Leeds Grand Theatre – until Saturday 16th May 2026

Reviewed by Adam Craddock

4****

On Monday Evening I had the pleasure of being invited along to the wonderful Leeds Grand Theatre to review the latest UK Tour of “2:22 – A Ghost Story”. I have never seen this play before and have done well to avoid any spoilers despite how well hyped and respected it is so needless to say I was very excited to see what this spooky night had in store for us all. The plot follows Sam, Lauren, Ben and Jenny, two couples having a dinner party for the first time in a new house. Sam and Jenny have recently had a baby but something is spooking Jenny and well… I’ll leave the rest for you to see yourself. No spoilers here!

James Bye plays Sam, the know it all and paranormal skeptic father of the baby. Bye really portrayed his character’s ark well, starting the show as the person I myself most resonated with but slowly spiralling into being more and more needlessly skeptic, almost making himself somewhat of an antagonist at times. Shvorne Marks plays Jenny, the wife of Sam and mother of his child. Marks really shone for me, with a lovely realism to her portrayal and you really felt for her through all the twists and turns. Natalie Casey plays Lauren, the borderline alcoholic old university friend of Sam come to visit him in his new home. Casey really brought some humour to an otherwise dark show, with her inebriated performance eliciting a chuckle on a few occasions but with a sense of trauma underneath. Finally, Grant Kilburn plays Ben, the new boyfriend of Lauren who has come to meet Sam and Jenny for the first time. I loved Kilburn’s portrayal which was grounded in real working class grit and his through line as a character was possibly my favourite. The overall direction and staging of the show was top notch. Bravo!

In terms of the set I really liked what they did but (without spoiling anything) I feel like more could be done with this, although it is hard to fully elaborate without spoiling the story. The sound design was great, building tension brilliantly however I feel that more variety could be done with the actual scares, by the fourth or fifth loud noise making you jump it starts to have a diminishing effect. The lighting design was great as well, my only note being that if possible the blackout could do with being slightly darker as seeing the flood of stagehands come on stage after a big scare slightly ruined the immersion, both myself and my partner commented on this afterwards.

Overall I had a brilliant night and I was thoroughly on the edge of my seat throughout. The story definitely did not go where I thought it would and I am very intrigued to watch it again now knowing the outcome. Get down to Leeds Grand Theatre before the tour departs this Saturday.

THE RECORD-BREAKING BOX OFFICE

SMASH HIT

RETURNS

FOR A NEW UK TOUR

OPENING AT THE

NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE

ON 10 MARCH 2027

Big night out. Big. HUGE. PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL returns for a major UK Tour. It’s time to head to Beverly Hills and experience one of Hollywood’s most iconic romantic comedies of all time as the production takes to the road again in 2027 following a record-breaking run in the West End and a sell-out first UK tour in 2023.

The tour will open at the New Wimbledon Theatre on 10 March 2027, before visiting Manchester, Milton Keynes, York, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Sunderland, Southampton, Hull, Stoke-on-Trent, Leeds, Oxford, Bristol, Liverpool, Nottingham, Woking and Aberdeen, with further venues and casting to be announced.

Vivian and Edward are unlikely soulmates who overcome all odds to find each other… and themselves. Experience the moments you love from the movie – and get to know these iconic characters in a whole new way – in this dazzlingly joyous love story for the ages.

Brought to life by a powerhouse creative team representing the best of music, Hollywood and Broadway, PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL features direction and choreography by two-time Tony Award® winner Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde, Hairspray), an original ‘blazing rock score’ (Daily Mail) score by Grammy® winner Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance (‘Summer of ’69’, ‘Heaven’) and a book by the movie’s legendary director Garry Marshall and screenwriter J.F. Lawton.

Featured in the musical is Roy Orbison and Bill Dee’s international smash hit song ‘Oh, Pretty Woman’ which inspired one of the most beloved romantic comedy films of all time. PRETTY WOMAN the film (produced by Arnon Milchan – New Regency Productions) was an international smash hit when it was released in 1990.

PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL has scenic design by David Rockwell, costumes by Tom Rogers from the original Broadway designs by Gregg Barnes, lighting design by Kenneth Posner and Philip S. Rosenberg, sound design by John Shivers, hair design by Josh Marquette, and music supervision, arrangements and orchestrations by Will Van Dyke. 101 Productions, Ltd/Kathy Kim are the Global General Management Consultant. Direction recreated by Dominic Shaw.

PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL had its world premiere at Chicago’s Oriental Theatre in March 2018 before transferring to Broadway where it ran at the Nederlander Theatre. The German production opened in Hamburg at the Stage Theater an der Elbe in September 2019 to rave reviews, and a US Tour of the show opened in October 2021. The production opened in the West End at the Piccadilly Theatre on 13 February 2020, before relocating to the Savoy Theatre from 8 July 2021, where it played its final performance on 18 June 2023, ahead of embarking on its first sell-out UK and Ireland tour in October 2023.

PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL is produced by ATG Productions, Paula Wagner, Nice Productions, LPO & Gavin Kalin Productions.

PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL

UK TOUR LISTINGS

WEDNESDAY 10 MARCH – SATURDAY 20 MARCH 2027

NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE

www.atgtickets.com/new-wimbledon-theatre

ON SALE 13 MAY 2026

TUESDAY 23 MARCH – SATURDAY 3 APRIL 2027

MANCHESTER PALACE THEATRE

www.atgtickets.com/opera-house-manchester

ON SALE 13 MAY 2026

TUESDAY 6 – SATURDAY 17 APRIL 2027

MILTON KEYNES THEATRE  

www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

ON SALE 13 MAY 2026

TUESDAY 20 APRIL – SATURDAY 1 MAY 2027

YORK, GRAND OPERA HOUSE

www.atgtickets.com/grand-opera-house-york

ON SALE 13 MAY 2026

TUESDAY 4 – SATURDAY 15 MAY 2027

BIRMINGHAM, THE ALEXANDRA

www.atgtickets.com/the-alexandra-theatre-birmingham

ON SALE 13 MAY 2026

TUESDAY 18 – SATURDAY 29 MAY 2027

GLASGOW, KING’S THEATRE

www.atgtickets.com/theatre-royal-glasgow

ON SALE 13 MAY 2026

TUESDAY  1 – SATURDAY 5 JUNE 2027

EDINBURGH PLAYHOUSE

www.atgtickets.com/edinburghplayhouse  

ON SALE 13 MAY 2026

TUESDAY  8 – SATURDAY 12 JUNE 2027

CARDIFF, WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE

www.wmc.org.uk

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 29 JUNE – SATURDAY 3 JULY 2027

SUNDERLAND EMPIRE

www.atgtickets.com/sunderland-empire

ON SALE 13 MAY 2026

TUESDAY 6 – SATURDAY 10 JULY 2027

SOUTHAMPTON MAYFLOWER THEATRE

www.mayflower.org.uk

ON SALE 13 MAY 2026

TUESDAY 13 – SATURDAY 17 JULY 2027

HULL NEW THEATRE

www.hulltheatres.co.uk

ON SALE 14 MAY 2026

TUESDAY 20 – SATURDAY 24 JULY 2027

STOKE REGENT THEATRE

www.atgtickets.com/regent-theatre

ON SALE 13 MAY 2026

TUESDAY 27 – SATURDAY 31 JULY 2027

LEEDS GRAND THEATRE

www.leedsheritagetheatres.com

ON SALE SOON

TUESDAY 10 – SATURDAY 14 AUGUST 2027

OXFORD, NEW THEATRE

www.atgtickets.com/new-theatre-oxford

ON SALE 13 MAY 2026

TUESDAY 17 – SATURDAY 28 AUGUST 2027

BRISTOL HIPPODROME

www.atgtickets.com/bristol-hippodrome

ON SALE 13 MAY 2026

TUESDAY 31 AUGUST – SATURDAY 11 SEPTEMBER 2027

LIVERPOOL EMPIRE

www.atgtickets.com/liverpool-empire

ON SALE 13 MAY 2026

TUESDAY 21 SEPTEMBER – SATURDAY 2 OCTOBER 2027

NOTTINGHAM, THEATRE ROYAL

www.trch.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 5 – SATURDAY 9 OCTOBER 2027

WOKING, NEW VICTORIA THEATRE

www.atgtickets.com/new-victoria-theatre

ON SALE 13 MAY 2026

TUESDAY 12 – SATURDAY 16 OCTOBER 2027

ABERDEEN, HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE

https://www.aberdeenperformingarts.com

ON SALE 21 MAY 2026

FURTHER VENUES TO BE ANNOUNCED

FULL CAST

ANNOUNCED FOR

20^th ANNIVERSARY TOUR OF

TONY & OLIVIER AWARD-WINNING

SMASH-HIT MUSICAL

JERSEY BOYS

The boys are back! The original Tony®-winning musical sensation JERSEY BOYS returns to the UK and Ireland for its 20^th Anniversary tour. The tour will open at New Wimbledon Theatre on 17 June 2026 and is booking through 2027, with further dates to be announced.

JERSEY BOYS is written byMarshall Brickman & Rick Elice, with music by Bob Gaudio and lyrics by Bob Crewe.

The tour boasts a richly international cast lead by Luke Baker (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Sheffield/West End; Billy Elliot, Curve Leicester) as Frankie Valli, Carlo Boumouglbay (Muriel’s Wedding, Curve Leicester; Miss Saigon, international tour) as Tommy DeVito, Lewis Kennedy (All male Pirates of Penzance, Wilton’s Music Hall) as Nick Massi, Toby Miles (Les Misérables, West End; School of Rock, international tour) as Bob Gaudio and Ellis Kirk (Dear Evan Hansen, West End/Asia tour) as Alternate Frankie Valli.

Also joining the 20^th Anniversary tour cast will be Aiden Carson (Stiletto, Charing Cross Theatre; Peter Pan, Nottingham Theatre Royal) as Joey, Artemis Chrisoulakis (SIX The Musical; Jersey Boys, NCL) as Francine, Sydnie Hocknell (Pretty Woman, UK & Ireland tour; Bonnie & Clyde, West End) as Mary Delgado, Michael Levi (Jersey Boys, UK tour; Kinky Boots, NCL) as Bob Crewe, Olivia Mitchell (Waitress, UK & International tour; Jersey Boys, NCL) as Lorraine, Jarryd Nurden (The Rocky Horror Show, UK tour; We Will Rock You, London Coliseum) as Hank Majewski, Oliver Tester (Jersey Boys, West End; Evita, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre) as Norm Waxman, Damien Winchester (Titanique, West End; Aladdin, UK tour) as Barry Belson and Fed Zanni (A View From The Bridge, West End; MAMMA MIA! The Party, London O2) as Gyp DeCarlo. The cast is completed by swings Scott Goncalves (Jersey Boys, NCL; The Legend of King Arthur, York Theatre Royal), Melissa Potts (Blood Brothers, UK tour; Wannabe, Edinburgh Fringe/UK tour), Zach Sorrow (The Sound of Music, Lyric Opera of Chicago; The Who’s Tommy, Goodman Theatre Chicago) and Joshua Spencer-Pepper (La Bayadere, WA Ballet Company; Jersey Boys, NCL).

