Fill your cultural calendar with our show picks from Scotland to the West End

Lead image: Six

Edinburgh, Glasgow and theatres around Scotland

2:22 A Ghost Story

It’s had record-breaking seasons at five West End theatres with an array of stars playing the main characters. This iteration of the show will see presenter Stacey Dooley reprise the role of Jenny, who believes her new home is haunted, with dancer and actor Kevin Clifton as her husband Sam. Spine-chilling secrets emerge over dinner, with 2:22 in the morning holding special significance… just don’t give away the twist when you leave.

25th August – 30th August, King’s Theatre, Glasgow

Six

Originally an Edinburgh Fringe show and now a London West End hit, this award-winning take on Henry VIII and his famous wives is bringing its pop-themed tales of female empowerment to the Scottish capital. Scooping a Tony Award for ‘Best Original Score’ as well as ‘Best Costume Design’, it’s both an aural and visual treat. 

From 21st – 25th October, Edinburgh Playhouse

The Merry Widow

Depicting the glamour of 1950s Manhattan, Director John Savournin has updated operetta composer Lehár’s will-they, won’t they romance. The story follows affluent widow Hanna Glawari and her array of suitors round New York, in a waltz-filled tale of love, money and mafia. Lavish design meets wit and music from The Orchestra of Scottish Opera.

From 30th April – 14th June, locations across Scotland 

Make It Happen

Credit: Colin Hutton

Before it premieres at this year’s Edinburgh International Festival, James Graham’s satirical play on the rise and fall of The Royal Bank of Scotland will preview at Dundee Rep Theatre. Dundonian actor Brian Cox will return to Scottish stages for the first time in over 10 years to play Adam Smith, opposite Sandy Grierson as Fred Goodwin, the bank’s CEO. 

From 18th – 26th July, Dundee Rep Theatre

West End and Off-West End

Catch it while you can

Plied and Prejudice

Credit: Guy Bell

It’s hard to know what to expect when it comes to the programming at delightfully subterranean, avant-garde venue, The Vaults – and that’s the best part about it. New theatre worlds and eras are created within a network of tunnels beneath Waterloo Station – to amp up the immersive nature of many of the shows – and it’s a winning formula that’s in no way formulaic. 

This strictly 18+ adaptation of the Jane Austen classic, as suggested by the name, packs a punch in comedy value and also encourages the audience to quaff their beverage of choice as they observe the Regency romping and general cavorting on stage. Kudos to the Energizer Bunny efforts of the cast working with Brisbane-based Woodward Productions, who sprint from one side of the landing strip stage to the other, with five actors playing 20 characters. 

The gaudy set and brassy banter complement a talented and naturally hilarious cast, and it’s an all-round good time experience. There are some astutely contemporary takes on some of the topics covered in the book, and some brilliantly farcical character portrayals, although you may be pleased to hear that a version of the famous Mr Darcy/Colin Firth lake scene at Pemberley remains.

Until 18th May, The Vaults, London

New on the calendar

The Great Gatsby 

A Tony Award-winning hit on Broadway, the Jazz Age classic has arrived across the pond and will run in the gorgeous Coliseum theatre until September. Expect a version of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s tale of extravagance and heartbreak that’s full of sparkling choreography, entertainment and a jazz and pop-influenced original score.  

From 19th April – 7th September, London Coliseum