LATEST NEWS – 30th JUNE 2025

• Military Wives The Musical – York Theatre Royal, in association with Everyman Theatre Cheltenham and Buxton Opera House, has announced casting for the world premiere of Debbie Isitt’s musical. It will open at York Theatre Royal on 16 September, following previews from 10 September, and will run until 27 September. It tells the story of a group of women who form a choir while their partners are deployed. Isolated and struggling with the uncertainty of military life, the women find strength and camaraderie through music. It is based on the true story of the Military Wives choir and the 2019 film Military Wives. Isitt, known for her work on the Nativity! film series, will write and direct. Cast in the show are Kayla Carter (Faith), Emma Crossley (Bex), Jessica Daley (Jenny), Ashleigh Gray (Terri), Adrian Hansel (Luke), Sydney Isitt-Ager (Sarah), Joe Kelly (Adam), Bobbie Little (Olive/Paula), Billy Roberts (Dale/Simon/Andy), Caroline Sheen (Susannah), Rachael Wooding (Krissy) and Stewart Wright (Dave the Welfare Officer). Also on the creative team are George Dyer (arranger, orchestrator and musical supervisor), Katie Lias (designer), Rory Beaton (lighting designer), Richard Brooker (sound designer), Rebecca Louis (movement director) and Marc Frankum (casting director).
• The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical – has announced casting for its forthcoming tour. Rick Riordan’s bestselling The Lightning Thief novel was first seen on stage in New York in 2014 and has since toured the US, including a limited Broadway run in 2019. Its story follows Percy Jackson, a New York City teenager who discovers he is the son of the Greek god Poseidon. The piece received its London premiere last year and recently completed a run at the Other Palace. Set to star as Percy Jackson is Vasco Emauz, joined by Kayna Montecillo as Annabeth, and Cahir O’Neill as Grover. will be joined by Simone Robinson (Coming to England) as Sally Jackson, Niall Sheehy (Miss Saigon) as Mr Bruner, Aidan Cutler (Back to the Future: The Musical) as Mr D, Ellie-Grace Cousins (Mamma Mia!) as Clarisse, Paolo Micallef (who was cast following open auditions) as Luke with Alex Anderton (making his professional stage debut), Abe Armitage (The Wizard of Oz), Joseph Connor (Sister Act), Ellouise Delooze (making her professional stage debut), Becca Francis (Iolanthe at ENO) and Amy McEvoy (making her professional stage debut) as the ensemble. Lizzi Gee (Groundhog Day) directs and choreographs, while Joe Tracz (Be More Chill) wrote the book for the production, and Rob Rokicki (Monstersongs) is the composer and lyricist. The creative team includes Ryan Dawson Laight (set and costume designer), Tim Deiling (lighting designer), Dan Samson (sound designer), and Matt Powell (video designer). Musical elements are led by Jeremy Wootton (musical supervisor) and Will Joy (musical director), with illusions by Richard Pinner and fight direction by Lisa Connell. Libby Watts serves as associate director and choreographer, with Christophe Eynde as associate set and costume designer. The Lightning Thief will kick off its tour at Theatre Royal Windsor on 15 August 2025, before visiting Newcastle Theatre Royal (27 to 31 August), Milton Keynes Theatre (3 to 6 September), Liverpool Empire (16 to 20 September), Brighton Theatre Royal (30 September to 4 October), Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent (7 to 11 October), Coventry Belgrade (14 to 18 October), Bradford Alhambra Theatre (21 to 25 October), New Wimbledon Theatre (28 Oct to 1 November) and Portsmouth King’s Theatre (4 to 9 November). Into 2026, the show will visit Wales Millennium Centre (21 to 24 January), Hull New Theatre (27 January to 1 February) and Birmingham Hippodrome (24 to 28 February), while more tour dates in 2026 are to be announced.
• Julius Caesar – Tangle (in association with Mayflower) brings its trademark African-inspired storytelling into the heart of ancient Rome with a brand new, fast-moving adaptation of Shakespeare’s tale with a cast of five. With John Pfumojena (Musical Director, For Black Boys)’s original music performed live on stage and choreography by Bawren Tavaziva (BOY’S KHAYA, Izindava), this high-energy production drives through the power struggles and friendship betrayal at the heart of Shakespeare’s greatest thriller. Anna Coombs directs her precisely crafted adaptation, which will open at Mayflower Studios in Southampton on 9^th October 2025 as part of a UK tour.
• Mary Poppins – has confirmed casting for its remaining tour stops. The musical, based on the iconic book series by PL Travers and the 1964 Disney film about a flying nanny who swoops in to change the lives of the Banks family, was last seen in the West End in early 2023. The stage show has original music and lyrics by Richard M Sherman and Robert B Sherman, new songs and additional music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, a book by Julian Fellowes, orchestrations by William David Brohn and dance and vocal arrangements by Stiles. Stefanie Jones and Jack Chambers will continue as Mary Poppins and Bert for the remaining tour stops, having played the parts in Australia in the show’s recent production down under and appeared at all stops so far. Lyn Paul will join the company in Milton Keynes Theatre on 18 November, before playing the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff (3 December 2025 to 10 January 2026) and Liverpool Empire (14 to 31 January 2026). Also in the show are Michael D. Xavier as George Banks, Lucie-Mae Sumner as Winifred Banks, Rosemary Ashe as Mrs Brill, Patti Boulaye (Carmen Jones at the Old Vic) as Bird Woman, Sharon Wattis (The Book of Mormon) as Mrs Corry and Miss Smythe, Wendy Ferguson (West End productions of Mary Poppins, Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera) as Miss Andrew, Ruairidh McDonald (Matilda the Musical) as Roberston Ay and David Burrows (Half a Sixpence, My Fair Lady and Oliver!) as Admiral Boom and Bank Chairman. Olive Harrison, Connie Jones, Yvie Moore, Katie Rydenand Sienna Sibley currently alternate the role of Jane Banks with Oliver Benson, Charlie Donald, Oli Manning, Joshua Miles and Oliver Noble alternating the role of Michael Banks. The company is completed by Jay Luca Allan, Marianne Bardgett, Rhys Batten, Lydia Boulton, Ben Culleton, Jasmine Davis, Matthew Dawkins, Lily De-La-Haye, Nathan Elwick, Darcy Finden, Lyndsey Gardiner, Ryan Gover, Emma Harrold, Cameron Thomas Jones, Billy Mahoney, Sarah-Marie Maxwell, Roan Pronk, Henry Rhodes, Jacob Ritzema, Scarlet Roche, Callum Rose, Tyler Timmins, Charlie Waddell, Rachael Ward, Jemima-Jane Willcox, James Wolstenholme and Ellie Young. Richard Eyre directs, with co-direction and choreography by Matthew Bourne, co-choreography by Stephen Mear, sound design by Paul Gatehouse, lighting design by Hugh Vanstone and scenic and costume design by Bob Crowley. The show is currently in Bradford Alhambra, and will fly into Birmingham Hippodrome (from 16 July), Mayflower Theatre, Southampton (from 27 August), Sunderland Empire (from 1 October) and Milton Keynes Theatre (29 October). It’ll then enjoy a festive six-week season at Cardiff’s Millennium Centre, where it runs from 3 December, before heading to Liverpool’s Empire Theatre in the new year from 14 January 2026.
• Young Frankenstein – the new revival of will transfer to Liverpool following its Manchester run. Based on the 1974 film, the musical follows Frederick Frankenstein, who inherits his grandfather’s estate in Transylvania and finds himself drawn into the family business of reanimation. The show, which has a book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan, and music and lyrics by Brooks, includes songs such as “The Transylvania Mania,” “He Vas My Boyfriend,” and “Puttin’ on the Ritz.” Ore Oduba will be playing the title role in the new production’s run in Manchester this autumn (just in time for Halloween!). Casting for the Liverpool season has not yet been confirmed. The show will have a limited five-week run at Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse over the Christmas season from 3 December 2025 to 3 January 2026, with a press night on 4 December 2025. The show has orchestrations by Doug Besterman and Mark Cumberland and original direction and choreography by Susan Stroman. This production’s creative team includes Nick Winston as director and choreographer, as well as musical direction and co-musical supervision by Francesca Warren, set design by Sophia Pardon, orchestration and co-musical supervision by Charlie Ingles, sound design by Ben Harrison, lighting design by Aaron J Dootson, video and projection design by Matt Powell, costume design by Lorraine Parry, wigs and make-up design by Nicola Thorp, associate choreography by Lauren Kate Hampton and casting by Jim Arnold.
