Ceilidh

About Ceilidh

Ceilidh is an immersive musical that brings Scottish tradition to life through storytelling and communal dance. The word "ceilidh" means 'visit' or 'gathering' in Gaelic and refers to traditional Scottish and Irish social gatherings involving dancing, music, and storytelling.

This theatrical experience invites audiences to participate directly in the celebration, exploring themes of community, family, and heritage through the lens of Scottish culture. The production emphasizes the joy and connection found in traditional gatherings while telling a contemporary story.

The Creative Team

Ceilidh features a book and score by the award-winning Scottish writing partnership Scott Gilmour and Claire McKenzie, known collectively as Noisemaker. Both graduates of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, they have created innovative, original work that challenges expectations of musical theatre.

The production is directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Sam Pinkleton, known for his work on Oh, Mary! and Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812. Scenic design is by Tony Award winner Rachel Hauck (Hadestown, Good Night, Oscar).

Development and Journey to America

Ceilidh had its developmental workshop in Glasgow, Scotland, in August 2024 at Cottiers theatre. Following positive reception in Scotland, the musical was selected for its North American première in Baltimore.

A cast album from the Glasgow production is being developed through Ghostlight Records. (Playbill, April 2025)

The Producers' Vision

The production is brought to audiences by Grove Entertainment (Beth Williams, Mindy Rich), Barbara Whitman, and Alan Cumming, the Scottish-American actor and writer who currently hosts "The Traitors" on Peacock. Cumming has expressed enthusiasm for "supporting a show that is a combination of my country's community culture" (Playbill, April 2025), encouraging all to experience this Scottish celebration.

"The first time I went to a Ceilidh in Glasgow I wept, I howled with laughter, I danced so hard I was almost sick," Pinkleton said in a previous statement. "Making Ceilidh is quite literally the most fun I've ever had. It's a giddy joy to live inside the collision of Scott and Claire's rich, raw, original theatrical world with centuries-old Scottish music and dance traditions. It's a theatrical experience that has made me reconnect with the thing I love most about theater in the first place—the simple, unshakeable act of gathering with a group of strangers." (Playbill, August 11th 2025)

Scott Gilmour and Claire McKenzie: Noisemaker

The creative duo behind Ceilidh have established themselves as innovative voices in musical theatre. Their previous works include Hi My Name Is Ben, The Snow Goose, Scots, and Atlantic. They were honored with the Walt Disney Imagineering New Voices Award in 2015, recognizing the most promising new writing talent in musical theatre.

Gilmour trained as an actor and McKenzie as a composer at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Together, they have worked with organizations including The National Theatre of Scotland, Goodspeed Musicals, Dundee Rep, Citizens Theatre, Sheffield Crucible, and the BBC.

The Baltimore Première

The North American première will take place at the M&T Bank Exchange, part of the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center in Baltimore. This intimate venue is perfectly suited to the immersive nature of Ceilidh, allowing audiences to fully participate in the Scottish celebration.

Tickets for the general public go on sale May 13, 2025, with prices ranging from $89.50 for general admission mezzanine seating to $146 for premium VIP packages that include early access to the VIP lounge, premium seating, a complimentary drink, and an exclusive collector's item.

Official videos

Television

Social media

Press

Links

• Official Ceilidh Musical Website
• Noisemaker (Scott Gilmour & Claire McKenzie)
• Ticketmaster