Its remarkable to say that the global phenomenon of musical theatre, Mamma Mia is celebrating its 25th Anniversary, yes, a quarter of century! With a new International Tour that will criss cross the United Kingdom and its spending Christmas 2025 in Edinburgh at the Edinburgh Playhouse!
Having been seen by over 70 million! People in every corner of the world and spawning two motion pictures the show continues to wow audiences in London’s west end at the Novello Theatre and a New Tour is underway to mark the special anniversary.
The fable of mother and daughter versus three potential dads in the sun-drenched Greek islands featuring the classic hits of ABBA continues to delight theatre goers and brings the perfect sun filled treat on these cold Christmas nights.
The Edinburgh Playhouse once again plays host for this run which is packing the greenside theatre to capacity, and they guarantee a fun night of festive frolics and musical theatre joy!
So if you want to add a little Greek sunshine to your festive celebrations head to the Playhouse and grab what few tickets remain!
A guilty pleasure for many a theatre goer, encouraging generations of audiences to embrace their fishnet stockings and high heels, Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show is now a beloved theatrical institution. The show has enjoyed many visits to Edinburgh including early in 2025 with a sell out run at the Edinburgh Playhouse. Following massive popular demand, the Edinburgh Playhouse have confirmed that the venue will kick off 2026 with a week long run of the B movie tribute rock show classic and better still musical Icon Jason Donovan will also return as the debauched Frank – N – Furter.
Speaking to Scotsgay arts Jason the still gorgeous blonde pop star told us why he has decided to return to the Playhouse and Rocky Horror “In a nutshell,” he says, “I’m a fan. I love the show; I love the music; I love the character. I was touring my own show about five years ago and included ‘Sweet Transvestite’ from Rocky as a key moment in my musical career. It went down a storm.”
Jason rejoined the Horror Show for its 50th anniversary year firstly in Sydney, then in Melbourne, followed by the West End, a UK tour in 2025 and now via a 2026 UK tour where Jason will be performing in Edinburgh, Liverpool, Eastbourne and Bristol.
The Rocky Horror Show is a musical with music, lyrics and book by Richard O’Brien. A humorous tribute to various B movies associated with the science fiction and horror genres from the 1930s to the early 1960s, the musical tells the story of a newly engaged, clean-cut couple getting caught in a storm and coming to the home of a mad transvestite scientist, Dr Frank-N-Furter, unveiling his new creation, Rocky, a Frankenstein-style monster in the form of an artificially-made, fully-grown, physically perfect muscle man complete with blond hair and a tan.
The original London production premièred at the Royal Court Theatre (Upstairs) on 19 June 1973. It later moved to several other locations in London and closed on 13 September 1980. The show ran for a total of 2,960 performances. On the 50th anniversary of the musical in 2023, it is said the production had been performed in 20 different languages and seen by 30 million people globally.
Jason’s the same performer but how does he feel about tackling the role over 25 years later? “I don’t feel uncomfortable, playing Frank at 57 – and, of course, I have personal reasons for being grateful to the show.”
The stage manager on that late 90s touring production was a young woman called Angela Malloch. “I’d be backstage waiting to go on,” recalls Jason, “and I’d get chatting to Ange.” The blossoming friendship turned into romance, but the relationship hit the buffers.
Shortly afterwards, Angela found out she was pregnant. It was ultimatum time. “If the relationship had any chance of working, she told me, and if I was going to have any involvement in the life of our child, I would have to give up the self-indulgent hedonistic lifestyle of the 90s and take greater control of my life. And I did.
It’s something that happened gradually rather than immediately. “You either seize your opportunities or you don’t”. But, in the end, he says, you’ve got to want to change. “Elton John said it and it’s true: nobody can do it for you.” Fine but, hand on heart, what’s it like climbing into those fishnet stockings and high heels seven times a week? “In many ways, very easy, I put on the costume and there’s Frank all over again. I’m in touch with my feminine side but I come from a masculine sensibility.
The character embraces both sides of me: a strength and a vulnerability as well as danger and denial.” When I put on those high heels, I become that rock ‘n’ roll star. It makes me feel powerful, tall, in charge. “And audiences love it. As I look out from the stage, I see a beautiful landscape of people wearing outrageous costumes. It’s not hard to see why: in many ways, Rocky is panto for adults. The costumes are just as much a part of the show as the characters and the music”.
