NEWS UPDATE – 22nd December 2025

By: pHayward 22nd December 2025

• Coven – There’s been a cast change at new musical Coven which runs at North London’s Kiln Theatre to 17 January 2026. Bobbie Little will replace Diana Vickers in the roles of Edmund/Covell, with Vickers withdrawing due to unforeseen personal circumstances. With music and lyrics by Daisy Chute and Rebecca Brewer, and a book by Brewer, the show is set in 1612 in Pendle, Lancashire. The story follows Jenet, who, as a child, accuses her own family of witchcraft. Two decades later, she faces accusations herself and must reckon with the legacy of the witch trials. Directed by Miranda Cromwell, the cast also includes Allyson Ava-Brown (Nell/Elizabeth), Rachel Barnes (Ensemble), Gabrielle Brooks (Jenet), Shiloh Coke (Frances/Alizon), Rosalind Ford (King James / Ensemble), Alice Gruden (Ensemble), Penny Layden (Martha/Judge), Holly Mallett (Ensemble), Lauryn Redding (Rose), Kathryn Tindall (Ensemble) Jacinta Whyte (Maggie), and Jennifer Whyte (Keys). The creative team features Jasmine Swan as set and costume designer, Zeynep Kepekli as lighting designer, Helen Atkinson as sound designer, Jennifer Whyte as musical supervisor, Shelley Maxwell as choreographer, Laura Cubitt as puppetry director.
• TV Holiday theatre offerings – there is an array of live stage broadcasts or theatre-adjacent shows/films coming over entire festive period. Sky Arts will be broadcasting: 22 December – Tea with Judi Dench – 9pm; Blithe Spirit – 10pm; Billy Elliot – 11.55pm; Christmas Eve – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – 8.30am; Nutcracker: Backstage with English National Ballet – 12:15pm; The Nutcracker – 2.15pm; Strange Journey: The Rocky Horror Picture Show – 10pm; Jesus Christ Superstar – 8.40am; Boxing Day – South Pacific (film) – 7.50am; 27 December – Cinderella (film) – 6.00am; Julie Andrews Forever – 7.30; The Sound of Music – Live! – 8.30am; The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall – 3.10pm; Love Never Dies – 6pm; 29 December – Les Misérables: The Staged Concert – 1.10pm; Classic FM Live: 25th Anniversary Concert – 9pm; 31 December – My Fair Lady (film) – 8.45am; 1 January – 42nd Street – 7.40am; The Sound of Music – Live! – 7pm; Wuthering Heights – 8.50am; 4 January – Cats: the Musical – 11.40am.
• One Day – the world premiere of, a new musical based on David Nicholls’ 2009 novel is set for he Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh on 27 February 2026 and will run until 5 April as part of the Lyceum’s 60th anniversary season, the first programmed by new artistic director James Brining. The show is set on St Swithin’s Day (15 July, in fact!) across multiple years as a couple grow from students into adults. It was adapted into a solidly received film in 2011, followed by a very succesful 2024 Netflix series. Co-producers The Royal Lyceum Edinburgh and Melting Pot have revealed, Olivier Award-nominee Jamie Muscato will play Dexter, while Sharon Rose will play Emma. Joining them will be Josefina Gabrielle as Alison Mayhew, Miracle Chance as Tilly, Kelly Hampson as Sylvie and David Birrell as Stephen, alongside Matthew McKenna as Mr Godalming, Dan Buckley as Ian, with Peter Hannah as Callum. The cast is completed by Tanisha Butterfield, Ewan Murphy and Kirsty Anne Shaw. The musical is written by David Greig with music and lyrics by Abner and Amanda Ramirez of Johnnyswim. Max Webster directs. The creative team includes Carrie-Anne Ingrouille as choreographer, Rae Smith as set and costume designer, Bruno Poet as lighting designer, Simon Baker as sound designer, Nigel Lilley as music supervisor, co-arranger and musical director, Simon Hale as orchestrator, Stuart Burt as casting director, and orchestra management by Andy Barnwell and Rich Weeden for BW Musicians Ltd.
