NEWS UPDATE – 15th JUNE 2026
The Pianist – the world premiere of the new musical stage adaptation of Szpilman’s internationally acclaimed memoir, will take place at Mayflower Studios, Southampton, from 9th September 2026, ahead of a run at London’s Park Theatre from 15th October. This is following the semi-staged workshop created with Wolk Transfer Company and Mayflower Southampton in April 2025. The producers of the world premiere of The Pianist, are delighted to announce that Daniel Krikler will star as Wladyslaw Szpilman in the inspiration behind Roman Polanski’s Academy Award-winning film. Written and directed by Thom Southerland (Titanic the Musical), this landmark new production brings his story and music together on stage for the first time, featuring Szpilman’s own compositions with new musical arrangements by Simon Lee, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s long-time Musical Director. The production will feature new lyrics by an international group of writers and musicians, bringing fresh voice to Szpilman’s original compositions. The lyricists and songwriters include two-time Grammy nominee Carol Connors, acclaimed songwriter David Batteau, jazz singer Wendy Lands and collaborator Jim Gillard, Grammy-nominated Michael Ruff, Szpilman’s son Andreas Szpilman, and award-winning lyricist Marcy Heisler. Together, their work allows Szpilman’s music to sit at the heart of the production, not simply as accompaniment, but as another voice in the telling of his story. It will be performed by a cast of actor-musicians, depicting the cultural life of pre-war Warsaw and its destruction during the Second World War, alongside new arrangements by Simon Lee. The creative team also includes choreography and movement direction by Karen Bruce, set and video design by Andrzej Goulding, lighting design by Robbie Butler, sound design by Gareth Tucker for Autograph Sound, costume design by Jonathan Lipman, musical direction by Malcolm Forbes-Peckham, assistant direction by Josh Whatsize, casting by Ginny Schiller and casting assistance by Ben Armstrong, and executive producing and general management by DEM Productions.
Back to the Future The Musical – lead casting for the first-ever UK tour of the record-breaking hit musical has been announced. Roger Bart will return to the show as Doc Brown, having originated the role on stage in the West End, on Broadway and internationally. Axel Duffy will play Marty McFly, a role he first played alongside Bart in the Australian production. The musical is based on the 1985 Universal Pictures/Amblin Entertainment film Back to the Future, which starred Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly and Christopher Lloyd as Dr Emmett Brown. Written by Bob Gale, the stage adaptation features new music and lyrics by Emmy and Grammy Award winner Alan Silvestri and six-time Grammy winner Glen Ballard, alongside classics from the film such as “The Power of Love” and “Johnny B Goode.” The musical recently concluded its run in London’s West End at the Adelphi Theatre and will start its tour at Bristol in October, visiting Mayflower Theatre Southampton from 8th June 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. To date, it has been seen by over four million people worldwide.
Martin Guerre – A new production of the Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil musical will open in a semi-staged format at London’s Old Vic for a five week season from October. Set in 16th-century rural France, it tells the story of a young peasant woman, Bertrande, whose husband Martin abandons her and their village. Years later, a man claiming to be Martin returns, transformed into a kinder and more loving partner. It premiered in 1996 at the Prince Edward Theatre in London and has subsequently undergone several major revisions. New lyrics are by Boublil, Annabel Mutale Reed and Paul Hodge, while the lyrics are by Boublil and Stephen Clark. Original French lyrics are by Boublil, with additional material by Hodge. The production is developed and directed by Matthew Warchus, with set and costume design by Rob Howell, choreography by Lizzi Gee, lighting design by Hugh Vanstone, Luca Panetta and Toby Ison, sound design by Fergus O’Hare, orchestrations by Tom Curran, musical supervision by Chris Poon, and casting by Will Burton for Grindrod Burton Casting.
The Lost Boys – the Broadway musical adaptation of the 1987 film will be making its way to UK shores – though no timescale or venue has been revealed. Nominated for 12 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, The Lost Boys is about a mother and her two sons who move to Santa Carla, California, looking for a fresh start. Instead, they find a town plagued by vampires who take a liking to oldest son Michael. Will he abandon his mom and bro for this sexy, shadowy new chosen family? It won four Tony Awards last weekend in New York. The Lost Boys features a book by David Hornsby and Chris Hoch, a score by The Rescues, direction by two-time Tony winner Michael Arden, and aerial choreography by Lauren Yalango-Grant (Parade) and Christopher Cree Grant. Yes, the teenage vampires fly.
Mean Girls – has cancelled its run in Belfast following recent unrest. The production had been slated to run at Grand Opera House until 20 June as part of its first ever UK and Ireland tour. However, racist riots have broken out across the city following an attack on a local citizen. After cancelling performances earlier this week, the venue has announced that given the uncertainty caused by the unrest in recent days, the producers of Mean Girls have taken the difficult decision to cancel the musical’s run at the Grand Opera House. Meanwhile, The Lyric Theatre in Belfast has stayed open.