Touring is demanding, but Jason takes it in stride: he will be playing Frank n Furter in Edinburgh, Eastbourne, Bristol and Liverpool. “On tour, I wake up a little later; there are no domestic chores to tackle – no trimming the ivy or doing the washing. And I’m a seasoned professional when it comes to locating any M&S or Waitrose.
“I do try and get home at weekends, though, and not agree to more than three or four weeks away at a stretch. But if I want to play Frank – and I do – I’ve got to travel. It comes with the territory.
What else are you doing? “I’ve got my Doin’ Fine Encore tour – across the UK from February to March 2026. It’s a greatest hits show, a celebration of 35 years of work.”
But for now, his focus is bringing Frank-N-Furter back to life, both for his own satisfaction and that of his inexhaustible audience. “I’ve reached a point of great contentment,” says Jason. “As long as I have my family and my health, as long as I have a good life/work balance, I’m happy. I like to think I work to live, not the other way around”.The Rocky Horror Show, Starring Jason Donovan comes to the Edinburgh Playhouse from 6th to 10th January 2026. For more information and tickets go to: The Rocky Horror Show Tickets | Edinburgh Playhouse in Edinburgh | ATG Tickets
Capital Theatres which oversees Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre, The Studio and Edinburgh King’s Theatre have today announced the reopening programme for the beloved Old Lady of Leven Street as The King’s reopens after a multi-million pound redevelopment.
The King’s takes a major step forward on the path to reopening following its landmark redevelopment, unveiling some of the first shows set to appear on the iconic Edinburgh stage. From acclaimed West End hits to brand-new drama, world class dance and family entertainment, the redeveloped King’s Theatre promises a rich and varied programme for everyone.
The reimagined King’s Theatre will feature improved accessibility for all, redesigned hospitality spaces, a new level stage and upgraded technical facilities, all enhancing the audience experience whilst paving the way for larger, more ambitious productions to visit the theatre.
The newly announced productions feature in the King’s autumn 2026 season, a celebration of courage, spirit and Scotland itself.
Highlights include:
· Operation Mincemeat (2-7 November) the West End and Broadway smash hit and winner of the 2024 Olivier Award for Best New Musical.
· Chariots of Fire(15-19 September) a brand-new stage adaptation of the multi-award-winning film, directed by Roxana Silbert and written by Mike Bartlett.
· Wallace(30 September-3 October) a bold new hip-hop musical written by Rob Drummond with music and lyrics by Dave Hook and produced by Raw Material, exploring one of Scotland’s most legendary figures.
The King’s new level stage opens the door to more dance, including internationally acclaimed choreographer Jasmin Vardimon’s Lullaby(24-26 September), a ground-breaking new piece exploring the emotional highs and lows of human life set against a clinical hospital landscape.
Other upcoming productions include Tony Roper’s beloved washhouse comedy The Steamie (5-10 October), brand-new family musical Toto The Ninja Cat (23-25 October) based on the best-selling children’s books by Dermot O’Leary, joyful new musical Rollers Forever (27-31 October) celebrating the 70s’ biggest boyband, and Crown of Blood(3-6 March 2027), a powerful new Yoruba adaptation of Macbeth.
Edinburgh’s celebrated community companies return to the King’s stage, with the Edinburgh Gilbert & Sullivan Society in sparkling satire Iolanthe (14-17 October) and the Scouts and Girl Guides in the much-loved Gang Show (17-21 November).
The pantomime returns to its spiritual home for the first time since 2021, as fan favourites Allan Stewart, Grant Stott and Jordan Young star in a brand-new production The AdventuresofPinocchio (28 November 2026 to 17 January 2027).
Further announcements will be made about the King’s summer 2026 reopening celebrations. Details of the much-awaited return of Edinburgh International Festival to the King’s will be announced in spring 2026
Fiona Gibson, Chief Executive, Capital Theatres, said: “In less than one year, the iconic King’s Theatre stage will burst into life once more with a beautifully curated programme of shows, offering something for everyone. The King’s Theatre has always been known as the People’s Theatre, and we can’t wait throw our doors open wide to welcome back our wonderful audiences.”
“Our autumn 2026 season at the King’s is filled with passion, pride and the magic of live performance, from Olympic legends in Chariots of Fire, to the hotly anticipated Operation Mincemeat and a new take on a Scottish legend in Wallace. We are one step closer to hearing the roar of a King’s crowd once more, and I cannot wait to share this unforgettable new chapter with the city of Edinburgh.”
