The Clown and The Wolfman Ride into Leith Theatre

Leith Theatre is proud to reveal it will be the Edinburgh home of Restless Natives: The Musical.

Article Source: Leith Theatre
Last Updated: 20 January 2025 10:12

The brand-new stage version of the classic Scottish film will kick off a three-month summer programme of theatre, music and film co-commissioned by Restless Natives' producers, Andy Paterson and Wild Yak Productions, and the Leith Theatre Trust team.

Welcoming audiences back into the venue is a significant milestone for Leith Theatre. This curated collaboration will offer a rare and exciting chance to enter the faded grandeur of a theatre that has remained largely the same since opening in 1932. This pop-up summer season will be a unique opportunity for audiences to glimpse at the theatre’s future while it continues on its journey towards restoration.

Original Restless Natives screenwriter and now lyricist, Ninian Dunnett, director Michael Hoffman and composer Tim Sutton, inspired by Big Country songs and themes, will open the season by delivering a not-to-be-missed full stage musical designed to delight devotees of the original movie and capture the hearts of a new generation.

A charming sense of national pride is built as intrepid underdogs Ronnie and Will become Highland Highwaymen, holding up buses and winning international renown, fleecing tourists with panache, with all the quirky idiosyncratic fun coming to Leith Theatre’s raked stage in June 2025.

Although the Trust have operated on a pop-up basis in the past bringing a wide range of cultural activity, the creative focus has more recently been within the TV and film industry hosting a large number of shoots and productions. Excitingly, this will be the first theatre production to make Leith Theatre its home since 2018.

Restless Natives: The Musical will commence a summer 2025 programme, providing audiences with a chance to enjoy live cultural experiences in this iconic heritage venue while supporting Leith Theatre’s preservation.

Restless Natives producer Andy Paterson is thrilled to see the musical leading the summer programming for the venue: “We are so inspired by the Trust’s vision for this incredible building. Our memories of shooting key scenes from the film just a few hundred yards away on the Western Harbour make this new partnership all the more special. We can’t wait to bring the Clown and the Wolfman back to their actual and spiritual home in Edinburgh.”

By partnering with Restless Natives, Leith Theatre Trust will shine a spotlight on the building’s history and restoration journey and bring an exciting cultural experience to the stage that fits with all of the film, music and theatre connections that already make up the venue’s heritage.

Will this be the end of the story or the beginning of a legend?

Lynn Morrison, Chief Executive from Leith Theatre Trust, said: “We are absolutely delighted to announce Leith Theatre as the Edinburgh venue and to work in partnership to deliver this incredible three-month summer season, starting with Restless Natives: The Musical. Despite the challenges posed by our building’s health, we remain committed to being at the heart of cultural life in Leith. This theatre adaptation blends theatre, film and music which is everything we love, and we couldn’t be prouder to welcome this exciting crossover and summer opportunity to our venue.”

Andy Paterson, who was one of the producers of the film and lead producer on Restless Natives: The Musical, said: “The moment we walked into Leith Theatre we had a feeling that we’d come home. The unique atmosphere and personality of the venue chimed with Ninian’s story. Both embody the resilience, the spirit of Scottish community, a sense of perseverance and solidarity - and the belief that with the right values and serious ambition, you can make something great.”

Tickets for Leith Theatre coming soon: to register for priority booking visit www.restlessnativesthemusical.com

As the first Scottish touring production to visit the theatre in many years, this run of Restless Natives: The Musical starts at Perth Theatre from 24 April – 10 May, before travelling to the Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling (14 – 17 May), His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen (21-24 May), Eden Court, Inverness (29 May – 1 June) before coming to Leith Theatre in June, and ending at The Kings Theatre, Glasgow (24 – 28 June).  

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

Get ready for Edinburgh Diwali 2025

Edinburgh city centre will be awash with colour on Sunday 2nd November as Edinburgh Diwali marks 10 years of uniting communities and celebrating diversity.

Festive line up announced for Lost Shore Surf Resort

Ho Ho Ho! Festive line-up announced for Lost Shore Surf Resort - Featuring visits from Mrs Claus and the return of the festive cinema.

Festival announces its new commission by Marc Brew

Imaginate has announced its next Expo-funded Festival commission will be by award-winning disabled dance artist and choreographer Marc Brew, as part of an increased focus on disabled-led work.

Virgin StartUp invites Scottish entrepreneurs to the Edinburgh Mentor Match

Scottish entrepreneurs are being invited to an electrifying free networking event on 27th October for National Mentoring Day at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh.

Scottish chef Tony Singh MBE joins Loganair as first ever Brand Ambassador

Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, has appointed celebrated Scottish chef Tony Singh MBE as its first-ever Brand Ambassador.

New year round Collaboration to make Outdoor Adventure accessible for All

The Yard, Foxlake and Wild Shore Dundee launch official partnership to deliver a year-round programme of inclusive activities, training, and support across three regions of Scotland.

