Edinburgh Lyceum unveils new season to mark 60th anniversary

The Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh has announced its 2025–26 season, marking its 60th anniversary.

The season opens in October 2025 with The Seagull, adapted by Mike Poulton from Anton Chekhov’s play and directed by new artistic director James Brining. Caroline Quentin will lead the cast as Arkadina in a new staging that explores the tensions between a once-celebrated actress, her son Konstantin, and their entangled relationships with those around them. The production runs from 9 October to 1 November 2025, with press night on 14 October.

In early November, the theatre presents The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams in a production from Dundee Rep and Citizens Theatre, directed by Andrew Panton. Running from 4 to 8 November, the play follows Tom, Amanda and Laura as their fragile household unravels following the arrival of a guest. The creative team includes Emily James (design), Emily Jane Boyle (movement), Simon Wilkinson (lighting) and Michael Howell (casting).

The theatre’s festive production will be Cinderella: A Fairytale, adapted by Sally Cookson, Adam Peck and the original company. Directed by Jemima Levick, the production runs from 28 November 2025 to 3 January 2026. It follows Ella as she navigates a transformed family life, helped by her feathered companions, in a retelling of the traditional story.

As already revealed, from 27 February to 5 April 2026, the Lyceum and Melting Pot will present the world premiere of One Day, a new musical based on the novel by David Nicholls. The show features a book by David Greig, music and lyrics by Abner and Amanda Ramirez, and additional lyrics by Freya Catrin Smith.

Max Webster directs the production, which follows Emma and Dexter across two decades on the same date each year, beginning in Edinburgh where the story is set. The creative team also includes Carrie-Anne Ingrouille (choreography), Rae Smith (set and costume), Bruno Poet (lighting), Simon Baker (sound), Nigel Lilley (music supervision), Simon Hale (orchestrations) and Stuart Burt (casting).

The season concludes with Sweat by Lynn Nottage, a co-production with Citizens Theatre. The play will premiere in Glasgow in May 2026 before transferring to the Lyceum from 3 to 20 June. The Pulitzer Prize-winning drama explores economic decline and racial tensions in a Pennsylvania town.