Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre announce the dates of preview shows for Make It Happen, an epic new production that sees proud Dundonian Brian Cox make his return to the stage where he first began his iconic career.
Following its preview run at Dundee Rep, Make It Happen will head to the Edinburgh International Festival (EIF) where its world premiere will open the Festival’s 2025 programme when it runs for a week at the Festival Theatre from 1st–9th August, with previews at EIF on 30th and 31st July.
Brian has a strong history with both the city and its theatrical institutions having first stepped on to the Rep stage in 1961 and quickly became a mainstay at the theatre, where he worked as a stage manager for a few years and starred in his first show, The Dover Road at age 15. Since those early formative years, Brian has since returned to the Rep several times, most recently for the Theatre’s 80th birthday celebrations in 2019 where he performed An Evening with Brian Cox.
Telling the story of the rise and fall of what was the biggest bank in the world, The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), Make It Happen sees Brian Cox take on the role of Adam Smith, Scotland’s ‘founder of modern capitalism’, with Sandy Grierson as Fred ‘The Shred’ Goodwin, who was RBS’ CEO. When Goodwin’s fervent belief in the wisdom of Smith’s economic philosophy causes the once-prudent RBS to plummet, Scotland suddenly finds itself at the heart of the 2008 financial crash.
Written by James Graham, who is regarded as one of the most influential and finger-on-the-pulse writers of our time, and directed by Dundee Rep’s Artistic Director Andrew Panton, this new satire delves into the fatal elements that brought the world’s economy to its knees. The play is a unique co-production between three of Scotland’s leading performance arts companies in Dundee Rep Theatre, the National Theatre of Scotland and EIF.
Artistic Director of Dundee Rep Theatre Andrew Panton said “It’s a landmark moment for Dundee Rep and our city to welcome legendary actor, Brian Cox back onto the Rep stage, having started his career with the theatre 63 years ago. Dundee audiences will have the unique opportunity of being first to witness Brian telling this vital story of our nation’s recent history, events that had repercussions right across the globe. We’re proud that our production will then transfer to the Edinburgh International Festival to meet audiences from all over the world.”
Make It Happen will preview at Dundee Rep Theatre from 18th – 26th July before premiering at the 2025 Edinburgh International Festival.
Limited pre-sale opened for Friends on Tuesday 15th April before general sale which commenced on Thursday 17th April.
Irene Brown
Radio Summerhall Arts 