The Glasshouse Gateshead – Saturday 31st October 2026

Reviewed by Sandra Little

5*****

Legends in Vegas After Hours is undoubtedly a high octane, high energy experience full of glitz and glamour. The main stars of this production are professional dancers from past Strictly Come Dancing series including Brendan Cole, James Jordan, Pasha Kovalev, Vincent Simone and Ian Waite. However it must be said that the dancing from the female dancers accompanying the stars is equally professional and of an incredibly high standard.

The show includes some fabulous costumes with masses of sequins, glitter and glamour. It opens with a routine involving gorgeous pink costumes and huge feather fans. For other numbers the girls are seen wearing beautiful flowing gowns that enhance the elegant dance moves and other styles that highlighted the fantastic footwork.

As would be expected from such an incredibly talented team the dancing is amazing! To describe the performances as, “high energy” doesn’t come close! There are high kicks aplenty, some jaw dropping, heart stopping, acrobatics and a sprinkling of amazing lifts. There is a great variety of dance styles woven into this show, including foxtrot, jive, quick step and waltzes and these dances convey a range of emotions. There are some fun routines, some very tender emotional routines and others that are highly energetic and exciting. Accompanying the various dances we were treated to a broad range of musical styles including Moonlight Sonata, a medley of Frankie Valli hits, songs from Barry Manilow and various other well known tunes.

While I was watching this show I was wondering which dance and dancer would be my favourite but I soon decided that it would be impossible and unfair to choose a favourite. There was a great jive routine performed to the music of Tina Turner, and a beautiful dance which accompanied Elton John’s Your Song. Another stand out performance for me was the routine that accompanied Unchained Melody; this was like watching a very emotional ballet and was quite beautiful!

As would be expected the lighting for this show added to the glitzy glamorous feel and the changing backdrops enhanced the Vegas theme. Whilst the lighting was a significant part of the show it didn’t detract from the brilliant dancing.

If you are looking for a couple of hours of pure escapism from the daily troubles of the world then I would unreservedly recommend this show. It’s a two hour experience of pure joy where the daily grind of the real world is put on hold for a while! Such a delight!

This tour is visiting various locations and ends in Cardiff on 8th November.

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre – Sunday 1st November 2026

Reviewed by Rachel Clark

3***

The stage is dark with some bright lights that are quite intense, if you have migraines I would not recommend.

The music starts and the show brought together 17 classic hits of funk, jazz and hip-hop. The music being by James Brown, Sam Cooke and Etta James. The music does get you tapping to the rhythm and beat.

The show is all dance, no vocals, for me it was quite difficult to read the story that was trying to be told. It is about 7 characters and how their lives collide, the programme (which is impressive and looks like a vinyl LP record) provides the names of the characters but not sure why as such as no-one mentions names in the show and it is a story you have to try and work out, with romance, passion, let downs and friendships. The dance was energetic and I understand why the show is short due to the intensity, I just felt the moves where much the same.

A good show for dance enthusiasts. It saw short at only 1.30hrs including a 20 minute interval. Th costumes where very authentic, 1970’s.

What didn’t help with the atmosphere was that the theatre was very bare with very little audience to see the show.

NEW INTEL FROM MISCHIEF…

17 VENUES ANNOUNCED FOR FIRST EVER UK TOUR OF 

THE AWARD-WINNING WEST END SMASH HIT THE COMEDY ABOUT SPIES

MISCHIEF,the multi-award-winning team behind the global phenomenonThe Play That Goes Wrong,today announces full dates for its first ever UK tour of THE COMEDY ABOUT SPIES. Winner of the 2026 WhatsOnStage Awardfor Best New Play and nominated for anOlivier Award for Best New Entertainment or Comedy Play, THE COMEDY ABOUT SPIES follows two sold-out West End seasons as it heads out on a major national tour, opening at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre on Saturday 12 June and visiting a further 16 venues through to Saturday 9 October 2027. Tickets go on public sale from tomorrow.

THE COMEDY ABOUT SPIES first opened at the Noël Coward Theatre in London’s West End in April 2025, playing a limited season through to September, before returning for an eight-week run at the Adelphi Theatre from 1 August to 26 September 2026. 

When a rogue British agent steals plans for a top-secret weapon, CIA and KGB spies descend on London’s Piccadilly Hotel in pursuit of the elusive file. Enter a clueless young couple, a hapless actor angling for an exciting spy movie role, and enough double agents to confuse even the sharpest operative, in a mission that spirals hilariously out of control. This hilarious 1960s spy escapade is packed with bungled missions, tangled identities and catastrophic miscommunication.

