Capital Theatres has today announced its upcoming autumn season at the Studio Theatre, a vibrant and diverse programme that reflects the company’s ongoing mission to support early career artists and foster new creative work.

Funded by Creative Scotland, the season showcases the extensive range of the Scottish arts sector, including electrifying gig theatre, contemporary writing, innovative dance and heart-warming family shows. The season also features two initiatives dedicated to celebrating and supporting emerging dancers and theatremakers, underscoring Capital Theatres’ commitment to nurturing artistic communities across Scotland.

Kicking off the season, Half Man Half Bull (31 Oct & 1 Nov) is a piece of musical gig theatre brought to life by producers Wright & Grainger and Oliver Tilney that reimagines two Greek myths: Theseus & the Minotaur and Daedalus & Icarus. First seen at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2024, Half Man Half Bull offers a contemporary take on these classical tales in a riveting two-part performance filled with spoken word and live music.

Led by a team of early career producers, the Gateway Writing Festival (3-5 Nov) offers a unique, peer-curated platform for new voices in theatre. Hosted at the Studio Theatre, it features nine short pieces selected and brought to life by emerging creatives taking the lead on programming, production and creative direction.

The Studio Theatre builds upon its reputation as a destination for extraordinary contemporary dance, welcoming back Dance Horizons’ hugely successful Innovations Dance Platform (7-8 Nov). This rapidly growing contemporary dance platform showcases new ideas and strives to cater for artists at all stages of their career.

At the close of the year, the Studio Theatre is the home of festive magic as Snowy (17-31 Dec) takes to the stage. This charming family show is the first of three successful recipients of the Wee Ones Winter Commissions, awarded by a panel from Capital Theatres, Eden Court Highlands and Aberdeen Performing Arts. Brought to life by the creative collaboration of Jordan Blackwood, Ross MacKay and Scottish Theatre Producers, Snowy is a winter’s “tail” that follows a curious little puppy on her Christmas adventure through a city inside a snow globe.

Sitting alongside these four newly announced shows are family shows Hopeful Monsters, Hercules The Bear and The Paper Dolls, as well as the one-person show Common Tongue, exploring the impact of Scottish language and identity. Together, these eight shows support and showcase the brilliant variety and strong creative talent in the Scottish theatre sector.

Fiona Gibson, Chief Executive of Capital Theatres said:

“We are thrilled to present this wonderful autumn season at the Studio Theatre. Supporting and nurturing the talent of the Scottish creative community is at the heart of Capital Theatres’ mission. Whether it’s promoting and building upon the success of standout fringe theatre like Half Man Half Bull or supporting new producers and initiatives such as the Gateway Writing Festival and Innovations, we’re so pleased to simultaneously support emerging artists while bringing new music, dance and theatre to Edinburgh audiences.

“We’re also proud to be working again with leading arts organisations across Scotland to commission three new festive pieces for families, including the wonderful Snowy which is sure to bring joy to a new generation of theatregoers this winter.”

The Studio Theatre’s autumn season is available for priority booking for Friends of Capital Theatres from Wednesday 23 July, with general on sale on Wednesday 31 July. Tickets are available at www.capitaltheatres.com.

Image: Half Man Half Bull, a modern take on ancient Greek months, features in The Studio Theatre’s new autumn season. Photo credit: Alina Von Zittwitz