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).
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
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.
READ MORE
Merlin Entertainments announces Edinburgh Dungeon Resident Sale
Merlin Entertainments is kicking off the new year with an exciting announcement: the Dungeon Resident Sale has arrived, offering a spooktacular 50% discount for residents at their nearest Dungeon!
READ MORE
There is plenty for fans of South Asian film to enjoy this month at Vue Edinburgh Ocean
As the appetite for South Asian content continues to grow across the UK, Vue Edinburgh Ocean is proud to be showcasing films from across the region throughout the year.
READ MORE
Pawsome New Year Resolutions remove over 39 million pieces of litter
Dog owners making an environmental New Year Resolution have boosted the ranks of the “PAWS ON PLASTIC’ charity to 27,000.
READ MORE
Burns Feast and Free Ceilidh at Bonnie & Wild
Edinburgh Food Hall Bonnie & Wild honours Scotland’s National Bard with a ‘Burns Feast’ and free ceilidh!
READ MORE
Blank Street pop up tram stop serves free coffee 24th and 25th January
Buzz worthy brand, Blank Street is coming to Edinburgh with the Blank Street Express Line, an immersive tram stop pop-up, designed to inject some magic into the mundane.
READ MORE
Border Caravans Announced as Headline Sponsor of the Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show
The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show is delighted to announce Border Caravans as the new headline sponsor for this year's event.
READ MORE
Diving Into History as Glenogle Swim Centre Hosts Great Lengths Exhibition
The ‘Your Health is for Life – Great Lengths’ exhibition comes to historic Glenogle Baths, a stunning Victorian facility in the heart of Stockbridge, as it marks its 125th anniversary year.
READ MORE
World Gaelic Week unveils largest programme to date
Seachdain na Gàidhlig has unveiled details of its most diverse, ambitious and largest programme to date, bringing together speakers, learners and enthusiasts from across Scotland and beyond.
READ MORE
Roxy Rose Street launches Ballers Bottomless Brunch
Roxy Lanes Rose Street launches The Ballers Bottomless Brunch featuring 90 minutes of competitive fun with a game of your choice, bottomless drinks, and American-style sharers.
READ MORE
Milestone move as National Galleries of Scotland to host the Scottish Portrait Awards 2026
The Scottish Portrait Awards are back and bigger than ever, as the Scottish Arts Trust and National Galleries of Scotland announce a landmark move to the Portrait gallery for 2026!
READ MORE
Stay Active this January at Gravity Active
Don’t let the shorter days and chilly weather get you down this January, stay active and experience boundless fun at Gravity Active!
READ MORE
Beat the January Blues with Family Tickets Offer at Volcano Falls in Edinburgh
Volcano Falls is inviting families to get rid of the winter gloom with a special online-only offer – 20% off family tickets Sunday 19th January 2025!
READ MORE
Music superstar Ed Sheeran surprises young musicians in Edinburgh
Music superstar Ed Sheeran surprises young musicians in Edinburgh with visit to Tinderbox Collective to launch his new Foundation supporting music education.
READ MORE
Duck & Waffle Edinburgh Celebrates Burns Night with an affordable set menu
Duck & Waffle Edinburgh will celebrate Burns Night on Saturday January 25th in honour of famed Scottish poet Robert Burns, with a chef-curated set menu for under £30.
READ MORE
Strike a PAWse: Brand new Valentine event for dogs at Dobbies
Dobbies is encouraging paw-rents across the UK to show their pooches some love this Valentine's Day at its brand-new dog event that will raise money for national dog welfare charity, Dogs Trust.
READ MORE
BrewDog launches brand new Touchdown Lager ahead of big game watch parties in Glasgow and Edinburgh
BrewDog, is partnering with Tesco to launch a brand new grid-iron inspired Wingman Lager. If only there was a massive game coming up that it could tie-in perfectly with...
READ MORE
Cruden Homes and City Of Edinburgh Council support North Edinburgh Community Festival with Donation
North Edinburgh Community Festival (NECF), one of the city’s most anticipated family-friendly events, has received a £2,000 donation from Cruden Homes and City of Edinburgh Council.
READ MORE
Scots brewery launches series of Iron Brew beers to beat January blues
Edinburgh-based brewer Vault City has paid tribute to an iconic Scottish drink, launching a four-part series of Irn-Bru-inspired sour beers.
READ MORE
Brace yourselves, burger lovers... Veganuary just got an upgrade!
Veganuary is well and truly underway and Fat Hippo's BurgerLab has been cooking up a limited-edition vegan masterpiece that proves going vegan doesn't mean skimping on the good stuff!
READ MORE
The Biscuit Factory announces a range of new events in celebration of its neighbours
The Biscuit Factory, housed in the historic Crawford’s Biscuits on Anderson Place in Leith, is thrilled to announce a slew of new and exciting events for 2025.
READ MORE
Roxy Leisure partner with Everleaf and Lucky Saint for Dry January
For Dry January 2025, Roxy Leisure is teaming up with premium non-alcoholic brands Everleaf and Lucky Saint, offering guests exclusive mocktails and promotions from 2nd - 31st January.
READ MORE
Coming This Month: Trio of Stunning Varna International Ballet Performances
Edinburgh Playhouse welcomes Varna International Ballet’s trio of stunning performances this month!
READ MORE
Dynamic Earth Expands Inclusive Access with New 2025 Relaxed Opening Dates
Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh’s Science Centre and Planetarium, is excited to announce two additional Relaxed Opening Hours sessions as part of its continued commitment to inclusivity.
READ MORE
Lost Shore Surf Resort to Launch Inaugural Wellbeing Month in January
Lost Shore Surf Resort, Europe’s largest inland surf resort in Ratho, Edinburgh, is kicking off the New Year with its first-ever Wellbeing Month, launching on 1st January 2025.
READ MORE
First Minister John Swinney launches the Doddie Aid 2025 campaign
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney launches the Doddie Aid 2025 campaign at Murrayfield stadium.
READ MORE
The Edinburgh Gin Distillery At The Arches
World-renowned distillers, Edinburgh Gin, has opened the doors to its brand new distillery at The Arches.
READ MORE
Acclaimed Chinese art exhibit brings vibrant Chinese New Year celebrations to textile heartland of Scotland
A highly acclaimed textile exhibit celebrating part of China’s intangible cultural heritage will make its UK debut when it goes on display at the Great Tapestry of Scotland!
READ MORE
Back by popular demand: Murder on the Midnight Express returns to Somewhere By Nico
Back by popular demand, Murder on the Midnight Express is making its highly anticipated return to Somewhere by Nico in Edinburgh and Glasgow for a limited time only.
READ MORE
Fort Kinnaird confirms festive opening hours
Fort Kinnaird has confirmed its festive opening times for last minute shopping and anyone planning a day out with family and friends over the Christmas period.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links