MISCHIEF’s THE COMEDY ABOUT SPIES is written by original MISCHIEF members Henry Lewis and Henry Shields and directed by Matt DiCarlo. Set Design is by David Farley, Costume Design by Deborah Andrews, the Movement Director is Shelley Maxwell, Lighting Design is by Johanna Town and Sound Design and Composition is by Jon Fiber for Jollygoodtunes, Casting by Lucy Jenkins and Sooki McShane for Jenkins McShane Casting CDG. The Executive Producer is Jonathan Sayer. Presented by Kenny Wax and Stage Presence in association with Jo Danvers. Casting to be announced.

Henry Lewis says “We are so excited for THE COMEDY ABOUT SPIES to head out on tour and entertain audiences up and down the UK. We’re always looking to add new venues, so if you have a large front room please do get in touch.”

With over 12 years of bringing laughter to audiences around the world, MISCHIEF shows no signs of slowing down. The Olivier and Tony Award-winning hit, The Play That Goes Wrong is currently celebrating its 12^th year at London’s Duchess Theatre, making it the 4^th longest running play and the 20^th longest running show in West End history! Meanwhile, Christmas Carol Goes Wrong has returned on tour and will be back in the West End this Christmas, following last year’s sell-out success. The UK tour visits 12 cities with a six-week London season at the Wyndham’s Theatre. The production also makes its North American premiere at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles (12 Dec 2026 to 10 January 2027), reuniting the original cast. 

UK TOUR 2027

Sat 12 – Sat 19 June 

AYLESBURY Waterside Theatre (onsale 4 Nov)

Exchange St, Aylesbury HP20 1UG 

atgtickets.com/Aylesbury

Wed 23 – Sat 26 Jun   

SALFORD Lowry (onsale 6 Nov)

Pier 8, Salford Quays, Salford M50 3AZ

thelowry.com

Tue 29 Jun – Sat 3 Jul   

PLYMOUTH Theatre Royal (onsale 19 Nov)

Royal Parade, Plymouth PL1 2TR

theatreroyal.com

Tue 6 – Sat 10 Jul   

BIRMINGHAM Hippodrome (onsale soon)

South Side, Hurst St, Birmingham B5 4TB

birminghamhippodrome.com

Tue 13 – Sat 17 Jul   

GLASGOW Theatre Royal (onsale 4 Nov)

282 Hope St, Glasgow G2 3QA

atgtickets.com/Glasgow

Tue 20 – Sat 24 Jul   

CARDIFF Wales Millennium Centre (onsale 6 Nov)

Bute Place, Cardiff CF10 5AL

wmc.org.uk

Tue 27 – Sat 31 Jul   

EDINBURGH Festival Theatre (onsale soon)

13-29 Nicolson St, Edinburgh EH8 9FT

capitaltheatres.com

Tue 3 – Sat 7 Aug   

NEWCASTLE Theatre Royal (onsale soon)

100 Grey St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6BR

theatreroyal.co.uk

Tue 10 – Sat 14 Aug   

BRISTOL Hippodrome (onsale 4 Nov)

St Augustine’s Parade, Bristol, BS1 4UZ

atgtickets.com/Bristol

Tue 17 – Sat 21 Aug   

CANTERBURY Marlowe Theatre (onsale soon)

The Friars, Canterbury CT1 2AS

marlowetheatre.com

Tue 24 – Sat 28 Aug   

MILTON KEYNES Theatre (onsale 4 Nov)

500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes MK9 3NZ

atgtickets.com/MiltonKeynes

Tue 31 Aug – Sat 4 Sep   

NOTTINGHAM Theatre Royal (onsale soon)

Theatre Square, Nottingham NG1 5ND

trch.co.uk

Tue 7 – Sat 11 Sep   

NORWICH Theatre Royal (onsale soon)

Theatre St, Norwich NR2 1RL

norwichtheatre.org

Tue 14 – Sat 18 Sep   

LEEDS Grand Theatre (onsale soon)

New Briggate, Leeds LS1 6NU

leedsheritagetheatres.com

Tue 21 – Sat 25 Sep   

SHEFFIELD Lyceum Theatre (onsale soon)

55 Norfolk Street, Sheffield S1 1DA



sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

Tue 28 Sep – Sat 2 Oct   

WIMBLEDON New Wimbledon Theatre (onsale 4 Nov)