Oh, Mary! – Jinkx Monsoon will reprise her acclaimed role as Mary Todd Lincoln in the West End production of this historically dubious wartime comedy at the Trafalgar Theatre, from 17 August until 26 September 2026. The piece revolves around bored alcoholic housewife Mary Todd Lincoln, who pines for the cabaret stage but is constantly undermined by her closeted, homosexual husband, who also just happens to be the President of the United States. Cole Escola’s riotous crowd-pleaser picked up an Olivier Award for Best New Entertainment. Catherine Tate is currently taking on the lead role in the Tony Award-winning Cole Escola’s smash hit Broadway comedy. From 20 July until 15 August 2026 the show’s creator, Escola, will play the role. The West End cast currently feature Scott Karim, who plays Mary’s Husband. Dino Fetscher as Mary’s Teacher, Kate O’Donnell as Mary’s Chaperone, and Oliver Stockley as Mary’s Husband’s Assistant. Directed by Tony Award winner Sam Pinkleton, Oh, Mary! first opened to great acclaim on Broadway in 2024. The creative team includes scenic designer dots, costume designer Holly Pierson, lighting designer Cha See, sound designer and composer Daniel Kluger, sound designer Drew Levy, wig designer Leah J Loukas, props supervisor Addison Heeren, and arranger David Dabbon. Casting is by Stuart Burt.
Jane Eyre – a musical by John Caird and Paul Gordon based on the novel by Charlotte Brontë, has announced the lead casting for its UK premiere – 30 years on from its first bow. The production will be co-directed by Caird and Megan McGinnis. Caird previously adapted and co-directed the original production of Les Misérables in the West End and on Broadway, and most recently directed the award-winning stage adaptation of Spirited Away at the London Coliseum. McGinnis has appeared on Broadway in Beauty and the Beast, Little Women and Beetlejuice. Set to appear will be Charlie Burn as Jane and Ashley Gilmour as Rochester, with further names to be revealed. The musical premiered in Toronto in 1996 and later opened on Broadway in 2000, where it received five nominations at the Tony Awards. For the 30th anniversary year of the show, Adam Blanshay Productions is partnering with the original Canadian producers David Mirvish and Hannah Mirvish. The production is set to run at Southwark Playhouse Elephant from 28 August to 24 October 2026.
Space Dogs – a new musical,, will arrive in London for a limited run at The Other Palace Studio from 28 July to 9 August. It tells the true story of Laika, a stray dog from Moscow, and the top-secret Soviet scientist, Chief Designer, who sent her into orbit during the Cold War Space Race. The rock musical is described as a docu-comedy. Written and performed by Nick Blaemire and Van Hughes, the pair play every role, directed by Will Blum.
Guys And Dolls – The Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh has announced a new production of the musical as part of its 2026/27 season, running from 26 March to 1 May 2027. The musical will be directed by artistic director James Brining. It is presented as a co-production with Aberdeen Performing Arts, Eden Court Inverness, Citizens Theatre and Dundee Rep Theatre, and will tour to the partner venues following its Edinburgh run dates are to be confirmed. The production continues the Lyceum’s annual spring musical slot, which has become a regular fixture in its programme.
West End Live – the line-up has been revealed for the event that will return to Trafalgar Square on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 June 2026, with free performances from West End productions across the weekend. The annual event is presented by Westminster City Council and the Society of London Theatre and is open to the public without tickets for general admission. Performances and backstage content will also be streamed online via Official London Theatre’s YouTube and social media channels. For 2026, the organisers will continue the environmentally focused production model introduced at the 2025 event, which used large‑scale battery‑powered staging in Trafalgar Square. The approach was designed to reduce carbon emissions while maintaining live performance and technical delivery, alongside a reduction in single‑use plastics across the site. An online competition will run in advance of the event offering 100 queue‑jump places per day, allowing selected attendees access via a separate entrance. One competition winner will also be offered backstage access during the festival, along with Theatre Tokens and a merchandise voucher. New shows announced today are Dark Of The Moon, English National Opera, Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical, Heathers: The Musical, Into The Woods, Jane Eyre, Jersey Boys, The Karate Kid – The Musical, Liberace And Liza: A Tribute, Love Never Dies In Concert, Noël Coward In The West End: Robert Hazle & Helena Northcote, Shanay Holmes, and Sirens: The Concert Series. The full schedule can be found here: –
West End Live: The event is supported by a range of theatre organisations, partners and sponsors, and is free to attend. Accessible viewing areas will be available via advance registration, with British Sign Language interpretation and a calm space provided on site.
