Yesterday our Executive Editor John and Yorkshire & North East Editor Jacob had the pleasure of being invited to @ukpantomime 2026 Pantomime Awards. It's always an amazing event shared with the best pantomime professionals. Well done to all the winners and nominees. #2026PantomimeAwards
✨ OH MY GOD, YOU GUYS! ✨ Take your first look at the official production images for the UK & Ireland tour of Legally Blonde The Musical! 🎀
This high-energy production officially opened at Curve, Leicester on 7 February 2026 and is set to paint the country pink through 2 January 2027.
Starring West End favorite and Strictly finalist Amber Davies as the iconic Elle Woods, the cast features a powerhouse lineup including George Crawford as Emmett, Karen Mavundukure as Paulette, Adam Cooper as Callahan, Jamie Chatterton as Warner, Annabelle Terry as Vivienne, Jocasta Almgill as Brooke, Hannah Lowther as Margot/Alternate Elle, Rosanna Harris as Serena, and Remi Ferdinand as Pilar.
Rounding out the stellar ensemble are Ty-Reece Stewart as Kyle, Bradley Delarosbel as Carlos, and a brilliant company featuring Keanna Bloomfield, James Lim, Aaron Shales, Jaime Tait, Daisy Twells, Louie Wood, Raiaz Fisher, Dylan Gordon-Jones, Lauren Hampton, and Ollie Hart-Bradford. Don't miss out on the verdict—grab your tickets now! ⚖️💖🛍️
📸 By @marcsbrenner
#LegallyBlonde #LegallyBlondeTour #AmberDavies #MusicalTheatre #WestEnd UKTour CurveLeicester BendAndSnap ElleWoods
Huge news for theatre lovers! 🎭 Chichester Festival Theatre has just unveiled its spectacular 2026 season, and it is a truly world-class programme. From massive musical revivals to gripping world premieres, there is something for everyone in this lineup. 🌟
The year kicks off with a giant-sized adventure as Roald Dahl’s The BFG takes over the Festival Theatre, followed by the tense historical drama Magic starring David Haig and Hadley Fraser. Fans of new writing can look forward to the world premieres of Eclipse with Sarah Parish, the climate-focused Atlantis, and the heroic wartime story a small and quiet light.
One of the biggest highlights is the first-ever Chichester production of the legendary musical My Fair Lady! 🌹 Literature fans will also be thrilled to see a brand new stage adaptation of Ian McEwan’s masterpiece Atonement.
The season continues to impress with Geraldine James in the moving 45 Years, a nineties rave-inspired production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream featuring Munya Chawawa, and the bold contemporary tragedy Antigone Exits. Finally, the year wraps up with festive magic in Hey! Christmas Tree and a musical journey to Never Land in Peter Pan. 🧚♂️
Chichester is certainly the place to be for culture in 2026. Which of these shows are you booking first? Let us know in the comments! ⬇️
#ChichesterFestivalTheatre #CFT2026 #TheatreNews #TheBFG
He’s coming home! 🩰✨
The wait is finally over. Billy Elliot the Musical is returning for a massive new national tour and its long-awaited return to London’s West End! 🎭🇬🇧
It’s been over a decade since Billy last graced a West End stage, but the award-winning production is back and bolder than ever. From the boxing ring to the ballet barre, get ready to experience the heart, the hope, and the electricity all over again.
📍 WHERE & WHEN 🎄 Manchester: Palace Theatre (2 Dec 2026 – 9 Jan 2027) 🏛️ London: Adelphi Theatre (12 Feb – 31 July 2027) ✨ Plus stops in Sunderland and Edinburgh!
🎟️ TICKET INFO Set your alarms! Tickets for London, Manchester, Sunderland, and Edinburgh go on sale: 🗓️ 9 March 2026 🕙 10:00 AM
Featuring the legendary score by Elton John and the original powerhouse creative team, this is the theatrical event you don’t want to miss. As Elton John and Stephen Daldry put it: it’s "bold, British, and full of heart."