• The Jonathan Larson Project – will receive its UK premiere in summer 2026 at Southwark Playhouse Borough from 9 July to 22 August. Commemorating 30 years since his death, the musical revue tribute, conceived by Jennifer Ashley Tepper, features previously unheard songs from the composer. Following an acclaimed Off-Broadway run, director John Simpkins is reimagining the production for a London audience. The London run will feature a UK cast, yet to be announced by executive producer Julie Larson.
• The High Life – complete casting has been revealed for the new musical based on the 1990s television show The High Life. As previously announced, the touring production will reunite the show’s original cast members: Alan Cumming, Forbes Masson, Siobhan Redmond, and Patrick Ryecart. Joining them are Louise McCarthy as Heather Argyll, Kyle Gardiner as Mylie and Rachael Kendall Brown as Kylie, along with Ross Baxter, Lauren Ellis-Steele, Ciara Flynn and Grant McIntyre. 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.
• Blood Brothers – joining the 2026 tour of the hit musical are Vivienne Carlyle who will continue to play Mrs Johnstone, along with Sean Jones and Joe Sleight who stay in the roles of Mickey and Eddie, with Gemma Brodrick playing Linda. For the shows in Derry and Dublin, Rebecca Storm will play Mrs Johnstone. Laura Harrison returns to the show, having previously played Donna Marie in 2015, now taking on the role of Mrs Lyons. Two Blood Brothers alumni, Richard Munday and Kristofer Harding, will share the role of the Narrator. Also reprising their roles are Michael Gillett (Sammy), Tim Churchill (Mr Lyons), Francesca Benton-Stace (Donna Marie/Miss Jones), Latesha Karisa (Brenda), Danny Knott (Perkins), Dominic Gore (Neighbour), Alex Harland (Policeman/Teacher) and Graeme Kinniburgh (Postman/Bus Conductor). The show is directed by Bob Tomson and the late Bill Kenwright, while the creative team includes resident director Tim Churchill, musical supervisor Matt Malone, sound designer Dan Samson, set and costume designer Andy Walmsley and lighting designer Nick Richings. The tour will visit Churchill Theatre Bromley (14 to 17 January), Crewe’s Lyceum Theatre (20 to 24 January), Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre (27 to 31 January), Guildford Yvonne Arnaud Theatre (3 to 7 February), Brighton Theatre Royal (10 to 14 February), and the Derry Millennium Forum (17 to 21 February). It will also visit the Dublin Bord Gàis Energy Theatre (24 February to 7 March), Sunderland Empire Theatre (17 to 21 March), Wellingborough Castle Theatre (24 to 28 March), Hull New Theatre (31 March to 4 April), Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre (14 to 18 April), High Wycombe’s Wycombe Swan (21 to 25 April), Bradford Alhambra Theatre (28 April to 2 May), Hertford Beam (5 to 9 May), London’s Richmond Theatre (12 to 16 May), and Lichfield Garrick Theatre (19 to 23 May). Tour dates will continue into autumn with more venues to be confirmed.
• Titanique – has new faces from 6 January with Rose Galbraith taking over as Rose, with Michael Vinsen as Victor Garber / Luigi. Corrine Priest and Damien Winchester will join as onstage vocalists as part of the company which currently features Luke Bayer as Jack, Richard Carson as Cal, Kat Ronney as Rose, Astrid Harris as Céline Dion, Carl Mullaney as Ruth, Jenny O’Leary as Molly Brown, and Tim Walton as Victor Garber / Luigi, with Ryan Carter as the Iceberg. Adrianne Langley, Madison Swan, and Rodney Vubya are the on-stage background vocalists, alongside off-stage understudies David Ouch, Freddie King and Caitlin Tipping. Playing at the Criterion Theatre, the Olivier Award-winning musical combines the music of Céline Dion with the blockbuster film Titanic. Titanique is directed by Blue (RuPaul’s Drag Race) and choreographed by Ellenore Scott (Funny Girl, Little Shop of Horrors), with music supervision, arrangements, and orchestrations by IRNE Award winner Nicholas James Connell. The creative team also includes set designers Gabriel Hainer Evansohn and Grace Laubacher, costume designer Alejo Vietti, lighting designer Paige Seber, sound designer Lawrence Schober and casting directors Pearson Casting. It is co-produced by Eva Price and Michael Harrison. Titanique is booking at the Criterion Theatre until 7 June 2026.