• Titanique – is set to welcome new cast members next month at London’s Criterion Theatre. The Olivier Award-winning musical combines the music of Céline Dion with the blockbuster film Titanic. From 15 July, Astrid Harris will take over the lead role of Céline Dion. In addition, from 22 July, Jenny O’Leary will begin performances as Molly Brown, as maternity cover for Wakefield. They will be joining Luke Bayer as Jack, Darren Bennett as Victor Garber / Luigi, Richard Carson as Cal, Hiba Elchikhe as Rose, Carl Mullaney as Ruth, and Tosh Wanogho-Maud as The Iceberg. Adrianne Langley, Madison Swan, and Rodney Vubya are the on-stage background vocalists, alongside off-stage understudies Freddie King and Caitlin Tipping. Titanique is booking at the Criterion Theatre until 4 January 2026.
• Saving Mozart – casting for the UK premiere of the new musical includes Aimie Atkinson as Nannerl, Jack Chambers as Mozart, Erin Caldwell as Constanze, Jordan Luke Gage as Salieri, Douglas Hansell as Leopold and Gloria Onitiri as Anna Maria. The Ensemble will feature Sveva Bartolini, Harriette Benazir-White, Corey Mitchell, Anu Ogunmefun, Ebony Roy-Palmer and Alfie Simmons. Ritesh Manugula and Gleanne Purcell Brown are off-stage swings and covers, and the role of Little Mozart will be played by Carla Lopez Corpas and Izzie Monk. Charli Eglington’s musical follows the story of Mozart through the perspectives of the women who surrounded and influenced him, including his sister Nannerl and wife Constanze, alongside his father Leopold. The musical premiered earlier this year in Gmunden, Austria, in association with Musical Frühling in Gmunden. A concept album is also available on streaming platforms. The show opens this summer at London’s The Other Palace where it will run from 28 July to 30 August 2025 and is directed by Markus Olzinger, while the creative team includes Taylor Walker (choreographer), Julia Pschedezki (costume designer), Justin Williams (set designer), Ben Jacobs (lighting designer) and Ben Armstrong (casting director). Additional creative roles will be announced.
• Pinocchio – Shakespeare’s Globe will produce the new musical on its main stage over the Christmas period opening on 29 November, with book and lyrics by Charlie Josephine (Cowbois) and music and lyrics by Jim Fortune (Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear). The show will be directed by Sean Holmes. Winter shows in the Globe have become an integral part of the Globe calendar over recent years and with hundreds of £5 tickets available for every show, offering that special experience at a price everyone can afford, which of course remains a core tenet of the Globe’s mission – to create theatre for all. Grace Smart will design the set, with Peter O’Rourke as puppetry designer and director, Tony Gayle as sound designer, and casting by Becky Paris.
• 101 Dalmatians The Musical – will open in London for a six-week run this summer at the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith on Friday 18 July and run until Saturday 30 August 2025, following a nationwide tour. It was first performed at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in London in 2022. The musical is based on Dodie Smith’s classic story and features music and lyrics by Douglas Hodge, with a book by Johnny McKnight and stage adaptation by Zinnie Harris. Directed by Bill Buckhurst, the production includes set design by David Woodhead, costumes by Sarah Mercadé, and choreography by Lucy Hind. The creative team also includes musical supervisor Alfonso Casado Trigo, orchestrator Jack Hopkins, puppet designer Jimmy Grimes, lighting designer James Whiteside, and sound designer Chris Whybrow. Leigh Stanford Thompson serves as musical director, and casting is by Lucy Casson. The associate director is Blythe Stewart and the associate choreographer is Llandyll Gove. Sydnie Christmas will take on the role of the iconic villain, Cruella de Vil. And alongside her will be Jeff Brazier and Aston Merrygold as Casper and Jasper, respectively. They’ll be joined by Laura Baldwin as Danielle and Samuel Thomas as Tom. Playing Pongo will be Linford Johnson, with Perdi played by Emma Thornett. Completing the cast are Dylan Collymore (ensemble), Victoria Compson-Bradford (swing), Benedict Hastings (ensemble), Lottie Johnson (ensemble), Rachel Lea-Gray (ensemble), Kenan Lewis Smith (ensemble), Callum Martin (ensemble), Ronan O’Hara (swing), Joe Sleight (ensemble), Chioma Uma (ensemble), and Jhanaica Van Mook (ensemble).

LATEST NEWS – 23rd JUNE 2025

By PHayward Monday 23rd June 2025

• Priscilla Queen of the Desert – the upcoming tour will star Adèle Anderson, best known as one-third of the internationally acclaimed satirical cabaret trio Fascinating Aïda, in the role of Bernadette when it tours to Mayflower Theatre in Southampton from 16 – 21 March 2026. Adèle has been delighting audiences around the world since joining Fascinating Aïda in 1984, and having co-written with founder member Dillie Keane as well as performing she and the group have earned numerous accolades, including nominations for three Olivier Awards, a Perrier Award and the New York Drama Desk Award. Directed by Olivier Award-nominated Ian Talbot OBE with choreography by Olivier Award-winner Matt Cole with set and lighting design by Andrew Exeter, the Broadway and West End hit musical, follows the hilarious and heart-warming journey as three friends travel across Australia in a dilapidated bus nicknamed Priscilla to put on the show of a lifetime. Further casting will be announced in due course. Priscilla Queen of the Desert UK & Ireland Tour is produced by Mark Goucher, Matthew Gale (Hairspray The Musical, The Full Monty and Shrek The Musical) and Gavin Kalin.
• Spitfire Girls – the play by Katherine Senior, is set to return with a second UK tour in spring 2026. The production will open at Winchester Theatre Royal on 26 February and continue through to 23 May, with further venues to be announced. The play first opened at MAST Mayflower Studios in Southampton in March 2025 before touring to ten venues across the UK. Set on New Year’s Eve in 1959, it follows two women reunited years after their service in the Second World War. Presented by Tilted Wig and Mayflower Southampton, the production is directed by Seán Aydon with design by Sarah Beaton. It has been developed with support from the National Theatre Generate Programme and is presented in collaboration with the Royal British Legion. Lighting is by Peter Small, with original music by Eamonn O’Dwyer. The 2026 tour begins in Winchester before moving to Royal and Derngate Northampton from 4 to 7 March, Buxton Opera House from 17 to 21 March, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford from 24 to 28 March, Cambridge Arts Theatre from 7 to 11 April, Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds from 14 to 18 April, Theatr Clwyd from 21 to 25 April, Watford Palace Theatre from 28 April to 2 May, Theatre by the Lake in Keswick from 12 to 16 May before concluding at Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough from 21 to 23 May.
• The Choir of Man – has extended its run at the Arts Theatre into January 2026. The production began its West End run in October 2021 and has since welcomed over 280,000 audience members across more than 1,000 performances. Earlier this year, it paused its season while preliminary work was done to redevelop the venue. Set in a pub called The Jungle, the show features a nine-strong male cast combining vocal performances with dance and spoken word. The musical includes songs from artists such as Queen, Adele, Guns and Roses, Sia and Paul Simon. Audience members are offered a pint as part of the performance. Originally created by Nic Doodson and Andrew Kay, The Choir of Man has previously been staged at the Sydney Opera House and toured in the US and Europe. Following its initial West End season, the show received an Olivier Award nomination for Best Entertainment or Comedy Play and has since partnered with CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) and Signature Brew. The current cast includes David Booth as Pub Bore, Jason Brock as Romantic, Rob Godfrey as Beast, Ifan Gwilym-Jones as Maestro, Oliver Jacobson as Barman, George Knapper as Handyman, Benji Lord as Joker, Paul McArthur as Poet and Bradley Walwyn as Hardman. Swings are Tom Carter-Miles, Toby Francis, Alex Mallalieu and David Shute. Direction is by Doodson with Daniel Harnett as associate director. Monologues are by Ben Norris. Musical supervision, vocal arrangements and orchestrations are by Jack Blume, with Lee Freeman as resident musical director. Movement direction is by Freddie Huddleston, scenic design by Oli Townsend, lighting by Richard Dinnen, and sound by Sten Severson. The show is produced by HH Productions Ltd, Nic Doodson, Andrew Kay, Wendy and Andy Barnes, Gavin Kalin and Hunter Arnold. On stage at West End Live, an extension until 4 January was revealed – with tickets available now.