Tickets for the King’s autumn 2026 season are available for priority booking by Friends of Capital Theatres from 26 November 11am, with general public sales opening on 3 December. Full details can be found at www.capitaltheatres.com/whats-on.
Where has 2025 gone too! Once again here at Scotsgay Arts we are looking forward to the festive season that will be with us before we all know it and that of course means our traditional preview of the best pantomimes and Christmas shows on offer around the country and further afield!. Our selection is of course just the tip of the ice berg as venues up and down the country provide a plethora of festive treats for your viewing pleasure! We hope you pick one of our choices! And you can be assured we will be reviewing the biggest and best of the offerings too! So let’s get to it with our exclusive preview!
EDINBURGH!
Jack and the Beanstalk, Festival Theatre Edinburgh.
The Kings Edinburgh Panto team will mark their final season at their temporary home of the Festival Theatre with the Giant Pantomime Spectacular! Featuring the legendary team of Allan Stewart (Dame May Trott), Grant Stott (Fleshcreep) and Jordan Young (Jack) returning for a sky high adventure. They will be joined by Clare Gray (Pat the Cow), Gail Watson (Spirit of the Beans) and Amber Sylvia Edwards as Princess Jill.
With spectacular special effects, the gorgeous London palladium set and stunning costume this promises to be a gigantic farewell to the Festival Theatre filled with comedy, music and the biggest beanstalk you will ever see!
Crossroads Presents Jack at the Beanstalk, Festival Theatre Edinburgh, Saturday 13th December 2025 – Sunday 11th January 2026 for more information and Tickets go to: Jack and the Beanstalk – Capital Theatres
Snow White, Summerhall, Edinburgh
Summerhall in collaboration with Edinburgh Acting School present their debut pantomime with a family friendly take on the Classic fairytale!. Packed full with comedy, music, audience participation and sparkling costumes which puts Summerhall at its heart its promises to be a very special pantomime adventure and features ensemble children drawn from the local community!
Summerhall and Edinburgh Acting School Present SNOW WHITE, Summerhall Edinburgh, Thursday 11th December – Sunday 14th December 2025 for more information and tickets go to: Snow White comes to Summerhall – Summerhall Arts
Cinderella: A Fairytale, The Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh
The Royal Lyceum theatre company continue their traditional Christmas shows with a brand new take on the classic fairytale! Cinderella. Filled with magic and adventure Sally Cookson’s celebrated adaptation of Cinderella will delight the whole family in a new production from The Lyceum. With music and puppetry, this festive story adds a magical flutter of wings to happily ever after.
Cinderella: A Fairytale, The Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh, Thursday 27th November 2025 – Saturday 3rd January 2026 for more information and tickets go to:Cinderella: A Fairytale | Lyceum
Beauty and the Beast, Portobello Town Hall, Portobello
Stage door entertainment return for their third annual outing of Panto at the Porty Town hall with a tale of Love, Laughter and enchantment that promises to be a beast of a pantomime. Producers have confirmed a brand new Writer and Director will be joined by a brand new cast!
Filled with much-loved music, and hilarious comedy, Beauty and the Beast will take centre stage at the Town Hall, and promises to be an unforgettable theatrical event. So, sit back, relax, and be our stage door’s guest this Christmas!
Glasgow Pantomime royalty Elaine C Smith and Johnny Mac head under the sea to the depths of the ocean in an exhilarating and enchanting theatrical extravaganza. The Little Mermaid is producer Crossroads pantomimes newest production making its Scottish debut at the home of pantomime in Glasgow.
Darren Brownlie is also confirmed to be returning in the role of Dishy Fishy being joined by Hannah Jarrett-Scott, Jasmine Jules Andrews and Benjamin Lockhart with spectacular new sets, sparkling costumes and lashings of comedy, music and special effects this is a panto that you will be longing to be part of their world!
Glasgow’s Tron Theatre continue there magical mix of Christmas show and pantomime with the brand new Gallus in Weegieland written by acclaimed panto dame Johnny McKnight, Directed by Sally Reid , Design by Kenny Miller and composed by musical director Ross Brown this promises to be the most unique and magic filled panto adventure.
WEEGIELAND: a winter wonderland populated with strange-talking creatures, a maniacal power-hungry Queen and her son Knavey (quite possibly the hottest Harry Styles rip-off the pantosphere has ever seen).
