CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR EVENT

Jonny & The Baptists: The Happiness Index

Jonny & The Baptists bring The Happiness Index to the Traverse Theatre... a new personal and political show about our desire, and the country's struggle, to just be happy.

Jonny & The Baptists: The Happiness Index

About Jonny & The Baptists: The Happiness Index

SCOTTISH PREMIERE

Are you happy? We can help!

Five Prime Ministers ago, David Cameron started a ‘happiness index’ to measure how joyful the people of this nation are. Which is ironic, given what he then did.

Anyway, we’ve picked up the baton and now are trying to find out what the hell we should do with it.

A new personal and political show about our desire, and the country’s struggle, to just be happy.

‘We laugh at the jokes… but we feel the pain, the increasingly frantic desperation, too. And this is the genius of these two: they make us laugh, then the penny drops – this is the way vulnerable people are treated in 21st century Britain.’ ★★★★★ Edinburgh Reporter

Written by JONNY DONAHOE and PADDY GERVERS
Directed by JAMES ROWLAND
Script Editor JOHN LUKE ROBERTS
Lighting Design ROBERT WELLS
Sound Design PADDY GERVERS and ROB SELL
Outside Eyes DUNCAN MACMILLAN, BENEDICT LOMBE, JOSIE LONG, COLIN HOULT, LAOISE HOLOHAN and ETHAN DAVIES
Producers IMPATIENT PRODUCTIONS LTD

Supported by Arts Council England

Image by Matt Crockett

Find tickets with See Tickets: Search now

Sponsored Links

Napier Uni
Kevin Quantum
Fayre Play
Wonder & Co
Napier Uni
Franciscan Publishing Company

Other Events at Traverse Theatre

Edinburgh Tradfest: Catherine Maclellan & Lucy Farrell

9th May 2025

Though they grew up half a world apart, Catherine Maclellan & Lucy Farrell connect through the quiet brilliance of their songcraft and the warm clarity of their delivery.

READ MORE

Edinburgh Tradfest: Kathleen Macinnes

9th May 2025

Enjoy a super special gig from Kathleen Macinnes, one of Scotland’s national treasures, as part of Edinburgh Tradfest!

READ MORE

Edinburgh Tradfest: Claire Hastings (Relaxed Performance)

10th May 2025

In a new departure for ETF25 we present a very special one hour gig designed to appeal to all ages, from new babies upwards.

READ MORE

Edinburgh Tradfest: Rhona Stevens & Joseph Peach

10th May 2025

Their sound of Rhona Stevens & Joseph Peach is best described as cinematic alt-folk, fusing elements of folk, classical, jazz, indie, electronic and alternative music. It’s unbelievably beautiful.

READ MORE

Edinburgh Tradfest: Finlay MacDonald Band

10th May 2025

The Finlay Macdonald Band has been coming very much to the fore over the past couple of years and you can catch them at the Traverse Theatre on 10th May as part of Tradfest!

READ MORE

Edinburgh Tradfest: Rebellious Truth 25: Joy Dunlop + Fraser Fifield

11th May 2025

The talk by Joy Dunlop will give insight into her own Gaelic journey; from learning Gaelic songs phonetically, to being the face of multi-platform learning brand, SpeakGaelic.

READ MORE

Edinburgh Tradfest: Pelkkä Poutanen

11th May 2025

Don't miss Pelkkä Poutanen, a hypnotic and unique artist known for her distinctive voice and masterful throat-singing techniques, at the Traverse Theatre as part of Tradfest!

READ MORE

Edinburgh Tradfest: ETF Spotlight

11th May 2025

Each year we present a show that will throw a light on some of the most exciting new performers in folk and traditional music today.

READ MORE

Edinburgh Tradfest: Siobhan Miller Band

12th May 2025

Don't miss this rare opportunity to see the Siobhan Miller band in full flight at the Traverse Theatre as part of Tradfest!

READ MORE

Failure Project

15th May 2025 - 16th May 2025

Following her critically acclaimed run at the Edinburgh Festival, BAFTA nominee Yolanda Mercy returns with her bold new show, Failure Project.

