Scottish theatre critics say they are outraged that they have been asked to pay for a ticket they would have expected to receive for free to be able to review Tilda Swinton’s play at the Traverse which begins at the end of October.

Four decades after the first performance, Scottish critics awaited the acclaimed actor’s return to the Traverse stage in Man to Man with anticipation, but say they are being precluded from doing their job on what they regard as the normal basis.

The theatre has confirmed that it will however offer free tickets on the normal basis to critics representing only three Scottish titles – The National, The Scotsman and The Herald newspapers. Any reviews will be restricted to the critics writing for these newspapers only. 

And it has also confirmed this short run is being used to raise cash to refurb the auditorium and seating in the theatre.

A spokesperson for the Traverse Theatre said: “Man to Man is a touring production which will be at the Traverse for just over a week, following its run at the Royal Court Theatre in London, where the production’s official press night will take place.

“This is an incredibly special moment for the Traverse and for Scottish audiences, marking Tilda Swinton’s return to the Traverse stage for the first time in almost 40 years.

“We greatly value Scotland’s media and the important role it plays in connecting audiences with the work on our stages. Within the constraints of this run, we have provided complimentary tickets to three Scottish media outlets with broad national audience reach, ensuring there is an opportunity for the production to be covered for audiences across Scotland while keeping the maximum number of tickets available for audiences to experience the production.

“Given the extraordinary interest in Man to Man, we felt it was important to use this unique moment to support the future of the theatre and so we have created a priority booking period as a thank you to Traverse supporters, whose ongoing support makes our work possible. It is still possible to sign up as a supporter or make a contribution to our campaign for much-needed improvements to the Traverse 1 Auditorium and receive access to priority booking. As a charity, opportunities like this can make a meaningful contribution to our work, while maintaining our commitment to public access.

“With a production of such significance to the Traverse and to Scotland here for only a short time, we have sought to balance media coverage, recognition of our supporters and an important fundraising opportunity while keeping audiences at the heart of our decisions.”

The Edinburgh Reporter columnist, and eminent Scottish theatre critic, Liam Rudden of MustSeeTheatre.com, said: “Theatre-makers and creatives are quick to fight expectations that they should be willing to work for the ‘experience’ or ‘exposure’ an opportunity might offer them, rightly demanding a fair wage. 

“It is ironic therefore that theatre and venue managements would expect critics to pay for tickets to do their job, however they might dress it up. More importantly, the divisive creation of a two-tier system is both insulting and disrespectful to established critics.”

Mr Rudden said that a ticket was offered at the same price as any other member of the public – with no obligation to write a review.

Thom Dibdin of All Edinburgh Theatre said: “I run All Edinburgh Theatre, a completely voluntary set-up. We exist to support theatre in Edinburgh – indeed I have spent the whole Fringe at my desk, editing and publishing over 130 reviews of productions made by Edinburgh-based companies. Which includes the Traverse, of course. For this, we generate no income beyond paying server costs.

“To be asked, now, to pay for tickets to review a show simply because it is popular feels like a complete kick in the gonads. I understand that the Traverse, despite being a publicly funded organisation, needs to generate as much income as it can from this production. But to introduce a pay-to-review policy now seems more like a policy dreamed up in the White House than in Scotland’s leading new writing theatre.

“Theatre criticism and theatres exist in a symbiotic relationship. If one side decides to stop giving back they turn it into a parasitical relationship where the other side is the host.”

The play Man to Man is presented by The Royal Court Theatre, Berliner Ensemble and Brian and Dayna Lee. 

It is Ms Swinton’s return to the Traverse stage for the first time in decades, and tickets go on general sale on 9 September. Meantime there is a priority booking process from 3 to 8 September during which patrons can make what is called a “qualifying donation”.

The Traverse has outlined its Capital Project to refurbish the auditorium and the seating bank in the theatre. The theatre says that “after decades of constant use, the auditorium and its seating bank need significant investment”.

The theatre plans to modernise the space, improve comfort and accessibility for audiences, “increasing its flexibility and sustainability and ensuring Trav 1 can continue to serve artists and audiences for decades to come”. A first phase of the project is already complete – that was the planning stage and now the theatre wants to proceed with delivery of the project. So it is using this opportunity to bring in some extra donations.

In relation to the play starring Ms Swinton, Traverse is offering priority booking along with a £20 (or more) donation. This is subject to caveats however – that there is no guarantee of tickets with a donation. Tickets remain “subject to availability”.

Traverse also confirm that “Existing annual Traverse Supporters will automatically receive access to priority booking, and that for those people who are not already a Supporter, they can qualify for priority booking until Sunday 30 August 2026* in one of two ways:

Become an annual Traverse Supporter or

Make a one-off donation of £20 or more to the Traverse 1 Auditorium Restoration Capital Project through the dedicated fund.

Full details of these arrangements may be found here.

Man to Man was premiered in 1987 at the Traverse when the theatre was in Grassmarket, and a 26 year-old Ms Swinton performed the role of Ella/Max Gericke. She will reprise the role in the latest production.

Translated from German by Anthony Vivis and revised by Stephen Unwin (2026), the play reunites members of the original creative team, including director Stephen Unwin, designer Bunny Christie and lighting designer Ben Ormerod. 

More than 30 years after she first brought the role to life at both the Traverse Theatre and Royal Court Theatre, and the last time she performed live in a theatre, Tilda Swinton returns to the stage in the lead role as Ella/Max.

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