• Moulin Rouge! the Musical – continues to play at the Piccadilly Theatre in London and has extended its West End run until 21 February 2026. A touring production is also making its way across the UK before heading out worldwide. The West End cast includes Natalie Kassanga as Satine, Dom Simpson as Christian, Craig Ryder as Harold Zidler, Dex Lee as Toulouse-Lautrec, Ben Richards as The Duke, Ivan De Freitas as Santiago, Charlotte Gooch as Nini, Hannah Jay-Allan and Helen K Wint who alternate the role of Arabia, Matteo Johnson as Baby Doll, Bernadette Bangura as La Chocolat, and Angela Marie Hurst as Alternate Satine. The cast is completed by Oliver Adam-Reynolds, Takaiyah Bailey, Erin Bell, Emily Bolland, Ross Chisari, Athena Collins, James Davies-Williams, Katie Deacon, Serenar Douch, Rola Elliott, Myles Hart, Grace Hawksworth, Maiya Hikasa, Melvin LeBlanc, Tom Mather, Kira McPherson, Paul Mukembo, Dean Read, Ben Rutter, Gavin Ryan, Mark Samaras, Jamie Shields, Catrin Thomas, Lindsey Tierney, Alex Tranter, Matt Trevorrow, Kevin Tristan, Ben Whitnall, and Sasha Woodward. Directed by Alex Timbers, Moulin Rouge! has a book by John Logan, choreography by Sonya Tayeh, and music supervision, orchestrations, and arrangements by Justin Levine. The design team includes Derek McLane (sets), Catherine Zuber (costumes), Justin Townsend (lighting), Peter Hylenski (sound), David Brian Brown (wig and hair design), and Sarah Cimino (make-up design). Casting is by Pippa Ailion and Natalie Gallacher.
• Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show! – the ongoing tour has announced new dates and casting details. Stephen Webb will be reprising his role as Frank-N-Furter throughout the dates, while the roles of Brad and Janet will be played by James Bisp and Haley Flaherty, respectively. Ryan Carter-Wilson will play Riff Raff, Laura Bird will play Magenta/Usherette, Daisy Steere will be Columbia, Morgan Jackson will be Rocky, and Edward Bullingham will be Eddie/Dr Scott. Phantoms will be played by Jesse Chidera, Nathan Zach Johnson, Tyla Dee Nurden and Bethany Amber Perrins, with Lucy Aiston as swing/assistant dance caption and David Peter-Brown as swing/dance captain. Nathan Caton will play the role of the Narrator in Croydon, Dunfermline, Inverness and Coventry, with further casting to be revealed for the role. The company take over from 2 September in Croydon, with the show going on to visit Dunfermline, Inverness and Coventry before departing to Italy for the autumn months, returning to Edinburgh from 6 January, before visiting Sheffield, Sunderland, Ipswich, Bromley, Leicester, Wolverhampton, Cambridge, Liverpool, Eastbourne, Aylesbury, Cardiff, Glasgow, Birmingham and Bristol.
• Vagabond Skies – The Van Gogh Musical – will run at the Gilded Balloon at the Museum during the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe from 30 July to 21 August. The new sung-through musical, written by Tony Norman with orchestration by Mark Edwards, is directed by Sarah Dormady and explores the later years of Vincent van Gogh, drawing inspiration from his correspondence with his brother Theo. The show had an initial short run in Eastbourne last autumn. Alex Bloomer (The Lion King) plays Vincent, joined by Richard Dawes (Stiletto) as Theo, Jordan Frazier (Hamilton) as Agostina and Francesca Leyland (Les Misérables) as Johanna. The company also includes Patrick Jennings as Gaugin, Maren Ovida as Sien and Anna Unwin as Rachel. Ensemble members are Max Cadman, Sacha Koplewsky, Jake White and Amy Bennett.
• Nerds – a musical comedy explores the rivalry and relationship between tech figures Steve Jobs and Bill Gates. It follows the rise of Jobs and Gates from garage projects to industry-shaping pioneers, with a focus on their personal clashes and breakthroughs. It was first developed by the team behind The Bomb-itty of Errors. The show will run at the Cowbarn, Underbelly Bristo Square as part of the 2025 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, from 31 July to 24 August. Written by Jordan Allen-Dutton and Erik Weiner, with music by Hal Goldberg, the production is directed by Nick Winston and produced in association with Paul Taylor-Mills. The cast features Kane Oliver Parry as Steve Jobs, Dan Buckley as Bill Gates, Ethan Pascal Peters as Steve Wozniak, Elliott Evans as Paul Allen, Elise Zavou as Sally, Teleri Hughes as Myrtle, Curtis Patrick as Dustin and Henchman, and Julie Yammanee as Tom Watson and Thekla. The creative team also includes Adam Blau (orchestrations), Sophia Pardon (set and costume design), Matt Hockley (lighting design), and Chris Duffy (musical director). The show will preview at Curve, Leicester in July ahead of its Edinburgh run.
• Be More Chill – The Old Joint Stock Theatre in Birmingham has announced casting for its upcoming production which will run from 6 to 31 August. The musical will be the venue’s largest production to date and the first presented under the Equity House Agreement. Penned by Joe Iconis, and Joe Tracz, Be More Chill follows Jeremy, a teenager navigating suburban high school life, who takes a pill containing a supercomputer known as “The Squip” to try and improve his social standing. The show, based on Ned Vizzini’s novel, previously ran on Broadway and in the West End. Tom Dickerson will lead the cast as Jeremy, while the company also includes Jack Carr as Michael and Shannon Bourne as Christine. Maya Jade Frank joins as Chloe, Jessica Lim plays Jenna, Tommy Fouweather plays the Squip, Steven Rostance plays Mr Heere/Mr Reyes /Scary Stockboy, John OG plays Rich, Harry Chamberlain plays Jake and Ailsa Erskine plays Brooke. Directed by James Edge, the creative team also includes Liam Alexandru (associate direction, marketing and video design), Emily Susanne Lloyd (producer), Callum Thompson (musical direction), William Spencer (choreography), Reuben Speed (costume design), and Paul and Hannah Finch for Theatre SSL (sound and lighting).
• Fiddler on the Roof – the production first seen at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre last summer and is currently playing at the Barbican Theatre has announced the cast for its upcoming tour. Leading the cast is Matthew Woodyatt as Tevye, Jodie Jacobs as Golde and Beverley Klein as Yente. Co-stars are Natasha Jules Bernard as Tzeitel, Georgia Bruce as Hodel, Hannah Bristow as Chava, Ashleigh Schuman as Shprintze and Georgia Dixon as Bielke. They are joined by Siôn Lloyd as Mordcha / Innkeeper, Dan Wolff as Motel, Greg Bernstein as Perchik and Gregor Milne as Fyedka. Michael S Siegel takes on the role of Lazar Wolf, with Mark Faith as the Rabbi and Toby Turpin as Mendel. Gareth Davies appears as Avram, Ed Bruggemeyer as Nachum, Sue Appleby as Shandel, Susannah van den Berg as Rifka, and Carys McQueen as Mirila. Olivier Award nominee Raphael Papo plays The Fiddler and Roman Lytwyniw is the alternate Fiddler, with Karl Wilson as the Constable. Rounding out the cast are Simon Anthony as Sasha, Jack Osmond as Russian #1, and Alex Pinder as Russian #2. Dylan Saffer joins as a male swing, with offstage swings Chris Draper and Maya Kristal Tenenbaum completing the company. Directed by Jordan Fein and featuring choreography by Julia Cheng and design by Tom Scutt. The UK and Ireland tour will begin on 24 July at the Bromley Churchill Theatre, running until 26 July, before visiting the Leeds Grand Theatre from 28 July to 2 August, and the Belfast Grand Opera House from 4 to 9 August. It will then move to the Norwich Theatre from 11 to 16 August, Nottingham Concert Hall from 18 to 23 August, and the Bristol Hippodrome from 25 to 30 August. September dates include Edinburgh Festival Theatre from 8 to 13 September, High Wycombe Swan Theatre from 15 to 20 September, Liverpool Empire from 22 to 27 September, and Southend Cliffs Pavilion from 29 September to 4 October. The production will stop at the Dublin Bord Gáis Theatre from 6 to 18 October, before heading to Manchester Palace Theatre from 20 October to 1 November, Eastbourne Congress Theatre from 3 to 8 November, Canterbury Marlowe Theatre from 10 to 15 November, Cardiff New Theatre from 17 to 22 November, and Sunderland Empire from 24 to 29 November. It will also have a festive season in Birmingham.
• Mamma Mia! – celebrated its 25th anniversary last year, making it one of the longest-running musicals in West End history and it has now confirmed dates and venues for the new upcoming UK tour. Starting out at Mayflower Theatre in Southampton (24 October to 8 November 2025), Bristol Hippodrome (11 to 22 November 2025), New Theatre Oxford (25 November to 6 December 2025), Edinburgh Playhouse (9 December 2025 to 4 January 2026), Swansea Building Society Arena (13 to 24 January 2026), His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen (27 January to 7 February 2026), Newcastle Theatre Royal (11 to 28 February 2026), Palace Theatre Manchester (3 to 21 March 2026), and Curve, Leicester (24 to 29 March 2026), Hull New Theatre (7 to 18 April), Venue Cymru, Llandudno (21 to 25 April), Blackpool Opera House (28 April to 3 May), Birmingham Hippodrome (12 to 30 May), Hall for Cornwall, Truro (2 to 13 June), Leeds Grand Theatre (16 to Sat 27 June), Norwich Theatre Royal (30 June to 11 July), Eastbourne Congress Theatre (14 to 19 July), Bournemouth Pavillion Theatre(28 July to 2 August) and King’s Theatre Glasgow (13 to 29 August 2026). Produced by Judy Craymer, Richard East, and Björn Ulvaeus for Littlestar in association with Universal, written by Benny Andersson and Ulvaeus, and the story by Catherine Johnson. The show is directed by Phyllida Lloyd, with choreography by Anthony Van Laast, design by Mark Thompson, lighting design by Howard Harrison, sound design by Andrew Bruce and Bobby Aitken, and musical supervision, additional material and arrangements by Martin Koch.
