The show will be staged at the Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh next spring
Tom Millward
15 May 2025
The world premiere of One Day the Musical is heading to Edinburgh – the city where the story itself begins – in 2026.
Based on David Nicholls’ bestselling 2009 novel, the piece is adapted for the stage by the Royal Lyceum Theatre’s former artistic director David Greig and features a score by Johnnyswim band members Abner and Amanda Ramirez, with additional material by Freya Catrin Smith. It will be directed by Max Webster.
One Day follows a 20-year, will-they-won’t-they relationship between Emma and Dexter, who meet on the night of their graduation in 1988. It spawned a 2011 film adaptation, starring Anne Hathaway and Tim Sturgess, and a 2021 Netflix television series.
Incoming artistic director of the Lyceum James Brining commented: “We’re delighted to welcome the deeply loved, captivating story of David Nicholls’ One Day to the Lyceum stage. It feels right that the story will start its theatrical life at home in Edinburgh, where the book begins. The story of Dexter and Emma is entwined in this city, and I’m excited to see the show take shape in the very capable hands of David Greig with heartfelt music and lyrics from Abner and Amanda Ramirez and direction from multi-award-winning director Max Webster.
“I am proud to host the world premiere of this beloved story turned musical as part of my first season as artistic director, and for it to be a part of the Royal Lyceum’s 60th anniversary season.
Producer Simon Friend of Melting Pot added: “When I started reading David Nicholls’ era-defining novel One Day on the tube in 2009, the people next to me and opposite were doing the same, so quickly did this universally relatable story become essential reading, piercing hearts across the world. After more than a decade of trying to produce a stage adaptation of it, I can’t imagine working with a more accomplished team of artists to make this show, and it’s a true privilege to open it in the city where Dex and Em’s story famously begins.”
The production will also feature choreography by Carrie-Anne Ingrouille, set and costume design by Rae Smith, lighting design by Bruno Poet, sound design by Simon Baker, music supervision and arrangements by Nigel Lilley, orchestrations by Simon Hale and casting by Stuart Burt.
One Day is scheduled to run at the Royal Lyceum from 26 February to 5 April 2026, with a press night set for 11 March.
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New musical based on One Day novel to receive world premiere production – WhatsOnStage