Go behind the music and inside the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons in the true-life phenomenon, JERSEY BOYS. From the streets of New Jersey to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, this is the musical that’s too good to be true.

They were just four guys from Jersey, until they sang their very first note. They had a sound nobody had ever heard… and the radio just couldn’t get enough of. But while their harmonies were perfect on stage, off stage it was a very different story — a story that has made them an international sensation all over again. The show features all their hits, including Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Walk Like A Man, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Beggin’, Oh What a Night and more.

Recipient of Broadway’s Tony, London’s Olivier and Australia’s Helpmann Awards for Best New Musical, JERSEY BOYS is the winner of 65 major awards and has been seen by over 30 million people worldwide. 

JERSEY BOYS originally opened in New York on 6 November 2005 and, by the time it closed on 15 January 2017, it was the 12^th longest running show in Broadway history.  It returned to New York with a new production from November 2017 to May 2022. JERSEY BOYS has also had multiple record-breaking US National Tours.

JERSEY BOYS first ran in London’s West End from 18 March 2008 to 26 March 2017 – nine amazing years – and, at the time, was the 6^th longest musical running in the West End. The musical returned to the West End as the first show to play the reinstated Trafalgar Theatre from 14 April 2021 to 4 January 2024. JERSEY BOYS previously played three record-breaking UK and Ireland tours from 2014 to 2016, 2017 to 2019 and 2021 to 2022.

The JERSEY BOYS 20th Anniversary UK and Ireland tour is staged by the original Broadway creative team, led by the Tony Award-winning team of director Des McAnuff and choreographer Sergio Trujillo, with musical supervision, vocal arrangements & incidental music by Ron Melrose. Danny Austin is the associate director & choreographer, with scenic design by Klara Zieglerova, costume design by Jess Goldstein, lighting by Howell Binkley, sound by Steve Canyon Kennedy and projection design by Michael Clark. The orchestrations are by Steve Orich and casting is by Jill Green CDG. The associate UK musical supervisor is Ed Bussey, the musical director is Lauren Ronan, the resident director is Luke Zammit, and general management is by Dodgers UK Productions.

Website: JerseyBoysMusical.co.uk

Instagram: @JerseyBoysUK

TikTok: @JerseyBoysUK

Facebook: @JerseyBoysUK

2026/27 TOUR LISTINGS INFORMATION

17 – 27 June 2026                                 New Wimbledon Theatre

                                                            atgtickets.com/Wimbledon                    

30 June – 4 July2026                            Nottingham Royal Concert Hall             0115 989 5555

                                                            trch.co.uk                                            

6 – 11 July 2026                                    Bristol Hippodrome

                                                            atgtickets.com/bristol                           

20 July – 1 August 2026                         AlhambraTheatre Bradford

                                                            bradford-theatres.co.uk                        

3 – 8 August 2026                                 Llandudno Venue Cymru

                                                            venuecymru.co.uk                                

11 – 22 August 2026                              Cardiff Wales Millennium Centre

                                                            wmc.org.uk                                          

24 – 29 August 2026                              High Wycombe Swan Theatre

                                                            wycombeswan.co.uk                            

7 – 19 September 2026                          Manchester Palace Theatre

                                                            atgtickets.com/Manchester                   

28 September – 3 October 2026             Hull New Theatre                                   01482 300 306

                                                            hulltheatres.co.uk                                 

6 – 10 October 2026                              Aberdeen His Majesty’s Theatre

                                                            aberdeenperformingarts.com                

12 – 17 October 2026                            Edinburgh Playhouse

                                                            atgtickets.com/Edinburgh                     

26 – 31 October 2026                            Stoke Regent Theatre

                                                            atgtickets.com/stoke                            

2 – 21 November 2026                           Birmingham The Alexandra

                                                            atgtickets.com/Birmingham                   

23 – 28 November 2026                         Southampton Mayflower Theatre                      

                                                            mayflower.org.uk                                 

30 November – 5 December 2026          Eastbourne Congress Theatre

                                                            eastbournetheatres.co.uk                      

26 – 30 January 2027                            Oxford New Theatre

                                                            atgtickets.com/Oxford                          

2 – 13 February 2027                             Belfast Grand Opera House

                                                            goh.co.uk                                            

16 – 27 February 2027                           Glasgow King’s Theatre

                                                            atgtickets.com/Glasgow                       

15 – 27 March   2027                             Wolverhampton Grand                         01902 42 92 12

                                                            grandtheatre.co.uk                               

30 March – 3 April 2027                         Norwich Theatre Royal                         01603 630 000

                                                            norwichtheatre.org                                

5 – 10 April 2027                                   Canterbury Marlowe Theatre                 01227 787 787

                                                            marlowetheatre.com

13 – 24 April 2027                                 Leicester Curve                                    0116 242 3595

