The High Life musical to tour – with original cast reuniting for 2026 run

A new musical based on the 1990s television show The High Life will tour Scotland in spring 2026.

The production will bring together the show’s original cast members Alan Cumming, Forbes Masson, Siobhan Redmond and Patrick Ryecart.

First broadcast in 1995 following a pilot the year before, The High Life was created by and starred Cumming and Masson. The sitcom followed the antics of Air Scotia flight attendants Steve, Sebastian and Shona, as well as their captain Hilary Duff. The musical picks up with the characters several decades later as they face new challenges in a changing world.

The show is co-produced by the National Theatre of Scotland and Dundee Rep Theatre, in association with Aberdeen Performing Arts and Capital Theatres, and is the first title confirmed as part of the National Theatre of Scotland’s 20th anniversary programme.

The musical features a script and lyrics by Cumming, Masson and Johnny McKnight, with music by Masson and additional contributions from Cumming. Andrew Panton directs, with design by Colin Richmond, choreography by Emily Jane Boyle, musical supervision by Sarah Travis, and lighting design by Grant Anderson.

Previews begin at Dundee Rep Theatre on 28 March 2026 before the show visits His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen, Festival Theatre in Edinburgh, Eden Court Theatre, and King’s Theatre in Glasgow. The tour concludes on 16 May.

Redmond reprises her role as Shona Spurtle, with Ryecart returning as Captain Hilary Duff. The new production reimagines the original setting, presenting the crew in a story about holding onto relevance, dealing with change and reconciling old friendships.

Cumming and Masson said today: “Never say never! We are both beyond excited to be donning those nylon slacks and crimpelene blazers and connecting with our inner trolly dollies after all these years.

“Returning to these characters alongside the genius that is Johnny McKnight has been a joyful experience and we can’t wait to share what madness we’ve come up with around Scotland!”

The original series is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.