
Musical theatre
The world premiere of Local Hero, a stage adaptation of the 1983 film opens in Edinburgh with new music and lyrics by Dire Straits front man Mark Knopfler.
Running until 4 May at the Royal Lyceum Theatre, Local Hero is directed by John Crowley, whose stage work includes The Present, Anton Chekhov’s Platonov adapted by Andrew Upton, and Broadway runs of Martin McDonagh’s Tony-nominated The Pillowman starring David Tennant.
For those unfamiliar with David Greig and Bill Forsyth’s movie, set in the Scottish Highlands, it is a wry comedy about a man who sets out to buy a beach, but ends up losing his heart to a village.
Ambitious Texan oil executive Mac MacIntyre arrives in Scotland on a mission to buy a small seaside village with a plan to replace it with a refinery. It’s the deal of a lifetime, but Mac soon finds out that putting a price on this scenic spot is more complicated than he bargained for. Before the locals get rich, they must decide what a village is worth – a Maserati? A million pounds? A marriage? Or is feeling at home worth more than even oil money can buy?
Crowley returns to The Lyceum having directed the 1993 production of The Master Builder starring and co-directed by Brian Cox.

Crowley’s film work includes Oscar-nominated and BAFTA-winning Brooklyn, starring Saoirse Ronan, Film Four’s Boy A, starring Andrew Garfield and the upcoming film adaptation of Donna Tartt’s The Goldfinch starring Ansel Elgort, Nicole Kidman and Sarah Paulson.
The stage adaptation brings together a host of award-winning Scottish and UK talent, the cast includes Damian Humbley as Mac, Katrina Bryan as Stella, and Matthew Pidgeon as Gordon.
The production is designed by 3-time Tony Award-winning Scott Pask. Following previews, Local Hero will open at The Lyceum on 23 March and The Old Vic run will open in June 2020.
This production is generously supported by The National Lottery through Creative Scotland and presented by special arrangement with Neal Street Productions and Patrick Daly of Caledonia Productions.
Following exceptional demand, the Lyceum announced an additional two weeks of performances.
_______________________
Need a photographer, podcast or video for your event, website or company announcement? DB Media Services, part of the Daily Business Group, also provides PR services, distributing your message to the wider print and online media, and a copywriting service to help you communicate with colleagues or clients.
Contact: mediaservices@dailybusinessgroup.co.uk or call 07971 686038.
Leave a Reply