• Miss Saigon – the new UK tour of the musical has announced its casting. Set to star will be Julianne Pundan as Kim, while Seann Miley Moore will return to the role of The Engineer. Jack Kane will play Chris, Dom Hartley-Harris will play John, Emily Langham will play Ellen, Mikko Juan will play Thuy, and Ace will play Gigi. The company will also include Bea Ward as Alternate Kim, Aaron Teoh as alternate for The Engineer, Jamil Abbasi, Aaron Aisoni, Daniel J Brian, Ann-Marie Craine, Ben Fenwick, Aaron Gonzales, Owen Johnston, Evita Khrime, Caleb Lagayan, Rayhan Lee, James Mateo-Salt, Shania Montevalde, Ryan Ocampo, Julius Sahr, Tonny Shim, Anh Koha Trần, Yiling Yang, Aimee Yue and Carmen Zhu. The show has music by Claude-Michel Schönberg and lyrics by Richard Maltby Jnr and Alain Boublil, adapted from original French text by Boublil with additional lyrics by Michael Mahler. It was originally produced on the stage by Cameron Mackintosh.This new production will have direction from Jean-Pierre van der Spuy, who recently directed the acclaimed Australian Opera production of Miss Saigon and, with Matthew Bourne, co-directed the new production of Oliver! in the West End.The tour opens at the Newcastle Theatre Royal, where it plays from Saturday 4 to Saturday 25 October. After that, it will then head to the Playhouse Theatre in Edinburgh (Tuesday 28 October to Saturday 1 November), Palace Theatre, Manchester (Tuesday 4 to Saturday 15 November), the Alexandra in Birmingham (Tuesday 18 to Saturday 29 November), Leeds Grand Theatre (Tuesday 2 to Saturday 13 December) and New Theatre, Oxford (Tuesday 16 December 2025 to Saturday 3 January 2026). The tour will then visit Venue Cymru, Llandudno (Tuesday 6 to Saturday 10 January), Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin (Tuesday 13 to Saturday 17 January 2026), Hull New Theatre (Tuesday 20 to Saturday 24 January), Mayflower Theatre, Southampton (Tuesday 27 January to Saturday 7 February), Theatre Royal, Plymouth (Tuesday 17 to Saturday 28 February), His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen (Tuesday 3 to Saturday 7 March), Grand Opera House, Belfast (Tuesday 10 to Saturday 21 March), Nottingham, Theatre Royal (Tuesday 24 March to Saturday 4 April), Milton Keynes Theatre (Tuesday 7 April to Saturday 11 April), Empire Theatre, Liverpool (Tuesday 21 April to Saturday 2 May), Alhambra Theatre, Bradford (Tuesday 5 to Saturday 9 May), Theatre Royal, Norwich (Tuesday 12 to Saturday 23 May), Millennium Forum, Derry/Londonderry (Tuesday 26 to Saturday 30 May), Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff (Tuesday 2 to Saturday 6 June), King’s Theatre, Glasgow (Tuesday 9 to Saturday 20 June), Winter Gardens, Blackpool (Tuesday 30 June to Saturday 4 July), Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury (Tuesday 7 to Saturday 18 July) and Hippodrome Theatre, Bristol (Tuesday 21 July to Saturday 1 August). Overseen by Mackintosh, the production has co-choreography by Chrissie Cartwright and Carrie-Anne Ingrouille, while the creative team includes Andrew D Edwards as set and costume designer, lighting by Olivier Award-winner Bruno Poet, sound by Olivier Award-winner Adam Fisher, and video design by 2025 Tony Award recipient George Reeve. Graham Hurman is musical supervisor, Sarah Leung handles casting, with Maria Graciano and Jasmin Colangelo serving as resident director and choreographer respectively. The show is presented by Michael Harrison in association with Cameron Mackintosh.
• The Curious Case of Benjamin Button – has announced it will now play its final performance at the Ambassadors Theatre on Saturday, 11 October 2025. John Dagleish stars in the title role, while Clare Foster plays Elowen Keene. Joining them in the cast are are Matthew Burns, Jonathan Charles, Oonagh Cox, Katy Ellis, Anna Fordham, Philippa Hogg, Damien James, Ann Marcuson, Jack Quarton, Benedict Salter, Elliot Mackenzie, Emily Panes and Nuwan Hugh Perera. The creative team includes Jethro Compton (director and stage designer), Mark Aspinall and Darren Clark (co-music supervisors, orchestrators, and arrangers, Aspinall also as musical director), Chi-San Howard (choreographer), Anna Kelsey (costume and associate stage designer), Luke Swaffield (sound designer), and Zoe Spurr (lighting designer). Casting is by Ginny Schiller. The musical is presented by ATG Productions, Gavin Kalin Productions, Gary Beestone Associates, Eilene Davidson Productions, Susan Edelstein and Teresa Tsai, Umeda Arts Theater, Rupert Gavin and Mallory Factor, Winkler and Smalberg, Thomas Steven Perakos and Jethro Compton Productions.
• Lost Atoms – Frantic Assembly’s 30th anniversary production, which opens at Curve Leicester on 22 September before a UK tour is written by Anna Jordan and directed by Scott Graham, the production will feature Joe Layton and Hannah Sinclair Robinson. Layton, a has worked with the company on Othello, Metamorphosis, and The Unreturning, and is currently appearing in Coronation Street. Sinclair Robinson has previously appeared in Metamorphosis and Othello, as well as The Play That Goes Wrong and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. The tour will visit York Theatre Royal, Liverpool Playhouse, Belgrade Theatre Coventry, Mercury Theatre Colchester, the Lowry in Salford, Connaught Theatre Worthing, Mayflower Studios Southampton, Bristol Old Vic, and Lyric Hammersmith Theatre. The creative team includes Andrzej Goulding (set), Simisola Majekodunmi (lighting), Carolyn Downing (sound), Alice McNicholas (costume), Julie Blake (music supervision) and associate director Lucy Wild. A casting director was not disclosed by the production.
• Barnum – will be touring the UK from February 2026, and lead casting has been revealed. The musical, which shines a spotlight on the life and times of P T Barnum, features music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Michael Stewart and a book by Mark Bramble. Presented by Bill Kenwright Ltd, the production will be once more directed by Jonathan O’Boyle and choreographed by Oti Mabuse after the pair revived the show at the Watermill Theatre last year. Joining O’Boyle and Mabuse in the creative team are Lee Newby (set and costume designer), Jai Morjaria (lighting designer), Tom Marshall (sound designer), George Dyer (musical supervisor, arrangements and orchestrations), Amy Panter (circus director), Matt Nicholson (associate choreographer) and Nick Lodge (associate sound designer). Starring as P T Barnum will be Lee Mead. The new staging will feature an ensemble cast of over 20 actor-musicians playing 150 instruments, acrobats and amazing international circus acts. The tour will open on Jan 30 2026 at Theatre Royal Windsor and then on Feb 10 2026 Opera House, Manchester,Feb 24 2026 YorkGrand Opera House,Mar 03 2026 Theatre Royal Brighton, Mar 17 2026 CardiffWales Millennium Centre,Mar 24 2026 Aylesbury Waterside Theatre and on Apr 21 2026 Birmingham Hippodrome.
• Saving Mozart – casting has been revealed for the UK premiere of a new musical opening this summer at the Other Palace running from 28 July to 30 August 2025. Charli Eglington’s musical follows the story of Mozart through the perspectives of the women who surrounded and influenced him, including his sister Nannerl and wife Constanze, alongside his father Leopold. The musical premiered earlier this year in Gmunden, Austria, in association with Musical Frühling in Gmunden. A concept album is also available on streaming platforms. The cast includes Aimie Atkinson as Nannerl, Jack Chambers as Mozart, Erin Caldwell as Constanze, Jordan Luke Gage as Salieri and Douglas Hansell as Leopold. Ensemble roles will be played by Sveva Bartolini, Harriette Benazir-White, Corey Mitchell and Alfie Simmons, with further cast to be announced. The show is directed by Markus Olzinger, while the creative team includes Taylor Walker (choreographer), Julia Pschedezki (costume designer), Justin Williams (set designer), Ben Jacobs (lighting designer) and Ben Armstrong (casting director). Additional creative roles will be announced.
