It’s a cliché but it’s true to say that love can strike at any moment and in any setting.
When Northerner Emma walks into Southerner Dexter’s life on the night of their graduation on St Swithin’s Day, that chance meeting changes both their lives together.
And it begs the question of what will happen on that particular day the next year and the one after that. This simple storyline is the basis for the fabulous One Day: The Musical which is running at the Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh until Sunday 19th April 2026.
Based on David Nicholl’s 2009 book, One Day, which has already been adapted into a Hollywood film and a Netflix television series, the show is a real winner.
Edinburgh is the setting for the new musical adaptation as it’s the city where Emma and Dexter first meet. And the theatre has been redesigned to give everyone a chance to be up close and personal.
It works well and allows everyone a fabulous view and warm feeling so that the audience is well and truly involved.
Produced by arrangement with the Universal Theatrical Group, the show follows Em and Dex as they are brought closer together through happiness and heartbreak, missed opportunities and second chances.
Sharon Rose and Jamie Muscato excel as Em and Dex and there is clear chemistry between the two as they work their way through love, ambition and the unpredictability of life. They have a hard gig with a long show and lots of singing, but the two take it in their stride and clearly enjoy their roles.
They have a busy time on stage with 20 years of costume changes (shout out to designer Rae Smith), but all is done with aplomb and they are supported by the equally excellent cast of Stephen (David Birrell), Ian (Dan Buckley), Tully (Miracle Chance), Alison (Josefina Gabrielle), Sylvie (Kelly Hampson), Callum (Peter Hannah), Mr Godalming (Matthew McKenna) and in the ensemble, Tanisha Butterfield, Ewan Murphy, Kirsty Anne Shaw and Robin MacKenzie and Rachel Flynn, swing members. A special shout out to the young and confident Imogen Brown as Jasmine.
Director Max Webster and choreographer Carrie-Anne Ingrouille has the cast well drilled and the open and revolving set is made all the more special with snazzy lighting from Bruno Poet.
Nigel Lilley ensures the musical arrangements are top notch and Simon Hale, Andy Barnwell and Richard Weeden are in charge of the orchestra.
As with all love stories, there are disasters and darkness but One Day: The Musical’s light and sweet aura leave the audience feeling all warm and happy and there’s no doubt this show will flourish and enchant for a long time!
The Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh and Melting Pot production of One Day: The Musical runs until Sunday 19th April 2026. For ticket availability please visit: www.lyceum.org.uk.
Author Bio:
Rebecca Hay is an experienced travel writer and member of The British Guild of Travel Writers. Follow her adventures with her family on Twitter and Instagram @emojiadventurer and on Facebook via EmojiAdventurers2.
Photographs by Marc Brenner (top) and Mihaela Bodlovic
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