Wild Rose @ Royal Lyceum, Edinburgh

The Lyceum’s new musical adaptation of Wild Rose bursts onto the stage with all the grit, heart, and energy you could hope for. Based on the beloved 2018 film, and written by the film's screenwriter Nicole Taylor, the story follows the turbulent journey of Rose-Lynn Harlan, a young Glaswegian woman desperate to pursue her dream of becoming a country music star while grappling with the realities of motherhood, family expectations, and her own troubled past.

Dawn Sievewright is absolutely electric in the lead role. She captures Rose-Lynn’s fierce ambition and vulnerability with ease, switching seamlessly between moments of defiance, humour, and aching tenderness. Her powerhouse vocals bring the house down, particularly in the show’s standout musical numbers, which feature a mix of classic country hits and new arrangements. Equally compelling is Blythe Duff as Marion, Rose-Lynn’s no-nonsense mother, whose realistic outlook grounds the show.

The cast of Wild Rose. Photo: Mihaela Bodlovic

The staging is simple yet impressive. A slightly tilted stage with smooth transitions between furniture and lighting changes, Chloe Lamford’s design cleverly shifts between the grit of Glasgow’s housing estates and the dreamlike allure of Nashville. Jessica Hung Han Yun brings soft and imaginative lighting to a simple set-up; one train journey in particular is fun to watch unfold. A live band, positioned onstage throughout, carry the audience through the highs and lows of the story beats.

Praise must be paid to the casting directors and dialect coach for this production, as each cast member looked and sounded truly authentic. Though this is a musical, the story and the people at its heart feel relatable; from the quippy comebacks to the emotional pleas, the writing and acting felt as close to real life as could be.

And what’s particularly refreshing is how Wild Rose defies the expectations of the musical genre. The production doesn’t offer easy answers about dreams or sacrifice but instead leans into the messiness of ambition, class, and responsibility. You don’t need to be a country music fan to be swept along by Rose-Lynn’s story, but it is hard not to be by the end. Wild Rose is a raw, uplifting, and beautifully performed piece of theatre.

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Wild Rose, Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh, until 19 Apr