Lyrical Muse

The Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh and Melting Pot have officially unveiled the lead casting for the world premiere of “One Day“, a highly anticipated new musical adaptation of David Nicholls’ bestselling novel. West End heavyweights Jamie Muscato and Sharon Rose will take on the iconic lead roles, bringing to life one of modern fiction’s most enduring love stories on stage for the very first time.

Opening as part of The Lyceum’s landmark 60th anniversary season, “One Day” charts the complex, bittersweet relationship between two people whose lives intertwine across two decades. Audiences follow Dexter and Emma on the same date—15th July, St. Swithin’s Day—every year from 1988 onwards, witnessing the emotional highs and lows, missed chances and rekindled hopes that shape their bond over twenty years.

Olivier Award nominee Jamie Muscato, known for his acclaimed performances in “The Great Gatsby” and “Moulin Rouge!”, will step into the role of Dexter. Most recently seen at the London Coliseum as Jay Gatsby, Muscato’s extensive theatre credits include “Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812” (Donmar Warehouse), “Once” (London Palladium), “Les Misérables The Staged Concert” (Sondheim Theatre), and “West Side Story” (Leicester Curve). His portrayal of complex, charismatic leads has made him a standout performer on the UK stage.

Joining him as Emma is Sharon Rose, a dynamic West End talent whose previous roles include Eliza Hamilton in Hamilton (Victoria Palace Theatre), and performances in “Sylvia” (Old Vic), “Caroline”, “Or Change”, “Motown”, and “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical”. With her powerful stage presence and vocal depth, Rose is set to bring warmth, intelligence, and resilience to the character of Emma.

The musical marks a major collaboration between some of the most exciting creative voices in theatre. The book is penned by David Greig, former Artistic Director of The Lyceum, whose previous works include “The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart”, “Dunsinane”, and “Local Hero”. The score is composed by Abner and Amanda Ramirez of acclaimed US folk-pop duo Johnnyswim, with additional material by Freya Catrin Smith (Ride). Directing the production is Max Webster, whose work on Life of Pi has earned both Tony and Olivier Award recognition, alongside recent credits including “Macbeth” with David Tennant and “The Importance of Being Earnest” with Ncuti Gatwa.

The production also boasts a world-class creative team: choreography by Carrie-Anne Ingrouille (Six), design by Tony and Olivier-winning Rae Smith (War Horse), lighting by Bruno Poet, sound design by Simon Baker, music supervision and arrangements by Nigel Lilley, orchestrations by Simon Hale, and casting by Stuart Burt CDG.

Set to debut in Edinburgh before its wider release, “One Day” promises a rich theatrical experience rooted in the novel’s signature blend of humour, heartbreak, and humanity. With its soaring original music and a cast led by two of the West End’s brightest stars, this adaptation is shaping up to be a poignant and unforgettable tribute to love’s many forms—and the days that change everything.

Further casting and performance dates are expected to be announced in the lead-up to the show’s premiere.

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