Ceilidh (/ÃÂkeêli/ KAY-lee, Scottish Gaelic: [ÃÂkòðeÃÂlê]) is an immersive musical with music, lyrics and book by Scottish writing team Scott Gilmour and Claire McKenzie, collectively known as Noisemaker. The production is directed and choreographed by Sam Pinkleton and held its North American premiere in Baltimore, Maryland, at the M&T Bank Exchange (FranceâÂÂMerrick Performing Arts Center), from September 6 to October 12, 2025.
Ceilidh tells the story of narrator Ramsey (Gilmour) and his family's legacy of being a "caller," leading cèilidh dances through the ages.
The musical was workshopped with nine performances in Glasgow in August 2024. An original cast album from the workshop is in development via Ghostlight Records.
Pinkleton said M&T Bank Exchange was chosen for the North American premiere because the size and style fit the show's needs. The production was also the beneficiary of a state tax credit for pre-Broadway productions.
Narrative sections are broken up by dance interludes in the format of a Scottish cèilidh. Patrons are invited, but not required, to participate.
The production commissioned a tartan for its Baltimore run. It is listed in the Scottish Register of Tartans.
The show held its North American premiere at the M&T Bank Exchange in the FranceâÂÂMerrick Performing Arts Center in Baltimore. Producers include Grove Entertainment (Beth Williams, Mindy Rich), Barbara Whitman, Frank Marshall and Scottish-American actor Alan Cumming.
The show is set for its United Kingdom premiere produced by Pitlochry Festival Theatre and performed at the Pitlochry Town Hall in Pitlochry, Scotland, October 07 - 17, 2026. Cumming is the theater's artistic director.
Maryland Theatre Guide called the Baltimore production "altogether magical," praising the actors and musicians for helping the audience feel part of the show. WYPR theater critic J. Wynn Rousuck called Ceilidh a "very exuberant show" and said moments in the show were deeply affecting. DC Theater Arts wrote that Ceilidh was "pure dead brilliant."
Principal cast for the Baltimore run included: