As Katharine Hepburn explains to the assembled guests, including Cary Grant and Jimmy Stewart, in the 1940 film Philadelphia Story, “There’s been a slight hitch in the proceedings!” And just like the one in that film, this hitch is wonderful, too!

Before taking his critically acclaimed and sold-out play off to the Apollo Theatre in London in September, Gabriel Byrne is making a wonderful detour to the 75th Edinburgh International Festival, where he will star in the UK premiere of Walking With Ghosts. This is so exciting! There will be 7 performances in late August, marking the first time Gabriel has been at the Edinburgh International Festival since 2006 (I think!).

Below is the official information. If you can get there, go there! Edinburgh is one of the great European cities, full of history, tradition, and great Scotch. Combine that with a diverse and exciting festival of theater, film, and the arts and you have an unforgettable experience.

Edinburgh International Festival

Walking with Ghosts is at the King’s Theatre from 24–28 August 2022. You can book your tickets online, or call the box office on 0131 473 2000.

The UK premiere of acclaimed Irish actor Gabriel Byrne’s solo show Walking with Ghosts joins our 75th Festival programme, with seven performances at the King’s Theatre from 24–28 August. From the award-winning Landmark Productions, Byrne’s solo show follows the path of his life from early childhood to Hollywood stardom. Tickets are on sale now.

Directed by three-time Emmy award-winning theatre director Lonny Price (Sunset Boulevard, Sweeney Todd, Company and Sondheim! The Birthday Concert) Walking with Ghosts’ sell-out run at the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin in February 2022 marked Byrne’s first appearance on the Irish stage in 40 years. Following the UK premiere in Edinburgh, the performance transfers to the Apollo Theatre in London’s West End, from 6-17 September, presented by Landmark, Neal Street and Playful Productions. The creative team on the production also includes Sinéad McKenna (set and lighting designer), Joan O’Clery (costume designer) and Sinéad Diskin (sound designer).  

Gabriel Byrne said: “I last performed in Edinburgh in a series of Yeats plays directed by Jim Sheridan at the Richard Demarco Gallery. Now, many years later, it’s a real honour to be invited back to Edinburgh to perform Walking with Ghosts at one of the world’s great festivals. It’s particularly special to be in the International Festival programme in its 75th year and also as it returns to full capacity.”

Catherine Martin TD, the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media of Ireland said, “I am thrilled to hear that Walking with Ghosts will play at this year’s Edinburgh International Festival. Having seen Gabriel Byrne’s haunting and funny performance at its opening night in Dublin, I’m delighted that Culture Ireland will help to bring this unique show to an international audience.”