Tag the person you’re taking with you! 👇
#BillyElliot #BillyElliotMusical #WestEnd #LondonTheatre #UKTour MusicalTheatre Elton John Ballet ComingSoon AdelphiTheatre
Great news for theatre lovers! 🎭
Michael Morpurgo’s breathtaking story Private Peaceful is heading back out on a major UK tour for Autumn 2026. This acclaimed one-person production tells the unforgettable story of Tommo Peaceful, a young soldier who reflects on his life, his family and his first love on the eve of battle.
Adapted and directed by Simon Reade, this show is known for being a true tour de force. A single actor brings the entire world of the trenches and the English countryside to life in a way that is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. 🎖️
Author Michael Morpurgo describes the production as a piece of theatre that "speaks gently, but stays with you for a very long time."
The tour kicks off in September and will be visiting cities including Edinburgh, London, Hull, Coventry and Leicester.
Check the link in our bio for the full list of tour dates and ticket information. You won't want to miss this one!
#PrivatePeaceful #MichaelMorpurgo #TheatreNews #UKTour #StageShow Whatson BritishTheatre Drama MustWatch
A villain is born... and the cast is absolutely legendary! 🔱✨
The full company for the world premiere of Sea Witch has been announced, and it is a West End powerhouse! Over 30 performers will take to the stage at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane for one day only.
Starring: ✨ Djavan Van De Fliert as Nik ✨ Michelle Visage as Tante Hansa ✨ Jay McGuiness as Iker ✨ Natalie Paris as Evie ✨ Mazz Murray as Queen Charlotte ✨ Amy Di Bartolomeo as Annemette ✨ Natalie Kassanga as Malvina
This prequel to The Little Mermaid reimagines the origins of the sea’s most feared witch in a story of magic, identity, and sacrifice. 🌊
📅 Sunday 1 March 2026 (3pm & 7.30pm) 📍 Theatre Royal Drury Lane 🎟️ Tickets on sale now via LW Theatres!
Don’t miss the reckoning. 🐚
#SeaWitchMusical #WestEnd #TheatreNews #MichelleVisage #JayMcGuiness NatalieParis LittleMermaid LondonTheatre NewMusical DruryLane
NEWS: Harold Fry has arrived in the West End! 🎒🌟
The first production stills for The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry have officially been released, and they are every bit as "joyous" as promised.
Tonight is the big Press Night at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, where the company—led by Mark Addy, Jenna Russell, and Noah Mullins—will officially open this highly anticipated adaptation.
With music and lyrics by @passengermusic and magical direction by Katy Rudd, this story of a man who simply "kept walking" is set to be the must-see musical of the spring.
Swipe through to see the new photos! 📸➡️ images by Tristram Kenton
✨ Playing until 18 April 2026 🔗 Head to the link in our bio for the full cast list and more.
#TheatreNews #HaroldFryMusical #WestEndLive #LondonCulture #Passenger MarkAddy JennaRussell OpeningNight TheatrePhotography NewMusicalAlert
One last chance to go the distance! 🏛️⚡️
We have some big news from Mount Olympus. Disney’s Hercules has announced its final extension in the West End. The show will officially take its final bow at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on 5 September 2026.
Starring: ✨ Luke Brady as Hercules ✨ Mae Ann Jorolan as Meg ✨ Trevor Dion Nicholas as Phil ✨ Stephen Carlile as Hades 🎶 Plus the incredible Muses bringing the house down every night!
Directed by Casey Nicholaw with music by the legendary Alan Menken, this is the gospel truth.
#HerculesTheMusical #WestEnd #LondonTheatre #DisneyOnStage #TheatreRoyalDruryLane MusicalTheatre LondonEvents ClosingSoon
Tony, Emmy, and Grammy Award winner Ben Platt (Dear Evan Hansen, Parade) is set to make his Menier stage debut this summer. The acclaimed performer will star in the UK premiere of Midnight at The Never Get, a musical featuring book, music, and lyrics by Mark Sonnenblick.
