Full Breakdown
Scottish Critics Condemn London-Centric Review Policy for One Day: The Musical
3/17/2026, 5:31:50 AM
Controversial Review Invitation Policy
The Royal Lyceum theatre in Edinburgh has faced criticism from 15 Scottish theatre critics regarding its decision to exclude UK national publications from reviewing its new musical, *One Day: The Musical*, based on David Nicholls' 2009 novel. The critics expressed their concerns in a letter to the theatre's board, labeling the move as “divisive” and indicative of a “London-centric” approach. The press night for the show, which took place on Wednesday, was limited to critics from Scottish publications, while a separate event for national critics is scheduled for a later date when the production moves to London.
The critics argue that this selective invitation undermines the importance of Scottish voices in theatre criticism, suggesting that it implies Scottish critics and audiences are less significant than their London counterparts. They stated, “Clearly, this is not the case,” emphasizing the need for inclusive representation in the arts.
Responses from the Lyceum and Co-Producer
In response to the backlash, the Royal Lyceum acknowledged the integral role of Scotland-based critics in the UK arts ecosystem. The theatre expressed appreciation for their concerns while also highlighting the necessity of generating buzz for the London run through national press coverage. The Lyceum stated, “Co-productions are a key way forward for the Lyceum to create new work at the scale and quality of *One Day: The Musical*,” indicating that such collaborations are essential for reaching broader audiences.
Melting Pot, the independent theatre and film production company co-producing the musical, defended the decision by noting the unique nature of the Edinburgh presentation, which is intended to build anticipation for the subsequent West End run. They emphasized the importance of developing new theatrical works in Edinburgh.
Criticism of the Decision
The critics' letter articulated that the exclusion of prominent Scottish critics from the review process raises significant concerns about the future of public discourse surrounding theatre in Scotland. They argued that the decision creates an impression that *One Day* is merely a preview rather than a fully realized production, despite ticket prices reaching up to £55 for Edinburgh audiences. The critics called for a reevaluation of such London-centric attitudes in the planning of Scotland's leading theatres.
Conclusion and Future Implications
The controversy surrounding the review invitation policy for *One Day: The Musical* highlights ongoing tensions between regional and national representation in the arts. The critics hope that this incident will prompt a reconsideration of how co-productions are managed and ensure that all voices, particularly those from Scotland, are included in the critical conversation. The Royal Lyceum has expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue about the financial challenges of producing theatre in Scotland, suggesting that future collaborations may benefit from a more inclusive approach.