READ MORE

Benji Waterhouse: You Don’t Have to Be Mad to Work Here - Book Tour 2025

17th May 2025

NHS psychiatrist, award-winning comedian, and Sunday Times best-selling author Benji Waterhouse — is going on his first book tour and brings it to the Traverse Theatre on Saturday 17th May!

READ MORE

The Rheingans Sisters

19th May 2025

The Rheingans Sisters, Rowan and Anna, return to the Traverse Theatre on Monday 19th May!

READ MORE

Blinded By The Light

20th May 2025 - 21st May 2025

Writer Sylvia Dow brings her piece Blinded by the Light, a story of survival, of beliefs tested, of spirit and endurance, to the Traverse Theatre on Tuesday 20th and Wednesday 21st May!

READ MORE

Mama’s Broke

22nd May 2025

Catch Mama’s Broke, a powerful folk duo that deliver a compelling performance with heart and raw energy, when they play the Traverse Theatre on Thursday 22nd May!

READ MORE

Martin Hayes

2nd June 2025

Martin Hayes is regarded as one of the most significant talents to emerge in the world of Irish traditional music and he plays the Traverse Theatre on Monday 2nd June!

READ MORE

Every Brilliant Thing

4th June 2025 - 7th June 2025

Following a totally sold-out run at the Fringe Every Brilliant Thing, the smash-hit show by Duncan Macmillan and Jonny Donahoe comes to the Traverse Theatre!

READ MORE

LEAR

5th June 2025 - 7th June 2025

This contemporary re-imagining of Shakespeare's King Lear will bring together Ramesh Meyyappan's fearless, visual storytelling with director Orla O'Loughlin and a cast of four at the Traverse Theatre!

READ MORE

Critic’s Awards for Theatre in Scotland (CATS) Awards Ceremony 2025

8th June 2025

Celebrate the best in Scottish Theatre as you join the Critic’s Awards for Theatre in Scotland for their annual awards ceremony, held this year at the Traverse Theatre on Sunday 8th June!

READ MORE

Firelight Trio

10th June 2025

Firelight Trio is a mighty new group playing European music that is evocative, inventive, and endlessly exciting!

READ MORE

Soundhouse: Sian

11th June 2025

Sian comprises three of today’s most exquisitely gifted young Gaelic singers. Catch them live at the Traverse Theatre on Wednesday 11th June!

READ MORE

Lacunas Music Society - love loss data

12th June 2025

Comprised of Blythe Duff, Malcolm Lindsay and Yvonne Lyon, don't miss Lacunas Music Society's live at Traverse Theatre on Thursday 12th June!

READ MORE

Livin’ on a Prayer

Selected dates between 18th June 2025 - 21st June 2025

If life is work, then what is it to live forever? A divine mystery exploring life, death and the paths we choose between the two.

READ MORE

In The Cult of Work

19th June 2025 - 21st June 2025

In The Cult of Work is a surreal adventure of toxic friendship, the hurry to grow-up and the bushes who just want to burn.

READ MORE

The Stars and After

20th June 2025 - 21st June 2025

The Stars and After is a post-apocalyptic political play questioning class, entitlement and sacrifice.

READ MORE

RANT

22nd June 2025

RANT create a sound which is both spacious and lush yet retaining all the earthy bite and spark synonymous with a Scottish fiddle player.

READ MORE

Nick Costley-White Quartet

23rd June 2025

Catch the Nick Costley-White Quartet at the Traverse Theatre on Monday 23rd June!

READ MORE

An Evening with V.E. Schwab

30th June 2025

Join The Portobello Bookshop in welcoming V.E. Schwab to the Traverse Theatre to celebrate the launch of Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil.

READ MORE

Black Hole Sign

8th October 2025 - 18th October 2025

Black Hole Sign takes a razor-sharp scalpel to the absurdities, tragedies and hilarity within of one of our most beloved but besieged institutions... the NHS.