• Friends! The Musical Parody – the full cast has been announced for the new production which is set to open at the Barn Theatre in Cirencester on 14 July 2025 before embarking on a UK and Ireland tour. The parody musical features many iconic moments from all ten seasons of the beloved TV series Friends. It follows the familiar characters as they navigate life, love, and work in 1990s Manhattan. With an original score, the show offers a comedic take on the sitcom’s most famous scenes. The cast includes Enzo Benvenuti (as Ross), Alicia Belgarde (as Monica), Daniel Parkinson (as Chandler), Eva Hope (as Rachel), Ronnie Burden (as Joey), Amelia Atherton (as Phoebe), and Edward Leigh (as Gunther, Tom Selleck and Paolo). Completing the company are Lottie Lester and Meg Darcy as female ensemble covers, and Jared Thompson and Harry Mallaghan as male ensemble covers. The creative team includes Bob and Tobly McSmith (books and lyrics), Assaf Gleizner (music), Andrew Exeter (set and lighting design), Chris Whybrow (sound design), Jennie Quirk (costumes), Craig Forrest- Thomas (wigs, hair and make-up), Mark Crossland (music supervision) and Charles Olins (music arrangements). Tour dates include Cirencester (14 July to 23 August 2025), Nottingham Theatre Royal (15 to 20 September), Sunderland Empire (22 to 27 September), York Grand Opera House (29 September to 4 October), Cheltenham Everyman Theatre (6 to 11 October), Wolverhampton Grand (13 to 18 October), Dublin Bord Gais Theatre (20 to 25 October), Coventry Belgrade Theatre (28 October to 1 November), Woking New Victoria Theatre (4 to 8 November), Glasgow King’s Theatre (11 to 15 November), Aylesbury Waterside Theatre (18 to 22 November), Malvern Theatre (25 to 29 November), Southampton Mayflower Theatre (6 to 10 January 2026), Milton Keynes Theatre (13 to 17 January), New Wimbledon Theatre (20 to 24 January), Bradford Alhambra Theatre (27 to 31 January), Edinburgh Playhouse (6 to 7 February ), Buxton Opera House (10 to 14 February), Shrewsbury Severn Theatre (16 to 21 February), Torquay Princess Theatre (24 to 28 February), Hull New Theatre (2 to 7 March), Chester Storyhouse (30 March to 4 April), Cork Opera House (7 to 11 April), Tunbridge Wells Assembly Hall Theatre (20 to 25 March) and Cardiff New Theatre (28 April to 2 May).
• Les Misérables’ – a special company will celebrate 40th anniversary in the West End for eight weeks from 8 September to 1 November 2025 Killian Donnelly will play Jean Valjean, with Bradley Jaden as Javert, Katie Hall as Fantine, Jac Yarrow as Marius, Shan Ako as Éponine, Jordan Shaw as Enjolras and Beatrice Penny-Touré as Cosette. Adam Gillen will appear as Thénardier and Marina Prior as Madame Thénardier. Ian McIntosh will also perform the role of Jean Valjean at certain performances. The company is completed by Hollie Aires, Aidan Banyard, Nicholas Carter, Ella May Carter, Matthew Dale, Irfan Damani, Lila Falce-Bass, Sophie-May Feek, Jessica Johns-Parsons, Seán Keany, Chris Kiely, Sam Kipling, Mia Lamb, Sarah Lark, Ollie Llewelyn-Williams, Matthew McConnell, Aaron-Jade Morgan, Adam Pearce, William Pennington, Jordan Simon Pollard, Lewis Renninson, Danielle Rose, Georgia Tapp, Noah Thallon, Imaan Victoria, and Danny Whelan.

LATEST NEWS – 16th JUNE 2025

By PHayward Monday 16th June 2025

• The Addams Family – the musical will embark on a short tour this coming summer and the complete company has been revealed. The musical features a book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice (Jersey Boys), with a score by Andrew Lippa (Big Fish). The Addams Family has previously completed two UK and Ireland tours. The 2025 tour will visit Birmingham Hippodrome (10 to 12 July), Curve Leicester (15 July to 10 August), the Lowry, Salford (12 to 16 August) and Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury (19 to 23 August) and Blackpool Opera House (26 to 30 August). Set to star will be Alexandra Burke (as Morticia Addams), Lesley Joseph (as Grandma), Clive Rowe (as Uncle Fester), Ricardo Afonso (as Gomez Addams), Lauren Jones (as Wednesday Addams), Nicholas McLean (as Pugsley Addams), and Dickon Gough (as Lurch). Playing the Beineke family will be Dale Rapley (as Mal), Jacob Fowler (as Lucas) and Kara Lane (as Alice). Joseph, McLean, Gough and Lane are all reprising their respective roles from the Palladium concert stagings. Joining them are Jak Allen-Anderson (Pippin) as ensemble and cover Lurch, Abigail Brodie (Guys and Dolls) as ensemble and cover Morticia, JR Ballantyne (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, West End) as ensemble and cover Gomez, Eamonn Cox (Guys and Dolls) as ensemble, cover Mal and Fester, Siobhan Diffin (Mean Girls) as cover Alice, Grandma / Swing, Maria Garrett (Mrs Doubtfire) as ensemble and cover Wednesday, Chloe Gentles (Avenue Q) as ensemble and cover Pugsley and Sario Solomon (If/Then) as ensemble and cover Lucas. Directed by Matthew White, the show has choreography by Alistair David, production design by Diego Pitarch, orchestrations by Richard Beadle, lighting design by Ben Cracknell, sound design by Richard Brooker.
• Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch – is returning to the stage! A brand-new production will see the show return to the Lowry in Salford for a festive season, playing from 5 December 2025 to 11 January 2026. With a book and lyrics by Robyn Grant and Daniel Foxx, and music by Tim Gilvin, it gives the legendary Ursula chance to share her backstory, in a “tell-all tale of sex, sorcery and suckers.” Having first premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe, the musical parody has been seen in various forms across the country.
• Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein The Musical – Ore Oduba will take on the role of Dr Frederick Frankenstein in the upcoming production which will open at Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre from 10 October to 30 November 2025, directed and choreographed by Nick Winston. This production marks the tenth anniversary of Hope Mill Theatre, which opened in 2015. The venue has built a reputation for its in-house musical theatre work, with hit shows including Rent, Aspects of Love, The Wiz and Mame.
• Mona Loser – a new musical by Kit Buchan and Jim Barne will be presented in workshop form at Southwark Playhouse Borough and will run for four performances from 16 to 19 July 2025. Set in the music industry and drawing inspiration from Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, the piece features an original score by the writing duo behind Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York). Produced by Tim Johanson Productions in collaboration with Birmingham Hippodrome, the musical explores themes of viral fame, artificiality and identity in a contemporary setting. It marks the latest in a series of new British musicals supported by Birmingham Hippodrome’s New Musical Theatre department, established in 2023. Melanie-Joyce Bermudez will appear in the title role of Mona for these workshop performances. Full casting and creative team for the workshop is to be announced.
• Six – the UK and international tour of the musical continues at Bord Gais Energy Theatre in Dublin from 17 to 28 June, Pavilion in Rhyl from 1 to 5 July, and Grand Theatre in Leeds from 8 to 13 July, Belgrade Theatre in Coventry from 15 to 18 July, before visitingSkegness Embassy Theatre from 22 to 26 July, the Lowry in Salford from 29 July to 3 August, His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen from 5 to 9 August, Newcastle Theatre Royal from 12 to 23 August, the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford from 26 August to 6 September, Brighton Theatre Royal from 9 to 20 September, Mold Theatre Clwyd from 23 to 27 September, Truro Hall for Cornwall from 30 September to 4 October, Torquay Princess Theatre from 7 to 11 October. It’ll then visit Grand Opera House in York from 14 to 18 October, Playhouse in Edinburgh from 21 to 25 October, Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff from 28 October to 8 November, Cliffs Pavilion in Southend from 11 to 15 November, Malvern Theatres from 18 to 22 November, Swan Theatre in High Wycombe from 25 to 29 November, and will return to the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton from 2 to 6 December, New Theatre in Oxford from 9 to 13 December, and see in the new year in Blackpool’s Opera House from 22 December 2025 to 4 January 2026. Dates in the new year, now confirmed, include Eastbourne’s Congress Theatre, from 6 to 10 January, Manchester’s Palace Theatre, from 13 to 17 January, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, from 20 to 31 January, Liverpool Empire from 3 to 7 February, Swindon Wyvern Theatre, from 10 to 14 March, Regent Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent from 25 to 28 March, Birmingham Hippodrome, from 31 March to 11 April, Nottingham Theatre Royal from 28 April to 8 May and Hull New Theatre from 19 to 23 May. The award-winning show reimagines the lives of Henry VIII’s six wives as pop stars, blending historical heartbreak with modern empowerment in an 80-minute musical experience. It has recently been released in cinemas, with the original West End cast starring. Six is written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, co-directed by Moss and Jamie Armitage, and features choreography by Carrie-Anne Ingrouille. The design team includes set designer Emma Bailey, costume designer Gabriella Slade, lighting designer Tim Deiling, and sound designer Paul Gatehouse. The score features orchestrations by Tom Curran, with music supervision and vocal arrangements by Joe Beighton. Musical director Yutong Zhang and associate UK musical supervisor Lauren Hopkinson round out the team. Casting is by Pearson Casting. Six is produced by Kenny Wax, Wendy and Andy Barnes, and George Stiles.