                                                            curveonline.co.uk                                 

26 April – 1 May 2027                            Woking New Victoria Theatre

                                                            atgtickets.com/new-victoria-theatre        

4 – 8 May 2027                                      Hall for Cornwall Truro                          01872 262 466

hallforcornwall.co.uk                                      

11 – 15 May 2027                                  Southend Cliffs Pavilion                       0343 310 0030

                                                            thecliffspavilion.co.uk                           

17 – 22 May 2027                                  Blackpool Opera House

                                                            wintergardensblackpool.co.uk               

25 May – 5 June 2027                            Sunderland Empire

                                                            atgtickets.com/sunderland-empire         

7 – 19 June 2027                                   Leeds Grand Theatre                             0113 243 0808

leedsheritagetheatres.com                    

22 June – 3 July 2027                            Sheffield Lyceum                                  0114 249 6000

sheffieldtheatres.co.uk                          On Sale Soon

5 – 17 July 2027                                    Milton Keynes Theatre

                                                            atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes                 

19 – 24 July 2027                                  Liverpool Empire Theatre

                                                            atgtickets.com/liverpool                        

Further dates to be announced

“It’s not just the best musical I’ve ever seen; it’s the most rewarding theatrical experience I’ve ever had”
Taffy Brodesser-Akner, The New York Times

“One of British theatre’s great success stories and is packing out theatres in the West End and on Broadway… both spiffingly funny, in a Monty Python-esque fashion, and really quite moving”Hugh Montgomery, Metro

“The West End hit is still the perfect mix of ingenious, silly and moving…With a new cast, the Olivier Award-winning musical about the wartime operation is as terrific as ever”Marianka Swain, The Telegraph

“The Brits have made the year’s funniest musical…Against the odds, the “Operation Mincemeat” gang has found its way to the big time.”Peter Marks, The Washington Post

“A little show with a very big future”David Benedict, Variety [2021]

138 ★★★★★ reviews and counting

Monday 11^th May – As the Olivier and Tony Award® winning musical, Operation Mincemeat, enters its fourth year in the West End, is in its 2^nd year on Broadway and journeys on the UK leg of a landmark global tour with a soon to start North American leg, its brand new cast members are set to take to the stage of London’s Fortune Theatre for the first time tonight.

Ahmed Hamad (Sunset Boulevard, Standing at the Sky’s Edge), Charlotte Fleming* (Mrs Doubtfire) and Colm Gleeson (The Play That Goes Wrong) are the newest recruits to the Operation Mincemeat principal cast. They are joined by the return of Chloë Hart, who continues her role for a third year, and Madeleine Jackson-Smith, who initially took a hiatus from her Musical Theatre MA at the Royal Academy of Music to join the production as a cover role in the multi-rolling ensemble now taking on a principal role. Jason Kajdi is joined by Amy Parker (13 Going on 30), Benjamin Durham (The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy) and Molly Cutter (NewsRevue), completing the fourth West End company.

*Charlotte Fleming bears no relation to Ian Fleming, though the coincidence is warmly welcomed by the production.

Operation Mincemeat is now playing simultaneously in London, where it enjoys its 18^th extension booking until 20^th February 2027, on tour across the UK and in New York, having confirmed its eighth extension at the John Golden Theatre, with performances now booking through 17^th January 2027.Earlier this year on 27^th February, the show sold its 1 millionth ticket. To celebrate the occasion, 5 Golden Tickets were given out to lucky winners on both sides of the Atlantic, awarding them free, unlimited access to Operation Mincemeat, anytime, anywhere in the world, for life.

Operation Mincemeat began as a tiny (and tiny-budgeted) production at the London Fringe New Diorama Theatre in 2019. The show quickly gained a devoted following, spurring sold-out runs at venues including Southwark Playhouse and Riverside Studios. It finally premiered in the West End on 9^th May 2023 at the Fortune Theatre, where it won the Olivier and WhatsOnstage Awards® for ‘Best New Musical’, alongside garnering 138 five-star reviews and counting, and has become the ‘Best reviewed show in West End history.’

In Operation Mincemeat, it’s 1943, and the Allied Forces are on the ropes. Luckily, they’ve got a trick up their sleeve. Well, not up their sleeve, per se, but rather inside the pocket of a stolen corpse. Equal parts farce, thriller, and Ian Fleming-style spy caper (with an assist from Mr. Fleming himself), Operation Mincemeat tells the wildly improbable and hilarious true story of the covert operation that turned the tide of WWII.

The production is directed by 2023 Olivier Award nominated  Robert Hastie (Standing at the Sky’s Edge, National Theatre – 2023 Best New Musical Olivier Award winner), following providing directorial support for the Riverside Studios run, while Olivier Award nominated Jenny Arnold (Jerry Springer: The Opera, National Theatre) continues as Choreographer. Also from Standing at the Sky’s Edge at the National Theatre on the creative team are: 2023 Olivier Award nominated  Ben Stones (Sylvia, The Old Vic) as Set and Costume Designer, Tony Award, six-time Olivier Award and Bafta Award winning Mark Henderson (Girl From the North Country, Broadway & Noël Coward Theatre) as Lighting Designer and Olivier Award winning Mike Walker (Jerry Springer: The Opera, National Theatre) as Sound Designer.  Grammy Award winning and Tony, Emmy & 2024 ‘Outstanding Musical Contribution’ Olivier Award nominated Steve Sidwell (Beautiful: The Musical, Broadway & Aldwych Theatre) is Orchestrator and Vocal Arranger, while 2024 ‘Outstanding Musical Contribution’ Olivier Award nominated Joe Bunker is Musical Supervisor and Ben Cox is Musical Director.  Amy Milburn is Associate Director and Paul Isaiah Isles is Associate Choreographer. Casting is by Pearson Casting. The extraordinary musical is written and composed by SpitLip – David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson and Zoë Roberts.

