A new musical based on the legend of the Loch Ness monster will open in Scotland next year, with book, music and lyrics by Glasgow-based composer Shonagh Murray.
The brand-new musical is the first from the Musicals Commissioning Hub, a partnership between Capital Theatres and Pitlochry Festival Theatre.
It will have its world premiere on March 28, 2025 at Pitlochry Festival Theatre.
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.”
Set in Bruachness, on the scenic banks of Loch Ness, a place steeped in mystery and folklore, the tale which is told with the help of puppets focuses on the bond between Mara, a young biologist, and Nessa – the legendary Loch Ness Monster.
As news of Nessa spreads, Bruachness is swept into a whirlwind of Monster Mania with tourists flocking to the town, eager to catch a glimpse of the elusive creature. A plot unfolds at the local hydro plant and Mara, Nessa, and their friends attempt to safeguard the loch and its inhabitants, uncovering the secret of Nessa’s mysterious origins along the way.
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 is originally from Larkhall in Lanarkshire and studied at Strathclyde University and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. She founded theatre company Fearless Players in 2018 with writer and director Lydia Davidson. Their productions have included two musicals by Murray inspired by the life and legacy of poet Robert Burns.
Tickets will be available to Friends of Capital Theatres on September 4 and on general release on September 11. For more information go to.