93 The Broadway, London SW19 1QG

atgtickets.com/Wimbledon

Tue 5 – Sat 9 Oct   

SOUTHAMPTON Mayflower Theatre (onsale 13 Nov)

Empire Lane, Southampton SO15 1AP

mayflower.org.uk

JORDAN LUKE GAGE’S

AWARD-WINNING NEW MUSICAL

TRANSFERS TO THE WEST END 

FROM 28 JANUARY FOR 12 WEEKS ONLY
THE CRITERION THEATRE 

Bill Kenwright Ltd and Paul Taylor-Mills are thrilled to announce that they are bringing Jordan Luke Gage’s new musical Redcliffe to the West End. The production will play the Criterion Theatre for 12 weeks only with performances from Thursday 28 January and press night on Thursday 4 February. Tickets go on sale at 12 noon on Thursday 5 November.

This “exquisitely moving musical” (Sunday Mirror)was first presented at the Turbine Theatre as part of MTFestUK 2024 followed by eight sold out performances of a workshop presentation at The Other Palace. MTFest is an annual festival workshopping and showcasing new musicals, produced by Paul Taylor-Mills and The Other Palace. 

The first full production was presented for a limited season at Southwark Playhouse this summer, garnering critical acclaim with WhatsOnStage calling it “a masterpiece of a musical” and The Guardianpraising the show as “charming, funny and devastating”.

Jordan’s work on Redcliffe was recognised at this year’s The Stage Debut Awards, where he won the award for Best Composer, Lyricist or Book Writer.

Jordan (Bonnie & Clyde, Heathers, &Juliet) will be reprising his acclaimed performance as William Critchard for the West End transfer. He commented:

“I am beyond thrilled that Redcliffe is transferring to the West End, giving us the chance to share this story with even more people. Our run at Southwark Playhouse was incredibly special, and the response deeply moving. I’m excited to build on that momentum, challenge perspectives, open hearts and spark meaningful conversations. The Criterion Theatre is the perfect home for Redcliffe, allowing us to expand the world we’ve created while preserving the intimacy and sense of community at the heart of the show.”

Jenny Seagrove, Chairperson of the Bill Kenwright Group, commented:

“We’ve been involved with Redcliffe since its very first presentation at our annual musical incubator, MTFest.Even in those early stages, it was clear that Jordan had created something truly special, and it has been a joy to watch the show evolve over the past two and a half years.

Redcliffe reflects our ongoing commitment to championing outstanding new writing alongside our portfolio of established titles. At a time when so many musicals are built around existing IP, what makes Redcliffe truly exciting is that Jordan has created an entirely original new musical. 

Redcliffe also reunites us with our Heathers co-producer, Paul Taylor-Mills, and we couldn’t be more delighted to be bringing this remarkable musical to the West End together. The Criterion Theatre, one of the West End’s most intimate venues, is the perfect place for audiences to experience the show’s heart, humour and emotional power up close. At Southwark Playhouse, people laughed, cried and embraced it wholeheartedly, and we can’t wait for West End audiences to do the same.”

Set against the backdrop of 18th century England, Redcliffe is inspired by the haunting love story of William Critchard and Richard Arnold in Redcliffe, Bristol. 

This epic tale of forbidden love is charming, funny and devastating as two men find love in a world determined to keep them apart. 

William, a man from humble beginnings, is swept up in a hurricane of passion and danger when he meets Richard, a sailor visiting the town. As suspicion grows and prejudice threatens to tear them apart, William and Richard must decide how much they are willing to risk for the chance to live – and love – freely.

Redcliffe is directed by Paul Foster with choreography by Emma Woods, set and lighting design by Andrew Exeter, costume design by Martin Hanly, musical supervision by Katy Richardson, associate musical supervisor and orchestrations by Ben Tomalin with additional orchestrations by Ben Ferguson, associate lighting designer is Matt Hockley and casting by Will Burton.

Further casting to be announced soon. 

