LATEST NEWS – 20th APRIL 2026

P Hayward 27th April 2026

• Moulin Rouge! the Musical – announces new casting for its UK tour which continues and has added three additional tour stops in England in 2017 – Sunderland Empire (5 to 27 June), Liverpool Empire (2 July to 8 August) and Theatre Royal Plymouth (20 August to 19 September). The West End staging is simultaneously continuing its run at the Piccadilly Theatre. Appearing will be Verity Thompson as Satine, with Nate Landskroner as Christian, and Cameron Blakely as Harold Zidler. Joining them are Kurt Kansley as Toulouse-Lautrec, Rodrigo Negrini as Santiago, James Bryers as the Duke, Kahlia Davis as Nini, Ellie Jane Grant as Arabia, Scott Sutcliffe as Baby Doll, Claudia Kariuki as La Chocolat and Ann Sophie as Alternate Satine. The full cast is completed by Joe Burrell, Gracie Caine, Alisha Capon, Nathalie Chaves, Sol Childs, Kamau Davis, Martin Dickinson, Ike Fallon, Francis Foreman, Tessa Fox, Lucie Horsfall, Sayaka Kato, Jacob Kohli, Nathan Mariniello, Matt Powell, Daisy Quainton, Chloe Radford, James Revell, Phoebe Roberts, Samuel Routley, Nathan Saxon, Fraser Stewart, Sorcha Stephenson, Craig Watson and Frazer Woolcott. Directed by Alex Timbers, Moulin Rouge! the Musical 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. The world tour of Moulin Rouge! The Musical is produced by Carmen Pavlovic and Gerry Ryan OAM for Global Creatures and Bill Damaschke. Executive producers are Angela Dalton and Nick Grace Management.
• I’m Every Woman – The Chaka Khan Musical – will return to London this summer at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre for a limited London run from 22 July to 27 September 2026. The production will star Alexandra Burke in the title role, portraying Chaka Khan. Further. The musical premiered earlier this year on a UK tour. It charts the life and career of Chaka Khan, exploring her rise to fame alongside the personal challenges she faced, including her experiences within the music industry, her activism, and her struggles with addiction. The production features a book by Nia T Hill, direction by Racky Plews, music supervision by Mark Crossland, choreography by Ebony Clarke, and casting by Debbie O’Brien. The musical is produced by Adrian Grant Productions in association with Chaka Khan, with co-producers including Tammy Michelle for Chaka Khan Enterprises, Hill and Michael Derek Thomas for ODX Studios, and Willette Murphy Klausner for WMK Productions.
• Magic at the Musicals – has announced the line-up for its return to the Royal Albert Hall on 20 September 2026. The annual concert will feature performances from a range of West End and touring shows, made up this year of Sinatra the Musical, Wicked, Jersey Boys, Hadestown, Paddington The Musical, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Mamma Mia!, The Choir of Man and The Lion King. Mel Giedroyc and Ruthie Henshall will be on hosting duties. The London Musical Theatre Orchestra will return for another year. The event is presented by Magic Radio.
• Anything Goes – Kilworth House Theatre has named its cast for its summer production of Cole Porter’s musical with a book by Guy Bolton and P G Wodehouse, revised by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse. The musical will run between 23 June and 2 August 2026 at the open-air theatre. Lee Proud returns as director and choreographer, joined by the same creative team behind 42nd Street, Singin’ in the Rain and Hairspray. Set to star are Emily-Mae Walker as Reno Sweeney, Richard Carson as Billy Crocker, Megan Gardiner as Hope Harcourt, Tom Hopcroft as Lord Evelyn Oakleigh, Dougie Carter as Moonface Martine, Sophie Naglik as Erma, Thomas Sutcliffe as Elisha Whitney, and Penelope Woodman as Evangeline Harcourt. The ensemble includes Lindsay Atherton, Charlie Bishop, Ellie-Grace Cousins, Lauren Dawes, Benjamin Drew, Tia Gyngell, Helen Rose George, Gregor McCann, Robert Adam McNeilly, Charlie Robert Gary Miller, Alanna Panditaratne, Toby Seddon, Poppy Sharman, Aidan Stuart and Thomas Walton. Completing the creative team are musical supervisor and director Rick Coates, set and costume designer Phillip Witcomb, lighting designer Jason Taylor, sound designer Chris Whybrow, associate director and choreographer Emma Hunter, casting director Sarah Goggin and producer Celia Mackay.

