The Rhinestone Cowboy

Following a sold-out show at Leith Depot, The Rhinestone Cowboy is a brand-new play written and performed by Leith-based poet Hjarta and co-produced with musician Harry Bongo. This darkly humorous, raw and emotive one-woman show charts the life of a young man’s tumultuous journey from Scotland to Iceland.

Based on a true story and produced by a real-life mother and son duo, the production exposes the ravages of schizophrenia through a blistering trip from Auld Reekie to the Land of Fire and Ice. Written as a tribute to its lead character, Dan The Man, the work celebrates a bright young man with a glittering start to a new life in a bold new country, whose humour and charm masked the demons that lived in his head.

Featuring a pulsating electronic score with music from contemporary Scottish and Icelandic artists, diverse original sound design, and bold visual projections, the production delivers a visceral, high-octane backdrop to capture a chameleon-like life with a sharp focus.

The Rhinestone Cowboy poses a difficult question: ‘should we be allowed the choice to take our own life if we are living a life of pain, even if it leaves behind a wave of grief?’

• £10.00
• 13-14 February 2026
• 45 minutes
• Summerhall
• EAS Studios @ Summerhall
• 18 and above (18+)
• 
  Strobe/flashing lights. Strong language, loud noises. Contains themes and references to suicide, schizophrenia/mental disorders, substance abuse. For access bookings, please contact Box Office.