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

Cancer Research UK
St Mary's Music School
Escape The Past
Edinburgh Dungeon
ATG
Hostelworld

Similar events you might like...

Chopin by Candlelight

Chopin by Candlelight

Selected dates between 28th September 2024 - 25th July 2025

Brought to you by City Music Promotions, treat yourself and your loved ones to an exceptional evening piano recital at the beautiful venue of St Giles' Cathedral.

READ MORE
Scots Music Group Ceilidhs

Scots Music Group Ceilidhs

Selected dates between 28th September 2024 - 31st May 2025

All welcome to the Scots Music Group fabulous monthly fundraising ceilidhs at the St Brides Centre! Come on your own, with friends or in a group.

READ MORE
Moonlight Sonata by Candlelight

Moonlight Sonata by Candlelight

Selected dates between 26th October 2024 - 27th June 2025

Enjoy an outstanding candlelit evening of classical music in the beautiful setting of St Giles' Cathedral.

READ MORE
Close-Up Magic at The Joker & Thief

Close-Up Magic at The Joker & Thief

Selected dates between 31st October 2024 - 31st July 2025

Experience close-up magic with Tim Licata, one of Scotland’s most entertaining sleight-of-hand artists, at your table in the lovely Joker & Thief pub every Thursday!

READ MORE
A Night at the Opera by Candlelight (Feat. Nessun Dorma)

A Night at the Opera by Candlelight (Feat. Nessun Dorma)

Selected dates between 16th November 2024 - 26th July 2025

Set in the beautiful candlelit setting of St Giles' Cathedral, enjoy a night with the exceptional musicians of the Piccadilly Sinfonietta and some of the UK's leading opera singers!

READ MORE
The Big Show

The Big Show

Selected dates between 3rd January 2025 - 27th July 2025

Enjoy a night of top stand-up comedy at The Big Show every weekend at Monkey Barrel Comedy, come see a line-up featuring outstanding local, national, and international comedians!

READ MORE
Stand Up Horror

Stand Up Horror

Selected dates between 4th January 2025 - 20th December 2025

Actor, writer and tour guide Alex Staniforth invents a horror story every night at Stand Up Horror... you decide what the characters do, find and sometimes - yes sometimes - even love!

READ MORE
The Saturday Show

The Saturday Show

Selected dates between 4th January 2025 - 5th July 2025

Join us at The Stand Comedy Club Edinburgh for a mixed-bill five act show every Saturday!

READ MORE
Free For All

Free For All

Selected dates between 6th January 2025 - 15th December 2025

Free For All is back at Monkey Barrel - with a fresh new vibe! Full-on, no holds barred live comedy for anyone and everyone.

READ MORE

Find other events in Edinburgh

Sponsored Links

Napier Uni
Kevin Quantum
Fayre Play
Wonder & Co
Napier Uni
Franciscan Publishing Company
Cancer Research UK
St Mary's Music School
Escape The Past
Edinburgh Dungeon
ATG
Hostelworld

Popular Events

Edinbrick - A LEGO Model Show
Edinbrick is back for 2025! Edinburgh's biggest LEGO Model Show, will be held on the weekend of the 10th and 11th of May at Meadowbank Sports Centre.
Edinburgh and Lothians Miniature Railway Club Open Evening
The Edinburgh and Lothians Miniature Railway Club is holding an open evening on Wednesday 14th May to welcome the public to their impressive new premises in Central Hall in Tollcross.
Galactic Carnival Edinburgh
Get ready, Edinburgh! A brand-new, out-of-this-world experience is arriving this spring as Galactic Carnival Edinburgh makes its debut at West Side Plaza, Wester Hailes, from 2nd May to 25th May!
Bedroom Farce
The Edinburgh Makars bring Alan Ayckbourn’s classic comedy 'Bedroom Farce' to Church Hill Theatre from 8th to 10th May!
Festhailes Music Festival 2025
Newhailes is once again hosting its family friendly music festival in the grounds of Newhailes House on Saturday 10th May!

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall