Following a successful debut in Edinburgh, the enchanting new Scottish musical Nessie will take to the stage at Pitlochry Festival Theatre from 9 July to 16 August 2025.
Set in the mythical town of Bruachness on the banks of Loch Ness, Nessie tells the story of 11-year-old Mara, an aspiring marine biologist, who encounters the legendary Loch Ness Monster—who prefers to be called Nessa.
As word of Nessa spreads, the town is swept into a frenzy of Monster Mania, attracting tourists and stirring up long-held superstitions.
But when a mysterious mist descends and a sinister plot emerges at the local hydro plant, it’s up to Mara, Nessa, and their aquatic allies to protect the loch and uncover the truth behind Nessa’s origins.
With book, music, and lyrics by Glasgow-based composer Shonagh Murray, Nessie is a heartwarming tale of friendship, bravery, and self-discovery, suitable for audiences of all ages.
The production is directed by Beth Morton, with design by Liz Cooke and Natalie Fern, and features puppetry by Ella Mackay.
Composer Shonagh Murray said:
“Nessie is a musical following the story of Mara and Nessa (the Loch Ness Monster) and how, through knowing each other, they discover where they belong and how to stand up for what they believe in.
With the magic of puppets by Ella Mackay and the brilliant vision of director Beth Morton and designer Natalie Fern, the world of Nessie is coming to life. We’ve got an amazing cast who will be playing instruments as well as giving life to puppets and I think the audience are in for a real magical experience.
Nessie is one of those myths that, I think, people always feel a great attachment to, whether you grew up near the loch or come from the other side of the world. We all feel a sense of emotional investment with the legend, so it’s been with great love and care that this show has come about. There’ll be moments to get you laughing, a sprinkle of emotion, a good couple of jigs, and hopefully we’ll have you singing the tunes all the way home. Nessie has been a true labour of love and has had so much care and consideration from every person involved. I’m so looking forward to sharing Nessie with audiences and seeing what they make of it.”
The cast includes Caitlin Forbes as Mara, Keith Macpherson as Oggie and Murdo Campbell, Alyson Orr as Heather and Emma McDougall, Eden Barrie as Nessa, and Louis Newman as Ally and Nessa 2.
Nessie is the first musical to emerge from the Musicals Commissioning Hub, a collaboration between Capital Theatres and Pitlochry Festival Theatre to support Scottish musical theatre talent.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