• Just For One Day – The Live Aid Musical – will head out on a major UK and Ireland tour, opening at Curve in Leicester in March 2027. Produced by Jamie Wilson Productions in association with Curve, the tour follows the show’s ongoing West End run, which continues until February at the Shaftesbury Theatre. The show features songs by artists who appeared at Live Aid, including Bob Dylan, David Bowie, The Who, U2, Queen, Madonna, The Police, Elton John, Paul McCartney and Diana Ross. The production continues to support the work of The Band Aid Charitable Trust, with £1.5 million raised to date. The musical is written by John O’Farrell and directed by Luke Sheppard, with musical supervision, arrangements and orchestrations by Matthew Brind, choreography by Ebony Molina and casting by Stuart Burt. Opening on Mar 29 2027 at Leicester Curve it will run until Apr 10 2027 before setting out on Apr 19 2027 at Cardiff Wales Millennium Centre; Apr 26 2027 Canterbury Marlowe Theatre; May 03 2027 Opera House, Manchester; May 17 2027 Oxford New Theatre; May 24 2027 Edinburgh Playhouse; May 31 2027 Theatre Royal Plymouth; Jun 07 2027 Sunderland Empire Theatre; Jun 21 2027 Birmingham Alexandra Theatre; Jul 19 2027 Nottingham Theatre Royal. More dates will be added shortly.

NEWS UPDATE – 15th December 2025

By: pHayward 15th December 2025

• Wallace: A Musical – will tour in 2026 following its sell-out debut at A Play, A Pie and A Pint earlier this year. The Raw Material production reunites playwright Rob Drummond, rapper-composer Dave Hook and director Orla O’Loughlin, who will take the show on tour beginning at the Beacon Arts Centre in Greenock, where the production will play on Wednesday 23 September. The tour then continues to the Pavilion Theatre in Glasgow from Friday 25 to Saturday 26 September, and concludes at the King’s Theatre in Edinburgh from Wednesday 30 September to Saturday 3 October. The new staging takes aim at Scotland’s most familiar national myth, interrogating whether William Wallace should be remembered as a hero, a rebel or a story shaped by the centuries that followed him. The creative team’s approach replaces the expected imagery with a hip-hop score that fuses rap, folk, pop and rock while keeping a distinctly Scottish voice.
• The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical – RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner Danny Beard will join the UK tour of the musical from January 2026. They take on the role of Mr D, the god of wine, marking their first involvement with the production as it begins the next stage of its run. Beard, known for their appearances on Britain’s Got Talent, their 2022 Drag Race victory and a recent stint on Celebrity Big Brother, will appear alongside the existing company as the tour moves around the country.
• Barbican – the venue’s long-term future has been secured with a £191 million investment to reshape how the Centre programmes work across its stages and public spaces. The funding will support a major upgrade of performance areas and communal zones, creating more flexible environments for formal and informal activity. As part of the first phase, the Barbican’s foyers, lakeside terrace and Conservatory will be restored and reconfigured to improve access and open up new programming opportunities, from installations and pop-up performances to learning activity and participatory events. Additional bathrooms, better navigation and full Conservatory access are also touted. The venue says that a retrofit-first sustainability model sits at the heart of the project, with measures such as reusing Conservatory glass and pavers to reduce carbon emissions alongside essential safety and security works. To allow the upgrades to proceed efficiently, most programming inside the Centre will pause for a year from late June 2028 to June 2029. During this period, the Barbican will shift activity off-site and into partnership settings, working with resident companies the London Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Shakespeare Company, as well as associate organisations and festivals, to continue presenting work across the city. The Beech Street Cinemas will remain open throughout.