• Mean Girls the Musical – will embark on a UK and Ireland tour with initial dates confirmed setting out from Manchester Opera House in February 2026. The musical, based on the 2004 Paramount Pictures film, follows Cady Heron as she attempts to navigate the social politics of North Shore High and disrupt the rule of the so-called Plastics. The production features a book by Tina Fey, music by Jeff Richmond, lyrics by Nell Benjamin, and direction and choreography by Casey Nicholaw. The show’s design team credits include Scott Pask (set), Katrina Lindsay (costume), Kenneth Posner (lighting), Brian Ronan (sound), and Josh Marquette (hair), with musical supervision and arrangements by Mary-Mitchell Campbell, orchestrations by John Clancy and additional arrangements by Glen Kelly. Mean Girls premiered in 2017 at the National Theatre in Washington, D.C. before transferring to Broadway in 2018. It completed two national tours in the US and ran in the West End from June 2024 to June 2025. The Manchester opening is set for Feb 23 2026 and will then move on – Mar 10 2026 Cardiff Wales Millennium Centre, Apr 06 2026 Sunderland Empire Theatre, Apr 14 2026 Milton Keynes Theatre, May 19 2026 Cheltenham Everyman Theatre, May 25 2026 Hull New Theatre, Jun 01 2026 Bournemouth International Centre (BIC), Jun 09 2026 Belfast Grand Opera House, Jun 23 2026 Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Jun 29 2026 Glasgow King’s Theatre, Jul 20 2026 Llandudno Venue Cymru, Jul 28 2026 Southend-on-Sea Cliffs Pavilion, Aug 18 2026 Blackpool Winter Gardens and Opera House Theatre, Aug 25 2026 Dublin Bord Gais Energy Theatre, Sep 08 2026 Bristol Hippodrome, Sep 28 2026 Crawley The Hawth, Oct 05 2026 Bradford Alhambra Theatre, Oct 19 2026 Liverpool Empire Theatre, Nov 17 2026 Edinburgh Playhouse and Jan 18 2027 Newcastle upon Tyne Theatre Royal.
• The Illusionist –Andrew Lloyd Webber, after picking up the Tony award for Best Musical Revival for the Broadway transfer of Jamie Lloyd’s production of Sunset Boulevard, spoke of another collaboration with Lloyd. A new show, called The Illusionist and that’ll open in London, around September time of next year. It will be produced by Michael Harrison, who produced Sunset and is producing Evita. The show is inspired by Steven Millhauser’s story ‘Eisenheim the Illusionist’ and the 2006 film, though the stage adaptation will take the idea in a fresh direction rather than closely follow the movie. The story is set in Vienna around 1900, centred on a magician whose performances challenge societal norms. The book is being written by Academy Award‑winning screenwriter Chris Terrio (Argo, Justice League), and lyrics are by singer‑songwriter Bruno Major.

LATEST NEWS – 10th JUNE 2025

By PHayward Monday 10th June 2025

• Mayflower Theatre in Southampton is undergoing a building development project that includes a new rehearsal studio and other improvements to backstage and front-of-house areas. This multi-million-pound development is designed to enhance the theatre’s reputation and improve accessibility. Key features are new double-height rehearsal studio added to the back of the theatre and connected to the existing building including a new back-of-house stage, new accessible dressing rooms, and a new admin block entrance with two fully accessible dressing rooms at stage level. The new building is designed to be a “high performing/sustainable building,” with a projected 95% reduction in heating demands for ballet rehearsals, improved connectivity with better connections between the administration building, the theatre, and backstage areas. The project is expected to be completed in late summer 2026.
• Quadrophenia, a Mod Ballet – a new Sadler’s Wells, an Extended Play and Universal Music UK production plays Mayflower Theatre, Southampton 18 – 21 June 2025 ahead of its opening at Sadler’s Wells Theatre on 24^th June. Pete Townshend wrote Quadrophenia in 1973. Recorded by The Who – it quickly became an iconic and multi-million selling album. Quadrophenia defined a generation and in 1979 inspired the cult classic feature film of the same name. Now it’s back with a cast of exceptional dancers, introducing new audiences to troubled mod Jimmy’s story while remaining true in spirit to the much-loved original. Quadrophenia, a Mod Ballet is steeped in the iconography of the 1960s – sharp suits, soul music, vespas and parkas but its themes of lost youth, rebellion, the search for belonging and hunger for social change are just as urgent today. During its Southampton run, Royal Ballet Principal dancer Matthew Ball joins the company as a guest artist in the role of Godfather. Ball has performed leading roles across the Royal Ballet’s classical and contemporary repertory and signature works by Frederick Ashton and Kenneth MacMillan. His role creations include Dr John Brown in Christopher Wheeldon’s Like Water for Chocolate and in Corybantic Games and Strapless, Wayne McGregor’s Multiverse, Obsidian Tear and The Dante Project, Twyla Tharp’s The Illustrated ‘Farewell’, and Crystal Pite’s Light of Passage. In 2016 He performed The Swan/Stranger in Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake and will be performing alongside rising star Paris Fitzpatrick in the iconic lead role of Jimmy. Also appearing will be cast of Quadrophenia, a Mod Ballet, in alphabetical order, Curtis Angus, Dan Baines, Jonathon Luke Baker, Will Bozier, Anya Ferdinand, Paris Fitzpatrick, Euan Garrett, Seirian Griffiths, Zack Guest, Georges Hann, Dylan Jones (this week’s focused personality interview), Serena McCall, Stuart Neal, Joshua Nkemdilim, Zach Parkin, Amaris Pearl-Gillies, Yasset Roldan, Pam Pam Sapchartanan, Kate Tydman, Jack Widdowson, Taela Yeomans-Brown and new members Zack Guest and Jack Widdowson.
• Tony Awards 2025 – British theatre productions and creatives were recognised across multiple categories at this year’s Tony Awards. Stranger Things: The First Shadow, which premiered in London, was the most awarded play of the evening. The production received accolades for Best Scenic Design of a Play, Best Lighting Design of a Play, and Best Sound Design of a Play. It also received a Special Tony Award for its illusions and technical effects. Produced by Netflix and Sonia Friedman, the production previously won the Award for Best Entertainment or Comedy at the Olivier Awards. Eureka Day, previously co-produced by Friedman at the Old Vic, was also named Best Revival of a Play. Jamie Lloyd’s production of Sunset Boulevard originally staged at London’s Savoy Theatre, won Best Revival of a Musical. Nicole Scherzinger was named Best Leading Actress in a Musical for her role as Norma Desmond. The production also received Best Lighting Design of a Musical. Operation Mincemeat, which originated at the New Diorama Theatre before transferring to the West End, earned Jak Malone the award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical, following his Olivier win earlier this year. The Picture of Dorian Gray, which transferred to Broadway from the Theatre Royal Haymarket, received two awards: Best Leading Actress in a Play for Sarah Snook and Best Costume Design of a Play. The production was developed by Sydney Theatre Company and won the same awards at the Olivier Awards last year. British creatives also picked up prizes: Jonathan Deans won Best Sound Design of a Musical for Buena Vista Social Club. He has previously worked with the Royal Ballet and Opera and across the West End. George Reeve, known for his video and projection design work in the West End, won Best Scenic Design of a Musical for Maybe Happy Ending, shared with Dane Laffrey.