LATEST NEWS – 20th APRIL 2026

P Hayward 20th April 2026

• Mayflower Studios – this summer, presents a selection of children’s shows and events, with an array of genres for all the family at the Southampton venues. Shows include: Zog; 14 – 17 May – Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s classic, feel-good story is brought to roaring, soaring life in this delightful musical for children. Zog is the keenest dragon in Madam Dragon’s school. He’s also the most accident-prone, flying into trees, and even setting his own wing alight. Thankfully, a kind girl comes along to patch up his scratches and scrapes – but can she help him with his biggest challenge yet, so that he can finally win a golden star? Brainiac Live!; 26 May – More mischievous than ever before Brainiac Live! the UK’s original and favourite family science show explodes on stage and will take you on a breathless ride through the wild world of the weird and wonderful. Watch from the safety of your seat as the Brainiacs delve fearlessly into the mysteries of science and do all those things on stage that you’re too scared to do at home! Fun for Little Ones: A Tribute to Ms Rachel; 28 May – Get ready for singing, dancing, giggles and non-stop fun as the magic of Ms Rachel comes to life on stage in an interactive, high-energy live tribute performance made just for little ones and their grownups! With over 10 billion views and 15 million YouTube subscribers, Ms Rachel is the viral superstar capturing hearts across the world.Family Fun Day: Featuring WNO Play Opera Live!; 30 May – Mayflower are partnering with Welsh National Opera to offer a variety of activities suitable for all ages, including behind the scenes workshops, face painting and crafts. There will also be a ‘Book Swap’, so bring along a book you have finished and pick up another! Toto the Ninja Cat and the Great Snake Escape; 23 – 25 July – a co-production of Mayflower Southampton, Little Angel Theatre & Mercury Theatre Colchester. Based on Dermot O’Leary’s best-selling children’s book, illustrated by Nick East, this purr-fectly thrilling tale is filled with original music, laugh-out-loud fun, and extrardinary puppetry, promising fun for the whole family. The Lion Inside; 28 – 30 August – A heart-warming tale about confidence, self-esteem, and a shy little mouse who sets out on a journey to find his roar. Based on the best-selling story by Rachel Bright & Jim Field, this joyous new stage adaptation featuring puppetry, music and song is directed by Sarah Punshon (The Jungle Book), with music and lyrics by Eamonn O’Dwyer(Brief Encounter).
• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – will be the 2026 Christmas production at the Curve, Leicester. The Made at Curve production will be directed by Nikolai Foster, with set design by Leslie Travers. It is based on the book by Roald Dahl and features a stage adaptation by David Greig, with music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Scott Wittman and Shaiman. The score also includes songs from the 1971 film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, written by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley. It will run from 21 November 2026 to 9 January 2027.
• Million Dollar Quartet – is to be revived at the Barn Theatre running from 15 June to 22 August.The musical is based on the real-life events of 4 December 1956, when Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley came together for an impromptu jam session at Sun Records in Memphis. The show follows the collision of personalities in the studio as ambition, rivalry and fame intersect, underscored by songs including “Blue Suede Shoes”, “Fever”, “Walk the Line” and “Hound Dog”. Darren Day will star as Sam Phillips and the production will be directed by Jonathan O’Boyle, with a book by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux.
• Heathers the Musical – which returns to the UK for a brand-new tour has added more dates. Based on the 1989 film starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, the show, penned by Kevin Murphy and Laurence O’Keefe, first premiered in Los Angeles in 2013 before transferring to New York’s New World Stages in 2014. A revised version opened in London in 2018, featuring new material that has since been incorporated into the current New York production. The tour opens at Theatre Royal Windsor (26 to 29 August) and then moves on to Leeds Grand Theatre (1 to 5 September), Nottingham Theatre Royal (8 to 12 September), Coventry Belgrade Theatre (15 to 19 September), Darlington Hippodrome (22 to 26 September), Poole Lighthouse (29 September to 3 October), Curve, Leicester (6 to 10 October), Peterborough New Theatre (13 to 17 October), Sheffield Lyceum Theatre (20 to 24 October), Blackpool Grand (27 to 31 October), Cheltenham Everyman (3 to 7 November) and Bord Gais Energy Theatre, Dublin (17 to 21 November). Into 2027, the show will play at Liverpool Empire (23 to 27 February), Grand Opera House York (9 to 13 March), Birmingham Alexandra (16 to 20 March), and King’s Theatre Glasgow (30 March to 3 April).
• Thelma & Louise – a new musical will run at the Young Vic Theatre from 3 September to 24 October 2026. The production is a co-production between the Young Vic, Sonia Friedman Productions, Blue Spruce Productions, Ley Line Entertainment and Callie Khouri, with Mandy Greenfield in association with MGM On Stage. Khouri has written the book for the musical, which features music and lyrics by Neko Case and is directed by Trip Cullman. The show will star Rachel Tucker as Louise and Amy Lennox as Thelma. The story follows two friends who embark on a spontaneous trip that escalates after an encounter at a roadside bar, altering the course of their lives and their relationship. The creative team includes choreography by Bobbi Jene Smith and Or Schraiber, scenography by Christine Jones and Brett J Banakis, costume design by Ryan Dawson Laight, lighting design by Natasha Chivers and sound design by Gareth Owen. Musical supervision is by Kimberly Grigsby, with orchestrations and arrangements by John Clancy and musical direction by Ed Bussey.The production also features additional music by Carl Newman, Paul Rigby and Zoe Sarnak. Creative producers are Mandy Greenfield and Sonia Friedman Productions, with Imogen Brodie serving as creative consultant.
• Kimberly Akimbo – the European premiere of the musical will take place at Hampstead Theatre, with performances running from 28 August to 7 November. The production will be directed by Michael Longhurst and marks a return to the stage for Maria Friedman in the title role. Written by David Lindsay-Abaire with music by Jeanine Tesori, the musical premiered in the United States and went on to win five awards at the Tony Awards in 2023, including Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book. The story follows 16-year-old Kimberly Levaco, who lives with a rare genetic condition that causes her to age at four times the normal rate, as she navigates adolescence while aware of her limited time.
• End of the Rainbow – Peter Quilter’s revival of the musical drama will star Jinkx Monsoon as Judy Garland. Set in London in 1968, we follow 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. She’ll be joined by Jacob Dudman as Mickey alongside Adam Filipe as Anthony. The rest of the company includes Fred Double, Francesca Ellis and Joshy Alody. Running at Soho Theatre Walthamstow from 15 May to 21 June, the production is directed by Rupert Hands and presented by Lambert Jackson with Sean Nyberg and Paul Danforth and Pascal Ultee Productions. It features musical supervision and orchestration by Leo Munby, musical direction by Nick Barstow, movement direction by Fabian Aloise, lighting by Prema Mehta, sound by Tony Gayle, set and design by Jasmine Swan, wig, hair and makeup design by Dominique Martin and the dialect coach is Rebecca Daltry.
• Dark of the Moon – a new musical at Charing Cross Theatre will running from 18 May to 8 August 2026. Glenn Adamson and Lauren Jones will lead the world premiere and will be joined by Sue Appleby as Gemma Allen, Josie Benson as Conjur Woman, Jordan Broatch as Devin, Martin Callaghan as Preacher Haggler, Sophia Duncan as Ella Bergen, David-Michael Johnson as Mr Wharton, Thomas-Lee Kidd as Thomas Allen, Al Knott as Raven, Kiah Lindsay as Grace/Katie, Gemma Maclean as Patricia Bergen, Wills Mercado as Floyd Allen, Samuel Murray as Marvin Hudgens, Gary Turner as Conjur Man and Appolilly Szwarc as Arwen. Completing the cast are onstage swings Will Foggin, Vieve Hamilton and Nick Wyschna. The new musical, based on the 1941 play by Howard D Richardson and William Berney, features a book by Jonathan Prince and music and lyrics by Lindy Robbins, Dave Bassett and Steve Robson. Dark of the Moon is a supernatural story set between an Appalachian town and a parallel world of witches and warlocks in the Smoky Mountains. It follows the relationship between Barbara Allen, a human, and John, a witch-boy, as they attempt to build a life together despite opposition from their communities and the consequences of a pact made under the dark of the moon. The production is directed by Georgie Rankcom, whose credits include The Frogs, Anyone Can Whistle, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and Before After. Rankcom explained: “Dark of the Moon has captivated audiences since the 1940s, and it’s exciting to see the story finding new resonance today — most recently through its appearance in the world of Stranger Things. This musical adaptation allows us to rediscover the story for a new generation. The creative team also includes choreographer Jane McMurtrie, musical supervisor Brad Haak, musical director Matt Herbert, orchestrator Dillon Kondor, casting director Peter Noden, production designer Libby Todd, lighting designer Jonathan Chan and sound designer Andrew Johnson.
• Into the Woods – the West End transfer of the Bridge Theatre’s award-winning revival has now been set. It will move this autumn to the Noël Coward Theatre, with performances beginning on 22 September and currently booking to 9 January 2027. Jordan Fein’s production of the Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine musical was the most nominated musical revival of the year at the Olivier Awards, with 11 nods. It won two – Best Musical Revival and Best Lighting. Olivier Awards nominee Kate Fleetwood will reprise her role as the Witch, with further casting to be confirmed.
• Performing Arts Touring – is under strain, with activity declining in many areas despite continued growth in some large-scale commercial touring a new independent review commissioned by Arts Council England has found. The report states that touring is “not entirely broken”, but describes a varied picture across the sector. Large commercial productions touring major cities are seeing growth in sales and returns, while touring to small- and mid-scale venues, particularly in smaller towns and cities, are “under the greatest pressure”. The overall volume and distribution of touring has shifted over the past five years, with fewer productions, shorter runs and a concentration in larger urban centres. The report notes that ticket prices have not kept pace with rising costs or inflation, contributing to wider financial challenges – the majority of organisations that tour made a financial loss in 2023. Many publicly funded organisations recorded overall losses in 2023. The report also identifies shifts in programming, with changes to financial deals leading to a move towards more mainstream work. Surveys found that 74 per cent believed touring was either in a “poor” or “very poor” state, with the number of tours reduced by ten per cent. The figures were stark – the touring of plays/drama had dropped by around two-thirds when comparing 2019 to 2024. The report calls for stronger advocacy for touring, including extending Theatre Tax Relief and Orchestral Tax Relief to cover distribution and touring costs, reducing VAT on tickets to align with European levels. The full “State of Touring” report is available via the Arts Council website.
• Arts Everywhere Fund – a total of 130 cultural venues, museums and libraries in England are to receive millions in government funding, with a number of theatre organisations among the recipients. The funding forms part of a wider £1.5 billion package supporting cultural infrastructure projects. The latest round, administered by Arts Council England on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, includes investment in theatres, performing arts venues and cultural buildings. Among the theatre organisations to receive support are the Lowry, Theatre Royal Stratford East and Royal Shakespeare Company. The funding is intended to support building works, improve access and upgrade facilities. The Lowry has been awarded £8.5 million for infrastructure work, including replacing escalators with lifts to improve access across its spaces. Stratford East will receive £1.75 million for building upgrades and essential systems. Other theatre and performance organisations funded through the same scheme include Southbank Centre, Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, Kiln Theatre, Nottingham Playhouse, Birmingham Repertory Theatre and Scarborough Theatre Trust. Regional venues including Hull Truck Theatre, Theatre Royal Plymouth and Watermill Theatre are also included. In the South East, The Hexagon has been awarded £2,068,000, while Brighton Dome will receive £468,701 to update systems within its concert hall.
• Les Misérables The Arena Concert Spectacular – Cameron Mackintosh has announced casting for the UK and Ireland before heading to New York in 2026. The new dates follow a record-breaking world tour which opened in Belfast in 2024 and has sold over a million tickets across 30 cities in 25 countries. The arena production, developed from Les Misérables: The Staged Concert, marks the culmination of the musical’s 40th anniversary celebrations, with the London production continuing at the Sondheim Theatre. Casting is as follows: 3Arena in Dublin from Friday 29 May to Saturday 6 June 2026 -Utilita Arena Birmingham from 11 to 14 June – Royal Albert Hall in London from 18 to 21 June. Jean Valjean will be played by Killian Donnelly and Gerónimo Rauch with Alfie Boe sharing the Jean Valjean role at Royal Albert Hall. Javert is portrayed by Bradley Jaden and Jeremy Secomb. Thénardier will be played by Matt Lucas and Luke Kempner. Madame Thénardier will be played by Marina Prior with Helen Walsh taking over the role. Fantine will be played by Katie Hall and Samantha Barks with Jac Yarrow as Marius, Shan Ako as Éponine and Beatrice Penny-Touré as Cosette. Enjolras will be played by Christian Mark Gibbs. The production will then play Radio City Music Hall in New York from Thursday 23 July to Sunday 9 August 2026, where Jean Valjean will be played by Alfie Boe, Killian Donnelly and Gerónimo Rauch, with Javert portrayed by Bradley Jaden and Jeremy Secomb. Thénardier will be played by Matt Lucas alongside Marina Prior as Madame Thénardier, while Fantine will be played by Samantha Barks. Jac Yarrow is Marius, Shan Ako is Éponine and Beatrice Penny-Touré is Cosette.