• Arts Council England – has confirmed a further £2.5 million in repayable grants for 15 touring theatre and dance productions as part of its Incentivising Touring pilot. The scheme, launched in November 2024, supports touring work and reduces the financial barriers that can limit mid and large-scale productions. This latest investment follows the first round of eight awards totalling £1.9 million, which supported producers including Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre with Fiddler on the Roof, Eleanor Lloyd Productions with Sylvia and Emma Rice Company with Malory Towers. The tours supported in this second round are expected to reach around 1.4 million people across 103 venues. The Arts Council estimates that 97 per cent of people in England will be within an hour’s travel of a venue hosting one of the funded productions. Projects receiving support include Barnum from Bill Kenwright Ltd, The Spy Who Came In From The Cold from Chichester Festival Theatre with Second Half Productions, The Ink Factory and Melting Pot, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time from Melting Pot/CI Play Ltd with Birmingham Rep, Brainiac Live from Dan Colman Creative, Pride & Prejudice (Sort of) from David Pugh Ltd, Thespians from HOME in Manchester with Mischief and Mercury Theatre Colchester, Patel’s Millions 2 from Madraj Ltd, Operation Mincemeat from Avalon (Picture the Scene Ltd) and The Gangs of New York from Storyhouse. Further investment has been offered to Birmingham Royal Ballet with NGM and Phil McIntyre Entertainment, Marlowe Theatre Productions, Puddle Productions with Wiltshire Creative, ROYO with Future Artists Entertainment, Curve and the Lowry, Theatre Royal Bath and Eleanor Lloyd Theatrical Productions with Sheffield Theatres and Eilene Davidson Productions, with touring details to follow. As the Arts Council’s first repayable grant programme, Incentivising Touring is designed to lessen the financial risk associated with taking shows on the road while encouraging producers, boards and investors to back new touring work. Should a supported production become commercially successful, the investment will be returned to the Arts Council and used to support further tours. Across both rounds of the pilot, £4.5 million has now been invested in 23 productions, with the potential to reach more than 2.3 million people. Further rounds are expected in early 2026 as the scheme continues to evolve based on feedback from the sector. The Incentivising Touring pilot sits alongside the Arts Council’s other support for touring, including around £24 million a year invested through National Lottery Project Grants and other funds.
• Single White Female – the world premiere stage production will set out on its UK and Ireland tour from Theatre Royal Brighton on 9 January 2026. The production is adapted from the 1992 Columbia Pictures film and the novel by John Lutz. Kym Marsh (Abigail’s Party) and Lisa Faulkner (Missing You) will lead the tour as Hedy and Allie. Faulkner returns to the stage for the first time in more than two decades. They are joined by Andro as Graham, Jonny McGarrity as Sam and Amy Snudden as Bella. Understudies are Francesca McBride, Patrick McHugh and Anna Ruben. The play has been adapted by Rebecca Reid and centres on Allie, a recently divorced parent managing family life alongside the launch of a tech company. When she advertises for a lodger, Hedy responds and the arrangement begins smoothly, before their shared lives take a darker turn. The production is directed by Gordon Greenberg, with design by Morgan Large, lighting by Jason Taylor and sound and composition by Max Pappenheim. It is produced by JAS Theatricals, ATG Productions and Gavin Kalin Productions. After Brighton it will be visiting Nottingham, Cardiff, York, Manchester, Blackpool, Sheffield, Woking, Cambridge, Cheltenham, Richmond, Milton Keynes, Liverpool, Birmingham, Bradford, Bath, Stoke-on-Trent, Glasgow and Malvern. There will also be a Dublin stop from 31 March.

NEWS UPDATE – 8th December 2025

By: pHayward 8th December 2025

• The Ballad of Johnny & June – a new musical will tour the UK and Ireland in 2026. The production features songs made famous by Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, including “I Walk the Line”, “Ring of Fire”, “Hey Porter”, “Jackson” and “I’ve Been Everywhere.” It has previously enjoyed runs at La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego and Canada’s Citadel Theatre. Directed by two-time Tony Award winner Des McAnuff, whose previous credits include Jersey Boys, The Who’s Tommy and Summer: The Donna Summer Musical. Told through the perspective of their son, John Carter Cash, The Ballad of Johnny & June explores the relationship between the two musicians, whose partnership shaped much of 20th-century country music. Johnny Cash sold over 90 million records worldwide and received 13 Grammy Awards, while June Carter Cash won five Grammy Awards across her career. The pair married in 1968 and remained together until June’s death in 2003. Christopher Ryan Grant will reprise his acclaimed performance as Johnny Cash. He’ll be joined by Christina Bianco, who stars as June Carter Cash. Further cast and creative team are to be revealed. The tour begins in Bromley on 2 March and will visit Cardiff, Dublin, Brighton, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Wycombe, Southend, Newcastle, Salford, Plymouth, Bradford, Richmond, Hull, Blackpool, York, Belfast, Glasgow, Eastbourne, Canterbury, Southampton and Leeds, running until 19 September 2026.
