The Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh announces the cast of Gary McNair’s brand-new stage play inspired by Ron Ferguson’s beloved book, Black Diamonds and the Blue Brazil, directed by the Lyceum’s Artistic Director James Brining. Featuring original, live music performed on stage by Deacon Blue frontman and BBC Radio Scotland broadcaster Ricky Ross, who crafts a soundtrack inspired by the original book that has been described by none other than Sir Alex Ferguson as “a terrific read.”
The story is set around Sally returning to Cowdenbeath from her busy city life for her father’s funeral and being pulled back into the familiar world of ‘The Blue Brazil’– the trials, triumphs and unbreakable loyalty of a small-town football club with a big heart. What begins as a flying visit becomes a journey through grief, community involving the beautiful game in all its glorious imperfection.
In this brand-new piece of musical theatre, renowned Scottish actors Dawn Steele and Barrie Hunter take on the respective central roles of Sally her Dad. Together they will bring this deeply human story of family, football and finding your way home to life on the Edinburgh stage, weaving a tale of belonging, loss and the songs we carry with us.
James Brining, Artistic Director of The Royal Lyceum Edinburgh and director of Black Diamonds and the Blue Brazil commented, “We’re delighted to welcome the brilliant Dawn Steele and Barrie Hunter to join Ricky Ross on our Lyceum stage this May. ‘Black Diamonds and the Blue Brazil’ is a play rooted in the Scottish town of Cowdenbeath but speaks to something universal – the longing for connection and the enduring power of home. We can’t wait to share it with you all.”
With Sound Design from Pippa Murphy, Lighting Design from Simon Wilkinson and Video Design from Lewis Den Hertog it looks like there is much to anticipate in this upcoming Scottish show.
Black Diamonds and the Blue Brazilruns at The Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh from Friday 8th – Saturday 23rd May 2026.
Irene Brown
Radio Summerhall Arts 