It may have taken a while to get there, but the weather seems to (finally!) be gearing up for the summer months and we’re so ready for it! In the Scottish capital, we’re never short on things to do and events in the city and May is no exception.
Plus, this month is cause for celebration as it is the one-year anniversary of Tap On, Tap Off (TOTO) going live and our 12th birthday – now that really is a reason to celebrate!
The countdown to summer is well and truly on, so if you’re looking for things to do in and around the city, read below for some of our top recommendations, glide across the city with Edinburgh Trams and don’t forget to Tap On and Tap Off with your contactless card or device (it would be rude not to, of course, it is TOTO’s first birthday after all!).
Edinburgh Playhouse
The Playhouse is always on hand to keep you entertained, and this month is no different! From a sequin-filled, dazzling-costumes, show-stopping show from the professionals of Strictly Come Dancing to the mouth-watering West End show Waitress, and a record-breaking thriller production, 2:22 A Ghost Story, there really is something for everyone across the month of May, no matter your taste. See what tickles your fancy!
Strictly Come Dancing: The Professionals – Edinburgh Playhouse – 1 May
Josh Widdicombe: Not My Cup of Tea – Edinburgh Playhouse – 2 May
Sunny Afternoon – Edinburgh Playhouse – 5-9 May
Macbeth – Edinburgh Playhouse – 7 May
Waitress – Edinburgh Playhouse – 12-16 May
The Bodyguard – Edinburgh Playhouse – 18-23 May
2:22 A Ghost Story – Edinburgh Playhouse – 25-30 May
Closest tram stop: Picardy Place
Usher Hall
Whether you’re looking for an evening of laughter with the hilarious hosts of the hit podcast At Home with The Buckleys, a night out dancing the night away with the most famous bagpipe band on the planet, singing your heard out to James Morrison’s number 1 album, Undiscovered, or how about a mixture with a live band and singers who bring the screen to life with Dirty Dancing in Concert? Usher Hall has you covered!
Out With The Buckleys – Usher Hall – 1 May
Red Hot Chilli Pipers with Ally the Piper – Usher Hall – 9 May
James Morrison – Usher Hall – 10 May
Dirty Dancing in Concert – Usher Hall – 26 May
Closest tram stop: West End
Festival Theatre
This month at the Festival Theatre celebrate the Rocky Horror Picture Show’s 50th anniversary, be transported into the glamorous world where jazz meets ballet with Starstruck, singalong to the Broadway hits of Guys and Dolls, or step inside the mind of one of Britain’s most distinctive documentary makers during An Evening with Louis Theroux.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show: 50th Anniversary Screening – Festival Theatre – 2 May
Starstruck – Festival Theatre – 7-9 May
Guys and Dolls – Festival Theatre – 13-16 May
An Evening with Louis Theroux – Festival Theatre – 22 May
Closest tram stop: St Andrew Square
Sport Highlights
Hive Stadium will see both women’s and men’s rugby taking to the pitch this month as The Guinness Women’s Six Nations continues with Scotland taking on France for their penultimate game of the championship. Meanwhile, Edinburgh Rugby will be taking on Ireland’s Connacht team. Both matches are set to light up Hive Stadium, so don't miss out on these rugby fixtures.
Scotland Women v France – Hive Stadium – 9 May
Edinburgh Rugby v Connacht – Hive Stadium – 15 May
Closest tram stop: Murrayfield Stadium
The Edinburgh Marathon Festival returns to the Scottish capital this year, with the route staring on the picturesque Potterrow before heading out to East Lothian. If you’re making your way to the starting line to take on the 26.2 miles, or just there for moral support, Princes Street tram stop is a short walk away.
Edinburgh Marathon Festival – 24 May
Closest tram stop: Princes Street
Tram highlights
This May, two of team Tram will be taking on the Murrayfield Abseil as they're challenging themselves on a daring free-fall abseil from the iconic Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium in aid of Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance. Whether you want to get involved in all the adrenaline pumping action or would prefer to donate to a good cause, visit the SCAA website to find out more.
We’re wishing our colleagues, Ally and Keith, the best of luck in their fundraising efforts!
SCAA Stadium Takeover – Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium – 16 May
Closest tram stop: Murrayfield Stadium
This month is also cause for celebration as Edinburgh Trams has two milestones in May. We’ll be celebrating one year of Tap On, Tap Off (TOTO) going live across the network, plus Edinburgh Trams turns 12! May is a big month for us here at trams, so keep your eyes peeled for more of the celebrations.
Tap On, Tap Off (TOTO) First Birthday – 19 May
Edinburgh Trams 12th Birthday – 31 May