• Operation Mincemeat – has announced the cast for the UK leg of its forthcoming world tour. The tour begins on 16 February 2026 at the Lowry in Salford, the venue that hosted the musical’s first scratch performance in 2017, before visiting theatres across the country until 28 November. Written and composed by David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson and Zoë Roberts of SpitLip, the musical comedy is based on a true story of the secret mission that helped win World War II. First seen off-West End in 2019, it had developmental runs at the New Diorama Theatre, Southwark Playhouse and Riverside Studios. Operation Mincemeat continues simultaneous runs in London and New York. In the West End, the show has extended at the Fortune Theatre until 27 September 2026, while the Broadway production is currently booking at the Golden Theatre until 26 April 2026. Joining that pair are West End company members Seán Carey (as Charles and others), Charlotte Hanna-Williams (as Jean and others) and Holly Sumpton (as Ewen and others) return to the show, while the wider company includes Katy Ellis, Georgina Hagen, Jordan Pearson and Morgan Phillips. After its national run, the production will visit venues across the USA, Australia, Canada, China, Mexico and New Zealand. Directed by Robert Hastie, with choreography by Jenny Arnold, the creative team includes Ben Stones as set and costume designer, Mark Henderson as lighting designer, Mike Walker as sound designer, Steve Sidwell as orchestrator and vocal arranger, Joe Bunker as musical supervisor and Sam Sommerfeld as musical director. Georgie Staight serves as tour director, alongside Anna Marshall as resident director and Paul Isaiah Isles as associate choreographer. Casting is by Pearson Casting. Operation Mincemeat is produced by Avalon, in association with SpitLip. The show was originally commissioned by the New Diorama Theatre and co-commissioned by the Lowry, with additional support from the Rhinebeck Writers Retreat.
• Paddington The Musical – has announced an extension to its run at London’s Savoy Theatre. The musical is now booking until 14 February 2027. Adapted from Michael Bond’s books and the hit films, the new musical features music and lyrics by Tom Fletcher, as well as a book by Jessica Swale and direction by Luke Sheppard. The performers playing Paddington are James Hameed (Paddington off-stage performer and remote puppeteer) and Arti Shah (Paddington on-stage performer). Abbie Purvis and Ali Sarebani are the alternate Paddington on-stage performers. The team responsible for the bear includes Tahra Zafar (Paddington bear designer), Audrey Brisson (Bear physicality associate director), Phill Woodfine (remote puppetry coach), and Annabelle Davis (Paddington bear casting director). Forming the principal cast are Timi Akinyosade (Tony), Amy Booth-Steel (Lady Sloane), Tarinn Callender (Grant), Delilah Bennett-Cardy (Judy Brown), Adrian Der Gregorian (Mr Brown), Tom Edden (Mr Curry), Brenda Edwards (Tanya), Amy Ellen Richardson (Mrs Brown), Victoria Hamilton-Barritt (Millicent Clyde), Teddy Kempner (Mr Gruber), Bonnie Langford (Mrs Bird), and the role of Jonathan Brown is played by Joseph Bramley, Leo Collon, Stevie Hare and Jasper Rowse. The ensemble is Esme Bacalla-Hayes, Tiago Dhondt Bamberger, David Birch, Aimée Fisher, Jacqueline Hughes, Kellianna Jay, Sam Lathwood, Natasha Leaver, Katie Lee, Sunny Lee, Vicki Lee Taylor, Jáiden Lodge, Andilé Mabhena, Rose Mary O’Reilly, Ben Redfern, Hugo Rolland and Simon Shorten. Working with Sheppard on the creative team are Matt Brind as musical supervisor, orchestrator and arranger, Ellen Kane as choreographer, Tom Pye as scenic designer, Gabriella Slade as costume designer, Neil Austin as lighting designer, Gareth Owen as sound designer, Ash J Woodward as video designer and animator, Campbell Young Associates as hair, wig and make-up designers, Majid Adin for illustration and additional animation, Laura Bangay as musical director, and Natalie Gallacher for Pippa Ailion and Natalie Gallacher Casting as casting director. Nick Hockaday serves as young persons’ casting director, Javier Marzan as physical comedy consultant, with Tobago and D-Lime providing additional music consultancy.
