Musical parody of sci‑fi horror cinema (Richard O’Brien)
A new opera, created by Missy Mazzoli and Royce Vavrek, is presented with a bold fusion of theatre and pain, drawing on Kafka’s story to stage an opioid crisis. The production mixes Trainspotting, Sweeney Todd and Rocky Horror, with a chorus of singing sheep. The Guardian and The Scotsman preview the Edinburgh International Festival 2026 program, highlighting ambitious artistry and industry debates about audience and funding.
Maureen Beattie has been cast as Lear in a new Pitlochry Festival Theatre production adapted and directed by Finn den Hertog. The show, staged by artistic director Alan Cumming, has opened a run from 4 July to 1 August 2026 and reframes King Lear as a matriarchal tragedy performed by a largely Scottish company.