The Saltires 2025 Shortlists Announced

The shortlisted titles for this year’s Saltires, Scotland’s National Book Awards, were announced at Blackwell’s bookshop in Edinburgh.

Casting announced for Priscilla Queen of the Desert

Kevin Clifton, Nick Hayes and Peter Duncan amongst the full cast announced who join previously announced Adèle Anderson (Fascinating Aïda) for Priscilla Queen of the Desert tour 2026.

KT Tunstall wins Modern Scottish Classic Award, plus SAY Award Shortlist reveal

The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award has unveiled the 10 Shortlisted albums now in the running for 2025’s title and £20,000 prize, as well as five Sound of Young Scotland finalists.

Cheers & Cheese to EU campaign brings a taste of European excellence to Edinburgh

Cheers & Cheese to EU campaign invites food enthusiasts to explore the rich flavours of Grana Padano PDO and Prosecco DOC in Edinburgh this October.

Fort Kinnaird gives hundreds of primary school pupils chance to design labels for homegrown honey

Over 115 local primary school students aged between five and 11 years old are due to take part in a competition run by Fort Kinnaird to design a label for the jars of honey.

St James Quarter unveils a Magical Christmas 2025 Programme

St James Quarter, Edinburgh, is set to sparkle once again this festive season with a showstopping Christmas Programme for 2025.

Duck & Waffle Edinburgh Unveils Haunting Halloween Event with a Dramatic Twist

Duck & Waffle Edinburgh is partnering with The Scotch Malt Whisky Society and North Edinburgh Nightmares for a spine-chilling evening of storytelling, whisky, and elevated seasonal dining.

Cold Town House in Edinburgh crowned Best Beer Destination in Scotland

Edinburgh’s iconic castle-view bar has been crowned Scotland’s ‘Best Beer Destination’ for the first time at this year’s Scottish Beer Awards.

Loch Lomond Shores has got the October school holidays sorted

There's loads to see and do – from pet friendly days out to breakfast with dinosaurs, loch tours and much more!

Keela and Mountaineering Scotland launch new campaign

Keela, the Scottish outdoor clothing brand, and Mountaineering Scotland Launch ‘Within You’, an new three-month campaign, inspiring Confidence, Connection, and Adventure in the Outdoors!

Book Week Scotland 2025 programme announced

Scotland's national celebration of books, Book Week Scotland, returns from 17th to 23rd November and tickets are on sale now!

Dobbies donates Christmas trees to local communities

Dobbies Garden Centres is lifting community spirits this season with a Christmas tree donation across the country, in partnership with Needlefresh.

Community group for families effected by suicide say art can be empowering

With Friday 10 October marking World Mental Health Day, community group, Lothians Speak Their Name, have shared the ‘powerful’ effect that art has had since the passing of their loved ones.

Football legends lace up for 150 mile charity walk inspired by Marcus Stewart, Stephen Darby and the late Doddie Weir

Former Celtic and Scotland football heroes to join ex-player with MND on 150-mile March of The Day to raise funds to help tackle the disease.

First winners announced for GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards

Amy MacDonald, Hue and Cry, Nathan Evans and The Saint PHNX Band, Skipinnish, Shay O'Dowd and James Emmanuel are among the first winners to be announced for the GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards!

Step into stories of Scotland this October with Living History

Scotland’s colourful past bursts to life this October as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) returns with its popular Living History programme for the school holidays.

Amber restaurant joins forces with The Real Mary Kings Close for Halloween programme

This October, The Real Mary King’s Close, one of the UK’s top-rated experiences on TripAdvisor, partners with Amber Restaurant for a Halloween experience on the Royal Mile.

Scottish single mother turned her passion for protecting the planet into a royal range for Balmoral

Ten years ago Laura Thomas returned to the UK with two children and just £200. Now with a booming business to her name, this East Lothian entrepreneur is designing ranges for Balmoral Estate.

Autumn events at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed for cosy coastal retreats and joyful pre-festive celebrations.

Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week launches to inspire the nation with Find Your Fit campaign

The Scottish Government's Women and Girls in Sport Week launches this week, celebrating the power of movement and encouraging women and girls of all ages to get active in ways that work for them.

Finnish Long Drink Breaks Fringe Records for Summerhall Arts

Lonkero, Finland’s iconic long drink, has made history at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe by serving a record-breaking number of pints at Summerhall’s courtyard - while raising vital funds.

Last call for supporters to share their Murrayfield Memories as centenary celebrations beckon

HUNDREDS of fans from Scotland and across the globe have been sharing their most treasured memories of Scottish Gas Murrayfield as the stadium prepares to mark its centenary year.

HIV ALOUD: RAISE THE CURTAIN

The Edinburgh Playhouse and Waverley Care are pleased to announce a new collaboration, HIV ALOUD: RAISE THE CURTAIN, an arts initiative to share stories of those living with HIV.