Saturday 20 June
11.00am: Disney’s Hercules
11.05am: High Society
11.10am: Avenue Q
11.20am: Wicked
11.35am: The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind
11.45am: Moulin Rouge! The Musical
11.55am: The Devil Wears Prada
12.00pm: Paddington The Musical
12.10pm: Cabaret
12.20pm: Sinatra The Musical
12.25pm: Hadestown
12.40pm: Hamilton
12.45pm: Oliver!
12.55pm: Les Misérables
1.05pm: The Pantom Of The Opera
1.10pm: The Producers
1.15pm: The Book Of Mormon
1.30pm: Operation Mincemeat
1.35pm: Beetlejuice The Musical
1.45pm: Mamma Mia!
2.00pm: Performances from English National Opera
2.10pm: Disney’s High School Musical
2.15pm: I’m Every Woman – The Chaka Khan Musical
2.25pm: Into The Woods
2.30pm: Six
2.45pm: The Choir Of Man
2.55pm: Magic Mike Live
3.05pm: Now You See Me Live
3.10pm: Kimberly Akimbo
3.20pm: Liberace And Liza: A Tribute
3.30pm: Shantify
3.40pm: RepresentAsian: An Evening Of Asian Talent
3.45pm: The Last Ship
3.50pm: Role’s We’ll Never Play
4.00pm: In Pieces
4.15pm: Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical
4.20pm: Here Comes J. Edgar! A Comedy Musical
4.30pm: Sirens: The Concert Series
4.35pm: Shanay Holmes
5.00pm: Event Ends
——
Sunday 21 June
12.00pm: Disney’s The Lion King
12.10pm: Titanique
12.15pm: Matilda The Musical
12.25pm: My Neighbour Totoro
12.30pm: Hot Mess
12.40pm: Dark Of The Moon
12.50pm: Love Never Dies In Concert
12.55pm: Waitress
1.10pm: Inala
1.20pm: Kinky Boots
1.25pm: Six
1.40pm: The Karate Kid – The Musical
1.50pm: The Harder They Come
2.00pm: Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage
2.05pm: Bliss The Musical
2.10pm: Magic Mike Live
2.20pm: Showstopper! The Improvised Musical
2.35pm: Noël Coward In The West End: Robert Hazle & Helena Northcote
2.45pm: Little Shop Of Horrors
2.50pm: Surprise Show
2.55pm: Heathers: The Musical
3.00pm: Redcliffe
3.10pm: The Jonathan Larson Project
3.15pm: Surprise Show
3.20pm: Jane Eyre
3.25pm: G4
3.40pm: Ride The Cyclone
3.45pm: Jersey Boys
4.00pm: Event Ends
THE 2026 TONY AWARD WINNERS
News: 8th June 2026
The 2026 Tony Awards winners – were announced on 7th June in a live ceremony from Radio City Hall. Broadway musicals The Lost Boys and Schmigadoon led the nominations with 12 apiece, while there were strong showings from Ragtime (11 nominations), Cats: The Jellicle Ball (nine nominations) and The Rocky Horror Show (also nine nominations).
……And the winners are:
Best Play – Liberation
Best Musical – Schmigadoon!
Best Book of a Musical – Schmigadoon!, Cinco Paul
Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre – Schmigadoon!, Cinco Paul
Best Actor in a Musical – Joshua Henry, Ragtime
Best Actress in a Musical – Caissie Levy, Ragtime
Best Actor in a Play – John Lithgow, Giant
Best Revival of a Play – Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman
Best Revival of a Musical – Ragtime
Best Actress in a Play – Lesley Manville, Oedipus
Best Featured Actor in a Musical – Ali Louis Bourzgui, The Lost Boys
Best Featured Actress in a Musical – Shoshana Bean, The Lost Boys
Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play – Laurie Metcalf, Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman
Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play – Alden Ehrenreich, Becky Shaw
Best Sound Design of a Musical= Kai Harada, Ragtime
Best Direction of a Play – Joe Mantello, Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman
Best Direction of a Musical – Zhailon Levingston and Bill Rauch, Cats: The Jellicle Ball
Best Orchestrations – Doug Besterman and Mike Morris, Schmigadoon!
Best Choreography – Omari Wiles and Arturo Lyons, Cats: The Jellicle Ball
Best Scenic Design of a Play – Chloe Lamford, Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman
Best Scenic Design of a Musical – Dane Laffrey, The Lost Boys
Best Costume Design of a Play – Jeff Mahshie, Fallen Angels
Best Costume Design of a Musical – Qween Jean, Cats: The Jellicle Ball
Best Lighting Design of a Play – Jack Knowles, Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman
Best Lighting Design of a Musical – Jen Schriever and Michael Arden, The Lost Boys
Best Sound Design of a Play – Mikaal Sulaiman, Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman
Lifetime Achievement Awards
André Bishop
Jules Fisher
James Lapine
Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award
Mary-Mitchell Campbell
Tony Honours for Excellence in the Theatre
1/52 Project
Jake Bell
Kenn Lubin
Loren Plotkin
FAME THE MUSICAL –30th birthday production
News: 7th June 2026
Fame the Musical – a “bold, new” production of the musical to mark the 30th anniversary of Fame’s European premiere at Theatre Royal Plymouth. It will run from 28 July to 15 August 2026 at Theatre Royal Plymouth, the production will be directed and choreographed by Tom Jackson Greaves, with design by Soutra Gilmour. Casting is by Stuart Burt. The original production went on to run for more than a decade in the West End, toured internationally and helped establish the stage version of the 1980 film as a global success. The new revival will feature songs from the original movie alongside Jose Fernandez’s book, Jacques Levy’s lyrics and Steve Margoshes’ score. The cast features Joe Boyle as Nick Piazza, Toby De Salis as Goodman “Goody” King/Cover Schlomo Metzenbaum, Megan Ellis as Serena Katz, Olivia Foster-Browne as Mabel Washington, James Hastings as Schlomo Metzenbaum, Shoko Ito as Iris Kelly, Elise Marnie as swing/Cover Iris Kelly, Alicia Maynard as Ensemble/Cover Mabel Washington, Amonik Melaco as Tyrone Jackson, Jago Mottart as Ensemble/Cover Joe (Jose) Vegas, Kieron O’Donnell as swing/Cover Goodman “Goody” King and Nick Piazza, Anu Ogunmefun as ensemble/Cover Grace “Lambchops” Lamb, Talia Palamathanan as Carmen Diaz, Samantha Shuma as Ensemble/Cover Carmen Diaz, Georgia Leila Stoller as Grace “Lampchops” King, Harrison Wilde as Joe (Jose) Vegas and Patrick Wilden as Ensemble/Cover Tyrone Jackson.
BURLESQUE THE MUSICAL – new UK tour
News: 6th June 2026
Burlesque the Musical – three performers will be sharing the role of Ali this year. Natalia Jacques will be performing the role in London this autumn, while Gracie O’Brien will be touring in the role, with Cecilia Petrush as the alternate. Petrush was cast after a global talent search. Burlesque the Musical will play a run at the new Arts Theatre at Marble Arch commencing on Saturday 12 September 2026. It follows two engagements in Manchester and a season in Glasgow, as well as a sold-out limited season at the Savoy Theatre. At the same time, a second production will launch a UK tour, opening at the New Victoria Theatre, Woking on Jul 25 2026 before moving on to Sunderland Empire Theatre; Stoke-on-Trent Regent Theatre; Cardiff Wales Millennium Centre; Glasgow King’s Theatre; Bradford Alhambra Theatre; Southend-on-Sea Cliffs Pavilion; Birmingham Alexandra Theatre; Sheffield Theatres; High Wycombe Swan; Aylesbury Waterside Theatre; Liverpool Empire Theatre; Leeds Grand Theatre and Opera House; Blackpool Winter Gardens and Opera House Theatre; Opera House, Manchester; Northampton Royal & Derngate; Edinburgh Playhouse; Llandudno Venue Cymru (formerly – North Wales Theatre); York Grand Opera House; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre; Hull New Theatre; Oxford New Theatre and ending on May 15 2027 at New Wimbledon Theatre. The musical is based on the film starring Christina Aguilera and Cher and centres on Ali, who travels to New York in search of her mother and becomes immersed in an underground club scene. The film is written and directed by Steven Antin.
INTO THE WOODS – transfers into West End
News: 6th June 2026
Into the Woods – the award-winning revival of the Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine musical will transfer from the Bridge Theatre to the Noel Coward Theatre on 22 September where it is scheduled to run until 9 January 2027. Joining Kate Fleetwood, who will be reprising her role as the Witch, will be returning cast members Valda Aviks (as Grandmother/Giant), Geoffrey Aymer (as Cinderella’s Father), Jo Foster (as Jack), Jennifer Hepburn (as Cinderella’s Stepmother and Alternate Witch), Hana Ichijo (as Lucinda), Julie Jupp (as Jack’s Mother), Gabrielle Lewis-Dodson (as Florinda), and Gracie McGonigal (as Little Red Riding Hood), with Jacob Fowler and Sophie Linder-Lee also returning as Standbys.
SIX – extends West End run again
News: 6th June 2026
Six – the West End production of the musical has extended its run until 28 November 2027. Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss’s musical is a reimagining of the six wives of Henry VIII, directed by Moss and Jamie Armitage. The piece presents their stories through a modern lens, blending history and pop music. The announcement comes during an incredibly busy time internationally, as the show opens in Spain, China, Germany and Luxembourg, while continuing on Broadway, touring the UK and touring the US. The London cast currently includes Adrianne Langley as Catherine of Aragon, Marisha Morgan as Anne Boleyn, Jessica Aubrey as Jane Seymour, Freya Karlettis as Anna of Cleves, WhatsOnStage Award nominee Leesa Tulley as Katherine Howard, and Nia Stephen, making her West End debut in the role of Catherine Parr.