• High Society – will be revived in 2026 opening at the Barbian Theatre on 19^th May 2026 where it will run until 11^th July. Set to star at the Barbican for the eight-week season will be Helen George and Felicity Kendal. George will continue playing her role of Tracy Samantha Lord on the tour, which opens at Wycombe Swan immediately after the London run on 13^th July. The show will feature a cast of 28, and detailed casting for both London and the tour will be announced soon. After High Wycombe the tour stops on Jul 20 2026 at Cardiff New Theatre, Jul 27 2026 Southend-on-Sea Cliffs Pavilion, Aug 10 2026 Belfast Grand Opera, House, Aug 17 2026 Birmingham Alexandra Theatre, Aug 24 2026 Leeds Grand Theatre and Opera House, Aug 31 2026 Glasgow King’s Theatre, Sep 07 2026 Edinburgh Playhouse, Sep 14 2026 Norwich Theatre Playhouse. Sep 21 2026 Salford The Lowry, Oct 05 2026, Bromley Churchill Theatre, Oct 19 2026, Dublin Bord Gais Energy Theatre, Oct 26 2026 Canterbury Marlowe Theatre, Nov 02 2026 Nottingham Theatre Royal, Nov 09 2026 Congress Theatre, Eastbourne, with the tour concluding fromNov 16 2026 at Dartford The Orchard.
• Something Rotten! – which will have its fully staged UK premiere in Manchester next year, playing at the Opera House from 16 June to 19 July 2026. Joining Jason Manford, who returns after the show’s concert run, playing Nick Bottom will be Richard Fleeshman as William Shakespeare. Set in 1595, it follows the Bottom brothers, Nick and Nigel, playwrights in the shadow of one William Shakespeare, who attempt to stage the world’s first-ever musical. Something Rotten! features a book by John O’Farrell and Karey Kirkpatrick and a score by Karey and Wayne Kirkpatrick.
• Dog Man: The Musical – will make its European debut next summer running at London’s Southbank Centre from 30 July to 16 August 2026. It is based on Dav Pilkey’s bestselling children’s series, known for the Captain Underpants and Cat Kid Comic Club books and is brought to the stage by Roast Productions. The musical features a book and lyrics by Kevin Del Aguila, with music by Brad Alexander, and direction and choreography by Jen Wineman. The stage version first opened at the Lucille Lortel Theatre in 2019 before returning in 2023 to New World Stages. The story follows George and Harold, two friends who decide to turn their comic creation Dog Man into a musical. Dog Man, who has the head of a dog and the body of a policeman, attempts to keep the city safe from various threats: the pair work to complete their show as Dog Man tries to stay focused on crime-fighting rather than chewing furniture. The creative team includes scenic design by Timothy R Mackabee, costume design by Heidi Leigh Hanson, lighting design by David Lander, sound design by Emma Wilk, orchestrations by Lloyd Kikoler and musical direction by Paul Herbert. Casting is by Pearson Casting.

NEWS UPDATE – 1st December 2025

By: pHayward 1st December 2025

• American Psycho – the stage musical will return for a new run at the Almeida Theatre running from 22 January to 14 March 2026. 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 Manhattan – 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. 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. Set to star are Emily Barber as Evelyn Williams, Daniel Bravo as Paul Owen, Jack Butterworth as Craig McDermott, Hannah Yun Chamberlain as Christine/ensemble, Arty Froushan as Patrick Bateman, Oli Higginson as Timothy Price, Kim Ismay as Mrs Bateman, Alex James-Hatton as Sean Bateman, Liz Kamille as ensemble, Anastasia Martin as Jean, Millie Mayhew as Sabrina/ensemble, Posi Morakinyo as David Van Patten, Joseph Mydell as Detective Kimball, Asha Parker-Wallace as Victoria/ensemble, Tanisha Spring as Courtney Lawrence, Samuel J Weir as swing, and Zheng Xi Yong as Luis Carruthers. On the creative team are choreographer Lynne Page, set designer Es Devlin, costume designer Katrina Lindsay, lighting designer Jon Clark, sound designer, Dan Moses Schreier, video designer Finn Ross, music supervisor David Shrubsole, musical director Ellen Campbell.
