The Lyceum is teaming up with London’s Old Vic to bring a musical version of famous 1983 film, Local Hero, to the stage.

The stage adaptation has been co-written by the Lyceum’s David Greig and will reunite some of the team from the original film including writer/director Bill Forsyth, and Dire Straits’ Mark Knopfler who composed the original soundtrack, with its iconic theme tune.

Announcing the new show, Greig waxed lyrical. “Local Hero is one of those great Scottish stories that has captured the imaginations of people across the world. It has been one of my favourite films since I first saw it as a teenager. To have the chance to revisit these wonderful characters to help create a musical is an absolute delight, but to be working alongside Bill Forsyth and Mark Knopfler to bring this to The Lyceum and Old Vic stages is a dream come true –it really feels like the stars have aligned!”

His counterpart at the Old Vic, Matthew Warchus, also shared his enthusiasm. “Local Hero is high on my list of all-time favourite films. I have watched and re-watched it many, many times and never tire of its perfect mixture of situation comedy and romance, combined with a strong and important message. I’m absolutely delighted to be collaborating with the Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh and this first-class creative team on what promises to be an unmissable stage adaptation.”

The film told the story of an oilman who is sent to a remote Scottish village to buy out the locals for his company. Inevitably, things don’t go as intended. The comedy-drama earned Forsyth the 1984 BAFTA for Best Direction.

This new version will open at the Lyceum in spring next year, before transferring in due course to The Old Vic.