Brian Cox to Star in James Graham’s New Play Make It Happen
Acclaimed actor Brian Cox will headline Make It Happen, a new satirical play by James Graham, marking Cox's long-awaited return to the Scottish stage. The production will preview at Dundee Rep Theatre before running at the Festival Theatre as part of the Edinburgh International Festival, from 30 July to 9 August 2025.
Part of National Theatre of Scotland’s 2025 Programme
About Make It Happen
The play revisits the 2008 financial crisis and the collapse of the Royal Bank of Scotland. Cox will portray Adam Smith, the legendary economist reimagined as "the ghost of fiscal past." With Graham’s signature blend of cheeky humor and incisive critique, the production will weave Scotland’s economic history with music, larger-than-life characters, and a touch of the supernatural.
Graham shared:
“We still live in the long shadow of the 2008 financial crash... It feels right to interrogate it artistically with a show full of music, story, larger-than-life characters, and cheeky humor.”
Andrew Panton, artistic director of Dundee Rep Theatre, helms the production.
Creative Team
Set Designer: Anna Fleischle
Costume Co-Designers: Anna Fleischle and Angelica Rush
Movement Director: Emily Jane Boyle
Musical Supervisor and Arranger: Martin Lowe
Lighting Designer: Lizzie Powell
Sound Designer: Tingying Dong
Video Co-Designers: Lewis den Hertog and Anna Fleischle
Other Highlights of NTS’s 2025 Programme
Martin O’Connor’s Through the Shortbread Tin
A Scots-language play with Gaelic songs touring rural venues in April and May.
Martin Green’s Keli
A poignant tale of adolescence in a mining town, accompanied by live brass band music, premiering at the Royal Lyceum Theatre in May.
Frances Poet’s Small Acts of Love
A deeply moving reflection on the bonds formed after the Lockerbie tragedy, debuting later this year.
Uma Nada-Rajah’s Black Hole Sign
A hard-hitting exploration of the challenges faced by NHS nurses.
The Unlikely Friendship of Feather Boy and Tentacle Girl
A whimsical, visually captivating show for young audiences, touring Scotland and featuring in the Edinburgh International Children’s Festival.
Community and Digital Initiatives
Caring Scotland continues collecting stories from care-experienced individuals.
The Neighbourhood Project returns with a variety show and food residency.
Digital offerings include Kal Sabir’s short bilingual film Kinaara (Edge) and audio drama Finding Seaglass by Hannah Lavery.