WEST SIDE STORY GOES ON SALE

THIS LEGENDARY MUSICAL RETURNS TO THE STAGE FROM

5 NOVEMBER 2027 – 12 FEBRUARY 2028

THIS BOLD, BREATHTAKING NEW PRODUCTION IS DIRECTED BY MARIANNE ELLIOTT AND MIRANDA CROMWELL WITH
JEROME ROBBINS’ ORIGINAL CHOREOGRAPHY

TICKETS ON SALE FROM MIDDAY ON THURSDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2026

Next winter, the National Theatre will stage a major revival of the Broadway classic West Side Story which will run in the Olivier theatre from 5 November 2027 until 12 February 2028.  Conceived by Jerome Robbins (Gypsy) this bold, breathtaking new production will use his original choreography. The American masterpiece, with a book by Arthur Laurents (Gypsy), music by Leonard Bernstein (On the Town) andlyrics by Stephen Sondheim (Follies), will be co-directed by Marianne Elliott and Miranda Cromwell, reuniting after their award-winning production of Death of a Salesman (Young Vic/West End).  Robbins’ original choreography will be reproduced and adapted by Julio Monge, artistic collaborator and consultant on Steven Spielberg’s 2021 film adaptation.   

As part of the National Theatre’s commitment to making theatre accessible to younger audiences, 10,000 tickets for West Side Story will be reserved for under-25s, priced from £10-£30 across the run.  Tickets are on general sale from midday on 12 November 2026.  For further information visit nationaltheatre.org.uk.

Speaking about staging this major revival of West Side Story at the National Theatre, Indhu Rubasingham, Director and Co-Chief Executive of the National Theatre, said:

“It is a real honour to be staging this production of West Side Story.  It’s one of the most iconic musicals of all time and to have Marianne Elliott and Miranda Cromwell at the helm of this large-scale theatrical feat and, using Jerome Robbins’ original choreography, is thrilling.  We can’t wait to welcome audiences into the National Theatre next winter to enjoy this timeless spectacle of dance, music and drama and I’m especially delighted that we are able to offer 10,000 tickets for under-25s priced from £10 to £30, across the run, to ensure that younger audiences get the opportunity to witness this legendary show.”

A heady summer in New York. Two rival gangs, the Jets and the newly arrived Sharks, are locked in a fight for territory.

Caught in the crossfire, Tony and Maria are young, in love, and running out of time. As tensions rise in their neighbourhood, can their bond bridge the divide?

Joining co-directors, Marianne Elliott and Miranda Cromwell in the creative team will be set designer Miriam Buether; costume designer Nicky Gillibrand; choreography reproduced and adapted by Julio Monge; music director Nicholas Skilbeck; fight director Sam Lyon-Behan; intimacy director Ingrid Mackinnon, with casting by Bryony Jarvis-Taylor CDG and Naomi Downham.  Associates include associate director Mumba Dodwell, associate choreographer Luca Dinardo and associate music director Cat Beveridge.

Further creative team and casting to be announced.

‘Packs a considerable punch’ ★★★★The Guardian

Former child magician and current American comedian Josh Sharp returns to Soho Theatre with two Sam Pinkleton-directed hits in 2027

Interactive Fringe sell-out An Hour of Crowd Work in the Round lands in Soho Theatre Upstairs, ahead of PowerPoint heavy ta-da!’s one-night-only transfer to Soho Theatre Walthamstow

• Audience-focused An Hour of Crowd Work in the Roundplays Soho Theatre Upstairs, Tuesday 16 – Saturday 27 February 2027, 8.45pm
• PowerPoint presentation gone mad ta-da! transfers to Soho Theatre Walthamstow Saturday 6 March 2027, 7.30pm

Soho Theatre welcomes back Josh Sharp in 2027 with An Hour of Crowd Work in the Round, his sell-out 2026 Shedinburgh shows, to Soho Theatre Upstairs from 16 February, followed by a one-night-only performance of his acclaimed solo show ta-da! at Soho Theatre Walthamstow on 6 March.

An Hour of Crowd Work in the Round centres around one key question: what do you do for work? The show (or comedy experiment, of sorts) takes aim at crowd work as the most popular form of comedy to be fed on your phone. This one will not be filmed for clips, it is simply a chance to talk, and to enjoy the tautology of a comedian asking a room full of strangers about their jobs.

ta-da! transfers from Soho’s Main House to the 960-seat Soho Theatre Walthamstow for one night only, following its extended 2026 run marking Josh’s stellar UK debut. A one-man comedy show inside of a manic 2,000 slide PowerPoint. Expect dumb but erudite jokes and sad but sweet stories joined with the Herculean feat of stupidity that is memorising a slide every 2.1 seconds. At its core, the show is an exploration of mortality and identity, and across the hour, Josh will tackle the ridiculous and the profound: getting a hand job under a bridge, trying to be a teen magician while deeply closeted and the best way to come out (a bcc email).

