Profound, heartwarming, captivating and beautifully nostalgic. “One day the musical” is simply stunning in every way.
Exciting times are happening at The Royal Lyceum theatre this week in Edinburgh as they team up with highly acclaimed independent theatre and film production company Melting Pot as they bring the world premiere of “One day the musical” to the stage. Directed by Max Webster with music and lyrics designed by Abner and Amanda Rameriz the theatrical version is written by one of Edinburgh’s award-winning playwrights and former artistic director for the Royal Lyceum, David Greig. “One day the musical” truly encapsulates what it sets out to do by finding the poetry in everyday life and whole heartedly encompassing the power and warmth of nostalgia.
Based on the novel by David Nicholls we follow the lives of Dexter Mayhew (Jamie Muscato) and Emma Morley (Sharon Rose) covering a single day over two decades from their first chance meeting at their mutual graduation party at the University of Edinburgh. Emma, a quirky outspoken and clever working-class northern girl from Leeds, is intrigued by the boyish charms of well-spoken Cotswold grown Dexter and they form an unexpected lifelong bond with many trials and tribulations in their midst.
Emma (Rose) and Dexter (Muscato) each make one another better as they do all they can to remain friends even when stronger feelings reside, but they just cannot find the courage to trust them.
As life rally’s on from year to year, we see timing as a frequent barrier for them navigating their own struggles as they try to find answers and a meaningful existence post-graduation. Their friendship is at the heart of this romantic comedy and is a key theme which the production strives successfully to embed throughout in its execution and delivery within its writing, musical lyrics and talented cast.
Stunningly crafted choreography created by Carrie- Anne Ingrouille depicts themes of pain, loss and happiness effectively throughout this poignant story. Greig crafts sincere writing and true to life moments which are beautiful to watch and highly entertaining. Comical relief is well timed when these moments are at their most poignant and needed.
The production from the start is highly immersive with its staging set in the round. Rae Smith set design and costume design complement each other in coziness and simplicity achieving what was intended by allowing the audience to feel a part of it all. The setting allows the ensemble and the audience to feel as one. The entire experience including the interval has something immersive for everyone to enjoy. The energy of community and togetherness remains with the cleverly crafted directorial design and production choices of Max Webster and his production team.
Jamie Muscato (Dexter) and Sharon Rose (Emma) equally in character and in vocal strength lead us through their stories with each pivotal life choice we experience the emotions whole heartedly. Muscato as Dexter presents a devil may care cheeky chappy persona and it is beautifully endearing even when things take a dark turn for his character. Vocally Muscato is flawless presenting in its rawest form what it is to have everything externally and yet still feel so lost. He is complimented and balanced wonderfully by the incredible vocal range of leading lady Sharon Rose as Emma who finds truth and heartfelt warmth in every solo she delivers. Her delivery of “Ems’ One Day” is nothing short of show stopping and enthralling to behold.
Performed with passion and vulnerability their stories mirror each other at times but also contrast in pivotal moment’s where life changes abruptly and they both still need each other’s friendship even when it hurts. Muscato and Rose bring nothing short of an endearing innocence to their creative approaches and to their interactions which is highly enjoyable to watch.
All set, staging and props are reliant on the company’s ability to work as one unit entirely echoing the theme of togetherness and the bonds of long-lasting friendships. This wholesome piece of musical theatre is more of a love letter delivered as a play with songs where the cast, crew and audience are all part of the one strong message of togetherness and the importance of community.
Using soft singular lights dropping down from the ceiling over the audience and the stage, lighting designer Bruno Poet breaths warmth onto the stage like one’s own sitting room representing the changing eras from the 80s to the noughties. The lights are crafted beautifully as they become almost an additional character in the performance with pulsating moments representing change and tension throughout the show.
The brightness of the lights intensifies and pulse through the rhythm and beats of the fantastically produced musical score directed by Nigel Lilley. Though small the band’s powerful delivery is on point and delivers some well-designed toe tapping numbers one cannot resist tapping to with 90’s influenced nostalgia captured within its upbeat folk and pop cultured genres.
“One day the musical” really does deliver something for everyone. You will laugh, cry and laugh out loud the whole way through and then want to do it all over again. Do not miss out on seeing this absolute must-see of a musical at The Royal Lyceum Theatre currently running from 27th February to 19th April 2026 in Edinburgh.
Author: Judith Neeson