Sonnenblick is a Golden Globe and Grammy Award winner, as well as an Academy Award nominee, known for works such as “Golden” and KPop Demon Hunters. This brand-new staging will be directed by Drama Desk and Tony Award winner David Cromer (The Band’s Visit).
The production is scheduled for a strictly limited season at the Menier Chocolate Factory. Performances will begin with previews on 11 July, ahead of an official opening night on 20 July. The run will conclude on 12 September.
While Platt’s involvement has been confirmed, full casting for the production is expected to be announced shortly.
Ticket Information Booking for the production opens next month:
2 March: Priority booking opens for supporters of the Menier Chocolate Factory.
11 March: Further priority booking opens
#BenPlatt #MenierChocolateFactory #London #Musical #MusicalTheatre
Hollywood star and musical theatre performer Cynthia Erivo took to the stage this weekend as the first preview of DRACULA opened in London's West End.
The production has released a first look image of Erivo in the titular role. This solo production sees Erivo play over 20 characters within the piece including the horrifying central protagonist.
#Dracula #cynthiaerivo #WestEnd #London
Exciting casting news has been announced for the upcoming UK revival of the cult classic musical Little Shop of Horrors. Directed and choreographed by Carrie-Anne Ingrouille, this highly anticipated production is set to open at Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester before transferring to the Liverpool Playhouse for the festive season.
The production will feature two different leading ladies taking on the iconic role of Audrey across the run – Maisie Smith will star as Audrey during the Manchester season, running from 25 September to 29 November 2026 and Jessie Elland will step into the role for the Liverpool engagement, running from 3 December 2026 to 9 January 2027.
Joining them on Skid Row is a talented company of stage favorites. Jed Berry is set to play the timid botanist Seymour, with Benjamin Yates taking on the role of the sadistic dentist, Orin Scrivello. Veteran actor Michael Starke will appear at both venues as the shop owner, Mr. Mushnik. Meanwhile, the voice of the man-eating plant, Audrey II, will be provided by Marcus Ayton. The famous trio of urchins will be played by: Psalms-Nissi Myers-Reid as Crystal, Gabrielle Davina Smith as Ronnette and Rio Maye as Chiffon Rounding out the company, the ensemble features Ella Howlett, Joseph Peacock, Nathen Scott, and Kai Cameron Jay.
Director Carrie-Anne Ingrouille leads a stellar creative team, including set and costume designer Morgan Large, musical supervisor and arranger Paul Schofield, lighting designer Rory Beaton, sound designer Kelsh Buckman Drage, and casting director Rob Kelly.
Featuring the beloved score by Alan Menken and book and lyrics by Howard Ashman, this revival marks two decades since the musical’s last West End run. It also arrives just in time to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the 1986 Frank Oz film adaptation.
Get ready to feel the fabulous! 👠✨
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is hitting the road for a massive 10th Anniversary Tour! It’s been a decade since Jamie New first stepped into the spotlight at the Sheffield Crucible, and we’re celebrating in style. 🌈✨
This isn't just a revival—it’s a celebration! To mark the milestone, the show will feature a brand-new song by the original creators, Dan Gillespie Sells and Tom MacRae. 🎵🔥
🗓️ The 2027 Tour Kick-Off:
Leeds Grand Theatre: 15–23 January (Opening Night!)
Chester Storyhouse: 26–30 January
Shrewsbury Theatre Severn: 2–6 February
Sunderland Empire: 9–13 February
Edinburgh Festival Theatre: 16–20 February
Plus: Sheffield, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow, Southampton & more to come! 📍
Why we love Jamie:
Inspired by a true story, this is the ultimate feel-good tale of a 16-year-old from Sheffield who overcomes prejudice to step out of the darkness and into the spotlight. 💃✨
As producer Nica Burns says, it’s a "heart-lifting true story" that has now conquered the world. Whether you’re seeing it for the first time or the tenth, get ready to laugh, cry, and dance in your seat! 👠👑
📢 Stay tuned for casting news and more dates!
#EverybodysTalkingAboutJamie #JamieMusical #Jamie10 #UKTour #MusicalTheatre
