Must-See Theatre at the Edinburgh International Festival 2025
The Edinburgh International Festival (EIF) 2025 promises a compelling programme of theatrical productions, tackling weighty issues and offering fresh perspectives on classic tales. From explorations of financial collapse to examinations of freedom of speech and colonial legacies, this year's selection is sure to spark debate and captivate audiences. Here's a look at some of the highlights:
Make It Happen: Unpacking the RBS Meltdown
One of the most anticipated theatrical events of the festival is undoubtedly Make It Happen, a new play by James Graham. This ambitious work delves into the 2008 collapse of the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), an event that brought the global financial system to the brink of disaster. The play originated from an idea by actor Brian Cox, who will also appear in the production as the 18th-century economist Adam Smith.
Make It Happen is a co-production between the National Theatre of Scotland and Dundee Rep, featuring a cast of 16 actors. Sandy Grierson, known for his award-winning performances, takes on the role of Fred Goodwin, the former RBS CEO who became synonymous with the era's financial hubris and recklessness. The play's subject matter aligns perfectly with Nicola Benedetti’s 2025 Festival theme, "the truth we seek," promising a thought-provoking exploration of accountability and the consequences of unchecked ambition.
- Dates: 1-9 August (previews 30-31 July)
- Venue: Festival Theatre, Edinburgh
Faustus in Africa!: A Puppet Masterpiece Reimagined
The legendary Handspring Puppet Company of Cape Town brings their acclaimed production, Faustus in Africa!, to the EIF. First created in 1995, this powerful piece poses challenging questions about the bargains we make for profit and pleasure, especially in light of the devastating consequences of colonialism and the climate emergency.
Handspring Puppet Company, a world leader in theatre puppetry, is renowned for pushing the boundaries of the art form. They are the creative force behind the magnificent horses in the National Theatre's production of War Horse and inspired Baxter Theatre’s The Life And Times Of Walter K. In Faustus in Africa!, director William Kentridge collaborates with a company of seven performers and musicians Warrick Sony and the late James Phillips to present a searing interpretation of the Faust legend. This timely production promises to resonate deeply with contemporary audiences.
- Dates: 20-23 August
- Venue: Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh
Cutting the Tightrope: Freedom of Speech Under Scrutiny
Cutting the Tightrope is a collection of new short plays that tackles the complex and often contentious issue of freedom of speech. The production examines the growing anxieties within arts organisations about addressing sensitive subjects that have become increasingly difficult to navigate.
Given the ongoing debates surrounding freedom of expression, and recent controversies such as that involving Bob Vylan's appearance at Glastonbury, Cutting the Tightrope promises to be a timely and relevant exploration of the boundaries of artistic expression. The plays aim to shed light on the challenges faced by artists and institutions in an era where debate has become increasingly polarised.
- Dates: 14-17 August
- Venue: Church Hill Theatre, Edinburgh
As You Like It: A Radical Retelling by Cliff Cardinal
Cliff Cardinal, a Native American performer from the Lakota tribe, presents a radical reimagining of Shakespeare's As You Like It. This is not your typical Shakespearean adaptation; Cardinal's version is infused with rage and questions the colonial attitudes towards land and indigenous peoples that are often embedded in Western literature.
Cardinal's interpretation of As You Like It has garnered attention for its powerful and unsettling portrayal of the impact of colonialism. The production has both thrilled and angered audiences, challenging them to confront uncomfortable truths about history and representation. This Scottish and Edinburgh debut is sure to be a provocative and unforgettable theatrical experience.
- Dates: 20-23 August
- Venue: Church Hill Theatre, Edinburgh
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