Since premiering at London’s New Diorama Theatre in 2019, the show been nominated for 68 awards and won 24, including Best Musical four times at the Olivier Awards®, WhatsOnStage Awards®, BroadwayWorld Theater Fans’ Choice Awards®, and Off West End Awards®. 

On Broadway, Jak Malone won the 2025 Tony Award® for Best Featured Actor in a Musical, having previously taken home the Olivier Award® for the same role in 2024. His breakout performance earned seven major accolades, including the Tony, Drama Desk®, Outer Critics Circle®, Drama League®, Theatre World®, BroadwayWorld®, and Dorian Theater Awards®. Meanwhile, SpitLip received nominations for Best Original Score and Best Book of a Musical from the Tony Awards®, Outer Critics Circle Awards®, Drama Desk Awards®, and BroadwayWorld Theater Fans’ Choice Awards®. 

Operation Mincemeat is produced in the West End, on tour, and on Broadway by Avalon (in association with SpitLip). The show was commissioned by New Diorama Theatre, co-commissioned by The Lowry, and also supported by the Rhinebeck Writers Retreat.

DIRECT FROM LONDON’S WEST END

IRVINE WELSH’S

TRAINSPOTTING THE MUSICAL

UK TOUR: 19 OCTOBER – 27 MARCH 2027

TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM TRAINSPOTTINGTHEMUSICAL.CO.UK

Thirty years on from the film that changed everything, and following its world premiere in London’s West End, Trainspotting The Musical will embark on a major UK tour opening at the Edinburgh Playhouse on 19 October. Written by Irvine Welsh (adapted from his best-selling debut novel) and directed and developed by Caroline Jay Ranger.

In 1996 the “breakthrough British film” (The Guardian) Trainspotting was released and became the biggest grossing UK film of the year taking over $76 million worldwide and won a slew of awards including a BAFTA for Best Screenplay. In 1999 it was ranked 10th in the British Film Institute’s ‘Top 100 Greatest British Films of the 20th Century’.

Now, three decades later, the industrial drug crazed working-class heroes of British youth culture are back, live on stage: Renton, Sick Boy, Begbie, Spud, Tommy and Kelly. Renton (played in the film by Ewan McGregor) will be played on stage by 26-year-old Scottish actor Robbie Scott. He will be joined by fellow Scots actors Sheridan Townsley as Sick Boy, Kieran Andrew as Spud, Frankie O’Connor as Begbie, Finlay Paul as Tommy, Rebecca McKinnis as Cathy Renton, Gordon Cooper as Davie Renton, Ashley J. Russell as Colleen, Rosie Dignan as Alison, Yana Harris as Kelly, and Sophie Hutchinson as Lizzie. The ensemble comprises Ally Kennard, Kieran Brown, Melanie Marshall, Lewis Kidd, Samuel Stewart, Finlay McKillop, Ciara Ennis, Victoria Nicol, Kyra Fyvie, and Chris O’Mara.

Irvine Welsh said: “I believe the musical has a bigger, loudly beating human heart than either the book or the film. People need to think about the world we’re living in, and we offer that inspection, but they also need to sing their hearts out and laugh their heads off. It’s what being human is all about. We’ve put together an incredible Scottish cast and I can’t wait to see them bring the musical to life.”

In 1996, CHOOSE LIFE sounded like a challenge. Now the landscape has shifted, but the hunger hasn’t. Addiction hasn’t disappeared – it’s shifted. It’s quieter now, more embedded. Less needle, more screen. Less escape, more repetition. The modern addiction to mobile phones, faces stuck to screens, the same restless search for something to fill the space.

Trainspotting The Musical highlights the world we see changing around us, the obscene concentration of wealth, economic and political power in the hands of so few people. It addresses the modern culture of powerlessness.

This isn’t nostalgia, it’s closer than that. The past isn’t revisited – it lingers. The musical doesn’t tidy it. It sits with it. Listens to it. And lets it sing. New songs (with music and lyrics by Stephen McGuinness and Irvine Welsh) in addition to some of the electrifying tracks from the original film that defined a generation.

Radical, invigorating and life-affirming, this provocative, unforgettable experience will have even the most sceptical leave on a consciousness-altering high.

Trainspotting is not just a show. It’s a moment. It’s a manifesto. It’s who we are.

CHOOSE LIFE.

Creative Team

Written by: Irvine Welsh

Director & Development: Caroline Jay Ranger

Music & Lyrics: Stephen McGuinness & Irvine Welsh

Set & Costume Designer: Colin Richmond

Musical Supervisor, Orchestrator & Music Director: Stuart Morley

Video Designer: Douglas O’Connell

Choreographer: Christina Andrea

Lighting Designer: Ian Scott

Sound Designer: Rory Madden for Sonalyst

Associate Director: Denise Ranger

Casting Director: Anne Vosser

Listings Information

Performances: Monday to Saturday at 7.30pm, matinees on Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm

Running Time: Two hours, including 20 minute interval

Age Guidance: 15+

Website: TrainspottingTheMusical.co.uk

Instagram: @Trainspottingthemusical

Facebook: /Trainspottingthemusical

TRAINSPOTTING THE MUSICAL 2026 / 2027 UK TOUR

19-24 October Edinburgh Playhouse On Sale 13 May

26-31 October Sheffield City Hall On Sale 11 May

2-7 November Manchester Palace Theatre On Sale 13 May

9-14 November York Opera House On Sale 13 May

16-21 November Hull New Theatre On Sale 11 May

23-28 November Ipswich Regent Theatre On Sale 11 May

30 November – 5 December Birmingham Alexandra Theatre On Sale 13 May

7-12 December Leeds Grand Theatre On Sale 11 May

14-19 December Blackpool Opera House On Sale 11 May

4-9 January Stoke Regent Theatre On Sale 13 May

11-16 January Aberdeen His Majesty’s On Sale 19 May

18-23 January Nottingham Theatre Royal On Sale 15 May

25-30 January Cardiff Wales Millennium Centre On Sale 15 May

1-6 February Southend Cliffs Pavilion On Sale 15 May

8-13 February Bradford Live On Sale 15 May

15-20 February Oxford New Theatre On Sale 11 May

22-27 February Sunderland Empire Theatre On Sale 13 May

1-6 March Dunfermline Alhambra Theatre On Sale 11 May

8-13 March Brighton Dome On Sale 11 May

15-20 March Glasgow Theatre Royal On Sale 13 May

22-27 March Edinburgh Playhouse On Sale 13 May

Union Theatre – until 8 May 2026

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

2**

Billed as part sci-fi glitch and part feminist riot, Flyology sadly doesn’t live up to either expectation.

The premise of Tamiko Dooley and Cathy Farmer’s new musical has enormous potential – it just needs a reboot to polish the book and decide exactly what Flyology 2.0 wants to be. At the moment, the sci-fi element feels like an idea that goes nowhere and the fierce feminists, despite the three talented actors belting their words brilliantly, are not loud enough in their deeds.

The villain of the piece is tech entrepreneur Callum (Charlie Renwick). The audience are watching a test of his AI system that will ensure order by erasing emotions and chaos, caused in Callum’s opinion by females. A glitch means that three of the great disrupters, Emmeline Pankhurst (Aishling Jones), Ethel Smyth (Ashleigh Cassidy) and Ada Lovelace (Meg Abbott) are pulled into the simulation and ruin Callum’s launch and vision.

For this idea to work, the three women should have an antagonist that is tech savvy and casually misogynistic rather than Callum’s manbaby personality. He rails against over-emotional women whist stamping his feet as things go awry, and is a cartoonish representation of fragile masculinity, with a side order of mummy AND daddy issues. I am not sure if the writers have young children and have watched a lot of GoJetters, but they have created the live action version of Grandmaster Glitch. Renwick makes the most of his comedic moments but Callum starts with the dial at eleven and has nowhere left to go throughout the show.

With such a pathetic specimen of male energy, the three women look strong just standing quietly. And that is a problem as there is not much representation of activism and making noise. Even the way they finally break the simulation is neither shocking nor meaningful. So much more could be included to make these characters powerful and dangerous. As the book stands, most mention of their feminist and intellectual activities is included as they are introduced and after perfunctory chat about rights and life expectations in their different time periods, they then proceed to wander about in the simulation until Edith has a brainwave to add chaos to disrupt the system.

While Cathy Farmer’s book needs an overhaul, the music and lyrics are more polished. Tamiko Dooley plays the piano to accompany her soaring melodies, with wonderful harmonies from the talented and committed cast, but perhaps the women could have more individual and recognisable musical themes running through their numbers rather than reprising lines.

At 90 minutes with an interval, there is scope for a deeper dive into what makes the women tick and it would be wonderful to see them ACTUALLY disrupting, rather than their presence simply being the problem. This feels exactly like Callum’s worldview, so may well be what the writers wanted to achieve, but these women should be making much more noise.

Arches Lane Theatre – until 9 May 2026

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

4****

I jumped at the chance to see this show again after 2 years – and it did not disappoint. Laura Mugford’s semi-autobiographic one-woman show is as entertaining and uplifting as ever.

With just a treadmill and a couple of boxes of props, Mugford takes us from the battle of Marathon, wondering what the ancient Greeks would make of 21st century athletes desperate to run in an event that killed the first runner, to pounding the streets of London in the race itself, taking time to hop off her treadmill and visit formative memories along the way.

Mugford describes herself as chronic in every way: a chronic planner, chronically early… and chronically ill, describing hospital visits with deadpan humour. Told to shield during Covid, a random challenge to run 5k from a housemate leads to her running for the first time since school, and the discovery of the freedom and calmness that can come from finding your rhythm. But she has always felt that she is running from the demons chasing her: memories of vindictive teachers and school bullies, the knowledge that her illness will flare up again and the self-doubt that these all cause.

Childhood flashbacks show an enthusiastic, imaginative girl whose confidence and energy are gradually eroded by hurtful comments and physical attacks and is labelled a troublemaker by school staff. The bullying, by Mrs C and the children, is written colourfully – brilliantly evoking an air of intimidation and unfairness. The description of hitting the wall running the marathon is also impressive, and the cathartic release when she breaks through the wall in her head, finally stopping looking back at her past but instead facing towards the future is still a glorious transformative moment.

26.2 Reasons to Stay Alive is warm, witty and inspirational, and this confident production marks Laura Mugford and Just a Regular House as names to watch out for in the future.