2026 OLIVIER AWARDS & LATEST NEWS

P Hayward 13th April 2026

The 50th anniversary Olivier Awards, with Cunard, took place on 12^th April 2026 at the Royal Albert Hall. The theatre awards ceremony was hosted by Nick Mohammed and the nominations and winners are:

Special Award

• Elaine Paige

Cunard Best New Musical

• Here We Are, book by David Ives, music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim at National Theatre – Lyttelton
• WINNER: Paddington The Musical, music and lyrics by Tom Fletcher and book by Jessica Swale at Savoy Theatre
• Shucked, book by Robert Horn, music and lyrics by Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
• The Unlikely Pilgrimage Of Harold Fry, book by Rachel Joyce, music and lyrics by Passenger at Theatre Royal Haymarket

Best Musical Revival supported by Piper-Heidsieck

• American Psycho, book by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, music and lyrics by Duncan Sheik, based on the novel by Bret Easton Ellis at Almeida Theatre
• Evita, lyrics by Tim Rice, music by Andrew Lloyd Webber at The London Palladium
• WINNER: Into The Woods, music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by James Lapine at Bridge Theatre
• The Producers, music and lyrics by Mel Brooks, book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan at Garrick Theatre

Best New Play supported by The Londoner

• 1536 by Ava Pickett at Almeida Theatre
• Inter Alia by Suzie Miller at National Theatre – Lyttelton
• Kenrex by Jack Holden and Ed Stambollouian at The Other Palace
• WINNER: Punch by James Graham at Young Vic and Apollo Theatre

Best Revival

• WINNER: All My Sons by Arthur Miller at Wyndham’s Theatre
• Arcadia by Tom Stoppard at The Old Vic
• Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare at Theatre Royal Drury Lane
• The Seagull by Anton Chekhov, adapted by Duncan Macmillan and Thomas Ostermeier at Barbican Theatre

Noël Coward Award for Best New Entertainment or Comedy Play

• The Comedy About Spies by Henry Lewis and Henry Shields at Noël Coward Theatre
• Every Brilliant Thing by Duncan Macmillan with Jonny Donahoe at @sohoplace
• WINNER: Oh, Mary! by Cole Escola at Trafalgar Theatre
• Paranormal Activity by Levi Holloway at Ambassadors Theatre

Best Actress

• Cate Blanchett for The Seagull at Barbican Theatre
• Marianne Jean-Baptiste for All My Sons at Wyndham’s Theatre
• Julia McDermott for Weather Girl at Soho Theatre
• WINNER: Rosamund Pike for Inter Alia at National Theatre – Lyttelton
• Rosie Sheehy for Guess How Much I Love You? at Jerwood Theatre Downstairs at Royal Court Theatre

Best Actor

• Bryan Cranston for All My Sons at Wyndham’s Theatre
• Sean Hayes for Good Night, Oscar at Barbican Theatre
• Tom Hiddleston for Much Ado About Nothing at Theatre Royal Drury Lane
• WINNER: Jack Holden for Kenrex at The Other Palace
• David Shields for Punch at Young Vic and Apollo Theatre

Best Actor in a Musical

• Marc Antolin for The Producers at Garrick Theatre
• Winner: James Hameed and Arti Shah for Paddington The Musical at Savoy Theatre
• Andy Nyman for The Producers at Garrick Theatre
• Jamie Parker for Into The Woods at Bridge Theatre
• Diego Andres Rodriguez for Evita at The London Palladium

Best Actress in a Musical

• Katie Brayben for Into The Woods at Bridge Theatre
• Danielle Fiamanya and Georgina Onuorah for Brigadoon at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
• Jane Krakowski for Here We Are at National Theatre – Lyttelton
• Jenna Russell for The Unlikely Pilgrimage Of Harold Fry at Theatre Royal Haymarket
• WINNER: Rachel Zegler for Evita at The London Palladium

Best Actress in a Supporting Role

• Isis Hainsworth for Arcadia at The Old Vic
• WINNER: Julie Hesmondhalgh for Punch at Young Vic and Apollo Theatre
• Lucy Karczewski for Stereophonic at Duke of York’s Theatre
• Hayley Squires for All My Sons at Wyndham’s Theatre
• Sophie Thompson for When We Are Married at Donmar Warehouse

Best Actor in a Supporting Role

• Hammed Animashaun for Dealer’s Choice at Donmar Warehouse
• WINNER: Paapa Essiedu for All My Sons at Wyndham’s Theatre
• Zachary Hart for The Seagull at Barbican Theatre
• Zachary Hart for Stereophonic at Duke of York’s Theatre
• Giles Terera for Oh, Mary! at Trafalgar Theatre

Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical

• Trevor Ashley for The Producers at Garrick Theatre
• Corbin Bleu for The Great Gatsby – A New Musical at London Coliseum
• WINNER: Tom Edden for Paddington The Musical at Savoy Theatre
• Jo Foster for Into The Woods at Bridge Theatre
• Oliver Savile for Into The Woods at Bridge Theatre

Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical

• Tracie Bennett for Here We Are at National Theatre – Lyttelton
• Amy Booth-Steel for Paddington The Musical at Savoy Theatre
• Kate Fleetwood for Into The Woods at Bridge Theatre
• WINNER: Victoria Hamilton-Barritt for Paddington The Musical at Savoy Theatre
• Georgina Onuorah for Shucked at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

Sir Peter Hall Award for Best Director

• Jordan Fein for Into The Woods at Bridge Theatre
• WINNER: Luke Sheppard for Paddington The Musical at Savoy Theatre
• Ed Stambollouian for Kenrex at The Other Palace
• Lyndsey Turner for 1536 at Almeida Theatre
• Ivo van Hove for All My Sons at Wyndham’s Theatre

Gillian Lynne Award for Best Theatre Choreographer

• WINNER: Fabian Aloise for Evita at The London Palladium
• Ellen Kane for Paddington The Musical at Savoy Theatre
• Drew McOnie for Brigadoon at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
• Lynne Page for American Psycho at Almeida Theatre

Best Costume Design

• Enver Chakartash for Stereophonic at Duke of York’s Theatre
• Linda Cho for The Great Gatsby – A New Musical at London Coliseum
• Tom Scutt for Into The Woods at Bridge Theatre
• WINNER: Gabriella Slade (costume design) and Tahra Zafar (Paddington design) for Paddington The Musical at Savoy Theatre

Best Set Design supported by Blue-i Theatre Technology

• Paul Tate dePoo III (Scenic and Projection Design) for The Great Gatsby – A New Musical at The London Coliseum
• WINNER: Tom Pye (set design) and Ash J Woodward (video design) for Paddington The Musical at Savoy Theatre
• Tom Scutt for Into The Woods at Bridge Theatre
• David Zinn for Stereophonic at Duke of York’s Theatre

Best Lighting Design

• Robbie Butler for Punch at Young Vic and Apollo Theatre
• Jon Clark for Evita at The London Palladium
• WINNER: Aideen Malone (lighting design) and Roland Horvath (video design) for Into The Woods at Bridge Theatre
• Joshua Pharo for Kenrex at The Other Palace

Best Sound Design supported by d&b audiotechnik

• Adam Fisher for Into The Woods at Bridge Theatre
• Gareth Owen for Paddington The Musical at Savoy Theatre
• Ryan Rumery for Stereophonic at Duke of York’s Theatre
• WINNER: Giles Thomas for Kenrex at The Other Palace

Outstanding Musical Contribution

• Matt Brind (orchestrations and arrangements) for Paddington The Musical at Savoy Theatre
• Will Butler (original songs and orchestrations) and Justin Craig (orchestrations) for Stereophonic at Duke of York’s Theatre
• John Patrick Elliott (composition) for Kenrex at The Other Palace
• WINNER: Chris Fenwick (musical supervision and arrangements) and Sean Hayes (Live Piano Performance of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue) for Good Night, Oscar at Barbican Theatre

Best Family Show

• WINNER: The Boy At The Back Of The Class, adapted by Nick Ahad at Rose Theatre
• The Boy With Wings, adapted by Arvind Ethan David at Polka Theatre
• The Firework-Maker’s Daughter, adapted by Jude Christian at Polka Theatre
• The Three Little Pigs, music by George Stiles, book and lyrics by Anthony Drewe at Unicorn Theatre

Best New Production in Affiliate Theatre

• Ben And Imo by Mark Ravenhill at Orange Tree Theatre
• WINNER: The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams at The Yard Theatre
• The Ministry Of Lesbian Affairs by Iman Qureshi at Kiln Theatre
• Miss Myrtle’s Garden by Danny James King at Bush Theatre
• The Sh*theads by Jack Nicholls at Jerwood Theatre Upstairs at Royal Court Theatre

Best New Dance Production

• WINNER: Into The Hairy by Sharon Eyal for S-E-D at Sadler’s Wells
• Mimi’s Shebeen by Alesandra Seutin & KVS at Sadler’s Wells East
• Random Taranto by María del Mar Suárez (La Chachi) as part of Dance Umbrella: Change Tempo at The Pit at Barbican
• She’s Auspicious by Mythili Prakash at Sadler’s Wells East

Best New Opera Production supported by TAIT

• WINNER: Dead Man Walking by English National Opera at London Coliseum
• The Makropulos Case by The Royal Opera at Royal Opera House
• Tosca by The Royal Opera at Royal Opera House
• Die Walküre by The Royal Opera at Royal Opera House

……….AND THIS WEEK’S THEATRE NEWS:

• Cabaret – has announced two new stars heading to the Kit Kat Club. Taking over the roles of the Emcee and Sally Bowles will be Jamie Muscato and Joy Woods respectively. The pair will begin their times in the show on 25 May 2026. Muscato and Woods join Baker Mukasa as Clifford Bradshaw, Ruthie Henshall as Fraulein Schneider, Robert Hands as Herr Schultz, Lucas Koch as Ernst Ludwig and Jessica Kirton as Fraulein Kost/Fritzie, alongside Joe Atkinson, Xavion Campbell-Brown, Olivia-Rose Deer, Anya Ferdinand, Danny Fogarty, Adrian Grove, Ela Lisondra, Hícaro Nicolai, Andy Rees, Alexandra Regan, Manu Sarswat, Tom Scanlon, Eva-Rose Tanaka, Marina Tavolieri and Lucy Young. Muscato will play his final performance on 19 September, with Woods finishing on 4 September. From 7 to 19 September, Marina Tavolieri will take on the role of Sally Bowles. The show, which first 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. Cabaret is booking until 30 January 2027.
• Once – the Scottish premiere of the musical will open the 2026 Pitlochry Festival. Written by Enda Walsh with music and lyrics by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, the musical is based on John Carney’s 2007 film, which featured the Oscar-winning song “Falling Slowly”. Premiering on Broadway in 2012, Once went on to win eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The story follows Guy, a Dublin street musician on the verge of giving up his craft, and Girl, a Czech immigrant who persuades him to keep going. Together, they form an unlikely partnership with a group of musicians as they set out to record an album. The production will be directed by John Tiffany, with design by Bob Crowley, movement by Steven Hoggett, and music supervision and orchestrations by Martin Lowe. Lighting is by Natasha Katz, sound by Clive Goodwin and casting by Stuart Burt. Set to star as Guy will be Dylan Wood, fresh from completing his time as Orpheus in Hadestown, while playing opposite him as Girl will be Lydia White. Joining them are Connor Going as Emcee/Eamonn, Allison Harding as Barushka, Laurie Jamieson as Bank Manager, Sean McLevy as Da, Loren O’Dair as Reza/Girlfriend, Loris Scarpa as Svec, Jos Slovick as Andrej and Charlie West as Billy. It runs from 23 May to 27 June 2026 in the venue’s main auditorium and marks the opening production in Alan Cumming’s first season as artistic director of Pitlochry Festival Theatre.
• The Harder They Come – will return in 2026 to Stratford East where it will run from 16^th May thorugh 4^th July. Adapted by Tony and Pulitzer Prize winner Suzan-Lori Parks, the reggae musical is based on the cult 1970s Jamaican film, which follows Ivan, an aspiring singer who arrives in Kingston, Jamaica, determined to live out his dreams on his own terms and make it as a music superstar. The musical features a soundtrack of Jimmy Cliff hits alongside brand new songs. Olivier Award-winner Matthew Xia directs the piece. Natey Jones reprises his role as Ivan and Madeline Charlemagne also returns as Elsa until 6 June, sharing the role with Chanice Alexander-Burnett, who will take over as Elsa from 8 June. Further casting to be announced. The creative team brings together Simon Kenny as set designer, Jessica Cabassa as costume designer, Ciarán Cunningham as lighting designer, Tony Gayle as live sound designer, Nicola T Chang as sound designer for effects and soundscape, Shelley Maxwell as choreographer and intimacy director, Gino Ricardo Green as video designer, Ashton Moore as musical director and vocal arranger, Benjamin Kwasi Burrell as orchestrator and music arranger, Heather Basten as casting director, Claire Llewellyn for RC Annie as fight director, Aundrea Fudge as voice and dialect coach, Emily Aboud as assistant director, Claire Nicholas as costume supervisor, and Justine Henzell as cultural consultant.
• Sinatra The Musical – which previously ran at the Birmingham Rep in 2023, will run at the Aldwych Theatre this summer, with performances set to begin on 3 June with an opening night on 24 June. The musical charts the life of Frank Sinatra, tracing his early rise in the 1940s, his personal relationships and the challenges that shaped his career. Set on New Year’s Eve 1942, the musical follows Sinatra as he prepares to walk onto the stage of the Paramount Theatre in New York, a moment that propels him into national fame. The score includes more than 20 Sinatra songs such as “That’s Life”, “One for My Baby”, “The Best Is Yet To Come” and “Come Fly With Me”. Joel Harper-Jackson will play Frank Sinatra, joined by Ana Villafañe as Ava Gardner and Phoebe Panaretos as Frank’s first wife, Nancy Sinatra. They’ll be joined by Jenna Russell, who will play Dolly, Frank Sinatra’s mother. The company is completed by Oliver Adam-Reynolds (Nat King Cole/ensemble), Becky Anderson (Lana Turner/ensemble), Carl Au (Lee Mortimer/ensemble), Sam Brown (Tommy Dorsey/ensemble), Helen Colby (Hedda Hopper/ensemble), Emma Crossley (swing), Adam Davidson (Gene Kelly/ensemble), Alexander Day (swing and dance captain), Christopher GoPaul (swing), Stuart Hickey (swing), Jenna Innes (Judy Garland/ensemble), Marty Maguire (Marty Sinatra), Mia Musakembeva (ensemble), Melissa Nettleford (Billie Holiday/ensemble), Samuel Nicholas (ensemble), Nardia Ruth (swing), Christina Shand (swing and assistant dance captain), John Stacey (Mitch Miller/Harry Cohn/ensemble), Allana Taylor (Marlene Dietrich/ensemble) and Lee Zarrett (George Evans). Sylvie Regan, Mia Savident and Felicity Walton share the role of Little Nancy. The creative team includes director and choreographer Kathleen Marshall, with set design by Peter McKintosh. Gareth Valentine will supervise an orchestra of seventeen musicians, joined by Jon Morrell on costumes, Bruno Poet on lighting, Jonathan Deans on sound and Akhila Krishnan on video. Hair, wigs and make‑up are by Campbell Young, with orchestrations by Larry Blank and John Clayton, arrangements by Ian Eisendrath and dance arrangements by David Chase. Casting is by David Grindrod for Grindrod Burton Casting, with Jim Carnahan and Jason Thinger handling US casting. Carol Lee Meadows serves as associate choreographer. The show is produced by Michele Anthony and Bruce Resnikoff for Universal Music Group Theatrical, alongside Tina Sinatra and Charles Pignone for Frank Sinatra Enterprises. Executive producers are Scott Landis and Chris Harper, with UK general management by Short Street Productions Ltd and a wide co‑producing team.
• Hot Mess – a new romcom musical from the team behind 42 Balloons, will play a summer season at The Other Palace from Saturday 13 June to Sunday 6 September 2026. The musical has a book and direction by Ellie Coote and music and lyrics by Jack Godfrey, who won Best Composer, Lyricist or Book Writer at The Stage Debut Awards in 2024 for the WhatsOnStage Award-nominated 42 Balloons. It tells the story of Earth and Humanity as lovers, exploring the climate crisis as a relationship on the brink of collapse. The musical is produced by Vicky Graham Productions, Birmingham Hippodrome, and Aria Entertainment, with Global Creative and TRW Production, and RJG Productions as General Managers. Full cast and creative team is to be confirmed.
• High Society – a new revival will play at London’s Barbican beginning performances on 19 May 2026 and running until 11 July..Freddie Fox is set to make his musical theatre debut playing Mike Connor, opposite the previously revealed stars Helen George and Felicity Kendal. The production is directed by Rachel Kavanaugh, with choreography by Anthony Van Laast and musical supervision by Stephen Ridley, who will lead a full orchestra. The musical is based on Philip Barry’s play The Philadelphia Story, with additional lyrics by Susan Birkenhead. With music and lyrics by Cole Porter and a book by Arthur Kopit, it follows preparations for a society wedding that begin to unravel as past relationships resurface and an intrusive reporter arrives.
• Chitty Chitty Bang Bang – The Watermill Theatre has announced full casting and creative team details for its summer production of the musical, which will run from Tuesday 26 May to Sunday 13 September 2026. Directed by artistic director Paul Hart, the production will once again see the venue transform its theatre and surrounding grounds, following the model established by recent summer shows at the venue. The musical follows eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts and his children, Jeremy and Jemima, alongside Truly Scrumptious, as they embark on an adventure involving a magical car. The cast is led by Christian Edwards as Caractacus Potts and Lydia Louise, making her professional debut, as Truly Scrumptious. Mark Curry will appear as Grandpa Potts, with Susannah van den Berg as the Childcatcher. Also in the company are Samuel Morgan-Grahame as Baron Bomburst, Mairi Ikegami as Baroness Bomburst and Sam Pay as Boris and Lord Scrumptious. Alexander Zane will serve as Goran and onstage musical director, Reuben Greeph as the Toymaker and onstage deputy musical director, and Theo Diedrick as Coggins. The ensemble comprises Tasha Chu (also dance captain), Sameer Dhanjee, Georgie Hales, Javai James, Maya Khatri Chhetri and Josh Rosewood. Featuring music and lyrics by Richard M Sherman and Robert B Sherman, and adapted for the stage by Jeremy Sams, the production includes songs such as “Truly Scrumptious”, “Hushabye Mountain” and the title number, performed by an actor-musician ensemble. The full creative team includes set and costume designer Katie Lias, musical supervisor and orchestrator Stuart Morley, choreographer Anjali Mehra, puppet designer, maker and director Marc Parrett, lighting designer Jai Morjaria, sound designer Tom Marshall and video designer Daniel Denton. The associate team comprises Eva Sampson as associate director, Vanessa Vince-Pang as associate choreographer and George Francis as associate musical supervisor, alongside Sam Osborne as associate lighting designer and lighting programmer and Zac Woodman as associate sound designer. Emily Nelson serves as assistant designer and Inés Ruiz as assistant musical director.
• Thespians: Greece The Musical (but not that one) – it has been announced that the world premiere of the new comedy musical from the award-winning company Mischief will take place at Colchester Mercury Theatre from 9 to 23 May. The show is written by Jonathan Sayer, with music and lyrics by Ed Zanders, and is presented by HOME Manchester, JPT Productions and Mercury Theatre Colchester by arrangement with Mischief Worldwide Ltd. Following its run in Colchester, the production will go on tour taking in stops including Theatre Royal Bath, Wyvern Theatre, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Everyman Theatre, New Theatre Cardiff and HOME Manchester. Set in 534 BC on a small Greek island, the musical follows a group of bards attempting to avoid defeat in a high-stakes prayer competition, in the process accidentally discovering acting. The cast includes Allie Dart as Rhapsodes and dance captain, Claire-Marie Hall as Poly, James Spence as Thespis, Luke Latchman as Atlas, Marc Pickering as Adonis, Matt Cavendish as Bard, Mia Jerome as Melampus and Rhys Taylor as The Tyrant, with Ashley Tucker, Josh Patel-Foster and Curtis Patrick. Direction comes from Robyn Grant, with design by Jasmine Swan, choreography by Melody Sinclair-Marsh, lighting by David Howe, sound by Nick Lodge, musical direction by Ben Smith, associate direction by Joe Allen, casting by Lucy Jenkins and Sooki McShane, musical direction by Ben Smith and executive producer Henry Lewis.
• The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals – – will make its full-length West End debut playing at the Apollo Theatre from 14 to 30 May 2026. The StarKid show, which first appeared online in 2018, follows Paul Matthews, who finds his everyday life upended when a mysterious alien arrival causes his town to break into song. The production is directed by Lauren Lopez with a book by Nick and Matt Lang, music and lyrics by Jeff Blim and choreography by James Tolbert. The cast includes Jon Matteson as Paul Matthews, Joey Richter as Ted Spankoffski, Jeff Blim as Sam Sweetly, Jaime Lyn Beatty as Charlotte Sweetly, Mariah Rose Faith Casillas as Melissa / Zoe / Alice, Corey Dorris as Bill Woodward, Lopez as Emma Perkins, Iván Fernández González as Professor Hidgens, alongside Oonagh Cox, Connor Keetley, Emily Ooi, and Davis Weaver. StarKid rose to prominence in 2009 with A Very Potter Musical, which became a viral hit and launched the company’s online following. The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals has accumulated more than 9.4 million views on YouTube since its 2018 release and was recently revived in California. This marks the first time the show has appeared on a London stage. The company previously appeared in the UK at The London Palladium with ‘It’s StarKid Innit’ in 2024 and ‘I Can’t Believe It’s Been a Little Less Than a Year’ in 2025.
• The Oresteia – will follow the award-winning production of Into the Woods at The Bridge Theatre. It will begin previews on Thursday 2 July 2026 with an opening night scheduled for Tuesday 14 July and will play for 11 weeks until Saturday 19 September 2026. Directed by Simon Stone (after Aeschylus and others), the production is in collaboration with Wouter van Ransbeek,and the creative team includes set designer Lizzie Clachan, costume designer Mel Page, music by Stefan Gregory, lighting designer Nick Schlieper, and casting director Jessica Ronane. The Oresteia follows the House of Atreus, where returning conqueror Agamemnon is murdered by his wife Clytemnestra, their son Orestes kills her in revenge, and is then hunted by the Furies for the crime. The trilogy ends with Athena establishing a court of law to judge Orestes. Written by Aeschylus, it was first performed in Athens in 458 BCE.

ALL THE NEW SHOWS COMING IN 2026

P Hayward 6th April 2026

An extensive look at the shows that are coming to the regions during the rest of 2026 – not included are those shows that are already on tour. Check with your local theatres to see which ones will be arriving over the next 18 months.

• Flyby – The cast of FlyBy – Stuart Thompson, Poppy Gilbert, Gina Beck, Simbi Akande and Rupert Young, in Theo Jamieson’s new musical which was developed at the National Theatre last year and follows the relationship between an engineer named Daniel and a documentary filmmaker named Emily, exploring Daniel’s disappearance into space and shifting time periods. Plays at Southwark Playhouse from 3 April to 16 May
• Caroline: A New Musical – Tune in to a wad of ’60s tunes in a new musical written by Vikki Stone and featuring a cast of actor-musicians! Caroline’s life changes when her boyfriend takes a job with Radio Caroline, the offshore station that broadcast pop and rock music from a ship off the Essex coast during the 1960s. Paying tribute to East Anglia, the “bold, loud and joyfully defiant show” will tour the region. Plays at the New Wolsey Theatre from 17 April before touring
• Disenchanted! – These princesses are no damsels in distress! See the real Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Hua Mulan, the Princess (Who Kissed the Frog), the Little Mermaid, Pocahontas, Rapunzel, Belle, and Princess Badroulbadour, in this new piece written by Dennis T Giacino and Fiely Matias, which has already been performed on five continents! Plays at Lichfield Garrick from 24 April to 2 May
• The Karate Kid – The Musical – Four years after its world premiere in St Louis, the stage adaptation of the 1984 movie arrives in London, widening the much-loved franchise! This new production is written by the original film’s writer, Robert Mark Kamen, with music and lyrics by Drew Gasparini. Plays at New Wimbledon Theatre from 28 April before touring
• Fourteen Again – A new musical featuring tunes by Victoria Wood and a book by Everybody’s Talking About Jamie writer Tom MacRae? Sign us up! Exploring friendship and nostalgia, the show follows Peggy, who reconnects with her former best friend, Lou, at a local slimming club. It’ll play at a theatre newly rechristened in Wood’s honour. Plays at the Victoria Wood Theatre (currently the Old Laundry Theatre in Bowness-on-Windermere) from 1 to 30 May
• Bank of Dave the Musical – Dream duo Rob Madge and Pippa Cleary have penned the book and tunes for the world premiere of Bank of Dave. Self-made Burnley businessman Dave Fishwick and the subsequent documentary book and film about his Burnley Savings and Loans company are the inspiration for this new Nikolai Foster-directed musical, debuting up north! Plays at the Lowry from 2 to 16 May before moving to Curve from 20 to 30 May
• Thespians – A Mischief musical?! Jonathan Sayer‘s latest work is set in 534 BC. It follows Greece’s smallest island as it competes in a nationwide prayer competition led by a tyrant, where the losing team faces execution. Things take a turn when Thespis accidentally invents acting, sparking the world’s first play and the birth of theatre. Tour begins at Mercury Theatre Colchester on 9 May.
• Dark of the Moon – Loosely inspired by the traditional Scottish ballad “Barbara Allen,” Dark of the Moon follows the clash of two polarized worlds – one a charming rural town and the other the mystical, smoky mountains inhabited by witches and warlocks, as a human girl and witch-boy fall in love. Georgie Rankcom is set to direct this world premiere. Plays at Charing Cross Theatre from 18 May to 8 August
• Beetlejuice – the West End will finally get a taste of Beetlejuice! The cult classic about the immortal demon is directed by Tony Award winner Alex Timbers, with an original score by Tony Award nominee Eddie Perfect, a book by Tony Award nominee Scott Brown and Tony nominee Anthony King. Prince Edward Theatre, from 20 May
• Something Rotten! – the musical will receive its fully-staged UK premiere, with two cast members confirmed to be reviving their roles playing at Manchester Opera House from 16 June to 19 July
• Midnight at the Never Get – Ben Platt will play his first full theatrical run in the UK in a revised production of Midnight at the Never Get. Written by KPop Demon Hunter’s Mark Sonnenblick, the musical explores an illegal romance in a cabaret bar in 1960s New York. The Menier Chocolate Factory is set to provide a beautiful, intimate backdrop from 11 July to 12 September
• The Singer – Dundee Rep’s newest season features the new musical with songs by the award-winning musician, KT Tunstall. This piece of gig-theatre follows Joe, a Deaf artist who performs with his hands and Andy, a washed-up musician hungry for a comeback. Plays at Dundee Rep Theatre from 29^th July, before visiting the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the Citizens Theatre Studio in Glasgow and the Lemon Tree in Aberdeen
• Death Note – A reimagined production of the mega manga musical will receive its world premiere at Barbican Theatre from 30 July to 12 September – with a revised script and new songs! With music by Frank Wildhorn, lyrics by Jack Murphy, a book by Ivan Menchell, and additional lyrics by Morgan Reilly. For those unfamiliar, the story follows Light Yagami, a high school student who discovers a notebook with the power to kill anyone whose name is written in it. Disillusioned with the justice system, Light begins using the notebook to kill criminals and comes to be known as Kira.
• Bliss – Set to be the biggest musical of this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe, playing at Pleasance Courtyard from 5 to 31 August. Bliss follows four sisters who leave the tower they have been confined to and encounter the outside world, where traditional ideas of fairy tales and happy endings are put to the test. The workshop cast featured Kayna Montecillo, Dujonna Gift, Sam Tutty and Josefina Gabrielle, so we can’t wait to see who is involved this time around!
• Kimberly Akimbo – The Tony Award-winning Best Musical is heading to London for its European premiere! A new production, directed by Michael Longhurst, will play at the Hampstead Theatre from 28 August to 7 November, so you can meet teen Kim, navigating her rare genetic disorder, which causes her to age rapidly, with her turbulent family life and new relationships.
• Wallace: A Musical – A William Wallace hip hop musical aims 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. Expect a hip-hop score that fuses rap, folk, pop and rock while keeping a distinctly Scottish voice. The musical opens at Beacon Arts Centre on 23 September before touring
• Ceilidh – Sam Pinkleton (the director behind Oh, Mary!) will present the UK premiere of Scott Gilmour and Claire McKenzie’s Ceilidh at Pitlochry Town Hall from 7 to 17 October. The immersive musical invites audiences into one of Scotland’s long-standing traditions, combining music, storytelling and dance. Guided by a caller and live folk band, the event unfolds as a family story of love, legacy and connection during a night that carries particular significance for those involved.
• Kiss of the Spider Woman – Get yourself caught in the web of this rare staging of Kander and Ebb’s hit Broadway musical Kiss of the Spider Woman! Anna-Jane Casey stars as Aurora, with Fabian Soto Pacheco as Molina and George Blagden as Valentin in the first major revival since 1992, which will be staged in intimate settings across the country starting at Curve, Leicester, in April
• The Last Laugh – Imagine being in a dressing room with three of Britain’s best-known comedians – Tommy Cooper, Eric Morecambe and Bob Monkhouse! Join them as they reflect on comedy, mortality and what it means to be funny in Paul Hendy’s play. Tour opens at Malvern Theatres in April
• Allegra – Maureen Lipman plays a woman whose irrepressible optimism leads her to burst into song in everyday situations, sometimes imagined and sometimes very real, disrupting the village where she lives. For it, she reunites with Quilter for the world premiere of his new comedy which opens at Theatre Royal Brighton in May
• Annie – Annie is back! Nikolai Foster’s much-loved revival will return, and with the production previously welcoming the likes of the late, great Paul O’Grady, Miranda Hart and Craig Revel Horwood in the role of Miss Hannigan, next to head down to Easy Street is La Voix! Alternating with Claire Sweeney. Tour opens at New Wimbledon Theatre in May
• Abigail’s Party – Tamzin Outhwaite will reprise her role of Beverly in Mike Leigh’s cult classic about a seemingly ordinary neighbourly gathering that spirals. Directed by Nadia Fall, the revival was first staged at Stratford East in 2024 and this new tour opens at Malvern Theatres in June
• The Car Man – Matthew Bourne’s award-winning dance thriller is touring for the first time in over ten years. Set in a 1960s garage diner, the dance piece is loosely based on Bizet’s popular opera Carmen and is inspired by vintage movie film noir classics. The tour opens at Curve, Leicester, in June
• Jersey Boys – the new 20th anniversary tour of smash-hit jukebox musical Jersey Boys opens at the New Wimbledon Theatre in June
• 9 to 5 the Musical – A new revival of 9 to 5 marks Landmark Theatres’ first in-house production to tour nationally. For those unfamiliar, it is based on the 1980 film and tells the story of three disgruntled office workers seeking revenge on their overbearing boss – all set to tunes by the legendary Dolly Parton! The tour opens at Peterborough New Theatre in July
• Burlesque – The new musical is heading out on tour while simultaneously playing a second season in London! Based on the film starring Christina Aguilera and Cher, written and directed by Steven Antin, the story centres on Ali, who travels to New York in search of her mother and becomes immersed in an underground club scene. It opens at New Victoria Theatre, Woking in July
• Dog Man: The Musical – will receive its European premiere in the form of a new tour. The story follows George and Harold, two friends who decide to turn their comic creation Dog Man into a musical. You can get a taste of what to expect from an animated film adaptation, which was released earlier this year. Tour opens at Curve, Leicester in July – including an extended stop at the Southbank Centre
• High Society – Cole Porter and Arthur Kopit’s High Society is receiving a glitzy revival to open at the Barbican from May before the tour opens at Wycombe Swan in July. The story follows preparations for a society wedding that begin to unravel as past relationships resurface and an intrusive reporter arrives – Helen George will star.
• 1984 – George Orwell’s tale has been adaptated by Chris Hannan in co-production between the Citizens Theatre, Dundee Rep Theatre and The Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh. The world premiere production will embark on a Scottish tour after headling the autumn season at the Citizens Theatre from August 29^th to 26^th September
• Calendar Girls – the musical from Gary Barlow and Tim Firth returns in 2026 with a new production for a new tour! The tour starts at Theatre By The Lake on 6^th August and runs until 5^th September before heading out on tour.
• Heathers the Musical – the new tour sets out from Theatre Royal Windsor where it runs from 26^th to 29^th August and then touring until 21^st Nov in Dublin.
• Mrs Doubtfire – the tour will star Gabriel Vick will reprise his acclaimed role of Daniel Hillard in the musical comedy stage adaptation, which opens at Birmingham Hippodrome on 13^th August 2026 and then continues until 15^th August 2027 in Canterbury.
• The Silence of the Lambs– the world premiere play of one of the world’s most well-known psychological thrillers! Nikolai Foster’s on directorial duties for this one. which opens at Curve, Leicester on 1st August and is set to tour until 26^th June 2027 at Sunderland Empire.
• Chariots of Fire – Mike Bartlett’s stage adaptation, based on the multi-award-winning film, is inspired by the true story of Eric Liddell and Harold Abrahams as they strive for glory in the 1924 Paris Olympics. This will be its first-ever UK tour and will open at Theatre Royal Windsor on 3^rd September.
• The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time – The first revival of Simon Stephens’ adaptation of Mark Haddon’s best-selling novel will embark on a huge tour in 2026. A coming-of-age whodunnit, the story follows Christopher Boone, who is gifted with a brilliant mind for numbers but unsettled by the unpredictability of people and everyday life. When a neighbour’s dog is killed, he finds himself proving his innocence. Tour opens at Brimingham Rep on 5^th September and is set to continue to Darlington Hippodrome from 25th to 28^th May 2027.
• Dirty Dancing – is back on tour. The Classic Story On Stage is directed by Federico Bellone and choreographed by Austin Wilks and will open at Milton Keynes Theatre on 25^th August and is set to tour until 15^th May 2027 in Bournemouth.
• The Haunting of Hill House – Set to receive its world premiere, the show is based on Shirley Jackson’s iconic novel, and adapted by Olivier and BAFTA Award-winner Stef Smith and directed by Martin Constantine. For those unfamiliar, the story follows a group investigating the mysteries of Hill House, where their research leads to unsettling events within the building. The tour opens at Salisbury Playhouse on 11^th September and continues ending its tour on 14^th November at Edinburgh Lyceum,
• The Mousetrap – Agatha Christie’s classic play is marking a massive 75 years with a new tour! If you haven’t yet had the chance to see the West End’s longest-running show, then this is surely your chance to find out whodunnit. The tour opens at Birmingham’s Alexandra Theatre on 3^rd September and is currently set to continue until 26^th June 2027 at York Grand Opera House.
• Paranormal Activity – The stage production is based on the film series first written and directed by Oren Peli, and follows James and Lou, who move from Chicago to London in an attempt to leave their past behind, only to find that they remain affected by unexplained events… The tour opens at Richmond Theatre on 7th September and is set to continue until 12^th June 2027 at Curve Leicester.
• Sylvia – March, women, march! The Olivier-nominated musical production of Sylvia, from The Old Vic and ZooNation: The Kate Prince Company in association with Sadler’s Wells, will return with Sharon Rose and Beverley Knight, who is confirmed to reprise her Olivier Award-winning role as Emmeline Pankhurst. The tour opens at Curve, Leicester on 24^th September and is set to finish at London’s Royal Albert Hall on 13^th, 14tha nd 15^th November.
• Back to the Future the Musical – the award-winning musical, is bidding farewell to the West End and flying out on its first-ever UK tour opening at Bristol Hippodrome where it will run from 8^th October to 21^st November. The tour will continue through 13^th November 2027 at Wales Millenium Centre in Cardiff.
• Cats – Drew McOnie will direct and choreograph Andrew Lloyd Webber’s landmark musical at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre running from 25^th July to 12^th September before opening at Theatre Royal Plymouth on 6th October and the tour is set to continue until 19^th June 2027 at Newcastle Theatre Royal.
• The Hollow – Hercule Poirot is back with a new case as another Agatha Christie classic comes to the stage. This one sees the detective attempt a break at a country estate where a glamorous circle of guests gathers, before he’s drawn in. The tour opens at Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury on 9th October and continues until 28^th November in Guildford.
