Wild Rose musical to come to stage in 2025

The musical by Nicole Taylor and John Tiffany will open at Edinburgh's Royal Lyceum Theatre

A new stage musical based on Bafta-winning country music film Wild Rose will make its debut at the Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh next year.

The 2018 film drama, which starred Jessie Buckley and Julie Walters, tells the story of a Glasgow country music singer who dreams of Nashville.

It featured music from country legends including Dolly Parton, Carrie Underwood and Chris Stapleton.

Nicole Taylor, who wrote the original film, has adapted her script for the stage with direction by John Tiffany - director of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

The writer, who also won a Bafta for Netflix series One Day, said growing up in Scotland she was obsessed with country music and "its ability to express the entire range of human emotion".

"Back then, being into country back was a lonely road," Ms Taylor said.

"So it’s thrilling and quite unexpected that it’s now the hottest genre around.

"For me though, it still is what it always was. Music that cracks you open and as Rose-Lynn says, gets whatever’s in there out."

Jessie Buckley with Nicole Taylor promoting the 2018 film

Wild Rose tells the story of ex-prisoner Rose-Lynn Harlan, who has to decide between settling down to raise two young children in Scotland or following her dreams in America.

The 2018 film was directed by Tom Harper and shot in locations across Glasgow, including Maryhill, the Old Fruitmarket and the Grand Ole Opry.

It won the Scottish Bafta for Best Feature Film, as well as Best Writer for Ms Taylor and Best Actress for Ms Buckley.

It also won several awards for its original song Glasgow (No Place Like Home).

Director John Tiffany said it felt "absolutely right" for Wild Rose’s journey to start in Scotland.

“I’m incredibly fortunate to be partnering with Nicole Taylor in adapting her film," he said.

"She is an extraordinary writer and her innate love and knowledge of country music infects us all in the best way.

“It’s also a homecoming for me, having studied in Scotland, trained at the Traverse and later been part of creating the National Theatre of Scotland."

Wild Rose opens at The Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh on 14 March 2025.