Josh Sharp is a New York-based actor, writer and comedian. His solo show ta-da!, which he received a Drama Desk nomination for, ran at the Greenwich House Theater in NYC and the SoHo Theatre in London. He is one of the stars, writers, and executive producers of A24’s Dicks: The Musical. He has also appeared in The Opposition With Jordan Klepper (Comedy Central), Search Party (HBO), At Home With Amy Sedaris (TruTV), Matt Rogers: Have You Heard of Christmas? (Showtime), & The Iliza Shlesinger Sketch Show (Netflix), and has performed stand-up on 2 Dope Queens (HBO) & This Week At The Comedy Cellar (Comedy Central). He directed Michael Cruz Kayne’s Sorry For Your Loss at the Minetta Lane Theater. Josh was named one of Variety’s 10 Storytellers to Watch for 2025. 

Sam Pinkleton is a Tony Award-winning director, choreographer, and gay person. UK credits: Cole Escola’s Oh, Mary! (West End, Broadway, US tour; Tony Award for Best Direction of a Play), Ceilidh (Shoreditch Town Hall/Pitlochry Festival Theatre), Stephen Sondheim’s Here We Are(National Theatre). Sam also directed the current Broadway revival of The Rocky Horror Show at Studio 54, Morgan Bassichis’ Can I Be Frank?, You Will Get Sick (Roundabout), and Runaways (Public Theater/City Center). As choreographer: seven Broadway shows including Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 (Tony nomination). Film/TV: Dying for Sex, The End with Tilda Swinton. Upcoming: You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (City Center Encores!) and the 50th-anniversary Broadway revival of Annie.

Praise for ta-da!:

‘Miraculously brilliant.’ ★★★★★ Londonist
‘Honest, heartfelt and strikingly inventive.’ ★★★★★ Spy In The Stalls
‘A masterpiece production.’ ★★★★★ London Theatre 1
‘ta-da! is one of the most hilariously innovative and astutely performed solo comedy shows I’ve ever seen.’ ★★★★★ Theatermania
‘A true crowd pleaser.’ ★★★★ BroadwayWorld
‘An intricately structured piece about mortality, the self and embracing second chances.’ New York Times

Creative teams

An Hour of Crowd Work in the Round

Performer: Josh Sharp

Director: Sam Pinkleton

Producers: Carlee Briglia

ta-da!

Writer/performer: Josh Sharp

Director: Sam Pinkleton

Producers: Carlee Briglia & Mike Lavoie

Co-video design: Stivo Arnoczy

Magic: Skylar Fox

Incidental Music: Daniel Kluger

Key Artwork & Font Design: Teddy Blanks, CHIPS

Off-Broadway Set design: Meredith Ries

Off-Broadway Lighting design: Cha See

FIRST TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED FOR THE

WORLD PREMIERE OF THE STAGE PLAY ADAPTATION OF

LIONSGATE’S GLOBAL BLOCKBUSTER HIT,

THE HOUSEMAID

Based on Freida McFadden’s best-selling novel, the psychological thriller makes its stage debut in a gripping new production.

www.thehousemaidplay.com

Adapted by acclaimed stage and screen writer Bekah Brunstetter

(The Notebook; The Five-Star Weekend)

Directed by Matthew Dunster (2:22 A Ghost Story; The Hunger Games: On Stage)

Every house has its secrets. The question is: who holds the keys?

In collaboration with Lionsgate, production company Melting Pot, led by Simon Friend and Hanna Osmolska (Life of Pi, Paranormal Activity), today announced the first dates for a major new stage adaptation of The Housemaid, based on the Lionsgate film of the same name and Freida McFadden’s literary phenomenon. The seductive psychological thriller will be adapted for the stage by playwright and screenwriter Bekah Brunstetter (Tony Award® nominee for The Notebook; The Five-Star Weekend) and directed by Tony Award® and Olivier Award nominee Matthew Dunster (2:22 A Ghost Story; The Hunger Games: On Stage). The tour opens at London’s Richmond Theatre on 14 September, 2027.

Lionsgate’s December 2025 big-screen release of The Housemaid was a box office hit,grossing over $400 million worldwide. Directed by Paul Feig from a screenplay by Rebecca Sonnenshine and based on the book by Freida McFadden, the film was produced by Todd Lieberman, p.g.a., Laura Fischer, p.g.a. and Feig. The live stage production marks the latest step in the studio’s continued expansion of The Housemaid franchise, as the sequel The Housemaid’s Secret is in production and is set for a global theatrical release on 17 December, 2027.