Will Gallus ever find their beloved Dinah The Cat? Will Knavey declare his love for Gallus and live happily ever after? Or the will the evil Queen of Hearts stop true love in its tracks by demanding OFF WITH THEIR HEADS? Find out in this year’s Tron Panto.
Gallus in Weegieland, Tron Theatre Glasgow, Wednesday 19th November 2025 – Sunday 4th January 2026.
Jock and the Beanstalk, Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow
Imagine Theatre chalk up there third year in charge of the annual panto extravaganza at the Pavilion Theatre Glasgow with Jock in the Beanstalk a brand new take on the classic tale featuring all your fav Pav panto pals: Liam Dolan, Grado, Stephen Purdon, Scott Fletcher, Jack Jester, Jennifer Neil, Craig Glover and Valissa Scott.
Come and see if Jock can defeat the giant, win the heart of the girl he loves and turn the Trots’ fortunes around. Once again, the Pav panto will have all the ingredients for a perfect family panto; with a dastardly villain, a hapless comic and a hilarious panto dame, as well as fabulous musical numbers and bags of Clydeside chaos!
Crossroads Pantomimes present the fairy godmother of all pantos with Cinderella heading to the Granite City this Christmas with Joe McFadden and Dawn Steele leading the company alongside returning panto favourites!
Aberdeen’s favourite Dame Alan McHugh returns to the stage alongside writing and directing the show. He is joined be acclaimed panto comic actor Paul J Corrigan and Danielle Jam alongside those ugly sisters Julie Coombe and Helen Logan.
Filled with gorgeous costume, magical effects and a sparkling set join the gang for a magical rags to riches adventure!
Crossroads presents Cinderella, His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen. Saturday 29th November 2025 – Sunday 4th January 2026 for more information and tickets go to: Cinderella | His Majesty’s Theatre
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, The Tivoli Theatre Aberdeen and The Webster Theatre, Arbroath.
The Fairest Pantomime in the land comes to both The Webster Memorial Theatre, Arbroath and the Tivoli Theatre, Aberdeen this Christmas!
Charming Entertainment are delighted to present a brand new production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs this Christmas with sparkling costumes, beautiful scenery, a sensation all singing and dancing cast and of course a laugh a minute script!
Will the wicked Queen Dragonella remain the fairest in the land or will Snow White with skin as white as Snow, hair as black as ebony and lips as red as rose become the fairest in the land and win the heart of the handsome Prince with a little help along the way from 7 little friends!
The home of panto in the highlands, The Empire Theatre at Eden court once again collaborates with Imagine Pantomimes for a magical take on Snow white!
When the Wicked Queen’s magic mirror declares that Snow White is the fairest in the land, she is overcome with jealousy. Will Snow White’s friends be able to help save her from the Queen’s fury, letting them all live happily after?
Enjoy a wickedly good time at a classic family panto packed full of hilarious slapstick humour, audience interaction, hit songs, sensational dancing and plenty of festive joy.
Snow White, Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, Wednesday 3rd December 2025 – Sunday 4th January 2026 for more information and tickets go to: Snow White | Eden Court
FIFE
Oor Wee Mammy McGoose, Kings Theatre Kirkcaldy
The Best Wee Panto in Scotland returns with a Brand Spanking New Production that looks set to scale new Heights and become our Best Wee Panto Ever!
“Oor Wee Mammy McGoose” will feature all the magic and mayhem you have come to expect from our five star pantos together with marvellous music, stunning sets, lashings of laughter, maybe a wee tear or two, and a extra special story with it’s roots firmly set in the Langtoun.
And what would a King’s Wee Panto be without Fife’s favourite ever Dame – the legend that is Mr Billy Mack, starring in the title role. Joined by the rest of our brilliant cast, Mark McDonnell and Sarah Brown Cooper, and featuring this year, the totally awesome star of the West End and original Langtoun Girl, Shona White and Ross MacKenzie!
Oor Wee Mammy McGoose, Kings Theatre Kirkcaldy, Thursday 4th December – Saturday 10th January 2026 for more information and tickets go to: Pantomime | The King’s KDY
AYR
Aladdie, The Gaiety Theatre, Ayr
Written by Fraser Boyle, co-writer of The Gaiety’s 5-star panto hits Mother Goose (2024) and Cinderella (2023).
Less the Far East, more the very, very far East of Ayrshire, the Ancient McMinger Dynasty rule the land from their seat of power in Old New Cumnock Town. Aladdie’s adventures catapult him into deep trouble he can’t get out of alone – thank goodness then for family – and an Ayrshire family at that!