HADESTOWN – to set out on 2027 tour
News: 5th June 2026
Hadestown – currently playing its third smash-hit year in London’s West End, today more than eight years after its sold-out engagement at the National Theatre in 2018, has announced the first-ever UK & Ireland tour opening at Curve in Leicester on 19 February 2027 and calling at Mayflower Theatre from 27 April – 1 May 2027. Further dates, casting and full creative team to be announced. Blending American songwriting traditions, from indie folk, to pop, blues, and New Orleans-inspired jazz, Hadestown has music, lyrics, and book by acclaimed Tony and Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and BBC Radio 2 Folk Award-winner Anaïs Mitchell who originated Hadestown as an indie theatre project and acclaimed album, before transforming the show into a genre-defying new musical alongside artistic collaborator and Tony Award-winning director Rachel Chavkin. Hadestown UK & Ireland tour is produced by Mara Isaacs, Dale Franzen, Hunter Arnold, and Tom Kirdahy.
THE FULL MONTY – back on tour
News: 4th June 2026
The Full Monty – is embarking on a major national tour that will call at Mayflower Theatre from Monday 15 – Saturday 20 March 2027. The Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham and Buxton Opera House, in association with Mark Goucher and David Pugh, production has announced the creative team and initial casting. The cast includes Kevin Clifton (Strictly Come Dancing, BBC One; Priscilla Queen of the Desert, UK Tour) as Gaz, Stewart Wright (Doc Martin, ITV; The Upstart Crow, Apollo Theatre) as Dave, James Gaddas (Coronation Street, ITV; The Rocky Horror Picture Show, UK Tour) as Gerald, Ben Onwukwe (The Full Monty, UK Tour 2024; The Shawshank Redemption, UK Tour) as Horse, Jon-Paul Bell (Hollyoaks, Channel 4; Masters of Air, Apple TV) as Guy and Zrey Sholapurkar (Lark Rise to Candelford, The Watermill Theatre/Theatre by the Lake; The History Boys, UK Tour) as Lomper. It will be directed by Michael Gyngell, choreography and intimacy direction by Ian West, the Resident Director is Rachel Heyburn, Set and Costume Design by Jasmine Swan with Lighting Design by Andrew Exeter, Sound Design by Chris Whybrow, the Casting Director is Marc Frankum, and the Children’s Casting is by Carolan Copley – Tucci. The tour will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the 1997 smash-hit film.
Disney’s HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL – returns
News: 4th June 2026
Disney’s High School Musical – the first UK non-replica staging of the musical will premiere this summer from 22 August to 19 September 2026 at Lowry Salford. After its Salford run, the show will be opening at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre from 12 October 2026, with performances running until 3 January 2027. The production, presented by Hope Mill Theatre and Chris Harper Productions will star Jason Donovan in Salford and Harry Judd in London in the role of Coach Bolton. The cast is led by Tobias Turley, Leonor Correia, Caitlin Tipping and Luke Bayer as Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay and Ryan respectively. They are joined by KayCee Stroh as Ms Darbus, while Char Burnett will play Taylor McKessie, with Jordan Benjamin as Chad Danforth, Simeon Beckett as Zeke Baylor, Olivia O’Connor as Martha Cox, Yna Tresvalles as Kelsi Nielson and Curtis Patrick as Jack Scott. The cast is completed by Alexander Black, Eleanor Bye, Harriet Caplan-Dean, Alison Driver, Conor Luke Drury, Mary Francis, Sonia Gil-Lubeiro, Tamsin January, Joseph Lennox, Lucas Morlotti, Katie Mulligan, André Phipps, Meg Silsby, Kade Stenson, Ethan Vijn and Eddie Zickerman. The production is co-directed by Joseph Houston and William Whelton, with choreography by Aaron Renfree. The show is produced by Hope Mill Theatre and Chris Harper Productions in association with Lowry and co-produced by Winkler and Smalberg, Catherine Schrieber, Drew and Dane Productions, Kevin and Kate McGrath, Merritt Baer, Marc Levine, Andrei Cotocu for Seabright Live and Michael Watt Productions.