Kings Theatre, Portsmouth – until 9 May 2026

Reviewed by Emma Barnes

5*****

There is a certain kind of electricity that fills a theatre when a modern classic finally makes its local debut, and the atmosphere at Kings Theatre Portsmouth last night was no exception. If the opening night is anything to go by, local audiences are in for a treat: a beautifully told and wholly modern, relatable narrative.

At its heart, this is a story that speaks to us on so many levels. While it doesn’t shy away from “big” themes, such as the crushing weight of isolation, the tightrope of modern parenting, and the toxic speed of the online world, it ultimately emerges as a message of hope. It’s a poignant reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Visually, the production is brilliant. The video-walled set and intricate lighting are far more than just background dressing; they perfectly capture the suffocating pressure of social media. These “Big Screen” elements truly envelop the audience, creating a digital claustrophobia that makes Evan’s journey feel hauntingly immediate.

The casting is, quite simply, spot on. In a show that hinges on the teenage experience, it was wonderful to see these roles inhabited by such talented young performers; the result felt raw and, above all, authentic. The chemistry between the three boys, Evan (Christopher McCrohon), Connor (Cohen Bates), and Jared (Arthur Westmorland), is at the show’s heart. Their interactions are sharp, witty, and devastatingly real, building a believable foundation for the fallout of Connor’s death.

This core cast is bolstered by a superb supporting ensemble. Perfectly drilled, professional, and word-perfect, they provided a seamless backdrop that allowed the emotional beats of the story to truly land.

Christopher McCrohon is captivating as Evan. It is a role that is both emotionally and vocally demanding, yet he was magnificent, commanding the stage with conviction. He captured the character’s physicality perfectly; every twitch and stammer felt layered, leading up to those soaring, effortless vocal notes.

Musically, the evening provided frequent “goosebump” moments. Requiem was a haunting highlight, with perfectly balanced harmony from Zoe (Kaylah Valaydon), Cynthia (Kerry McCrohon), and Larry (John-Paul McCrohon). As Zoe, Kaylah Valaydon is a particular powerhouse; her voice has a delicate quality that masks a raw strength, cutting right through the silence of the auditorium. Then, of course, there is the iconic You Will Be Found. Serving as the first act’s finale, it was a soaring anthem that left the audience visibly moved and full of anticipation for the second half.

As the final notes faded, the standing ovation was well deserved. This is a compelling, moving piece of theatre that captures the very essence of shared humanity.

This is a limited run ending on Saturday 9th May, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. It is an amazing opening performance that will only grow in power as the week goes on. Get a ticket while you still can, because today, at least, you’ve been found.

EXCLUSIVE ON-STAGE TICKETS
NOW AVAILABLE AT £25

FOR THE LONDON PALLADIUM SUMMER SEASON

OF

TIM RICE AND ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER’S

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

PERFORMANCES BEGIN SATURDAY 20 JUNE AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM
london.jesuschristsuperstar.com
 

Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals is today thrilled to announce Jesus Christ Superstar will offer exclusive on-stage standing tickets for every performance. For the first time in The London Palladium’s history, audiences will stand at the heart of the action, immersed in the raw energy, power and spectacle of this legendary rock musical. These on-stage standing tickets place fans inside the story for an electrifying, up-close experience.

On-stage standing tickets will be £25 each and go on pre-sale to those aged 30 and under today (7 May), followed by general release tomorrow (8 May).

Jesus Christ Superstar will play from Saturday 20 June to Saturday 5 September 2026. Tickets are on sale at london.jesuschristsuperstar.com.

For full information on standing tickets please visit: london.jesuschristsuperstar.com/onstagestanding

Director Tim Sheader said:
“This isn’t just watching a story unfold; it’s being inside it. You’ll feel the heat of the lights, the pulse of the orchestra, and the energy of the performers. Ten years on from our original production, we wanted to find a way to bring people even closer to the pulsing heart of this piece – and there’s no more powerful place to experience it than from within the action itself.”

Joining Sam Ryder as Jesus in his stage debut, are Tyrone Huntley* who returns to his critically-acclaimed Olivier Award-nominated role of Judas Iscariot; Desmonda Cathabel as Mary Magdalene; David Thaxton as Pontius Pilate; six performers sharing the role of King Herod: Jesse Tyler Ferguson (20 Jun – 11 Jul); Simon Russell Beale (13 – 25 Jul); Richard Armitage (27 Jul – 1 Aug); Boy George (3 – 15 Aug, except 8 Aug); Layton Williams (17 – 29 Aug); and Julian Clary (31 Aug – 5 Sep 2026); Bob Harms (Pretty Woman) as Caiaphas; Matty J (Britain’s Got Talent) as Annas; Billy Nevers* (Hamilton) as Simon/Alternate Judas; and Phil King (Jane Eyre) as Peter.

The company is completed by: Koko Alexandra, Jasmine Jules Andrews, Courtney Arango, Amy Barker, Alistair Beattie, Daniel Bowskill, Jahlil M Burke, Martha Burton, Marcelo Cervone, Sarah Freer, Sebastian Goffin, Alexander Kranz, Owen Lloyd, Milo McCarthy, Dan Moore, Cherece Richards, Kyle Richardson, Olivia Saunders, Toyan Thomas-Browne, Charley Warburton, Lillie-Pearl Wildman.

Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic global phenomenon is directed by Tim Sheader with choreography by Olivier Award-winner Drew McOnie and design by Tony and Olivier Award-winner Tom Scutt. Reuniting the creative team of the 2016 production 10 years on to create a unique staging of their Olivier award-winning, worldwide smash-hit production. The production which was originally created and produced at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, will play a limited 11-week season at The London Palladium.

