The High Life is a stage musical written by Alan Cumming, Forbes Masson and Johnny McKnight, based on Cumming and Masson's 1994 BBC TV sitcom of the same name. Directed by Andrew Panton, the world premiere of The High Life took place in Dundee at the Dundee Repertory Theatre in March 2026.
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Background
The musical is based on the 1994 television series The High Life, by Alan Cumming and Forbes Masson. In 2023, it was revealed for the first time that a musical version of The High Life was being developed, with a workshop held in 2024.
Production
Scottish tour (2026)
The musical was set to have its world premiere co-produced by the National Theatre of Scotland and Dundee Repertory Theatre (in association in association with Aberdeen Performing Arts and Capital Theatres) opening in Dundee on 27 March to 4 April 2026 before touring to Festival Theatre, Edinburgh (7 to 11 April), His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen (14 to 18 April), Eden Court Inverness (29 April to 2 May) returning to Dundee (6 to 9 May) and King's Theatre, Glasgow (12 to 23 May).
It is directed by Andrew Panton and stars the original cast of the TV series reprising their roles: Alan Cumming as Sebastian Flight, Forbes Masson as Steve McCracken, Siobhan Redmond as Shona Spurtle and Patrick Ryecart as Captain Hilary Duff. Full casting was announced on 18 December 2025.