Succession star Brian Cox to return to Scottish stage this summer

Succession star Brian Cox is set to return to the Scottish stage for the first time in a decade, starring in a play which will open this year’s Edinburgh International Festival.

The Scottish-born actor will appear in Make It Happen, a satirical play written by acclaimed playwright James Graham exploring Scotland’s role in the global financial crash of 2008.

The fictional account will feature a mix of characters in incidents inspired by real-life events, and Cox will play pioneering Scottish economist and philosopher Adam Smith.

It is being directed by Andrew Panton, artistic director of Dundee Rep Theatre, where the play is being previewed ahead of its premiere at the Festival Theatre.

Cox last appeared on Scottish stages in 2015 in Waiting For Godot at the Royal Lyceum Theatre, and he said: “I’m excited to be doing a play written by James Graham, who is such a great writer.

“It’s been a long time since I played in Scotland – it’s good to be back.”

Born in Dundee, Cox trained at Dundee Rep Theatre before going on to work at the Royal Lyceum Theatre, Royal National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company, where he first gained recognition for his portrayal of King Lear.

His numerous accolades include two Olivier Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe.

The world premiere of Make It Happen will open the Edinburgh International Festival’s 2025 programme and will run for a week at the Festival Theatre from August 1.

Previews will be held at the International Festival on July 30 and 31, and at Dundee Rep Theatre on July 18–26.

Graham said: “Like many writers, an Edinburgh stage is the first place ever I dared put a full play in front of an audience.

“To be invited to join the prestigious Edinburgh International Festival programme this summer is an honour and a thrill.

“To work with the National Theatre of Scotland, the Dundee Rep, and of course Brian Cox, whom I’ve been desperate to write for as long as I can remember.

“We still live in the long shadow of the 2008 financial crash and our inability to reset from that inheritance and its divisive legacies, so it feels right to be interrogating it artistically.”

Director Panton said: “It’s a personal honour and huge responsibility to tell what became a global story that started in the city close to where I grew up.

“Working with an exceptionally talented cast, creative and production teams, I’m excited to be directing this new play, bringing it to audiences at Dundee Rep Theatre and Edinburgh International Festival stages.”

Nicola Benedetti, the director of Edinburgh International Festival, said: “We are extremely proud to present a brand-new play by James Graham, Make It Happen, which will open the 2025 International Festival in August.

“This co-commission with the National Theatre of Scotland and Dundee Rep demonstrates our ongoing commitment to bringing vital Scottish stories to the world stage, and invites us to examine events that took place in Edinburgh but rippled across the globe.

“Illuminating this year’s festival theme The Truth We Seek, Make It Happen exemplifies the level of ambition and thought-provoking work that defines the Edinburgh International Festival. We cannot wait to see you there.”

The play is a National Theatre of Scotland, Edinburgh International Festival and Dundee Rep Theatre co-production.

Jackie Wylie, artistic director of the National Theatre of Scotland, said it is the “perfect project” for the organisation, adding “We are truly proud of this special collaboration.”

Published: 24/01/2025 by Radio NewsHub