Fifteen theatre critics in Scotland have written to the Royal Lyceum theatre in Edinburgh, condemning a 'divisive' and 'London-centric' decision to exclude UK national publications from reviewing the new musical adaptation of One Day at its Edinburgh press night.
The musical, based on David Nicholls' 2009 novel, held a press night on Wednesday 14 September, but only critics writing for Scottish publications were invited. A separate press night for other critics is planned for when the show transfers to London's West End.
In a letter sent on Friday 16 September, the critics said the two-tier invitation 'suggests not only that critics in Scotland are less important than critics in London, but also that audiences in Edinburgh are less important than audiences in London'. They described it as a 'divisive move' that raised 'uncomfortable questions'.
The co-producers, the Lyceum and Melting Pot Productions, explained that the decision was made to build 'a new piece of event theatre' and that a separate press night would be held for the London run. The critics responded by noting that Edinburgh theatregoers must pay up to £55 for tickets, while the show is effectively treated as a preview.
The Lyceum responded on Monday, saying it 'highly appreciates' Scotland-based critics and understands their concerns, but also understands the commercial partners' rationale to 'create a buzz in the UK press at the launch of the London run'. It added that co-productions are key to creating new work on the scale of One Day: The Musical.
