Jamie Muscato and Sharon Rose on bringing Dexter, Emma and the much-loved One Day to the stage

This week, WhatsOnStage was invited into rehearsals for an exclusive look at One Day: The Musical.

We chatted to the show’s stars – Sharon Rose and WhatsOnStage and Olivier Award nominee Jamie Muscato – about bringing Emma and Dexter to the stage, why their story lends itself to a musical adaptation and what their hopes are for the future of the production. We were also treated to a peek at one of the show’s numbers, “Pick Up, Em” during our time in the rehearsal room.

Check out all the highlights in the video below:

Co-produced by the Royal Lyceum Edinburgh and Melting Pot, the new stage adaptation is based on David Nicholls’ 2009 novel. It was previously adapted into a solidly received film in 2011, followed by a much-loved 2024 Netflix series.

The story is set on St Swithin’s Day (15 July, in fact!) across multiple years as Dexter and Emma grow from students into adults.

The world premiere cast also includes Josefina Gabrielle as Alison Mayhew, Miracle Chance as Tilly, Kelly Hampson as Sylvie and David Birrell as Stephen, alongside Matthew McKenna as Mr Godalming, Dan Buckley as Ian, with Peter Hannah as Callum. The company is completed by Tanisha Butterfield, Ewan Murphy and Kirsty Anne Shaw.

The musical is written by David Greig with music and lyrics by Abner and Amanda Ramirez of Johnnyswim. Max Webster directs. The creative team includes Carrie-Anne Ingrouille as choreographer, Rae Smith as set and costume designer, Bruno Poet as lighting designer, Simon Baker as sound designer, Nigel Lilley as music supervisor, co-arranger and musical director, Simon Hale as orchestrator, Stuart Burt as casting director, and orchestra management by Andy Barnwell and Rich Weeden for BW Musicians Ltd.

One Day: The Musical opens at the Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh on 27 February 2026, with press night on 11 March. The run continues until the newly extended date of 19 April as part of the Lyceum’s 60th anniversary season, the first programmed by new artistic director James Brining.