Jesus Christ Superstar follows the events of the last days of the life of Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’, ‘Gethsemane’ and the iconic title number ‘Superstar’.

Originally released as a concept album, Jesus Christ Superstar opened on Broadway in 1971, at the Mark Hellinger Theatre, where it was nominated for 5 Tony Awards including Best Original Score. The original London production ran for over eight years. By the time it closed, after 3,358 performances, it had become the longest-running musical in West End history at that time. 

Joining director Tim Sheader, choreographer Drew McOnie and designer Tom Scutt on the creative team are musical supervisor Tom Deering,lighting designer Lee Curran, sound designer Adam Fisher, wigs, hair and makeup designers Sam Cox & Maria Johal, fight director Kate Waters and casting directors Grindrod Burton Casting.

Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals’ recent productions include the smash hit double Olivier-Award winning Evita at The London Palladium last summer which transfers to Broadway in spring 2027, the seven-time Olivier-Award and three-time Tony-Award winning revival of SUNSET BLVD., and Starlight Express, which will embark on a World Tour in spring 2027 after recently concluding it’s London run. They have just opened CATS: The Jellicle Ball on Broadway to critical acclaim and nine Tony-Award nominations; and this summer bring a brand-new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s global sensation CATS to Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre ahead of a major UK Tour.

Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals presents the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production by arrangement with LW Entertainment. 

CAST CONFIRMED FOR 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL

UK TOUR

Cast are revealed for the upcoming UK tour of 9 to 5 The Musical, the ultimate feel-good musical comedy, opening at Peterborough’s New Theatre on 04 July. 

Bringing sass, style, and a whole lot of ‘Dolly’ sparkle, the talented line-up Includes: Jessica Martin (Me and My Girl, Adelphi Theatre / Jerry’s Girls, Menier Chocolate Factory) as Roz, Karla Tracey (Irish Affair; A Love Story for All Time,  National Opera House, Ireland) as Doralee, Kayla Carter (Military Wives, York Theatre Royal / I Should Be So Lucky, UK & Ireland Tour) as Judy, Tim Rogers (West Side Story, West End & UK Tour / Jesus Christ Superstar, UK & Europe Tour) as Hart and Jade Marvin (Starlight Express, Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre / Six ,NCL) as Violet. 

They appear alongside Sammy Graham (The Sound of Music, London Palladium) as Kathy, Ceris Hine (The Rocky Horror Show, UK Tour) as Margaret, Bradley Judge (Sister Act, West End & Uk Tour) as Dwayne / Detective /Tinsworthy, Benjamin Karran (Les Misérables, West End) as Joe, Colin Kiyani (Flashdance, UK & International Tour) as Bob / Dick / Doctor, Alicia Mencía (Moulin Rouge! The Musical, West End) as Maria, Rodney Vubya (Titanique, Criterion Theatre) as Josh, Jemima-Jane Willcox (Mary Poppins, UK and Ireland Tour) as Missy / Candystriper.  The ensemble includes Jamie Chidzey (Come From Away, Cunard) and Beth Woodcock (Bat Out of Hell, Uk Tour) and Ashley St John (Get Down Tonight, Charing Cross Theatre) who is also Dance Captain.

Playing the fiercely loyal, and slightly unhinged office manager Roz, Jessica Martin says: “I can’t wait to bring Roz out on tour in this hugely entertaining sharp, sassy and subversive show!  A tribute to the queen that is Dolly!” Tim Rogers as Franklin Hart Jr, the ‘boss you love to hate’, adds: “It’s going to be a blast!”

Inspired by the much-loved 1980s film, this is a joyful story about friendship, courage, and standing up for what’s right, all set to toe-tapping tunes you’ll be humming long after the curtain falls. Featuring an irresistible score by country music legend Dolly Parton, the smash-hit show follows three office workers who’ve had enough of their overbearing, chauvinistic boss. When a wild idea turns into a daring plan for revenge – chaos, comedy, and sisterhood take centre stage.

Produced by Landmark Theatres by arrangement with Music Theatre International, 9 to 5 The Musical marks a major milestone as Landmark’s first in-house production to tour nationally. It is Directed by Paul Jepson, with Set and Costume Design by Amanda Stoodley, Musical Supervision by Mark Crossland, Lighting Design by Andy Purves, Sound Design by Chris Whybrow, Assistant Direction by Sonny Nwachukwu.

Paul Jepson, CEO and Creative Director at Landmark Theatres said: “9 to 5 is a feel-good show with a big heart seen from the point of view of three strong women whose friendship comes to rule the office world.  Patriarchal male power behaviours are skewered.  But all the characters have heart and soul – and most of all dreams. Most of the witty dialogue is from the excellent Colin Higgins’s film – and there are banging numbers.  My favourites being Get Out Stay Out, Hart to Heart and One of the Boys.  I’m excited to be directing it and particularly excited that we will have our band on stage!”

This brand-new production opens at Peterborough New Theatre in July before touring to Barnstaple, Blackpool, Bridlington, Coventry, Darlington, Guildford, Hastings, Ipswich, and Worthing.

Lively, empowering, and outrageously funny, 9 to 5 The Musical is one night at the theatre you won’t want to miss! Clock in for a night of laughter and iconic songs and find out more at 9to5musical.co.uk