Edinburgh Playhouse

Edinburgh Playhouse 18-22 Greenside Place, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH1 3AA Street map

Buy Tickets: 0844 847 1722 - or use the online links below

Summer Winter 2010 Season at The Playhouse in Edinburgh:

The Gruffalo
Tuesday 6 and Wednesday 7 July 2010
Join Mouse at the Playhouse Theatre on an adventurous journey through the deep dark wood... meet a wheeler-dealer Fox, an eccentric old Owl, a maraca-shaking, party-mad Snake! Mouse can scare these hungry animals away with tall stories of the terrifying Gruffalo, but what happens when he comes face to face with the very creature he imagined...? Touring nationally and internationally since 2001, this magical musical adaptation of the best-selling picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, The Gruffalo has been performed over 4000 times to over a million people the world over! Hailed by The Sunday Times as "a fine piece of children’s theatre."

Britain's Got Talent
Friday 9 July 2010

Fame - Stage Experience
Friday 23 and Saturday 24 July 2010
A cast of young people from the local Edinburgh area, working with a professional creative team, will star in an exhilarating stage adaptation of the Academy Award-winning movie and popular TV series of the same name. This breathtaking show follows the lives of a group of students attending New York's High School for the Performing Arts. Follow them on their journey through school in this feel-good show as they reach for the stars and the bright lights of the entertainment industry. Stage Experience is a two week theatrical workshop for young people aged 10-21 years culminating in three performances of the musical production Fame. Featuring music by Steven Margoshes, lyrics by Jacques Levy and book by Jose Fernandez. Based on a concept by David DeSilva. Title song by Dean Pitchford and Michael Gore. This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Josef Weinberger on behalf of Musical Theatre International of New York.

The Motown Show - How Sweet It Is
Saturday 31 July 2010
The ultimate celebration of the sweet sound of Motown is back by popular demand! In its 8th successive year this stunning 100% live show combines first class music together with the slickest choreography and an amazing orchestra to deliver truly outstanding performances for the best Motown experience you will ever have! Over 50 Golden Years of Motown music are remembered featuring songs from legendary artistes such as The Temptations, Diana Ross, The Four Tops, Smokey Robinson, Martha Reeves, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, The Jackson Five, Mary Wells, The Islay Brothers and many, many more. And don't forget all that fancy footwork; our fantastic vocalists are also trained dancers and the choreography of this show is something else!

Roy Chubby Brown
Thursday 5 August 2010
The King of controversial comedy with his trademark patchwork suit, will surprise, amuse and astonish audiences once again when he visits the Playhouse Theatre in Edinburgh this Summer. He is outrageous, controversial but always funny. Guaranteed to make your toes curl, your eyebrows raise and put hairs on your chest his shows sell out faster than ice cream in a heatwave, but come with the warning - if easily offended please stay at home. Branded too rude for television, his live acts go from strength to strength bringing shock and awe techniques to an ever increasing audience.

Radio Forth On the Fringe
Saturday 7 August 2010
Radio Forth on the Fringe is the largest showcase event at this year' festival. Featuring some of the biggest names in music, comedy and entertainment... complete sell out in 2008, 2009!

John Edward
Thursday 9 September 2010

Peppa Pig's Party
Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 September 2010
Oink oink - it's Peppa Pig! Peppa is a playful little piggy who lives with her younger brother George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig. Through everyday adventures she plays games, makes new friends and enjoys her absolute favourite activity – jumping up and down in muddy puddles! Today it's a bright and sunny day. It's a very special day. It's Peppa Pig's birthday. Come and join the fun with Peppa and George, Suzy Sheep, Danny Dog and Emily Elephant. A charming, original and imaginative show, full of brand new songs, muddy puddles, and oinks! This BAFTA award-winning children's TV show is recreated live on stage featuring beautifully true-to-life puppets, for first time, from the producers of LazyTown Live! and Roald Dahl’s The BFG.

