CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR EVENT

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.

The Clown and The Wolfman Ride into Leith Theatre

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). 


Sponsored Links

St Mary's Music School
Scotonomics
Fayre Play
Children's Classic Concerts

Latest Edinburgh News

2 for 1 Whisky Adventures Await at Johnnie Walker Princes Street This February

2 for 1 Whisky Adventures Await at Johnnie Walker Princes Street This February

Last chance to enjoy 2 for 1* on Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s award-winning experiences until 28th February.

READ MORE
Join us on Spaceship Earth as Edinburgh Science Festival blasts off in April

Join us on Spaceship Earth as Edinburgh Science Festival blasts off in April

Edinburgh Science Festival welcomes everyone to explore the theme of Spaceship Earth and how we can all live like astronauts for the good of planet Earth.

READ MORE
The Leddie to host its first ever Wellness Retreat

The Leddie to host its first ever Wellness Retreat

The Leddie, Aberlady’s boutique hotel and restaurant, in partnership with WanderWomen, will host its first-ever wellness retreat, Spring Equinox Awakening, from 15th to 16th March.

READ MORE
Football Fundraiser set to score big for Disability Charity

Football Fundraiser set to score big for Disability Charity

A HIGHLY anticipated charity football match is set to bring together property professionals and football legends in a bid to raise £20,000 for an inclusive outdoor space.

READ MORE
Jason Connery Invests 1 Million in Lost Shore Surf Resort

Jason Connery Invests 1 Million in Lost Shore Surf Resort

Jason Connery, filmmaker and son of the legendary Sean Connery, has invested £1 million in Lost Shore Surf Resort, marking a significant post-launch boost for Europe’s largest surf park.

READ MORE
Thousands of preloved books for children to find new homes through Asda instore donation points in Scotland

Thousands of preloved books for children to find new homes through Asda instore donation points in Scotland

The initiative enables customers across the UK to donate pre-loved children's books in-store, for onward gifting to families with fewer books of their own.

READ MORE
Eat Out Edinburgh announces 2025 venue lineup and exclusive supper clubs

Eat Out Edinburgh announces 2025 venue lineup and exclusive supper clubs

Eat Out Edinburgh, the highly anticipated city-centre restaurant festival run by Essential Edinburgh, today reveals the full list of incredible dining offers running throughout March.

READ MORE
M&S Food reopens at Edinburgh Waverley Station after transformation

M&S Food reopens at Edinburgh Waverley Station after transformation

The M&S Food store at Edinburgh Waverley Station has reopened to passengers following a complete transformation by food travel experts SSP Group.

READ MORE
Cineworld is the best place to enjoy both new Captain America and Bridget Jones movies

Cineworld is the best place to enjoy both new Captain America and Bridget Jones movies

Set to be this year’s Barbenheimer, the two hotly anticipated films will be shown across a range of formats at Cineworld, where spectacular offers and merch will make your date night unforgettable.

READ MORE
Miffy x Bubbleology carrot cake bubble tea comes to Edinburgh

Miffy x Bubbleology carrot cake bubble tea comes to Edinburgh

Miffy, the classic children’s character created by Dick Bruna, is teaming up with the UK’s leading bubble tea brand, Bubbleology, for an unmissable springtime launch.

READ MORE
Marstons is going marmalade mad in celebration of Paddington in Peru

Marstons is going marmalade mad in celebration of Paddington in Peru

To celebrate the Home Release of Paddington in Peru, Marston's has created a limited-edition marmalade-inspired children's menu, which will be available in over 250 Marston's pubs nationwide!

READ MORE
Restoration work begins on the John Byrne dome at the Kings Theatre

Restoration work begins on the John Byrne dome at the Kings Theatre

Capital Theatres embarks upon expert conservation work to protect and restore John Byrne’s iconic dome design as part of the King’s Theatre redevelopment project.

READ MORE
Scots charity calls on young Scottish poets for national campaign

Scots charity calls on young Scottish poets for national campaign

Communities across Scotland are being invited to make a visible show of support for LGBTQ+ young people this Purple Friday.

READ MORE
Three captured Lynx thriving at Edinburgh Zoo

Three captured Lynx thriving at Edinburgh Zoo

Three lynx illegally released in the Cairngorms are doing well, having completed their 30 day quarantine at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo.

READ MORE
Next generation of professionals are on the UP

Next generation of professionals are on the UP

DLA Piper returns to 2025 with more rewarding network events for next generation professionals following resounding success last year.

READ MORE
Celebrate in STYLE at St James Quarter this Valentines Day

Celebrate in STYLE at St James Quarter this Valentines Day

St Valentine might be the patron saint of love, but St James has got your celebrations covered.

READ MORE
Perth Ski School invites Edinburgh ski enthusiasts to hit the slopes this Spring

Perth Ski School invites Edinburgh ski enthusiasts to hit the slopes this Spring

Edinburgh families have an exciting new option for children's and adults ski lessons this year, following the opening of Perth Ski School.

