Capital Theatres to host world premiere of Nessie

A captivating new Scottish musical co-produced with Pitlochry Festival Theatre and created through the innovative Musicals Commissioning Hub

This brand-new Scottish musical is the first to emerge from the Musicals Commissioning Hub, a partnership between Capital Theatres and Pitlochry Festival Theatre designed to nurture Scottish musicians and writers, support the future ecology of musical theatre and create new musicals for audiences to enjoy.

Nessie will swoosh onto the Studio stage for the world premiere on 28th March 2025.

With book, music, and lyrics by Glasgow-based composer and musical director Shonagh Murray, Nessie celebrates bravery, the strength of friendship and the courage to follow your heart and will appeal to audiences of all ages.

Set in Bruachness, on the scenic banks of Loch Ness, a place steeped in mystery and folklore, this enchanting tale with magical puppetry focuses on the unlikely bond between Mara, a young biologist, and the legendary Loch Ness Monster —who prefers to be called Nessa.

Fiona Gibson, Chief Executive of Capital Theatres, said:  

“Shonagh captivated us with her ideas and creativity at the first edition of the Musical Commissioning Hub in 2021 and it has been a privilege to support her vision all the way. Bringing new work to Scottish audiences is a key part of Capital Theatres’ purpose and it is a pleasure to partner with Pitlochry Festival Theatre on this exciting journey. Nessie has fascinated generations of people across the globe, so I cannot wait to host the world premiere of this brilliant story at The Studio in March 2025 and for audiences to find out, finally, who the real Nessie is!”  

Elizabeth Newman, Artistic Director of Pitlochry Festival Theatre, said: 

“We are so excited to be finally making Shonagh’s beautiful musical, Nessie. We know audiences are going to love it in Pitlochry and Edinburgh and we cannot wait to support Shonagh in this next chapter of creation.” 

Shonagh Murray, creator of Nessie, said:  

“It has been a while in the making and I’m absolutely buzzing that we’ll soon be able to share Nessie in 2025. I’ve lived with the main characters, Mara and Nessa, since 2020 so I’m both excited and curious to have audiences meet them too and see what they make of them. Nessie has grown and developed since its first sharing in 2021 and so many people have given their time and expertise in helping to get it this far, and for that I’m very grateful. I hope this musical retelling of our famous myth will bring the same joy to audiences that it has brought me when writing it.”