Black Diamonds and the Blue Brazil cast announced for Edinburgh Lyceum

The Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh announce casting for heartfelt new drama Black Diamonds and the Blue Brazil, adapted by the brilliant Gary McNair for the stage, from the beloved book by Ron Ferguson. Find out who will be bringing the story to life on stage below.

Black Diamonds and the Blue Brazil play cast announced

The Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh is delighted to announce 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 Royal Lyceum’s Artistic Director James Brining.

Featuring original, live music performed on stage by Ricky Ross, the Deacon Blue frontman crafts a poignant soundtrack full of Fife grit and soaring emotion inspired by Ferguson’s book, described by Sir Alex Ferguson as “a terrific read”.

About Black Diamonds and the Blue Brazil

When Sally returns to Cowdenbeath from her busy city life for her father’s funeral, she’s 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 an unforgettable journey through grief, community, and the beautiful game in all its glorious imperfection.

Cast news:

A brand new piece of music theatre, taking on the central role of Sally is renowned Scottish actor Dawn Steele (Skye: A Thriller, Eastenders, Holby City, Shetland, Granite Harbour). She is joined by Barrie Hunter (The Angels Share, Smile, Tay Bridge, All My Sons, Death Of A Salesman) as her Dad. Together they will bring this moving, funny and deeply human story of family, football and finding your way home to life on the Edinburgh stage.

Funny, poignant, and packed with the spirit of Scottish football, Black Diamonds and the Blue Brazil is much more than a play about the game - it’s about belonging, loss, and the songs we carry with us.

Artistic Director of The Royal Lyceum Edinburgh and director of Black Diamonds and the Blue Brazil James Brining 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”.

Black Diamonds and the Blue Brazil runs at The Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh from Friday 8 May - Saturday 23 May 2026.