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Sat 14 Mar – Sun 19 Apr 2026
A Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh and Melting Pot production
“A beautifully heartbreaking journey through love, loss and the years that shape us — told with charm, intimacy and unforgettable performances.”
Walking into the Lyceum for One Day the Musical felt like stepping into a completely new world — and honestly, I had a little moment of “wait… am I in the right building?” The entire theatre has been transformed into a stunning round layout with bespoke staging and seating that wraps around the performance space. It’s such a clever setup because from the moment you sit down, you already feel pulled right into Emma and Dex’s story. The intimacy of the in‑the‑round design makes everything feel that bit closer, rawer and more personal, as if you’re witnessing private moments unfold right at your feet.
This production doesn’t just retell a story we all know and love — it breathes new life into it. Fans of the book, the film or the Netflix series will immediately feel that familiar tug of emotion, but this stage version adds a whole new depth. There’s humour, heartbreak, nostalgia and that messy, complicated humanity that made Emma and Dex iconic in the first place.
Performances that grip your heart from the first moment
Sharon Rose brings Emma to life with such warmth and sincerity that it’s impossible not to fall in love with her. She’s relatable in that perfectly awkward-yet-endearing way Emma should be, hitting every comedic beat with natural ease. But it’s her vocals that truly lift the character — soulful, controlled and packed full of emotion. Sharon captures Emma’s journey from youthful uncertainty to grown-up confidence beautifully.
Jamie Muscato’s Dex is simply outstanding. He effortlessly nails that golden-boy charm mixed with the chaotic, slightly self-sabotaging energy that makes Dex who he is. But what makes Jamie’s performance so gripping is how authentically he portrays Dex’s emotional evolution over twenty years. His transitions between scenes — from arrogant party boy, to fragile and hurting son, to a man spiralling at rock bottom — are seamless and incredibly moving. His acting through song is honestly a masterclass. You feel every word, every shift, every moment of pain or joy.
Together, Sharon and Jamie share genuine, electric chemistry. Their connection grows and changes as naturally as the story demands, and by the end, you feel like you’ve experienced every laugh, heartbreak and quiet confession with them.
Staging that tells the story just as much as the actors do
The staging of this production is sleek, smart and wonderfully cinematic. The “year clock” at the centre is a brilliant touch, effortlessly guiding the audience through two decades without ever feeling confusing or distracting. Quick changes happen with such precision that you barely notice the mechanics behind them — everything flows so smoothly from moment to moment.
One of the most memorable scenes is the maze sequence. It’s stripped back and beautifully simple, but that simplicity makes the intimacy shine. It captures one of the most beloved moments of Emma and Dex’s friendship, and it feels like the world softens around them just for that scene.
Dex’s phone call — set to the heartbreaking “Pick Up Em” — is one of the most haunting moments in the show. The choreography, the lighting and Jamie’s raw emotional performance come together to create a chilling scene that hangs heavy in the air. It’s vulnerable, painful and incredibly powerful.
If anything, the only part that felt slightly rushed was the storyline involving Dex’s mum. Her illness and passing carry huge emotional weight in the book, and while the production handles it respectfully, it could have benefitted from just a little more breathing space. Still, the emotional intent is there, and it lands.
Music that moves you
The score is a gorgeous blend of upbeat, catchy numbers and emotionally charged ballads, perfectly capturing the highs and lows of Emma and Dex’s relationship. When the vocals land clearly, the music really shines.
There were, however, a few moments where the sound mixing felt slightly off, especially during some ensemble numbers. At times, certain lyrics were a little hard to catch, which was a shame given how thoughtfully written the songs are. A few small tweaks to the balance between vocals and orchestra would make an already strong score even more impactful.
Josefina Gabrielle’s performance of “Make A Life Worth Living” is a standout regardless — rich, emotional and delivered with such nuance that the entire theatre quietened around her.
A story fans will fall in love with all over again
This show accomplishes something remarkable: it takes moments from the book that feel almost impossible to stage and brings them to life in ways that feel both inventive and emotionally truthful. The ensemble work is clever, fluid and full of purpose. Choreography moves from playful to poignant without ever breaking the flow of the story.
The costume design is another quiet hero of the production. The outfits shift subtly across the decades, guiding the audience through time without ever screaming for attention. It’s a thoughtful touch that adds to the immersive storytelling.
Overall, the design elements work together to create a world that feels lived-in, tender and full of heart.
Overall
One Day the Musical is heartfelt, charming and utterly devastating in all the ways that matter. It captures the spirit of Emma and Dex’s relationship — its joy, its heartbreak, its almosts and maybes — and presents it in a way that feels honest and emotionally resonant.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or discovering the story for the first time, this production wraps you up in its world and leaves you thinking about it long after you leave the theatre.
Despite a few sound mixing issues that meant missing some lyrics here and there, the production remains deeply engaging and beautifully staged. For fans of the story, it feels like a hug and a heartache rolled into one. For newcomers, it’s a gorgeous introduction.
A beautifully staged, emotionally gripping and immersive experience.
⭐ Verdict
**A beautifully staged, emotional and immersive adaptation that brings Emma and Dex’s story to life with heart, humour and raw honesty. Stunning performances, clever staging and intimate storytelling keep you fully invested throughout. A few sound mixing issues meant missing some lyrics, but the overall experience remains powerful, heartfelt and deeply memorable.**
★★★★☆
Written by Suzzi Hirst
*tickets in exchange for honest review
SuzzisSpotlight 
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