Chess: the Musical
Tuesday 21 to Saturday 25 September 2010
Two of the world's greatest chess masters battle it out at the world chess championships but their greatest contest is for the love of one woman. Amidst political intrigue and international conspiracies, the American and the Russian fight to win the heart of Florence Vassy in a romantic triangle that mirrors the heightened passions of the Cold War all set to an explosive score by the composers of Mamma Mia and the lyricist of Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita. Strictly Come Dancing's Craig Revel Horwood directs an amazing company of actors and musicians in an extraordinary new staging of the classic musical Chess at the Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre this September. Written by Tim Rice and ABBA's Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, Chess has one of the greatest musical theatre scores of all time including One Night In Bangkok, Pity The Child, Anthem, You And I and, of course, I Know Him So Well.

Sally Morgan - Psychic Sally On the Road
Thursday 30 September 2010

Motown on Tour
Friday 1 October 2010

Abba Mania
Saturday 2 October 2010
Abba Mania is now accepted as the world's No.1 touring production, featuring a special concert presentation celebrating Abba's music and reviving special memories of when Abba rules the airwaves. If you're looking for an excuse to party, reminisce or simply be entertained by the best music there has ever been, then Abba Mania is for you!

Vampires Rock
Wednesday 6 October 2010
Steve Steinman, a full cast of superb singers, sexy dancers and a formidable band, blast their way through some of the greatest ever rock anthems including: We Will Rock You, Bat Out of Hell, Highway to Hell, Devil Gate Drive, I Love Rock n Roll, Sweet Child of Mine and many more! All teamed with an amazing stage set and pyrotechnics to blow your mind, this rock spectacular is not to be missed!

Ross Noble - Nonsensory Overload
Thursday 7 October 2010
Ross Noble follows the success of last year's hugely successful 160 date Things tour – which not only ran for six weeks at London’s Apollo Theatre - but also filled arenas down under, becoming the biggest live stand-up comedy gig in Australian history. Now Ross is back fresh from his travels, not to mention his own TV show, doing what he does best - spinning forth hilarious nonsense for your amusement - in his show Nonsensory Overload which he brings to the Playhouse Theatre in Edinburgh for one night only. Prepare your brain for a Nonsensory Overload!. Please Note: Recommended Age 15 plus.

Buddy Holly - a Legend Reborn
Friday 8 October 2010

Sting
Saturday 9 October 2010
Sting, accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, comes to The Edinburgh Playhouse this autumn. Drawing from a diverse and illustrious career that has produced numerous multi-platinum albums, a staggering list of number one songs, countless accolades and worldwide record sales of nearly 100 million, Sting’s greatest hits will be reinterpreted with brand new orchestrations.

The Drifters
Monday 11 October 2010
As one of the biggest selling bands of all time, The Drifters have collated a huge catalogue of over 50 hits, selling in excess of 214 million singles and 114 million albums across the world. Since their creation, the line up of The Drifters has undergone many changes with more than 55 different singers, this energetic show at the Edinburgh Playhouse features the only legitimate Drifters line up in the world, performing timeless classics such as Saturday Night at the Movies, Under The Boardwalk, Come On Over To My Place and Kissing In The Back Row of the Movies as well as a whole host of new material from the stunning new album entitled Five Decades and Moore.

Love Cooking Festival
Tuesday 12 October 2010
Britain's first ever festival of cooking brings together some of the best-loved celebrity chefs across four cities, to present live on one stage! Never before has such emphasis been put on the craft and skill of these culinary masters, hear why they chose the ingredients, what inspires their dishes and find out what makes them love cooking. A must for any cooking enthusiast wanting to experience the colours, smells, flavours and creativity of their favourite chefs kitchens.
10.00am: Love Cooking: James Martin - Cooking for Friends
Midday: Love Cooking: Gary Rhodes - Great British Classics
2.00pm: Love Cooking: Gino D'acampo - Viva Italia!
4.00pm: Love Cooking: Rachel Allen - Recipes From Heart and Home
6.00pm: Love Cooking: Ainsley Harriott - Colour and Spice, Soul Food
8.00pm: Love Cooking: James Martin - James' Kitchen
Day Pass: Love Cooking: Full Festival Day Pass

Dara O'Briain
Thursday 14 to Saturday 16 October 2010
Following 2008's sell out national tour and best selling DVD Dara O Briain Talks Funny and his debut book Tickling The English, award-winning stand up comedian Dara O'Briain hits the road again with a brand new show which comes to the Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre this October. This tour will give UK audiences the chance to catch one the most charismatic, fast talking and down right funny live performers working today. Book early to avoid disappointment. "His set is a masterclass in intelligent, no-frills stand-up" (The Guardian). Age 15 plus.