SWEENEY TODD – extends at Birmingham Rep
News: 4th June 2026
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street – has extended its run at Birmingham Rep where it will now run from 4th July to 15th August 2026. The musical will be directed by the Rep’s artistic director Joe Murphy and feature design by Elin Steele, with musical supervision by John Rigby and casting by Abby Galvin. Set to star will be Ramin Karimloo, taking on the role of the tortured Barber, while joining him is Meow Meow, taking on the role of Mrs Lovett. Olivier Award-winner David Bedella will take on the role of Judge Turpin. Joining them will be Shem Omari James as Anthony Hope, Jo Stephenson as Johanna, Julius D’Silva as Beadle, Jack Gibson as Tobias Ragg, Florence Andrews as Beggar Woman, Silas Wyatt-Barke as Adolfo Pirelli, with Emily Ivana Hawkins and Hadrian Delacey in the ensemble. The creative team is completed by Dr John Rigby (musical supervisor and orchestral reduction), Rory Beaton (lighting designer), Kelsh Buckman-Drage (sound designer), Tinovimbanashe Sibanda (movement director), Abby Galvin (casting director), Leo Munby (musical director), and David Gallagher (orchestral management).
MIDNIGHT AT THE NEVER GET – premiere
News: 3rd June 2026
Midnight at the Never Get – the UK premiere of the musical will take place at the Menier Chocolate Factory from 11 July to 12 September 2026. With book, music and lyrics by Oscar, Golden Globe and Grammy Award-winner Mark Sonnenblick, the musical is set in New York in 1965. It follows Trevor Copeland and Arthur Brightman’s illegal romance, where they meet to perform songs in a secret nightclub act. Joining Broadway star Ben Platt will be Gregor Milne and Barry James; also announced is the creative team with David Cromer directing the new production with set design by Scott Pask, costume design by Jonathan Lipman, lighting design by Heather Gilbert, sound design by Paul Groothuis, and musical supervision and orchestration by Andrew Resnick. It is conceived by Sam Bolen, Max Friedman, and Sonnenblick, and presented by the Menier Chocolate Factory, in association with Greg Berlanti and Robbie Rogers, and ATG Productions (by Kristin Caskey, Bee Carrozzini, and Mike Isaacson).
THE LITTLE MATCH GIRL – Xmas at Wiltons
News: 3rd June 2026
The Little Match Girl – Ballo Arthur Pita will revive The Little Match Girl for a Christmas season at Wilton’s Music Hall, running from 3 December 2026 to 2 January 2027. Directed and choreographed by Arthur Pita, the production is based on the classic story by Hans Christian Andersen and combines dance, song and live music by Frank Moon. Set on a snow-covered Christmas Eve in an imagined Italian town, it was originally commissioned by DanceEast. The Little Match Girl premiered in 2013 and has subsequently returned for several festive seasons at Sadler’s Wells and the Lilian Baylis Studio, as well as touring nationally and internationally. In 2025, the production received the Hans Christian Andersen Award in Odense. Pita said he was “absolutely thrilled” to bring the production to Wilton’s Music Hall, describing the venue as an “extraordinary” space. The creative team includes Moon as composer and Yann Seabra as set and costume designer. Casting is to be announced. The Little Match Girl is produced by Ballo Arthur Pita and was originally commissioned by DanceEast with support from Arts Council England.
DOG MAN: The Musical – European Debut
News: 2nd June 2026
Dog Man: The Musical – Roast Productions have announced the cast for the show’s European debut. The musical will run at the Southbank Centre from 30 July to 16 August 2026. Around those dates, it will also play at Leicester Curve (16 to 19 July), Crewe Lyceum (21 to 23 July), and then it will tour to Southend Palace (18 to 20 August), Hertford Beam (24 to 26 August), Wolverhampton Grand (28 to 29 August), Eastbourne Devonshire Park (4 to 5 September), Darlington Hippodrome (11 to 13 September), Torquay Princess Theatre (26 to 27 September), Halifax Victoria (3 to 4 October), Cardiff Wales Millennium Centre (16 to 17 October), Fareham Live (23 to 25 October) and Wycombe Swan (26 to 28 October). The musical features a book and lyrics by Kevin Del Aguila, with music by Brad Alexander, and direction and choreography by Jen Wineman. Pilkey’s series, first published in 2016, has sold more than 70 million copies worldwide and has been translated into 48 languages. An animated film adaptation was released earlier this year. 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. Set to perform are Vanessa Dumatey as Flippy, Sam Kipling as Petey, Peter Lavery as Harold, Ricardo Mendes as George, Rebecca-Jo Roberts as L’il Petey and Renan Teodoro as Dog Man. The cast is completed by Richener Bissereth, Shannon Bourne and Robert Wilkes. 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.