• The Picture of Dorian Gray – Seán Aydon’s new adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s story of eternal youth and beauty will tour the UK in time for spooky season. Aydon also directs in this new production from Tilted Wig in association with Watford Palace Theatre – not to be confused with the musical version touring at the same time. The tour opens at Watford Palace on 1^st October and continues until 7^th November at Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre.
• The Picture of Dorian Gray – A New Musical – This new show, penned by Mark J Middlemiss, is said to be inspired by the dark, classic, sung-through musicals of the 1970s and 1980s and is set in two acts, twenty years apart. Christopher Twyford will take on the title role. The tour opens at Darlington Hippodrome on 19th October and will continue until 3^rd March 2027 at New Brighton Floral Pavilion.
• Billy Elliot – the musical about the lad who wants to do ballet is back! With a book and lyrics by Lee Hall, a score by Elton John, choreography by Peter Darling and direction by Stephen Daldry, this hit will also return to the West End. The tour opens on 4^th November at Sunderland Empire before heading to Manchester Palace for the Christmas season and Edinburgh Playhouse where it will run until 6^th February. It returns to the West End at the Adelphi on 12^th February where it stays until 31^st July 2027.
• Cinderella – Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella is hosting a 30th anniversary ball! Set in London during the Second World War, Cinderella reimagines the fairytale against the backdrop of the Blitz, with music by Sergei Prokofiev. The story follows a brief meeting between Cinderella and an RAF pilot, whose relationship unfolds amid air raids and wartime disruption. Tour opens at Theatre Royal Plymouth on 16th November and is set to tour until 10^th April at Norwich theatre Royal, including a christmas season at Sadler’s Wells from 1 Dec to 17 Jan 2027.
• Little Shop of Horrors – Derby Theatre and Northern Stage’s collaboration, directed by Sarah Brigham. Among the company of actor-musicians are Kristian Cunningham as Seymour and Amena El-Kindy as Audrey. Each performance will integrate creative captions. This production plays at Northern Stage from 8 to 23 May 2026 before transferring to Derby Theatre from 30 May to 20 June 2026.
• Little Shop of Horrors – In 2025, the Hope Mill presented the award-winning revival Young Frankenstein, and their next anti-Christmas offering will be Little Shop of Horrors! They sure are keeping us fed. Carrie-Anne Ingrouille will direct the new staging of Alan Menken and Howard Ashman’s musical comedy, with a wonderful cast. It plays at Hope Mill Theatre from 25 September to 29 November before transferring to Liverpool Everyman from 3^rd December to 9^th January 2027.
• Once – the original creative team are reuniting to revive Once as part of Alan Cumming‘s inaugural season as artistic director of Pitlochry Festival Theatre. It follows Guy, a Dublin street musician on the verge of giving up his craft, and Girl, a Czech immigrant who persuades him to keep going. Together, they form an unlikely partnership with a group of musicians as they set out to record an album. It plays at Pitlochry Festival Theatre from 23 May to 27 June
• Chitty Chitty Bang Bang – an actor-musician production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang follows what the Water Mill accomplished with The Lord of the Rings, Barnum and Jesus Christ Superstar in recent years, this Paul Hart and the Watermill production plays at Watermill Theatre from 26 May to 13 September
• Jesus Christ Superstar – a revival will take place in the West End. Sam Ryder will be making his stage debut in Tim Sheader’s Jesus Christ Superstar at The London Palladium, alongside a revolving cast of six Herods. Also previously seen outside at Regent’s Park. It opens at The London Palladium from 20 June to 5 September
• Summer Holiday – under the new artistic director, Elizabeth Newman, Sheffield Crucible will have a summer holiday! Based on the 1960s film, the piece will be directed by Newman with Ben Occhipinti, and the venue promises that the whole city will get to enjoy the beach. It plays at Sheffield Crucible from 20 June to 18 July
• Anything Goes – the an open-air revival of Cole Porter’s musical features his classic songs and follows the comedic misunderstandings of nightclub singer Reno Sweeney and a cast of passengers set aboard the SS American and it will play at Kilworth House Open Air Theatre from 23 June to 2 August.
• Anything Goes – another revival at the Mill at Sonning over the festive period, where it will play from 19 November 2026 to 17 January 2027.
• Fun Home – Jeanine Tesori and Lisa Kron’s coming-out and coming-of-age musical will receive its professional regional premiere in 2026, marking the 20th anniversary of Alison Bechdel’s own graphic novel on which the show is based, plays at Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre from 3 July to 1 August
• Sweeney Todd – Fleet Street comes to Birmingham as a new revival of Sondheim and Wheeler’s Sweeney Todd will play at the Rep. Ramin Karimloo will star in the title role and be directed by the theatre’s artistic director Joe Murphy and feature design by Elin Steele – we can’t wait to attend the tale! Plays at Birmingham Rep from 4 July to 9 August
• My Fair Lady – For the very first time, My Fair Lady will be staged at Chichester Festival Theatre! Rachel Kavanaugh will direct Lerner and Loewe’s musical about a cockney flower seller who meets a phonetics professor. It plays at Chichester Festival Theatre from 6 July to 5 September.
• My Fair Lady – a loverly new chamber revival of My Fair Lady will play in Pitlochry! Alan Cumming will star as Professor Henry Higgins and be directed by Maria Friedman in the Lerner and Loewe musical. It will be at Pitlochry Festival Theatre from 21 November to 31 December.
• Fame – Theatre Royal Plymouth has announced a “bold, new” production of Fame the Musical, marking 30 years of the show at the venue where it all started. It’s gonna live forever! Plays at Theatre Royal Plymouth from 28 July to 15 August
• High School Musical – the first-ever non-replica production of High School Musical will mark two decades since the release of the original Disney film. A lead cast including Tobias Turley, Leonor Correia, Caitlin Tipping and Luke Bayer will be co-directed by Hope Mill founders Joseph Houston and William Whelton, boasting an immersive basketball court setting that includes on-stage seating and an extended playing space. Here and now, it’s time for celebration! It plays at the Lowry from 21 August to 13 September
• How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical – The Grinch will be spending Christmas in Leeds! Based on the Dr. Seuss book, the show follows the residents of Who-ville as they prepare for Christmas, while the Grinch attempts to disrupt their celebrations, with the story narrated by his dog Max. It willplay at Leeds Playhouse from 19 November 2026 to 16 January 2027.
• Honk! – George Stiles and Anthony Drewe’s musical Honk! is back! Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s The Ugly Duckling, the musical centres on Ugly, a duckling who embarks on a journey of self-discovery after being singled out for his appearance. Plays at Cirencester’s Barn Theatre from 21 November to 3 January 2027
• A Little Night Music – Selina Cartmell will direct Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler’s musical comedy about mismatched couples. The piece features the musical theatre staple “Send in the Clowns” and will surely dazzle. It plays at Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre from 5 December 2026 to 30 January 2027
• Scrooge the Musical – Marti Pellow will play Ebenezer Scrooge in a new production of Scrooge The Musical next Christmas! The Wet Wet Wet musician will be directed by Thom Southerland. It will play at Glasgow’s SEC Armadillo from 12 December 2026 to 10 January 2027.