Tony Award® nominee Bekah Brunstetter will write the play; she earned a Tony Award® nomination for her work on the book for the Broadway musical The Notebook. Last year, her play Mother’s Day debuted as part of the DNA New Works Program at La Jolla Playhouse. Her play The Cake has been produced more than 100 times globally. Brunstetter also created the television series The Five-Star Weekend, starring Jennifer Garner and Regina Hall, and her television work includes American Gods, This Is Us, and Maid, for which she won a Writers Guild of America Award. 

Matthew Dunster is a theatre and film director and writer. Previously an actor, he has directed or written over sixty theatre shows, often with major national companies (including Royal Shakespeare Company, National Theatre, Royal Court, Young Vic, Royal Exchange, Shakespeare’s Globe and The Bridge), as well as directing on the West End, Broadway and internationally. He has been the Associate Director of The Young Vic and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Theatre credits include: 2:22 A Ghost Story, which ran in the West End for 694 performances; Shirley Valentine and The Pillowman (The Duke of Yorks); The Homecoming (Young Vic); Dealer’s Choice (The Donmar); and The Hunger Games: On Stage (Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre). Dunster has been nominated for four Olivier Awards, and his Broadway production of Hangmen was nominated for five Tony Awards®.

Freida McFadden is a bestselling American author known for her gripping psychological thrillers and medical-themed suspense novels. With multiple bestsellers to her name, McFadden has solidified herself as a master of domestic thrillers. McFadden gained widespread recognition with her hit novel The Housemaid (2022), which became a viral sensation, leading to two sequels: The Housemaid’s Secret (2023) and The Housemaid Is Watching (2024).

McFadden’s work has been selected as one of Amazon Editors’ best books of the year; she is the winner of the International Thriller Writers Award for Best Paperback, and she is a Goodreads Choice Award winner. Beyond her literary successes, McFadden has been lauded for her contributions to literature, with her novels consistently appearing as #1 on bestseller lists (The New York Times, Amazon Charts, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The Sunday Times, and Publishers Weekly), earning praise from both critics and readers alike. To date, her novels have been translated into more than 45 languages.

“With the stage play debuting next year and our sequel film in production, the momentum behind The Housemaid franchise continues to grow,” said Jenefer Brown, Lionsgate’s President, Global Products & Experiences. “We’re thrilled to work with Simon, Hanna, Bekah and Matthew to bring this story to the stage in an entirely new way, giving audiences the chance to experience its suspense, twists and turns live.”

Producer, Simon Friend of Melting Pot continues: “Bekah’s adaptation of The Housemaid is exactly what we’d hoped for – a fresh and uniquely theatrical take on this wildly popular story, and made with Matthew Dunster’s vision, it will certainly bring a thrilling new dimension to the franchise.”

The Housemaid stage adaptation is produced by Simon Friend and Hanna Osmolska for Melting Pot in association with Lionsgate.

®, ™ & © 2026 Lions Gate Entertainment Inc. and related companies.  All Rights Reserved.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehousemaidplay

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61592672582052

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehousemaidplay

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHousemaidPlay

The Housemaid 2027/2028 Tour

Richmond, Richmond Theatre

www.atgtickets.com/venues/richmond-theatre

Tuesday 14 – Saturday 18 September 2027

On sale 6 November 2026

Birmingham, Alexandra Theatre

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

Tuesday 21 – Saturday 25 September 2027

On sale 6 November 2026

Malvern, Malvern Theatres

Tuesday 28 September – Saturday 2 October 2027

www.malvern-theatres.co.uk

On sale 2 November 2026

Brighton, Theatre Royal

Tuesday 5 – Saturday 9 October 2027

www.atgtickets.com/venues/theatre-royal-brighton/

On sale 6 November 2026

Cheltenham, Everyman Theatre

Tuesday 12 – Saturday 18 October 2027

www.everymantheatre.org.uk

On sale 29 September 2026

Edinburgh, Festival Theatre

Tuesday 19 – Saturday 23 October 2027

https://www.capitaltheatres.com/our-venues/festival-theatre/

On sale 17 November

Cambridge, Arts Theatre

Tuesday 26 – Saturday 30 October 2027

https://www.artstheatre.co.uk

On sale soon

Bromley, Churchill Theatre

Tuesday 2 – Saturday 6 November 2027

https://trafalgartickets.com/churchill-theatre-bromley

On sale 6 November 2026

Cardiff, New Theatre

Tuesday 9 – Saturday 13 November 2027

www.trafalgartickets.com/new-theatre-cardiff

On sale 6 November 2026

Aylesbury, Waterside Theatre

Tuesday 16 – Saturday 20 November 2027

https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/aylesbury-waterside-theatre