• 2025 Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year – this year’s winner is Georgia Blessitt, a student at the Royal Academy of Music from Leeds. The final took place at the Sondheim Theatre in London, where Blessitt was selected from a shortlist of 12 finalists. She receives a £1,000 prize and will headline her own cabaret performance featuring songs by Stephen Sondheim. Runner-up was Rigby Edwards, a third-year student at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, who receives £500. Each finalist performed one song by Stephen Sondheim and one piece chosen from a catalogue of new musicals, an initiative led by The Curious Case of Benjamin Button composer Darren Clark to support new British musical theatre writing. This format was introduced at Sondheim’s request to promote the development of new work alongside the performance of his own songs. The final was hosted by Rosalie Craig. Jenna Russell served as chair of judges, with musical director Nigel Lilley selecting the 12 finalists and two reserves from over 300 submissions. The judging panel also included Clark, Clare Foster, Nigel Harman, Catherine Jayes and Laura Pitt-Pulford. The final was directed by Hannah Chissick and featured an ensemble from the National Youth Music Theatre. This year’s finalists were Hasia Akwaboah, Sophie Anne Baker, Blessitt, Becky Bush, Maria Collins, Jamie Cushion, Edwards, Hudson Harden Scheel, Georgie Lagden, Ella McLaughlin, Lotte Pearl and Nimi Spiff. Jess Pratley and Dominic Wood were named as reserves.
• Extraordinary Women – the upcoming musical comedy is based on Compton Mackenzie’s 1928 novel, it centres on the Mediterranean island of Sirene, which promises paradise for Rosalba and her lover Aurora following World War One. But when other women arrive, the island explodes into song, dance, laughter, and tears. Adapted for the stage for the first time, it features a score by Tony Award winner Sarah Travis, and a book and lyrics by Richard Stirling. Paul Foster will direct, while the choreography will be by Jo Goodwin. Also on the creative team are musical director Sam Sommerfeld, set designer Alex Marker, costume designer Carla Joy Evans, and lighting designer Alex Musgrave. Taking on the role of Rory is Caroline Sheen, with Amy Ellen Richardson as Rosalba. They’re joined by Sophie-Louise Dann, Amira Matthews, Monique Young, Jasmine Kerr and Jack Butterworth. Extraordinary Women will play at Jermyn Street Theatre from 23 July to 10 August, and is presented by kind permission of the Society of Authors.
• Brigadoon – Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre will present a new production of Lerner and Loewe’s musical this summer. The adaptation by Rona Munro is directed and choreographed by the venue’s artistic director Drew McOnie. The story follows WW2 fighter pilots Tommy and Jeff, who crash land in the Highlands of Scotland and search for a way home. Meanwhile, sisters Fiona and Jean are preparing for a wedding in the dreamlike village of Brigadoon. The cast includes Danielle Fiamanya as Fiona, Louis Gaunt as Tommy, and Gilli Jones as Charlie Dalrymple. Joining them will be Jasmine Jules Andrews (Jean MacLaren), Elizabeth Armstrong (Ensemble), Edward Baruwa (Andrew MacLaren), Norman Bowman (Archie Beaton), Taylor Bradshaw (Ensemble), Chrissy Brooke (Maggie Anderson and Ensemble), Tanisha-Mae Brown (Ensemble), Cavan Clarke (Jeff Douglas), David Colvin (Ensemble and Piper), Adam Davidson (Ensemble), Tim Hodges (Ensemble), Shoko Ito (Ensemble), Gilli Jones (Charlie Dalrymple), Christian Knight (Ensemble and Dance Co-Captain), Anne Lacey (Lundie), Robin Mackenzie (Ensemble), Owen McHugh (Onstage Swing), Nic Myers (Meg Brockie), Danny Nattrass (Harry Beaton), Jessie Odeleye (Offstage Swing), Eve Parsons (Onstage Swing), Bethany Tennick (Ensemble), Dale White (Offstage Swing and Dance Co-Captain), and Liam Wrate (Ensemble). This production marks the first time Brigadoon has been seen in London for over 35 years. It features songs such as “Almost Like Being in Love,” “Waitin’ for My Dearie,” and “The Heather on the Hill.” Brigadoon, part of the outdoor venue’s 2025 season, will run from 2 August to 20 September, with a press night scheduled for 11 August.

LATEST NEWS – 2nd JUNE 2025

By PHayward Monday 2nd June 2025

• Follies – the musical by Stephen Sondheim and James Goldman will be revived at the Grand Opera House in Belfast where it will run from 13 to 20 September 2025. Cameron Menzies, the artistic director of Northern Ireland Opera, will direct the production. Menzies’ previous revival of Into The Woods at the Lyric Theatre won Best Production at the Irish Theatre Awards in 2022 and was later remounted at West Australian Opera in Perth to critical acclaim. Follies was originally produced on Broadway by Harold Prince, with orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick. This production is presented by special arrangement with Cameron Mackintosh and Music Theatre International and features numbers such as “Broadway Baby,” “I’m Still Here,” “Could I Leave You,” and “Losing My Mind.” Starring as Sally Plummer and Phyllis Stone are Anna-Jane Casey and Annette McLaughlin. They’ll be joined by Mark Dugdale as Buddy Plumber, Alasdair Harvey as Benjamin Stone, Jacqueline Dankworth as Carlotta Campion, and Allison Harding as Hattie Walker. On the creative team, Greg Arrowsmith will serve as music director, leading the orchestra of Northern Ireland Opera. Jennifer Rooney is the choreographer, Niall McKeever will design the set, Gillian Lennox is the costume design associate, Nuala Campbell is the hair and make-up designer, Margaret Barry is the orchestra manager, and Fraser Hickland is the repetiteur.
• Last Five Years – marks Reading Rep’s first foray into musical theatre as part of its 2025/26 season, which features a mix of major revivals and significant co-productions. The season opens with Jason Robert Brown’s acclaimed two-hander musical about a relationship examined in reverse chronology. It is co-produced with the Barn Theatre and Theatre Royal Bath, with additional performances planned in Cirencester and Bath following the Reading run from 19 September to 12 October 2025.
• West End Live – the free two days of musical theatre celebrations will take place on 21 and 22 June in Trafalgar Square in central London. The event will run from 11am to 5pm on the Saturday and from 12pm until 5pm on the Sunday and will mark the 20^th anniversary of the major event for London theatre. Those with disability needs should sign up for a Nimbus Access Card or free West End LIVE Digital Access Pass. The 2025 line-up will include The Addams Family, Back to the Future The Musical, Bat Out of Hell, The Book of Mormon, Brigadoon, Burlesque The Musical, Cabaret, Calamity Jane, The Choir of Man, Clueless, Coven, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The Devil Wears Prada, The Diana Mixtape, Disney’s Hercules, Disney’s The Lion King, Fiddler on the Roof, The Frogs, G4, The Great Gatsby, Hadestown, Hamilton, Just for One Day, Lovestuck, Magic Mike Live, Mamma Mia!, Westway Presents: Marisha Wallace, Matilda The Musical, Les Misérables, MJ The Musical, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, My Neighbour Totoro, Oliver!, Operation Mincemeat, Oscar at the Crown, Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby, The Phantom of the Opera, Pop Off, Michelangelo!, The Producers, Roles We’ll Never Play, Sabrage, Showstopper! The Improvised Musical, Sing Street, Six, Starlight Express, Tina – The Tina Turner Musical, Titanique, Westway Presents, and Wicked. The schedule will be published nearer the date.
• Blood Brothers – the touring production of the Willy Russell musical has announced new dates beginning with Milton Keynes Theatre (27 to 30 Aug), and then Opera House in Buxton (2 to 5 Sep), Theatre Royal in Nottingham (9 to 13 Sept), Queen’s Theatre in Barnstaple (16 to 20 Sept), Regent Theatre Stoke-on-Trent (23 to 27 Sept), Theatr Clwyd in Mold (30 Sep to 4 Oct), Lighthouse Theatre in Poole (7 to 11 Oct), Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham (14 to 18 Oct), Wyvern Theatre in Swindon (21 to 25 Oct), Grand Opera House in Belfast (28 Oct to 8 Nov), Cast Doncaster (11 to 15 Nov) and The Lowry in Salford (18 to 22 Nov). The creative team is led by director Bob Tomson and resident director Tim Churchill, and includes musical supervisor Matt Malone, sound designer Dan Samson, set and costume designer Andy Walmsley and lighting designer Nick Richings.
• The Enormous Crocodile The Musical – the musical brings to life Roald Dahl’s darkly comic tale of a greedy crocodile on the hunt for a child-sized snack. Following successful seasons at Leeds Playhouse (2023) and Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre (2024), it will open at Theatre Royal Windsor on 8 August 2025, before returning to Regent’s Park from 15 August to 7 September 2025.The Roald Dahl Story Company has announced the full cast that includes Taya Ming as the titular villainous reptile, joined by Nia Stephen as Trunky the Elephant, Ryan Crellin-Simpson as Humpy Rumpy the Hippopotamus, Alison Arnopp as Roly Poly Bird, Siobhan Athwal as Muggle Wump the Monkey, and Eleanor Ambekar as swing. Originally developed by director Emily Lim, the production features a book and lyrics by Suhayla El-Bushra, music by Ahmed Abdullahi Gallab, and additional music and lyrics by Tom Brady. Toby Olié serves as co-director and puppetry designer, collaborating with Daisy Beattie on puppet co-design and supervision. Set and costume design is by Fly Davis. The casting director is Annelie Powell. A festive run will follow at the Lowry, Salford (9 December 2025 to 4 January 2026), with casting for the Christmas show to be announced.