READ MORE
From Barra to Buenos Aires: Worldwide Gaelic celebration just around the corner

From Barra to Buenos Aires: Worldwide Gaelic celebration just around the corner

The Gaelic language is set to be celebrated around the world in less than two weeks' time as Seachdain na Gàidhlig, World Gaelic Week, gets set to return from 24th February - 2nd March.

READ MORE
The Rocky Horror Show tour smashes records

The Rocky Horror Show tour smashes records

The Rocky Horror Show has once again cemented its status as a cultural phenomenon, with the 2024/2025 tour being the most successful ever staged in the show's 50+ year history!

READ MORE
Forever Edinburgh invites residents to fall in love with their city

Forever Edinburgh invites residents to fall in love with their city

This Valentine’s Day, Forever Edinburgh is making it easier than ever for residents to fall in love with their city all over again with exclusive Resident Rewards.

READ MORE
Singer championed by Eddie Vedder announced as Roger Daltrey tour special guest

Singer championed by Eddie Vedder announced as Roger Daltrey tour special guest

Legendary rock singer Roger Daltrey has announced Linka Moja as the special guest who will be joining him on his UK tour in April and May.

READ MORE
Edinburgh Brunch Bar to Offer Free Cocktail to Customers to celebrate relaunch

Edinburgh Brunch Bar to Offer Free Cocktail to Customers to celebrate relaunch

To celebrate this exciting new chapter and share the Valentine’s Day love, Sip & Bark is offering a free cocktail to all customers on Friday, February 14th.

READ MORE
New smash burger joint opening in Edinburgh with big burger giveaway

New smash burger joint opening in Edinburgh with big burger giveaway

SoBe Burgers, the Miami-style smash-burger brand, will celebrate landing in Edinburgh on 14 February by offering a free burger to its first 50 customers.

READ MORE
Free Ben & Jerrys in Edinburgh, for those with a special name...

Free Ben & Jerrys in Edinburgh, for those with a special name...

This Valentine’s Day, Ben & Jerry’s is spreading the love – with a free sweet treat for anyone whose name is Bridget, Ben or Jerry.

READ MORE
Edinburgh Zoo welcomes two adorable capybaras in time for half term

Edinburgh Zoo welcomes two adorable capybaras in time for half term

Edinburgh Zoo has welcomed the arrival of two adorable capybaras in time for the February half term.

READ MORE
Haggis eating champion teams up with Innis & Gunn to offer one day unlimited steak frites

Haggis eating champion teams up with Innis & Gunn to offer one day unlimited steak frites

A SCOTTISH brewer is offering unlimited steak frites this Palentine’s Day – and a competitive eater has put the generous offer to the test.

READ MORE
Pioneering Scottish artist Georgia Cecile set to perform in Edinburgh this month

Pioneering Scottish artist Georgia Cecile set to perform in Edinburgh this month

Georgia is leading the jazz and soul revival in a year that is destined to be big for her.

READ MORE
Top Scottish chef opens first fish restaurant on Edinburgh waterfront

Top Scottish chef opens first fish restaurant on Edinburgh waterfront

One of Scotland’s most acclaimed chefs is opening the doors to his first independent fish restaurant on Edinburgh’s waterfront at the Shore in Leith on Wednesday 12th February.

READ MORE
Scottish architecture and design studio appointed for refurbishment of Fringe Central

Scottish architecture and design studio appointed for refurbishment of Fringe Central

Studio LBA, has been appointed as architect by the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society for the refurbishment and creation of Fringe Central, the new, year-round home for the Edinburgh Fringe.

READ MORE
Refurbished Cafe Portrait to reopen at National Galleries Scotland Portrait

Refurbished Cafe Portrait to reopen at National Galleries Scotland Portrait

On Saturday 8 February, Heritage Portfolio, the specialist events and catering company, will reopen the fully refurbished Café Portrait at the National Galleries Scotland: Portrait.

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

Escape The Past
St Mary's Music School
Edinburgh Dungeon
ATG

Sponsored Links

St Mary's Music School
Scotonomics
Fayre Play
Children's Classic Concerts
Escape The Past
St Mary's Music School
Edinburgh Dungeon
ATG

Popular Events

Phantasmagorey
An exhibition inspired by the work of the great American illustrator and author Edward Gorey (1925-2000), celebrating his centenary, is taking place at Custom House Leith from 20th-26th February.
Disco Days Edinburgh
Scotland's beloved over 30s afternoon clubbing event Disco Days is back at Club Tropicana Edinburgh in 2025!
Whisky Tasting Fellowship Rugby Edition
Whisky tasting meets pub quiz with a rugby twist in the latest instalment of the Whisky Tasting Fellowship at Uno Mas on 21st February!
Gamma PhotoForum Exhbition
Come along to the Edinburgh Photographic Society on 22nd & 23rd February for two photography exhibitions at a single venue!
The Trance Empire
The Trance Empire comes to the Liquid Rooms in Edinburgh on 16th April, showcasing the best Trance music, rising artists & local DJ talent!

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