On sale 6 November 2026

York, Opera House

Tuesday 23 – Saturday 27 November 2027

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

On sale 6 November 2026

Southend, Palace Theatre

Tuesday 30 November – Saturday 4 December 2027

https://trafalgartickets.com/southend-theatres

On sale 6 November 2026

Norwich, Theatre Royal

Tuesday 11 – Saturday 15 January 2028

www.norwichtheatre.org

On sale soon

Glasgow, Theatre Royal

17-Jan Tuesday 18 – Saturday 22 January 2028

www.atgtickets.com/venues/theatre-royal-glasgow

On sale 6 November 2026

Shrewsbury, Theatre Severn

Tuesday 25 – Saturday 29 January 2028

https://www.theatresevern.co.uk/

On sale soon

Salford, The Lowry

Tuesday 1 – Saturday 5 February 2028

www.thelowry.com

On sale soon

Woking, Woking Theatre

Tuesday 29 February – Saturday 4 March 2028

https://www.wokingtheatre.co.uk

On sale 6 November 2026

Milton Keynes, Milton Keynes Theatre

Tuesday 25 – Saturday 29 April 2028

https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/milton-keynes-theatre

On sale 6 November 2026

HOSTS ANNOUNCED FOR THE 27TH ANNUAL WHATSONSTAGE AWARDS

IN ASSOCIATION WITH AUDIENCEVIEW

WhatsOnStage today announces the duo fronting the 27th Annual WhatsOnStage Awards, in association with AudienceView. The event will return to The London Palladium for the fourth year in 2027.

Taking place at 6.30pm on Sunday 28 February 2027, the awards will be hosted for a third consecutive year by Mazz Murray and Gina Murray, revealed today in a Traitors-style skit on the WhatsOnStage channels. The evening will see winners crowned across a variety of categories. Theatregoers can expect a starry line-up of exclusive live performances from leading stage talent. Now in their 27th year, the WhatsOnStage Awards are the only major theatre awards decided by the theatregoers themselves. 

WhatsOnStage’s Darius Thompson and Alex Wood said today: “Mazz and Gina had The Palladium audience in the palm of their hands for this year’s awards, so it was a no-brainer to bring them back for an unprecedented third appearance. With nominations opening this week and so many top-quality productions eligible, we’re already very excited for what next February might bring.”

Nominations for performance and show categories will open this Thursday, 5 November, on the WhatsOnStage website, and run through to 24 November 2026. Shortlisted nominees will then be announced on 10 December 2026 ahead of a nominee celebration event in January 2027.

The event is supported by a wide range of partners across the theatre industry and beyond, including Platinum Partners Disney Theatrical, Preevue, SINE Digital, and Travelzoo, alongside Official Hotel Partner The Londoner, Celebration Partner Sipsmith London, Official Drama Training Partner ArtsEd, Charity Partner Go Live Theatre, and Partnerships Consultancy House of Kais.

They are joined by AKA, ANRPR, Blackout,Concord, Dewynters, Gascoyne London, John Good Ltd, John Henry’s, Newman’s Displays, PRG, ROYO, Stagedoor Rewards, Tandem Marketing, Theatre Tokens, Theatrical Rights Worldwide, Ticketmaster, Trafalgar Entertainment, and White Light.

www.whatsonstage.com/guide/the-whatsonstage-awards/

lwtheatres.co.uk 

Instagram and TikTok: @WhatsOnStage

X: @WhatsOnStage #WOSAwards

Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham – until 1st November 2026

Reviewed by Emma Millward

5*****

Written and directed by James Edge, with William Spencer as co-director and choreographer, I Screamed a Scream has returned to The Old Joint Stock Theatre, delivering another entertaining evening of musical theatre villainy to the intimate Birmingham venue. This celebration of the darker side of musical theatre features songs from some familiar shows, alongside a few less obvious choices that may surprise audiences or even prove to be a little controversial!