MIDSOMER MURDERS – Returns in 2027
News: 2nd June 2026
Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift – as the 2026 tour of the stage play adapted from the tv series comes to a close at Theatre Royal Bath from 9 to 13 June, details of a new tour in 2027 have been announced. Based on Caroline Graham’s book and the hit ITV series, the play follows Inspector Barnaby and his trusty sidekick, Sergeant Troy, who investigate a murder after the well-loved Emily Simpson is found dead in the picturesque village of Badger’s Drift. Produced by Nicholson Green Productions and Colin Ingram Ltd, the show is directed by Unsworth, with design by David Woodhead, lighting design by Matt Haskins, music by Max Pappenheim, sound design by Ella Wahlström and casting by Ginny Schiller. Daniel Casey, who created the role of Sergeant Troy in the ITV show from 1997 to 2008, played Inspector Tom Barnaby in the world premiere stage show and will reprise the role for the 2027 tour. Further casting is to be revealed. The tour will open at the Alexandra, Birmingham from 23 to 24 April, before visiting Edinburgh Festival Theatre (28 April to 1 May), Milton Keynes Theatre (5 to 8 May), Orchard Theatre in Dartford (12 to 15 May), Hull New Theatre (19 to 22 May), Theatre Severn (25 to 29 May), Belfast Grand Opera House (1 to 5 June), Aylesbury Waterside Theatre (23 to 26 June), York Grand Opera House (30 June to 3 July), Liverpool Playhouse (6 to 10 July), Wolverhampton Grand Theatre (14 to 17 July), Bradford Alhambra Theatre (21 to 24 July), and Newcastle Theatre Royal (27 to 31 July). More dates are to be announced.
IT’S A SIN – Rambert at Mayflower Theatre
News: 1st June 2026
IT’S A SIN – Mayflower Theatre have announced that Rambert will be bringing their newest production, It’s A Sin, to Southampton as part of a nationwide tour in 2027. The major new dance work inspired by the era-defining, award-winning Channel 4 series, It’s a Sin will play Mayflower Theatre from 20 – 22 May 2027. This reimagining sees original series creator Russell T Davies (Queer As Folk, Doctor Who) serving as Executive Producer, alongside legendary pop duo Pet Shop Boys and Glyn Fussell (Sink the Pink, Mighty Hoopla festival). The production will be choreographed and directed by Rambert’s Artistic Director Benoit Swan Pouffer reigniting his partnership with Dramaturg Kaite O’Reilly on the development of a new script for the show. Shaping the musical landscape Composer and Music Supervisor Roman Gian Arthur (Grammy nominated albums multi-instrumentalist credits include Janelle Monáe’s Dirty Computer and The Age of Pleasure) will compose the music with the support of executive producers Pet Shop Boys to evoke the glamour, defiance and emotional intensity of 1980s queer life. Set and video design comes from Luke Halls Studio (West Side Story, concerts from Adele, Pet Shop Boys, Dua Lipa, Take That), whose work spans global arena tours and major stage productions. It’s a Sin is a Rambert and Factory International co-production with Wales Millennium Centre (Cardiff), Capital Theatres (Edinburgh), Sadler’s Wells (London) and Les Théâtres de la Ville (Luxembourg). It’s a Sin is made possible thanks to major support from the Colwinston Charitable Trust’s 30th Anniversary Fund. It’s a Sin has been supported by Incentivising Touring: Repayable Grants for Theatre and Dance, a pilot scheme developed by Arts Council England to support mid-large-scale productions to tour to regional venues.
KIMBERLY AKIMBO – European Premiere
News: 1st June 2026
Kimberly Akimbo – full casting has been revealed for the European premiere of the new musical at Hampstead Theatre where it will run from 28 August to 7 November. Maria Friedman will lead the show as Kimberly Levaco. She will be joined by Alice Fearn as Debra, Peter Hannah as Buddy Levaco, Gilli Jones as Seth Weetis and Niamh Perry as Pattie Levaco.Also joining are Sara Hajizadeh as Teresa Benton and Ronav Jain as Aaron Puckett, who are both making their professional stage debuts, Robin Simões da Silva as Martin Doaty and Aviva Tulley as Delia McDaniels. Written by David Lindsay-Abaire with music by Jeanine Tesori. The production will be directed by Michael Longhurst. 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 creatives joining director Longhurst are designer Soutra Gilmour, musical supervisor Nigel Lilley, choreographer Matt Cole, lighting designer Jack Knowles and sound designer Matt Peploe. The story follows 16-year-old 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.
