CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR EVENT

World premiere play with Brian Cox to open 2025 Edinburgh International Festival

Opening the International Festival this year will be the world premiere of a new play, Make It Happen, by James Graham, starring Succession's Brian Cox.

World premiere play with Brian Cox to open 2025 Edinburgh International Festival

Article Source: Edinburgh International Festival
Last Updated: 24 January 2025 11:10

WORLD PREMIERE

A National Theatre of Scotland, Edinburgh International Festival and Dundee Rep Theatre co-production in association with Playful Productions and Neal Street Productions

Make It Happen

Written by James Graham
Directed by Andrew Panton
With Brian Cox

Opening performance of the 2025 Edinburgh International Festival on Friday 1 August 2025, then running until Saturday 9 August.

Previewing at Dundee Rep Theatre in late July and at the International Festival on Wednesday 30 and Thursday 31 July.

Make It Happen is an epic new satirical play by acclaimed playwright James Graham, directed by Andrew Panton, Artistic Director of Dundee Rep Theatre. This unique co-production between National Theatre of Scotland, Edinburgh International Festival and Dundee Rep Theatre marks the return of Brian Cox to Scottish stages for the first time in a decade.

The world premiere of Make It Happen opens the Edinburgh International Festival’s 2025 programme of theatre, music, opera, and dance. It runs for a week at the Festival Theatre from 1–9 August, with previews at the International Festival on 30 and 31 July and at Dundee Rep Theatre from late July.

‘There is no such thing - as too big.’

Behold the rise, fall and fail of the biggest bank in the world – The Royal Bank of Scotland.

Helmed by Fred ”The Shred” Goodwin, with his fervent belief in the wisdom of the ‘founder of modern capitalism’, Adam Smith, the once prudent RBS soon plummets, placing Scotland at the heart of the global financial crash of 2008.

Set in Edinburgh, Make It Happen sees legendary actor Brian Cox return to the Scottish stage for the first time in a decade as Adam Smith, the ghost of fiscal past. Written by James Graham (Sherwood, Dear England), hailed as one of the most influential and finger-on-the-pulse writers of our time, and directed by the award-winning Andrew Panton, this bitingly funny new satire delves into the unchecked growth, spiralling greed and nail-biting hubris that brought the world’s economy to its knees.

This fictionalised satire features a mixture of characters and incidents inspired by real-life events, with others entirely imagined.

James Graham, writer, said:

"Like many writers, an Edinburgh stage is the first place ever I dared put a full play in front of an audience. To be invited to join the prestigious Edinburgh International Festival programme this summer is an honour and a thrill. And to work with the National Theatre of Scotland, the Dundee Rep, and of course - Brian Cox, whom I’ve been desperate to write for for as long as I can remember.

We still live in the long shadow of the 2008 financial crash and our inability to reset from that inheritance and its divisive legacies, so it feels right to be interrogating it artistically. But we hope to do so in a show full of music and story, larger-than-life characters, cheeky humour, and some ghosts from Scotland's centuries' long past thrown in as well..."


Andrew Panton, director, said:

”It’s a personal honour and huge responsibility to tell what became a global story that started in the city close to where I grew up. Working with an exceptionally talented cast, creative and production teams, I’m excited to be directing this new play, bringing it to audiences at Dundee Rep Theatre and Edinburgh International Festival stages.”

Brian Cox, actor, said:

“I'm excited to be doing a play written by James Graham who is such a great writer. It's been a long time since I played in Scotland - it's good to be back".

Jackie Wylie, Artistic Director of the National Theatre of Scotland said:

“I am thrilled that audiences will get to experience the combined talents of James Graham and Brian Cox, taking on the collapse of Royal Bank of Scotland in this epic new play, directed by the gifted Andrew Panton, produced in partnership with the brilliant institutions, Dundee Rep and Edinburgh International Festival. Dealing with seismic global moments that have shaped our national psyche, at the world’s most significant arts Festival is the perfect project for the National Theatre of Scotland and we are truly proud of this special collaboration”

Nicola Benedetti, Edinburgh International Festival Director, said:

“We are extremely proud to present a brand-new play by James Graham, ‘Make It Happen’, which will open the 2025 International Festival in August. This co-commission with the National Theatre of Scotland and Dundee Rep demonstrates our ongoing commitment to bringing vital Scottish stories to the world stage, and invites us to examine events that took place in Edinburgh but rippled across
the globe.

Illuminating this year’s festival theme ‘The Truth We Seek’, 'Make it Happen' exemplifies the level of ambition and thought-provoking work that defines the Edinburgh International Festival. We cannot wait to see you there.”


