POP-UP SCOTTISH OPERA 2026
30 MINUTE SESSIONS
Friday, 26th of June
Performance begins at 19:00
TIME & LOCATION
Date and time: Friday 26th of June, 2026 from 19:00 – 20:30
Location: The Hepburn Suite, 29-31 Abercromby Place, EH3 6QE
ABOUT THE EVENING
Please note that the Royal Scots Club are not responsible for tickets for this event.
Please contact tickets@scottishopera.org.uk for tickets to this event. Tickets for 2-show double bill option are £12.
Join us this summer to experience opera on a miniature scale, with specially created 30-minute performances brought to life by two singers, two instrumentalists and a set of specially commissioned illustrations.
Pop-up Opera is once again touring Scotland with two new shows: A Little Bit of Rigoletto and A Little Bit of The Elixir of Love. Chosen to reflect the stark contrast between the light and dark sides of love; these stories will take audiences from the depths of tragedy in the shady underworld of the city, to the heights of romantic comedy in the sun kissed Italian countryside.
These 30-minute shows are the perfect introduction to opera!
A Little Bit of Rigoletto | Verdi arr. Derek Clark | Spoken Narration Allan Dunn | Illustrator Agnes Xantippa Boman
Originally titled The Curse, this tale of wronged love and savage reprisal sees the title character Rigoletto risk all he holds dear in his determination to avenge his daughter’s abduction at the hands of the all-powerful Duke of Mantua.
Suggested age guidance: 12+. Contains adult themes including violence against women, abduction and murder.
A Little Bit of The Elixir of Love | Donizetti arr. Derek Clark | Spoken Narration Allan Dunn | Illustrator Essi Kimpimäki
Mix together a naive farm worker, a beautiful landowner, a swaggering sergeant, and a mischievous master potion maker, throw in a few comic misunderstandings and a smidgeon of gossip, top it all off with a few litres of rough red vino and you have the perfect recipe for a charming and funny comedy about unrequited love.
Suitable for all ages.
ABOUT SCOTTISH OPERA
Scottish Opera is Scotland’s national opera company and the largest performing arts organisation in Scotland. The Company was founded in 1962 by Sir Alexander Gibson ‘to lay the treasures of opera at the feet of the people of Scotland’. The 2026/27 Season marks its 64th anniversary.
Please note that the Royal Scots Club are not responsible for tickets for this event.
Please contact tickets@scottishopera.org.uk for tickets to this event. Tickets for 2-show double bill option are £12.
Join us
for Supper
The Abercromby Dining Room is open from 5:30 PM prior to each evening event. Join fellow members or come with friends and make a night of it.
UPCOMING EVENTS
The Captain’s Table
The Captain’s Table is a regular Royal Scots Club lunch where members and their guests can get together and enjoy good food, good conversation and meet new people.
Member only eventMembers Drinks
A rallying call! Gather with your friends and fellow social members in the cocktail bar for an evening drink and a chinwag on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Guests welcome. Food available for purchase. Attendance is free – all food and drinks can be Member only eventG.L.O.W. Gal’s Lunch
Gathering Ladies of Wit. A Royal Scots Club monthly lunch for our ladies and their guests in the Abercromby Dining room. Member only eventSummer Garden Party
Join fellow members and guests for our beloved annual Summer Garden Party in the stunning Queen Street Gardens East. An elegant evening of live music, food, and great company. Member only eventA Taste of Italy
Buon appetito! Join us in the Abercromby Dining Room for an indulgent evening of Italian music with a beautifully curated menu! Member only eventEdinburgh Military Tattoo & Dinner
Join fellow members for drinks and dinner at the Club before heading to Edinburgh Castle for the iconic Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo — an unforgettable evening of tradition and spectacle. Member only eventLegacy In Motion: Guided Club History Club
Discover the untold stories and history of the Royal Scots Club. A private bespoke Club tour with local historian Dr. Kate Stephenson. Member only eventArtist Exhibition – Alicia Coombes
Member only eventSt Andrew’s Day Dinner at The Royal Scots Club
Celebrate Scotland’s patron saint with a delicious three-course dinner, traditional musical entertainment, and an exciting guest speaker. Member only eventChristmas Special: Festive Wine Tasting
Join us for a bespoke festive tasting experience in the Underground Bar with Richard from Great Grog. Expertly paired wines and canapés to celebrate the silly season. Member only eventThe Royal Scots Club Murder Mystery
Join us for a festive murder mystery evening at the Club. Work with fellow guests to unravel the clues, identify the suspects and solve the case before the evening is out. Member only eventChairman’s Christmas Cocktails
Join our Chairman and other Members on Thursday, 17th December for a festive drinks reception. This is a complimentary event available for Members only. Member only event