• Tom Stoppard – the Society of London Theatre has announced that West End theatres will dim their lights for two minutes at 7pm on Tuesday 2 December in remembrance of the renowned playwright. Born in Czechoslovakia and raised in Britain, Stoppard became one of our most influential playwrights. Over a distinguished career spanning six decades, he won three Laurence Olivier Awards and five Tony Awards, and received an Academy Award for his screenplay for Shakespeare in Love. That recognition attests to the remarkable range and enduring impact of his work on both stage and screen.
• Kimberly Akimbo – the European premiere of the new musical has been confirmed for a run at the Hampstead Theatre opening on Friday 28 August and running until Saturday 7 November, following its acclaimed success in the United States. The musical, which features a book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire and music by Jeanine Tesori, will arrive in a new production helmed by Michael Longhurst. Longhurst’s previous credits at the Hampstead Theatre include productions of Caroline, or Change (also penned by Tesori with Tony Kushner), Between Riverside and Crazy, and Gloria. His recent WhatsOnStage and Olivier Award-nominated production of Next to Normal moved to the West End after a sold-out run at the Donmar Warehouse. Kimberly Akimbo tells the story of Kimberly Levaco, who is approaching her 16th birthday. She appears much older than her age due to a rare genetic condition that causes her body to age significantly faster than normal. Kim’s situation is complicated by meeting another teen, Seth, from the local ice rink, a relationship that stirs new feelings. The production was the recipient of five Tony Awards in 2023, including Best Musical, Best Score, and Best Book.
• Annie – the new tour of Annie will open in Wimbledon on 23 May 2026.It has run in the West End and on tour, with names including the late, great Paul O’Grady, Miranda Hart and Craig Revel Horwood playing Miss Hannigan. For this tour Strictly and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star La Voix will take on the role of Miss Hannigan in Wimbledon, Birmingham, Manchester, Plymouth and Canterbury where she’ll be joined by Alex Bourne as Daddy Warbucks. Casting for the role of Miss Hannigan and the other leads has yet to be announced for the remaining dates for the tour in 2026 at Cardiff, Milton Keynes, Blackpool, Newcastle, Dublin, Bristol, Nottingham, Hull, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Truro, Cheltenham, Stoke-on-Trent, Crawley, Belfast, Aberdeen, Woking, Bradford, and a festive season in Oxford and in 2027 at Sunderland, Southampton, Norwich, Wolverhampton, Sheffield, Glasgow, and Leicester. The revival is directed by Curve’s artistic director Nikolai Foster with set and costume design by Colin Richmond, choreography by Nick Winston, lighting by Ben Cracknell and sound design by Richard Brooker.
• The Stage – the industry publication will begin operating as a monthly magazine from January 2026. The publication, founded in 1880, will shift from a weekly newspaper to a monthly format, with plans for longer features, extended interviews and broader industry analysis. The publication states that its purpose remains unchanged, continuing to report on the people, stories and issues influencing the performing arts sector. For almost 150 years, The Stage has adapted to reflect the industry it serves. It’s moved from broadsheet to tabloid, from black-and-white to full colour, and most significantly in recent decades – into digital publishing. Each evolution has served the readers better, and this next step will do the same. The final weekly edition will appear at the end of December 2025. The monthly magazine will be available from January 2026, while the platform’s daily online coverage will continue uninterrupted. The Stage will continue to offer its other services, including The Stage 100, The Stage Jobs and events such as The Stage Awards, The Stage Debut Awards and the Future of Theatre Conference.
• End of the Rainbow – Jinkx Monsoon will play Judy Garland in Peter Quilter’s musical drama set in London in 1968, the play follows Garland as she prepares for a series of concerts at the Talk of the Town while facing personal and professional challenges. It includes some of Garland’s most well-known songs and depicts the final chapter of her life. Running at Soho Theatre Walthamstow from 15 May to 21 June 2026, the production is directed by Rupert Hands and presented by Lambert Jackson with Sean Nyberg and Paul Danforth and Pascal Ultee Productions. End of the Rainbow is directed by Hands with musical supervision by Leo Munby, lighting by Prema Mehta and sound by Tony Gayle.