Will Aladdie ever win the hand of Princess Destiny? Will Abanazar rule the land as the greatest Magician the world has ever known? And will Widow Twunkey ever manage to scrub the Royal Smalls to Empress Oonagh McMinger’s most exacting standards?
Magic, mayhem, mischief and even Maybole abound in this re-telling of an old tale – this isn’t Aladdin. It’s Aladdie!
Aladdie, The Gaiety Theatre, Ayr, Saturday 29th November 2025 – Sunday 4th January 2026 for more information and tickets go to: Aladdie – The Gaiety Theatre Ayr
Now a couple of picks from south of the border!
NEWCASTLE
Aladdin, Theatre Royal, Newcastle
2025 sees Newcastle’s favourite panto duo Danny Adam’s and Clive Webb chalk up their 20th consecutive year leading the Theatre Royal accompanied by the legendary dame Chris Hayward and now firm favourite Joe McElderry .
Acclaimed producer and Director Michael Harrison is delivering a brand new production of Aladdin the which you have never seen the likes of before! Fusing together the Aladdin story with a glorious romp through pantoland!
With brand new sets and costumes designed especially for the Theatre Royal, This Aladdin Promises to be a Genie-us of panto!
Crossroads present Aladdin, Theatre Royal, Newcastle, Tuesday 25th November 2025 – Sunday 18th January 2026 for more information and tickets go to: Aladdin | Newcastle Theatre Royal
LONDON
Sleeping Beauty, The London Palladium, London
This Christmas will mark a decade since Crossroads pantomime revived the legendary London Palladium Pantomimes to critically and award winning acclaim and what better pantomime to mark the anniversary than a brand new production of Sleeping Beauty
Starring Catherine Tate, Palladium pantomime royalty Julian Clary, and making his debut Jon Culshaw. Sleeping Beauty also see the return of Paul Zerdin, Nigel Havers and Rob Madge.
With spectacular new sets, costumes and the very specialist of special effects the west end’s biggest Christmas show , now seen by over 1,000,000 people, will celebrate the 10th anniversary in magnificent style!
There we have it! Just we picked just 12 shows from the hundreds around the country! From the smallest town halls to the London Palladium be sure to give yourself a festive treat this Christmas and visit your local theatre!
Following over four years in London’s West End at the Adelphi Theatre and having been seen by over 4 million theatre goers around the world, Lead producer Colin Ingram, together with Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale, the creators of the Back To The Future film trilogy, are delighted to announce the first ever UK tour of the multi award-winning BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical which will be the Edinburgh Playhouse Christmas Treat for 2026!
BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical has a book by Bob Gale and new music and lyrics by Emmy and Grammy Award-winning Alan Silvestri and six-time Grammy Award-winning Glen Ballard, with additional songs from the film including The Power of Love and Johnny B. Goode.
BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical is directed by Tony Award-winning director John Rando (Urinetown, On The Town), alongside the multi Tony and Olivier Award-winning design team of Tim Hatley (set and costume design), Chris Bailey (choreography), Chris Fisher (Illusions), Tim Lutkin and Hugh Vanstone (lighting), Gareth Owen (sound) and Finn Ross (video), with musical supervision and arrangements by Nick Finlow. Orchestrations are by Ethan Popp and Bryan Crook, with dance arrangements by David Chase. Casting is by David Grindrod CDG for Grindrod Burton Casting.
Back to the Futurethe movie was released in 1985, starring Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly and Christopher Lloyd as Dr Emmett Brown – this year marks the 40th anniversary of the film’s release. The film grossed $360.6 million (£279 million) at the box office worldwide and the total box office for all three films in the Back to the Futurefranchise was $936.6 million (over $1.8 billion in today’s money).
BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical is produced by Colin Ingram who says ““I’m so delighted that the DeLorean will be travelling 88 mph to all the main theatre cities in the UK so that we can bring this heartfelt spectacle of a show to those who haven’t seen it in the West End or want to see it again. Great Scott! Audiences are going to have such a fun and thrilling ride in a show which will tour in all its glory and be one of the biggest sets to come out on the road”
One of the wests ends biggest shows is shaping up to be the ultimate festive treat at the Edinburgh Playhouse in 2026 and with tickets already on sale! Book now for a theatrical adventure of a lifetime.
ScotsGay Arts 