Following on from a successful year celebrating its 60th season, The Royal Lyceum launches its 26/27 season, promising an eclectic mix of in-house and partnered productions that share epic stories of love, joy, courage and redemption. This season sees a mix of major classics, Scottish premieres, family shows and partnerships with several other theatres and companies.
James Brining, the Artistic Director of The Lyceum, keenly spoke of his ambition for the season ahead, bringing shows of a larger scale to the theatre. He was eager to highlight this ambition to those assembled, aiming for larger scale shows that celebrate the potential of Scottish and British Theatre on a ‘mid-sized’ Scottish stage.
The season begins with the much anticipated National Theatre of Scotland’s production of The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. Adapted by David Harrower, and directed by Vicky Featherstone, this promises to be a visceral production celebrating the well known work, being led by Gayle Rankin as Jean Brodie.
Next, Chris Hannan adapts the Orwell classic, 1984. This is being produced in collaboration with Citizens Theatre and Dundee Rep Theatre. In our current society, adapting this piece will shine a light on the terrifying post-truth world of ‘alternative facts’, and show a true relevance to the times we live in. This is the first in a selection of co-productions from The Lyceum that pertain massive relevance to modern society. It is also the first offering of performances specifically for schools, a brilliant inclusion that appears to be key in moving forward.
For the festive period, Brining is helming a production of A Christmas Carol, adapted by Deborah McAndrew. Brining showed a real enthusiasm when speaking about this festive offering, clearly excited to direct the pantomime for this season. A ghost story set in Victorian Edinburgh, this is set to be a joyful take on the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge.
The first show of 2027 will be a modern production of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, directed by Chelsea Walker. This will be a relevant and contemporary take on the play, produced in collaboration with ETT, Leeds Playhouse and Nottingham Playhouse. The Lyceum offers a home to this touring production, which will show around the country afterwards. A big named show such as this is a clear indicator of Brining’s ambition to bring the masses to The Lyceum.
Following this, and following the success of 2026’s Spring musical, One Day, will be a production of Guys & Dolls, produced in partnership with Aberdeen Performing Arts, Eden Court Inverness, Citizens Theatre and Dundee Rep Theatre. This is an ambitious and large scale production, directed again by Brining. Epitomising the focus on stories of Love, courage, conflict, joy and redemption, this piece could be a pinnacle event in the season, and one that will go on to excite audiences across Scotland.
The final production from The Lyceum is Zinnie Harris’ adaptation of Mother Courage and her Children. A fitting end to a season that starts in a world dominated by war, this revival of perhaps the most famous anti-war play could not be more relevant. Harris’ return to The Lyceum is welcomed as well, following on from her stepping down as an Associate Artist earlier this year.
Out with the work produced by The Lyceum, there is a trilogy of plays: Zog, The Gruffalo and Zog and The Flying Doctors, created by Julia Donaldson and Alex Scheffler. Additionally, Dogstar Theatre Company bring The Tailor of Inverness; Simon Reade adapts and directs Morpugo’s Private Peaceful; The original Kneehigh and Emma Rice Productions revive Tristan & Yseult, and Stef Smith adapts The Haunting of Hill House for the stage.
There is an eclectic mix of work on offer this season, and Brining was keen to let the gathered parties know of his ambition for the theatre, and the importance of collaboration. Such is the state of funding at the moment that theatres must band together in order to create productions on a larger scale. That being said, the presentation had a sense of optimism following the success of the 25/26 season. It promises to be bold and loud, and desperately wants to engage with as many audiences as possible.
Alongside the launch of the season was the launch of a new Trainee Artistic Director role, a first step to engaging with newer creatives and bringing new blood into The Lyceum. More cause for optimism is this engagement with newer Scottish creatives. Hopefully that continues as The Lyceum builds on its recent success.