Joined by Carolyn Maitland, Dee Oliviero and Krish Parthiban, Edge also hosts the evening, guiding the audience through a varied programme celebrating the villains, rogues and questionable characters of musical theatre. There are mash-ups, unexpected combinations and even a brand-new original song told from the perspective of an unlikely victim of Les Misérables. Let’s just say they are a rather crusty French character with a surprisingly dramatic and carby side (you’ll understand when you see the show!).

The four performers each bring something different to the evening, with excellent vocals and plenty of personality. Maitland’s voice is crystal clear and gorgeous throughout, while Oliviero impresses with her vocal power, which at times feels almost too big for such an intimate space. Parthiban may initially come across as the quieter member of the group, but his powerful vocals are quite remarkable, particularly for someone so young. Meanwhile, Edge keeps everything moving as host, bringing plenty of character to the proceedings and showing he is just as happy to be part of the musical fun as he is to lead it. Both Oliviero and Parthiban are recent graduates, and it is exciting to discover emerging performers who are clearly going places.

One of the evening’s highlights is Loud from Matilda, as Edge and Maitland battle for the spotlight in blue sequin outfits. Their determination to outshine one another makes for a wonderfully entertaining number, with both performers throwing themselves into the fun.

Musical director Callum Thompson also plays a larger role this year. While accompanying the performers from behind the piano, his backing vocals add an often humorous dimension to several numbers. His solo performance of Herod’s Song was a real treat. 

The audience also gets the chance to join in, with a group participation moment during a song from Chicago ensuring that everyone ‘had it coming’. Songs from Mean Girls, The Little Mermaid and Waitress make an appearance, alongside a medley that squeezes in all the songs that could not quite fit into the already packed two-hour show.

One of the joys of I Screamed a Scream is that, alongside the familiar favourites, there is always the chance to discover something new. This time, that came in the form of The Ballad of Sara Berry from 35mm, a darkly comic number telling the story of a popular high-school girl whose ambitions to become Prom Queen take a murderous turn.

This is my second time seeing I Screamed a Scream, and it is a real testament to the team behind it and their obvious love of all things musical theatre that each show feels just as fresh and enjoyable as the last. There is always something unexpected to discover, making it a show you can happily return to each year. 

Dark, dazzling and devilishly entertaining.

Petersfield Festival Hall – until 31^st October  2026

Reviewed by Heather Chalkley 

3*** 

Stage One Youth Theatre have pulled it off once again, taking on a challenging and huge production. This modern day take on Alice Through the Looking Glass will take you by surprise! Director Paul Clements has played to the strengths of his talented cast of young people, bringing powerhouse singers into the spotlight and pulling together a tight knit band of over 50 players.  

This is a lot of fun to watch and you can see the cast are having a great time too! Nerves kick in a little at the beginning with the speed of dialogue sometimes taking away from the delivery. However, once they settle, you have time to catch up with the story. And what a storyline! You definitely need to read the synopsis beforehand, to keep up and appreciate some of the nuances. 

Lucy Mengham (Alice) has an expressive, dynamic singing voice that will give you goosebumps. She kept the story on track with confidence and assurity. 

Tori Clark gives a whole new dimension to The Mad Hatter, with powerful vocals and facial expressions that convey a thousand words. Clark really lives the part! 

Isaac Buckeridge (White Knight) reminds you of Buzz Light Year from Toy Story, creating humour in his earnest honesty. The energy of his band of white knights brings boy band overtures to make you laugh out loud. 

Mad Hatter’s side kick, Lizzie Codling (Morris) delivers her lines with a dark and playful tone that keeps the humour bubbling. Daisy Althorpe is a believable young Alice, holding her own in some big scenes. The Caterpillar’s (Fraser Ndahiro and ensemble) first entrance is a delight and makes you smile – he plays it really cool! The caricatures of White Rabbit (Jasmine Evans) and Queen of Hearts (Abigail Tyler) are true to the original story and bring it into focus. Evans and Tyler embody their characters perfectly. 

Choreographer Helen Wallis is to be commended for understanding what is needed to achieve the impact of each scene, bringing the ensemble together as one unit. The visual impression of the set and costumes is magical, with many folktale characters in the ensemble beautifully attired in theatrical style.  Musical Director Harry Wells and the live band really bring it home. The use of digital screens takes the performance to a new level, giving the whole experience an unexpected professional impact.  

This is youth theatre at its best! This is a show to bring your family to for an early Christmas treat.