PARANORMAL ACTIVITY – mammoth UK tour
News: 1st June 2026
Paranormal Activity – has announced the casting for the UK and Ireland tour. The cast for the tour will include James Bye as James, Hannah Sinclair Robinson (The Play That Goes Wrong) as Lou, Jo Castleton (War Horse) as Etheline Cotgrave and Caroline Faber (Network) as Carolanne. The stage production is based on the film series first written and directed by Oren Peli and produced by Blumhouse and Solana Films. The story 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 will kick off at Richmond Theatre on 5 September, before visiting Milton Keynes Theatre (15 to 19 September 2026), Glasgow’s Theatre Royal (22 to 26 September 2026), York’s Grand Opera House (29 September to 3 October 2026), Woking’s New Victoria Theatre (6 October to 10 October 2026), Cheltenham’s Everyman Theatre (13 to 17 October 2026), and Canterbury’s Marlowe Theatre (20 to 24 October 2026). It will spend Halloween at Birmingham’s Alexandra Theatre (27 to 31 October 2026), going on to visit Norwich’s Theatre Royal (10 to 14 November 2026), the Lowry in Salford (17 to 21 November 2026), Brighton’s Theatre Royal (24 to 28 November 2026), Bath’s Theatre Royal (1 to 5 December 2026), and return to Leeds Playhouse for a frighteningly festive season (9 to 24 December 2026). 2027 will kick off with a visit to Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre (6 to 9 January 2027), Aylesbury’s Waterside Theatre (12 to 16 January 2027), Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff (19 to 23 January 2027), Belfast’s Grand Opera House (26 to 30 January 2027), Edinburgh’s King’s Theatre (2 to 6 February 2027), Wolverhampton’s Grand Theatre (9 to 13 February 2027), Sheffield’s Lyceum Theatre (16 to 20 February 2027), Nottingham’s Theatre Royal (23 to 27 February 2027), Aberdeen’s His Majesty’s Theatre (2 to 6 March 2027), Theatre Severn in Shrewsbury (16 to 20 March 2027), Cambridge Arts Theatre (23 to 27 March 2027), Plymouth’s Theatre Royal (30 March to 3 April 2027), Bradford’s Alhambra Theatre (6 to 10 April 2027), Newcastle’s Theatre Royal (13 to 17 April 2027), Hull’s New Theatre (20 to 24 April 2027), Liverpool’s Empire Theatre (27 April to 1 May 2027), Eden Court in Inverness (4 to 8 May 2027), Northampton’s Derngate Theatre (11 to 15 May 2027), Dublin’s Bord Gáis Theatre (18 to 22 May 2027) and Cork’s Everyman Theatre (25 to 29 May 2027). The stage show is directed by Felix Barrett, founder and artistic director of Punchdrunk, and written by Levi Holloway, who previously wrote the stage thriller Grey House. The creative team includes Fly Davis as set and costume designer, Chris Fisher providing illusions, Anna Watson as lighting designer, Gareth Fry as sound designer, Luke Halls as video designer, and casting director Ginny Schiller. Paranormal Activity is produced by Simon Friend and Hanna Osmolska for Melting Pot in association with Gavin Kalin, Ken Davenport, Jenny King, Patrick Gracey, Jonathan and Rae Corr and Leeds Playhouse.
DISNEY PRINCESS THE CONCERT set to tour
News: 1st June 2026
Disney Princess The Concert – a new concert celebrating Disney princesses is set to embark on a major UK and Ireland tour in March 2027.The show premiered in 2021 and has played in more than 20 countries. This tour marks the first time it has visited the UK and Ireland, and it is produced in London by Disney Concerts, Broadway Princess Party, Cuffe and Taylor and Live Nation. The show will feature West End and Broadway stars performing beloved songs and sharing stories from their time on stage and screen. The concert will include animation and theatrical effects, and audiences can expect to hear princess, hero and villain songs, from more than 29 films, including: “How Far I’ll Go,” “A Whole New World,” “Just Around the Riverbend,” “Part of Your World,” “Almost There,” “Let It Go” and more. It will open at Warwick Butterworth Hall on 12 March 2027 before visiting Brighton Centre (13 March), Swansea Building Society Arena (14 March), Portsmouth Guildhall (18 March), Leicester De Montfort Hall (19 March), Torquay Princess Theatre (20 March), Norwich Theatre Royal (21 March), Peterborough New Theatre (24 March), Nottingham Royal Concert Hall (25 March), and Hull City Hall (27 March). It will then play five performances at Royal Festival Hall, London from 28 to 30 March, before visiting New Theatre Oxford (1 April), Sunderland Empire (2 April), Bradford Live (3 April), Manchester Opera House (4 April), Northampton Royal and Derngate (6 April), Sheffield City Hall (8 April), York Barbican (9 April), Birmingham Symphony Hall (10 April), Southend Cliffs Pavillion (11 April), Carlisle Sands Centre (15 April), Stoke Regent Theatre (16 April), Ipswich Regent Theatre (17 April), Wales Millennium Centre (18 April), Belfast Waterfront Hall (20 April), Dublin 3Olympia (21 to 22 April), Bath Forum (24 April), Liverpool Empire Theatre (25 April), Bournemouth Pavillion (27 April), Aberdeen Music Hall (29 April), Edinburgh Playhouse (30 April), Glasgow SEC Armadillo (1 May), and The Glasshouse in Gateshead (2 May).
Leave a Reply