Spamalot
Monday 18 to Saturday 23 October 2010
Audiences all around the world have been roaring with laughter since Monty Python's Spamalot, by Eric Idle and John Du Prez, won the Tony Award for Best Musical in 2005. Spamalot tells the legendary tale of King Arthur and the knights of the Round Table and features a bevy (or possibly a brace) of beautiful show girls, witch burnings (sorry, cancelled - too expensive) not to mention cows, killer rabbits and French people in "a truly joyous and triumphant evening" (The Daily Express). Don't miss your night with the Knights of The Round Table at the most infectiously funny musical of the millennium when Spamalot comes to the Playhouse Theatre in Edinburgh this October!

Oklahoma
Tuesday 26 to Saturday 30 October 2010
A brand new revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic musical I starring Marti Webb and Mark Evans comes to the Playhouse Edinburgh Theatre this October. Set on America’s Western Frontier, against a background of conflict between farmers and cattlemen, Oklahoma! perfectly integrates song, dance and story to tell the tale of farm girl Laurey and the two rivals for her affections, happy go-lucky cowboy Curly and the sinister farm hand Jud. Famously, the show opens with 'Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin' and contains a sumptuous and rousing score full of wonderful songs such as 'The Surrey with The Fringe on Top', 'People Will Say We're in Love', 'Many a New Day', 'I Cain't Say No', and the final rousing chorus of 'Oklahoma' – as the music soars the audience is carried along on the emotional journey of one of the most famous love stories in musical history. Casting subject to change.

John Barrowman
Tuesday 2 November 2010
John Barrowman is easily one of the most familiar faces on British television and the West End stage. Best known for playing Captain Jack Harkness in the BBC series’ Torchwood and Doctor Who, he has also been a judge on the award-winning BBC1 entertainment shows How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?, Any Dream Will Do and I’d Do Anything. Now see him in concert live on stage at the Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre.

Sing-A-Long-A Sound of Music
Wednesday 3 November 2010
Your chance to sing along with Maria, hiss the Countess and boo the Nazis in this subtitled version of the classic Julie Andrews musical. So cut up that chintz, pull on the lederhosen and join in the nation's craziest communal karaoke. Sing-a-Long-a Sound of Music is a screening of the classic Julie Andrews film musical in glorious technicolour, complete with subtitles so that the audience can sing along! Please Note: Approximate running time 3 hours and 50 minutes including a 20 minute interval.

That'll Be the Day
Friday 5 November 2010
Often referred to as the hottest show in town, the legendary That'll Be The Day, the nation's most successful touring production returns to the Edinburgh Playhouse with The Beat Goes On Tour this November. Bringing on back the good times with a combination of their unique comedy routines mixed with back to back classic gold hits from the 1950s through to the 70s, this is definitely a show not to be missed!

The Anderson Wakeman Project
Saturday 6 November 2010
With Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman of 'Yes'.

Joseph
Tuesday 16 to Sunday 21 November 2010
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - Retelling the Biblical story of Jacob's favourite son, Joseph, his eleven brothers and the coat of many colours, this magical musical is full of unforgettable songs including Close Ev’ry Door To Me, One More Angel and Any Dream Will Do which was voted the Broadway Song of the Year. The musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is nothing short of a phenomenon, one of the most endearing shows of all time. Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sparkling family musical has been a hit all over the world and continues to enjoy huge success across the country with standing ovations at every performance - and it is sure to be just as popular when this touring productions stops off in Edinburgh at the Playhouse Theatre for one week this Autumn. With the liveliest, most energetic company of actors, singers and dancers, Joseph is brimming with non-stop action, laughter and infectious fun that will delight both the young and young at heart.