• Cabaret – will celebrate 1,500 performances at the Kit Kat Club during a special gala night on Monday, 7 July. Two new leading stars have taken to the Kit Kat Club this week as Sally Bowles and the Emcee – Hannah Dodd and Rob Madge, respectively. They’ll appear until 20 September 2025.Also featuring in the West End cast are Daniel Bowerbank as Clifford Bradshaw, Vivien Parry as Fraulein Schneider, Fenton Gray as Herr Schultz, Fred Haig as Ernst Ludwig, and Jessica Kirton as Fraulein Kost/Fritzie, alongside Xenoa Campbell-Ledgister, Sam Darius, Damon Gould, Adrian Grove, El Haq Latief, Justin-Lee Jones, Ela Lisondra, Hícaro Nicolai, Andy Rees, Alexandra Regan, Marina Tavolieri, Patrick Wilden, Ben Simon Wilson, Anne-Marie Wojna and Lucy Young. Anne-Marie Wojna plays the role of Sally Bowles at certain performances. This production, which opened in the West End in late 2021, is directed by Rebecca Frecknall, with set and costume design by Tom Scutt and choreography by Julia Cheng. Musical supervision is by Jennifer Whyte and musical direction is by Ben van Tienen with lighting design by Isabella Byrd, sound design by Nick Lidster, wigs and hair design by Sam Cox and make-up design by Guy Common. The casting director is Stuart Burt and the original associate director and prologue director is Jordan Fein. The prologue composer and musical director is Angus MacRae.
• 13 Going On 30 – will premiere this autumn at Manchester Opera House, opening on 21 September and running to 12 October 2025. The musical is based on the 2004 film which follows Jenna Rink, a 13-year-old who wishes to escape high school difficulties and finds herself transformed overnight into a 30-year-old magazine editor with an unexpected perspective on life. Lucie Jones is confirmed to lead the show, joining her will be David Hunter as Matt Flamhaff and Grace Mouat as Lucy Wyman. Alongside them will be Caleb Roberts as Richard, Andrew Berlin as Kyle Grandy, Dominic Andersen as Alex, Ross Dawes as Wayne, Suzie McAdam as Bev, Iván Fernández González as Darius Mark, Rose Galbraith as Paige and Jenna Innes as Wendy. The company is completed by Tia Antoine-Charles, George Bray, Elliot David Parkes, Sarah Drake, Henry Lawes, Rachel Moran, Amy Parker, Jack Rowell, Rebecca-Daisy Wellington and Kevin Yates. Children’s casting includes Max Bispham, Cyrus Campbell, Melody Caruana, Keira Chansa, Emmeline D’arcy-Walsh, Anna De Oliveira, Azaelea Zona Harris, Hughie Higginson, Bella Hockaday, Clare Keeley, Fearne Lily King I’anson, Amelia Minto, Florence Moluluo, Nyomi Okoro, Marlis Robson, Star Lily Shentall-Lee, Joel Tennant, Maddison Thew, Florrie May Wilkinson, Clark Young, and Hanya Zhang. The show’s book has been adapted by the original screenwriters, Josh Goldsmith and Cathy Yuspa, who have collaborated with songwriters Michael Weiner and Alan Zachary, known for their work on First Date and High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.
• Top Hat – which is being revived at Chichester Festival Theatre this summer from 14 July to 6 September and this run will be followed by a UK national tour. Casting has been announced with Phillip Attmore, Lucy St. Louis, Clive Carter and Sally Ann Triplett leading the cast, playing Jerry Travers, Dale Tremont, Horace and Madge respectively. Joining them are James Clyde as Bates and Alex Gibson-Giorgio as Beddini. The company is completed by Lindsay Atherton, Rhiannon Bacchus, Jeremy Batt, Freddie Clements, Pedro Donoso, Bethan Downing, Autumn Draper, Tilly Ducker, Laura Hills, Connor Hughes, James Hume, George Lyons, David McIntosh, Jordan Oliver, Emily Ann Potter, Molly Rees Howe, Kirsty Sparks and Toyan Thomas-Browne. Adapted for the stage by Matthew White and Howard Jacques, and directed and choreographed by Kathleen Marshall. The set designer for Top Hat is Peter McKintosh, costume designers Peter McKintosh and Yvonne Milnes, musical supervisor Gareth Valentine, musical director Stephen Ridley, orchestrator and arranger Chris Walker, lighting designer Tim Mitchell, sound designer Paul Groothuis, casting director Natalie Gallacher for Pippa Ailion and Natalie Gallacher Casting, associate director Carol Lee Meadows and assistant director and choreographer Richard Pitt.
• The High Life – a new musical based on the 1990s television show will tour Scotland in spring 2026. The production will bring together the show’s original cast members Alan Cumming, Forbes Masson, Siobhan Redmond and Patrick Ryecart. First broadcast in 1995 following a pilot the year before, The High Life was created by and starred Cumming and Masson. The sitcom followed the antics of Air Scotia flight attendants Steve, Sebastian and Shona, as well as their captain Hilary Duff. The musical picks up with the characters several decades later as they face new challenges in a changing world. The show is co-produced by the National Theatre of Scotland and Dundee Rep Theatre, in association with Aberdeen Performing Arts and Capital Theatres, and is the first title confirmed as part of the National Theatre of Scotland’s 20th anniversary programme. The musical features a script and lyrics by Cumming, Masson and Johnny McKnight, with music by Masson and additional contributions from Cumming. Andrew Panton directs, with design by Colin Richmond, choreography by Emily Jane Boyle, musical supervision by Sarah Travis, and lighting design by Grant Anderson. Previews begin at Dundee Rep Theatre on 28 March 2026 before the show visits His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen, Festival Theatre in Edinburgh, Eden Court Theatre, and King’s Theatre in Glasgow. The tour concludes on 16 May.
• American Psycho – the stage musical will return for a new run at the Almeida Theatre running from 24 January to 14 March 2026. It was first seen at the Almeida as Rupert Goold’s first production as artistic director, and will now serve as his final production at the venue early next year (as part of a major season announcement unveiled today). Despite being a sell-out, rave-reviewed smash in London during its initial 2013 spell, the show subsequently transferred to Broadway with less fanfare, closing after 27 previews and 54 performances. The London cast recording has gained a cult following in the last decade. Adapted from Bret Easton Ellis’ cult novel, American Psycho tells the story of Wall Street trader and self-possessed serial killer Patrick Bateman, who is living the high life in 1980s Manhanttan – buying the most expensive designer clothes, eating at the most exclusive restaurants, partying at the hottest clubs… and indulging in much darker transgressions privately. It has a book by Robert Aguirre-Sacasa and music and lyrics by Duncan Sheik.
• Burlesque – has revealed lead casting and creative team for its West End opening at the Savoy Theatre on 10 July where it will run until 6 September 2025. Based on the 2010 musical drama film, the show revolves around a small-town girl named Ali Rose who moves to Los Angeles and stumbles upon a struggling burlesque lounge owned by Tess. This theatrical version has tunes by Christine Aguilera, Sia, and Diane Warren, as well as Jess Folley and Todrick Hall with additional material by Kate Wetherhead. It was first seen in Manchester and Glasgow last year. Todrick Hall will direct and choreograph the musical. He will also star as Sean for the West End run, joining Folley as Ali, George Maguire as Vince, Paul Jacob French as Jackson and Asha Parker Wallace as Nikki. Broadway star Orfeh will appear as Tess, making her West End debut in the role famously played by Cher on screen. The full creative team includes Tom Curran (orchestrator and arranger), Nate Bertone (set designer), Marco Marco (costume designer), Roberto Surace (additional costume designs), Rory Beaton (lighting designer), Nina Dunn (video designer), Ben Harrison (sound designer), Jessica Plews (wigs and hair designer), Dominic Skinner (make-up designer), Toby Higgins (musical supervisor), Harry Blumenau (casting director), Patrick Malony (production manager), Aaron Renfree (associate director/resident director and choreographer), Jenni Thomasson (associate choreographer), Natalie Jackson (costume supervisor), Zoe Gale (associate wigs and hair supervisor), Nicola Crawford (associate lighting designer), Chris Poon (musical director), Caitlin Morgan (associate musical director), Josh Griffiths (assistant musical director), Andy Barnwell (orchestral manager) and David O’Mahoney (script supervisor).