Paisley born Fred Goodwin was the Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Bank of Scotland Group between 2001 and 2009, presiding over RBS’s rapid rise to become the world’s largest company (by assets) and the fifth-largest bank (by stock market value), and their even more rapid fall in 2008, which coincided with the worldwide economic crisis. Make It Happen is the first major artwork exploring RBS’s role in this tumultuous period in recent history.

'James Graham is fast becoming the pre-eminent playwright of his generation.' The Guardian

James Graham is an award-winning screenwriter and playwright, whose recent work includes Dear England (National Theatre of GB and West End) which won the Olivier award for Best Play in 2024 and is currently being adapted into a BBC miniseries. Other theatre work includes: This House (National Theatre of GB, West End and UK tour), which was chosen by popular vote as the best play of the 2010’s for the major theatre publisher Methuen; Punch (Nottingham Playhouse and transferring to the Young Vic in spring 2025); Best of Enemies (Young Vic, 2022), winner of the Critics’ Circle Theatre Award; Tammy Faye (The Almeida), and Ink (The Almeida), which transferred to Broadway and was nominated for six Tony Awards; Labour of Love (Noel Coward Theatre, 2018) which won the Olivier award for Best Comedy.

For television, James is the writer and creator of Sherwood which first aired on BBC One in 2022 to five star reviews, winning the Royal Television Society Award for Best Drama and two BAFTAS.

Other TV includes Brexit: An Uncivil War, broadcast on Channel 4 and HBO, and was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Television Movie. His Channel 4 drama, Coalition won the RTS Award for Best Single Drama (2019), and Quiz (ITV and AMC), adapted from his stage play and directed by Stephen Frears, was one of the most watched UK TV dramas of 2020.

Andrew Panton is an award-winning theatre director and currently Artistic Director and Joint CEO of Dundee Rep Theatre. For Dundee Rep, his directorial credits include August: Osage County, The Children, A Christmas Carol, Oor Wullie, Passing Places and Spring Awakening. He has previously worked with National Theatre of Scotland as director on digital lockdown short Out of the Woods with Alan Cumming and A Sheep Called Skye, and as staff director on the original UK & International tours of Black Watch. He has also directed productions for the Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh, Citizens Theatre Glasgow, Royal & Derngate, Perth Theatre and The Stephen Joseph Theatre. His recent work includes A History of Paper, which won a Scotsman Fringe First, an immersive production of Peter Greenaway’s The Cook, The Thief, His Wife and Her Lover, and the gig-theatre musical No Love Songs which will transfer to Sydney and New York in spring 2025. Andrew’s work for television includes: Children in Need, The Naked Choir and The Voice (BBC) and he was a creative director for the opening ceremony of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Brian Cox is an award-winning Scottish actor, known for his work on stage and screen. Born in Dundee, he trained at Dundee Rep Theatre before going on to work at the Royal Lyceum Theatre, Royal National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company where he first gained recognition for his portrayal of King Lear.

His numerous accolades include two Olivier Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award. Recent entries on his extensive list of theatre credits include Long Day’s Journey Into Night (Wyndham’s Theatre) and The Score (Theatre Royal Bath). His screen work includes Succession (HBO), Braveheart (Paramount Pictures, 20th Century Fox) and Nuremberg (TNT).

Brian returns to Scottish stages for the first time in a decade, last appearing on Scottish stages in 2015 in Waiting For Godot at the Royal Lyceum Theatre. He previously worked with National Theatre of Scotland in 2020 when he played Inspector Rebus in a special digital short, John Rebus: The Lockdown Blues written by Ian Rankin for their lockdown Scenes for Survival series, created in partnership with BBC Scotland.

Creative Team: Set Designer: Anna Fleischle; Costume Co-Designers: Anna Fleischle and Angelica Rush; Movement Director: Emily Jane Boyle; Musical Supervisor and Arranger: Martin Lowe; Lighting Designer: Lizzie Powell; Sound Designer: Tingying Dong; Video co-designers: Lewis den Hertog and Anna Fleischle; Associate Designer: Angelica Rush; Casting Director: Stuart Burt CDG

Supported by Sir Ewan and Lady Brown

Make It Happen is also supported by the Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund through Creative Scotland.

Previewing at Dundee Rep Theatre (late July); opening at Edinburgh International Festival, at the
Festival Theatre, (previews Wed 30 & Thurs 31 July) Fri 1 August – Sat 9 August

Full cast to be announced.

More information here - nationaltheatrescotland.com/events/make-it-happen

Tickets will go on sale for performances at Edinburgh International Festival on 27 March, with priority booking available.

The Edinburgh International Festival’s full programme will be announced on 13 March 2025.

Image credit: Colin Hutton

Sponsored Links

St Mary's Music School
Scotonomics
Escape The Past
Fayre Play

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

Children's Classic Concerts
St Mary's Music School
ATG
Edinburgh Dungeon

Sponsored Links

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

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