Elvis On Tour
Tuesday 23 November 2010
Elvis on Tour - The Legend Continues pays tribute to the early days of pure hip-swivelling rock'n'roll, the '68 Come Back Special and Elvis's Las Vegas performances. This production features Lee 'Memphis' King, the UK's most successful Elvis impersonator, finalist in The World's Greatest Elvis and in the special edition of The Weakest Link both on BBC One TV. With his outstanding band and singers, his spectacular recreation of Elvis Presley on stage is a true must see! Don't miss it, book now!

80s Mania
Wednesday 24 November 2010
Step back in time and join Europe's premier 1980s experience with over 35 chart topping smash hits live in concert at the Playhouse Edinburgh Theatre this November! Duran Duran, The Human League, Kim Wilde, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Culture Club, Wham, Nena, Toni Basil, Dead or Alive, Madness, Madonna plus many more... recreated live on stage.

Jake & Elwood - The Best Blues Brothers Show In The World...EVER!!!
Thursday 25 November 2010
Don your hats and shades and get ready to party with Jake & Elwood. Together with the driving backbeat of their award-winning Black Rhino Band, voted the hottest soul band in Europe, they continue to deliver electrifying, totally live performances to sell out, standing ovation audiences globally. With their fantastic stage set, unparalleled live soul band and powerhouse performances from Jake & Elwood, witness first-hand at the Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre, masters at work in this world-class musical extravaganza. Featuring timeless classics, including Everybody Needs Somebody, Gimme Some Lovin', Sweet Home Chicago and many more.

Al Murray the Pub Landlord - Barrel of Fun
Saturday 27 November 2010
Al Murray The Pub Landlord is back on the road to roll out his Barrel of Fun, a brand new stand-up show for 2010 coming to The Playhouse Theatre in Edinburgh in November. Britain's best-known Pub Philosopher will be serving up his own special brew of bar room banter at venues across the UK this autumn. In 2009, the People’s Publican left over 230,000 of his regulars over-flowing with laughter, on his one-man mission to fix Broken Britain. This year you can tap into a whole new Barrel of Fun, and no half measures. "The way he integrates the crowd into the show is awe-inspiring" (The Times).

Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Show
Sunday 28 November 2010

How Now Mrs Brown Cow
Tuesday 30 November to Saturday 4 December 2010
Having already stretched the ‘Trilogy’ to a hilarious four parts, get ready because here comes Brendan O'Carroll with Part Five. Starring all of Mrs Brown's Boys (and Girls) and of course, Brendan as 'Mrs Brown'. It's just weeks to go till Christmas in the Brown house and Mrs Brown has the turkey stuffed and plucked. All she has to do now is kill it. Mrs Brown is excited because her son, Trevor, whom she has not seen in five years, has promised to pay a Christmas visit home. However Cathy returns from her trip to America with unwelcome news. But who will tell Mammy? Rory Brown is distraught because his partner, Dino, has tried to drown him, Mark and Betty do their best to keep everyone calm, while nobody is sure what to do about Winnie's big box or Granddad's little hamster. Yes it's the usual mayhem we all expect from the most dysfunctional Irish clan. You will laugh and cry as the Brown's preparations for Christmas fall apart at the seams. Of course throughout it all, the ever optimistic Agnes sails along, sure as always that everything will work out just the way it's supposed to. If it's a night at the theatre that will have you wetting yourself laughing that you are looking for, then come along to the Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre this December... 'cos you ain't seen nothing yet!

Thriller Live
Monday 6 to Saturday 11 December 2010
Thriller Live is a spectacular, high octane show celebrating the career of the world's undisputed King of Pop: Michael and The Jackson 5. Thriller Live brings together on the stage of the Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre, the sensational dancing and distinctive sound of the Jacksons' greatest hits, including eye-popping multi-media effects and dazzling choreography by the show's award-winning director Gary Lloyd. The show includes I Want You Back, I'll Be There, Show You The Way To Go, Can You Feel It, Rock With You, She's Out Of My Life, Beat It, Billie Jean, Heal The World and Thriller plus many more!

