Review: One Day the musical, Edinburgh Royal Lyceum Theatre
- Lisa in the theatre
- 18 hours ago
- 5 min read
The highly anticipated new stage adaptation of David Nicholls’ beloved novel One Day is now open in Edinburgh, the city where Em and Dex's story began. The Royal Lyceum, Edinburgh and Melting Pot's gorgeous new musical runs at the Lyceum until 19 April 2026. Read my review below.
One Day the musical ★★★★☆
Review: 11 March 2026 | Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh
David Nicholls' 2009 novel One Day is so widely popular that it has already been adapted into a Hollywood film (2011) and a Netflix TV series (2024.) Now the creative team at the Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh have unveiled the hotly anticipated, brand new stage musical adaptation of the story at the world premier, which appropriately took place in Edinburgh this week; the city where the book's central duo, Emma and Dexter, first meet.
Dexter Mayhew (Jamie Muscato) meets Emma Morley (Sharon Rose) at a party following their graduation from the University of Edinburgh. They spend a short time together, but must go their separate ways. One Day then revisits them both on the same date, the 15th of July, every year over the next 20 years. Will they have achieved their life and career dreams?
The stage musical adaptation of One Day is written by David Greig and directed by Max Webster. They've done an incredible job of condensing Em and Dex's story from a full-length novel into a 2-hour 45-minute (inc 20-minute interval) musical. It does feel a little too long to be sat in a theatre seat, but there isn't a single moment of the show that I would cut; it's all significant and all compelling.
There are digital clocks positioned above the stage in the Lyceum's newly transformed, 'in-the-round' auditorium, with Bruno Poet's incredible lighting leading the audience's eyes up and towards them as the story races forward and back in time. But if I didn't know the story beforehand, I'm not sure that I would have understood initially that we only see the characters on St Swithin's Day; that we're seeing just a snapshot of their lives on the same significant date every year.
But I do know the story, and all of the key (heartwarming and heartbreaking) points from the book make it to Rae Smith's striking, revolving stage. The narrative flows well despite the (sometimes quick) jumps from one year to the next, and Greig and Webster have shrewdly structured Em and Dex's story to a beautiful, vital, satisfying close.
The stage adaptation of One Day is an original musical
The stage adaptation of One Day is a musical. There are over twenty original musical numbers in the show; all of which fit naturally within the dramatic storytelling. The varied folk-pop music and lyrics by Abner and Amanda Ramirez of US band Johnnyswim (with additional lyrics by Jeremy Sams) are brought to life by six talented musicians seated above the stage floor. There were a few sound and mic issues on opening night, but nothing that can't be corrected as the production settles in.
At the heart of One Day the musical, Sharon Rose (Em) and Jamie Muscato (Dex) are bewitching in the central roles. Emma's Yorkshire / Leeds accent does come and go at times, but that simply adds to her charm. Sharon Rose brings a loveable sweetness and cheekiness to Emma, and her clear, powerful voice soars in standout song 'Blackbird.'
In the musical, Emma's character isn't as well developed as that of Jamie Muscato's privileged, arrogant Dexter. Dexter goes on a more complex journey than Emma does over the course of the story, and at some points, he is categorically unlikable. The sensational Muscato effortlessly cycles through a range of emotions in a devastating, convincing lead performance. His stage presence is magnetic, and with so many quick costume changes (many of them onstage!) over the 20 years / 3 hours of the story, it's a demanding and very special performance from Muscato.
There's superb support from a hardworking ensemble cast, with memorable performances from Miracle Chance as Tilly, Peter Hannah as Callum, and Matthew McKenna as Mr Godalming. Josefina Gabrielle and David Birrell assert a real quality as Dexter's mum and dad, while Gabrielle's poignant "Make a Life Worth Living" (and its reprise) is earth-shattering.
The fabulous Dan Buckley brings a lightness to the bittersweet story as the awkward and funny wannabe comic Ian, and his unexpected appearance during the Act II opening wedding scene is priceless.
Life is tough, but love, light and kindness always shine through the darkness
Max Webster extracts the best from all of his actors, ensuring that they play to all sides of the open auditorium and the onstage cabaret-style seats. There's little set to speak of: the open and revolving stage doesn't allow for much, but Bruno Poet's spectacular lighting adds interest and wonder to the stage. Subtle and never overused, balls and stars lower from the ceiling above the audience's head at key times, and at others, fairy lights sparkle around the cast. Awards for lighting design surely beckon.
The stage is rarely bare, however, as props are frequently moved on and off stage by the supporting cast with lyrical, dreamlike movements that never detract nor interrupt the central players. I love thoughtful little touches like this that elevate a production, and choreographer Carrie-Anne Ingrouille's impact is felt throughout the show.
It's remarkable what the Lyceum creative team have achieved in a 140-year-old theatre, and the decision to bring the audience closer to Em and Dex's iconic story has really paid off. I've seen this show twice now from two different perspectives, and both allowed me an intimate viewing, close enough to see the actors' tears (sob!)
With relatable but not always likeable characters and authentic, bittersweet drama, One Day is a musical that feels grounded in reality. Life is tough, but love, light and kindness always shine through the darkness. One Day the musical is a show that has obvious love for the story and for the characters poured into it - you can feel it the second you step through the Lyceum's doors. But this is a musical that will surely go on to enchant audiences long after the lights dim on its initial Edinburgh run. ★★★★☆
One Day the musical runs at The Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh until 19 April 2026
MORE: Also playing in Edinburgh at the moment; Matilda the musical is at Edinburgh Playhouse. Read my review here: https://www.lisainthetheatre.com/post/matilda-the-musical-uk-tour-review-edinburgh
