Citizens Theatre announces an ambitious range of shows to kick off 2027 season
The Citizens Theatre announces its first shows of 2027 bringing together iconic classics, contemporary drama and large-scale musical theatre, including:
- The 40th anniversary of Liz Lochhead’s Scottish classic, Mary Queen of Scots Got Her Head Chopped Off – celebrated with a major new production directed by Finn den Hertog.
- Artistic Director Dominic Hill takes on Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman in a first co-production with York Theatre Royal.
- Olivier Award-winning Punch makes its only Scottish stop on a UK tour.
- A major new Scottish-made production of musical Guys and Dolls directed by James Brining, is presented by the Royal Lyceum Edinburgh, Citizens Theatre, Aberdeen Performing Arts, Eden Court Inverness and Dundee Rep.
Dominic Hill, Artistic Director, said: “From landmark revivals to award-winning new writing, the first shows in our 2027 season showcase a range of stories and theatrical experiences that respond to the world around us. Death of a Salesman is one of the most influential works of the 20th century and incredibly timely in the age of Donald Trump’s politics of greed and toxic masculinity. Mary Queen of Scots Got Her Head Chopped Off is a Scottish classic about two 16th century queens but the tensions over gender and religion still haunt us today. As we begin rehearsals for 1984, the resonance with current daily headlines of division is astonishing. Theatre is a place where we can explore those issues and emotions with honesty, compassion and reflection. Announcing our first productions of 2027 today, in addition to what’s coming up this autumn, I hope audiences will feel there is a rich variety of stories to experience at the Citz.”
Premiered in 1987 at the Edinburgh Festival and considered to be one of Liz Lochhead‘s most successful and critically acclaimed plays, Mary Queen of Scots Got Her Head Chopped Off celebrates its 40th anniversary this year with the Citizens Theatre presenting this Scottish classic for the first time on its stages, between 12 February and 6 March. Directed by Finn Den Hertog, this new production brings Lochhead’s sharp, witty and powerful exploration of Scottish history, identity and power to a new generation of audiences. One of the most sought-after Scottish directors working today, Finn’s recent credits include Fifth Step featuring Jack Lowden and Martin Freeman, Groupwork’s When Prophecy Fails presented at this year’s Edinburgh International Festival and Lear with Maureen Beattie, currently playing Pitlochry Festival Theatre.
Nottingham Playhouse in association with KPPL Productions, Mark Gordon Pictures, Eilene Davidson Productions presents Punch between 30 March and 3 April at the Citz, the only Scottish date on the UK tour. A huge hit which won the Olivier award for Best New Play in 2025, Punch is based on a true story about toxic masculinity, retribution and retaliation – based on a memoir by Jacob Dunne who was convicted for killing a man with a single, unprovoked punch.
Exploring the cost of the American Dream, York Theatre Royal and Citizens Theatre’s 2027 production of Death of a Salesman promises fresh relevance under the direction of Citizens’ Artistic Director Dominic Hill. Premiering in York, in the first collaboration between the two theatres, it will then play in Glasgow for a 3 week run between 7 April and 1 May. Arthur Miller’s classic play is an ordinary working man’s story that is also hugely timely in America’s current political context. It follows the poignant story of Willy Loman who, after decades of struggle in pursuit of his dreams, is lost in memories of the past. His family, weighed down with their own ambitions and regrets, try to reconcile the man they love with Willy’s true and troubling nature. This quiet tragedy of a life lived in pursuit of the elusive American Dream remains powerfully relevant and incisive for today.
A Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh, Citizens Theatre, Aberdeen Performing Arts, Eden Court Inverness and Dundee Rep Theatre co-production of Guys and Dolls will be a large-scale new production of one of the most iconic musicals ever written. A Broadway classic packed with unforgettable music – and live band – this new take on Guys and Dolls is full of heart, humour, and irresistible swing directed by James Brining, featuring a large cast, spectacular choreography and stunning set design.
From the streets of 1950s New York to the heart of Havana, step into a world of big bets and bold characters. Follow a cast of gamblers, showgirls and dreamers as they chase luck, dodge commitment, and discover that love doesn’t always play by the rules. This new version of the musical will take over the Citz between 4 and 15 May as part of a wider Scottish tour.
These productions add to the already announced line-up of main stage shows this Autumn, kicking off with a major new production of George Orwell’s 1984 premiering at the Citz from the end of August – before embarking on a Scottish tour.
Adding to the 2026 season, the Citizens Theatre is also delighted to announce its 2026 early years Christmas Show Poggle’s Christmas Adventure, by Barrowland Ballet. Aimed at children aged 18 months to 7 years, Poggle’s Christmas Adventure is a 50 min warm-hearted sensory dance theatre experience for young audiences – with live music, clapping rhythms and comedy throughout in an imaginatively changing world that the children have the chance to explore. Barrowland Ballet return to the Citz, having successfully presented The Gift for young audiences at the venue last year. Poggle’s Christmas Adventure will run from 12 – 24 December alongside the main stage Christmas Show.
Kate Denby, Chief Executive, said: “This season demonstrates the strength of the Citizens Theatre’s partnerships and our commitment to producing work of scale and ambition. It comes on the back of a hugely successful reopening year that has seen us welcome over 100,000 visitors through our doors. We have also taken work out on the road – from Edinburgh and Dundee to Liverpool and Bolton – and we will continue that this season, co-producing shows across Scotland and partnering with York Theatre Royal for the first time. We also welcome some of the UK’s best touring work and we can’t wait for them to experience the magic of our theatre and Glasgow audiences. We have been overwhelmed with the love and warmth for the Citz returning in the last year and we look forward to meeting that audience demand with more ambitious work on our stages.”
LISTINGS
Mary Queen of Scots Got Her Head Chopped Off
A Citizens Theatre production
Written by Liz Lochhead
Directed by Finn den Hertog
12 February – 6 March 2027
Punch
Nottingham Playhouse in association with KPPL Productions, Mark Gordon Pictures, Eilene Davidson Productions
Written by James Graham. Based on the book Right From Wrong by Jacob Dunne
Directed by Adam Penford
30 March – 3 April 2027
Death of a Salesman
A Citizens Theatre and York Theatre Royal co-production
Written by Arthur Miller
Directed by Dominic Hill
7 April – 1 May 2027
Touring Dates:
24 February – 27 March 2027 – York Theatre Royal
Guys and Dolls
The Royal Lyceum Edinburgh, Citizens Theatre, Aberdeen Performing Arts, Eden Court Inverness and Dundee Rep co-production
Based on a Story and Characters of Damon Runyon
Directed by James Brining
4 – 15 May 2027
Touring Dates:
Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh: 26 Mar – 1 May 2027
Eden Court: 19 – 22 May 2027
Dundee Rep Theatre: Tue 8 – Sat 19 Jun 2027
Poggle’s Christmas Adventure
A Barrowland Ballet production
Directed and choreographed by Natasha Gilmore
Sat 12 Dec – Thu 24 Dec