Hairspray
Tuesday 14 December to Sunday 9 January 2011
In Hairspray, it's 1962, the '50s are out and change is in the air. Baltimore's Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, has only one passion - to dance. She wins a spot on the local TV dance programme, 'The Corny Collins Show' and overnight is transformed from outsider to irrepressible teen celebrity. But can a trendsetter in dance and fashion vanquish the programme's reigning princess, win the heart of heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate a television show without denting her hairdo? Only in Hairspray! Welcome to the '60s! Hairspray comes to The Playhouse Theatre in Edinburgh this Christmas starring Michael Ball as 'Edna Turnblad' and Micky Dolenz as 'Wilbur Turnblad'. The stage musical Hairspray is based upon the New Line Cinema film written and directed by John Waters, with a book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan, music by Marc Shaiman, and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Whittman. Hairspray is directed by Jack O'Brien and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell. Casting subject to change.

Swan Lake On Ice - the Imperial Ice Stars
Tuesday 18 to Saturday 22 January 2011
The world's premier theatrical ice skating company, The Imperial Ice Stars, come to the Playhouse Edinburgh Theatre in January with a dynamic new interpretation of their award-winning masterpiece, Swan Lake on Ice, as part of a major two-year world tour. With Tchaikovsky’s glorious music, exhilarating new choreography from leading ice director Tony Mercer, and dazzling new costumes, this innovative portrayal of the classic love story will take your breath away. The 26 World, European and National Championship skaters, who between them hold more than 250 competition medals, take contemporary ice dance to a new level with their daring and graceful feats - some of which are so complex they haven’t yet been named – performed in the intimate setting of a frozen theatre stage.

Circus of Horrors - the Four Chapters From Hell
Monday 21 February 2011
The Four Chapters of Hell is a special celebration in honour of the show's 15th anniversary. It will contain short versions of all four of the show’s incarnations, placed in chronological order. It is the nearest thing you will get to the Circus of Horrors greatest hits. Suitable for ages 16 and above.

Thomas & Friends Live! On Stage
Friday 25 to Sunday 27 February 2011
When Thomas makes a big mistake, all the engines on the Island of Sodor must work together to prepare for the exciting event under the Big Top and Thomas must prove he's a really useful engine once again. In this fun filled family show, Percy, James, Gordon and of course Thomas join The Fat Controller and the townspeople from the Island of Sodor to welcome a colourful cast of circus performers in an engaging story that demonstrates the importance of friendship and cooperation. This all new 90-minute (including interval) musical adventure which comes to the Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre this February, is packed with audience sing-a-longs, high energy dancing and thrilling adventures.

Magic of Motown
Friday 4 March 2011
Tribute to the Music of Motown.

Don Quixote
Tuesday 8 March 2011

Romeo and Juliet
Wednesday 9 March 2011

Sleeping Beauty
Thursday 10 and Friday 11 March 2011

Swan Lake
Saturday 12 March 2011

Jason Manford Live
Friday 30 September and Saturday 1 October 2011
Jason Manford: Live on stage at the Edinburgh Playhouse for two nights only this February. As seen on Live At The Apollo, Walk On The Wild Side; As Seen On TV; 8 Out of 10 Cats; Royal Variety Performance; Jason Manford and Friends (Radio 2). Jason Manford has been hailed by Jonathon Ross as being: "One of the most consistently funny and effortlessly charming new comics around." Suitable for Over 16's only.

We Will Rock You
Tuesday 29 November 2011 to Saturday 7 January 2012
In the musical We Will Rock You Ben Elton has fashioned a hilarious, futuristic comedy around more than 24 of Queen's biggest hit songs, delivering a show that boasts the scale and spectacle that marked Queen's live performances. Ben elton says: "This show is all about legend. We take the legend of Queen and create our own fantastical story of young kids battling the mighty corporations who want to suppress their individuality and their love of music. They need a hero who can help them in their struggle, and we have two - the dreamer Galileo and his sassy sidekick Scaramouche. Guess who ends up winning?" We Will Rock You comes to the Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre for a special 2011 Christmas season. Expect your favourite Queen songs including We Are The Champions; Another One Bites The Dust; We Will Rock You; and, of course, Bohemian Rhapsody.