THE YOUNG TEAM Stage Adaptation to Premiere at Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2027

National Theatre of Scotland and Lyric Hammersmith Theatre will present the world premiere of The Young Team, a new stage adaptation of Graeme Armstrong's award-winning debut novel, in August 2027 at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Adapted by Scottish playwright Kieran Hurley and directed by Rachel O'Riordan, the production will subsequently play London's Lyric Hammersmith Theatre in September before heading to Glasgow's Citizens Theatre in October. Exploring themes of masculinity, friendship, and gang culture in working-class Scotland, the production marks O'Riordan's return to Scottish stages.

All Azzy has ever wanted since he was wee was to be in the Young Team. Born and bred in Airdrie, North Lanarkshire, the YTP (Young Team Posse) seems to promise everything he could possibly want: excitement, community, easy access to drink and drugs. It's where boys become men, and he's hungry to grow up.

Soon he's rising up the ranks, showing the world what he's made of. It's fast, furious – and dangerous. Is the Young Team where Azzy belongs, or just where he's ended up? Either way, the bonds run deep and defection is not an option.