a force of nature—brash, bawdy, and utterly compelling. Her powerhouse voice and impeccable comedic timing bring the character to life, making her both frustrating and deeply lovable. Sievewright carries the emotional weight of the show, transitioning from reckless dreamer to a fully realized woman with remarkable nuance.
Equally impressive is Blythe Duff as Rose-Lynn’s mother, a woman caught between exasperation and unconditional love. Duff’s sharp comedic delivery lands every sassy, backhanded remark, but it’s in her moments of stillness that she truly shines. Without a word, she conveys the depth of a mother’s heartbreak and resilience, making their fractured relationship one of the most affecting aspects of the show.
The only slight criticism is that Act Two, while beautifully poignant, could use one more upbeat number to break up its slower, more introspective moments. And while the final bows were met with an enthusiastic standing ovation, they felt somewhat rushed. A full-ensemble reprise of Country Girl (Primal Scream, given a country twist) would have been the perfect way to send the audience out with a lasting earworm.
It’s a rare treat for Scotland to host the world premiere of a new musical, and this reviewer hopes Wild Rose gets the wider tour it deserves. Unlike many jukebox musicals that force songs into a flimsy storyline, Wild Rose embraces country music’s storytelling ethos—”three chords and the truth”—with sincerity and heart. In fact, it might be better classified as a “music play” rather than a traditional musical, as it strips away much of the fluff associated with the genre.
What writer Nicole Taylor and director John Tiffany have created is something special—a show with grit, humor, and an undeniable soul. Whether you’re a die-hard country fan or just love a story about chasing dreams, Wild Rose is a must-see.