The Clown and the Wolfman Ride into Leith Theatre
Restless Natives: The Musical is roaring into town, and we’re beyond thrilled to host the Edinburgh run of this stage adaptation of the beloved 1985 Scottish cult classic. It kicks off an electrifying summer of theatre, music and film, co-commissioned by Leith Theatre and Restless Natives producers, Andy Paterson and Wild Yak Productions.
Restless Natives original still. Courtesy of StudioCanal
We are so excited to welcome audiences for the stage adaptation of this classic Scottish film that promises nostalgia, music and mischief, and have it all unfold within the faded grandeur of Leith Theatre. This pop-up summer season between June and August and opening with Restless Natives: The Musical will be a unique showcase opportunity for audiences (you, yes you!) to glimpse at the theatre’s future while it continues its journey towards restoration.
For fans of Restless Natives, the Clown and the Wolfman need no introduction. Lovable underdogs Ronnie and Will ditch their humdrum lives for the thrill of holding up tourist buses as the infamous "Highland Highwaymen." This production bursts with charm and humour and we can’t wait to see their escapades unfold on our iconic stage, with lyrics by original screenwriter Ninian Dunnett, old Big Country favourites, and direction by Michael Hoffman. Although we’ve been assured no arrests will be made, this show promises to hold up our audiences and capture the hearts of a new generation.
Producer Andy Paterson perfectly captured the spirit of this collaboration, saying, “The moment we walked into Leith Theatre, we felt like we’d come home. Its unique atmosphere and personality perfectly complement Ninian’s story.” And we couldn’t agree more, this feels like a homecoming – especially with scenes from the original film being shot a stone’s throw away in Newhaven Harbour!
Of course, this is a significant milestone for Leith Theatre, as we have been unable to host audiences for quite some time. And now, we are not only the host of a nationally touring stage production, we have a further 2 month window filled with an array of cultural programme to enjoy. Make sure to sign up to our newsletter and follow us on social media to hear about our announcements first!
While Restless Natives: The Musical will steal the spotlight this summer, it’s just the latest in a growing legacy of film and TV productions hosted at Leith Theatre. Most notably, we’ve been home to the hugely popular BBC series The Bidding Room, with three series filmed on-site so far. Productions like this don’t just add to our history—they help spotlight the unique charm and versatility of Leith Theatre, reminding the world why this space deserves its place at the heart of Edinburgh’s cultural life.
In these current freezing temperatures, we could do with being ‘fleeced’ by Ronnie and Will at the moment…but the Clown and the Wolfman will definitely heat things up this summer and we really hope you all join us and the Restless Natives gang IN PERSON for a show that promises nostalgia, music and mayhem—all while supporting your favourite local venue’s restoration journey. Every ticket sold helps breathe new life into this cultural gem, ensuring it continues to inspire and entertain for generations to come.
The producers of Restless Natives: The Musical and the team at Leith Theatre are actively seeking additional programming for the venue’s iconic spaces from June through the end of the Edinburgh Festival in August. Both the Main Auditorium (1,600 seats) and the more intimate Thomas Morton Hall (180 seats) have availability. Interest is invited from artists and organisations working within a wide range of creative and cultural artforms. For summer programming opportunities in this historic and vibrant setting, email summer@leiththeatre.co.uk
Restless Natives: The Musical at Leith Theatre | June 7 - 22
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