• Singin’ in the Rain – The Royal Exchange Theatre has extended its forthcoming production of the musical by Betty Comden, Adolph Green, Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed that will run from 29 November 2025 to the newly extended date of 25 January 2026, Directed by Raz Shaw, who previously helmed The Producers at the venue, the cast will include Louis Gaunt as Don Lockwood, Laura Baldwin as Lina Lamont, Danny Collins as Cosmo Brown and Carly Mercedes Dyer as Kathy Selden. They’ll be joined by Carl Sanderson as Roscoe Dexter, with Clancy Ryan as Dora Bailey and Julius D’Silva as RF Simpson. Completing the cast are Tanisha-Mae Brown, Adam Davidson, Frances Dee, Zac Frieze, Jessica Keable, Gregor McCann, Benjamin Mundy, Ria Tanaka and Thomas Walton. Casting is by Will Burton, while the creative side of the production includes choreography is by Alistair David, with music supervision, orchestrations and additional arrangements by Matthew Malone, set and costume design by Richard Kent, lighting design by Jack Knowles and sound design by Yvonne Gilbert.
• Public – The Musical – first seen at the VAULT Festival in 2023 and later at the Edinburgh Fringe, will open at Leicester’s Curve Studio Theatre on 30 May and run to 13 June 2026. The production is presented by Roast Productions in association with Curve and created by Stroud and Notes. The musical follows four strangers trapped inside a gender-neutral public toilet. It was written by Hannah Sands, Kyla Stroud and Natalie Stroud, with Sands directing, Kyla Stroud composing and Natalie Stroud choreographing. Olivia Zacharia is musical supervisor and orchestrator. The musical received the VAULT Festival Origins Award and the Charlie Hartill Award and was listed as Playbill’s Pick of the Fringe.
• The Mousetrap – Agatha Christie’s play will tour the UK and Ireland from September 2026 as part of its 75th anniversary celebrations. The production, which opened in 1952 and holds the Guinness World Record for the longest theatrical run, will continue its West End engagement at St Martin’s Theatre with booking extended to 3 January 2027. Earlier this year, the play marked its 30,000th West End performance. The London production is directed by Ola Ince with artistic direction by Denise Silvey and is produced by Brian Fenty. The tour will start on Sep 03 2026 at Birmingham Alexandra Theatre, before moving on to Torquay Princess Theatre, Cheltenham Everyman Theatre, Malvern Theatres, Crewe Lyceum Theatre, Theatre Royal Windsor, New Brighton Floral Pavilion Theatre, Opera House, Manchester, Crewe Lyceum Theatre, Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Eastbourne Devonshire Park Theatre, Poole Lighthouse (previously known as Poole Arts Centre), Westcliff-on-Sea. Southend Palace Theatre, Northampton Royal & Derngate, Cardiff New Theatre, Woking New Victoria Theatre, Theatre Royal Plymouth, Bromley Churchill Theatre, Swindon Wyvern Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent Regent Theatre, Sunderland Empire Theatre, Edinburgh Playhouse, Milton Keynes Theatre. Truro Hall for Cornwall and finishing at York Grand Opera House.
• Back to the Future The Musical – will close in the West End ahead of its first ever UK tour, opening in Bristol in October 2026. The show will end its run in London on 12 April 2026 after 1913 performances .The musical has won multiple awards, including the Olivier Award for Best New Musical. Internationally, the show has been staged in North America, Australia (where it is currently playing), Japan and on Royal Caribbean Cruises, with a production in Germany also planned. To date, it has been seen by over four million people worldwide. The tour will open on 8^th October 2026 at Bristol Hippodrome where it will run until Nov 21 2026 before moving on Dec 02 2026 to Edinburgh Playhouse and then on Jan 12 2027 to Liverpool Empire Theatre. It visits Milton Keynes Theatre from Feb 09 2027, Sunderland Empire Theatre Apr 13 2027 and Mayflower Theatre Southampton from Jun 08 2027. The show is directed by Tony Award-winner John Rando, with set and costume design by Tim Hatley, choreography by Chris Bailey, illusions by Chris Fisher, lighting design by Tim Lutkin and Hugh Vanstone, sound by Gareth Owen and video design by Finn Ross. Musical supervision and arrangements are by Nick Finlow, with orchestrations by Ethan Popp and Bryan Crook, dance arrangements by David Chase, and casting by David Grindrod for Grindrod Burton Casting.