STAR LINE UP OF KING HERODS ANNOUNCED FOR TIM RICE AND ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER’S

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
AT THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE 

MATT BOMER (16 – 31 Oct)
ROB BRYDON (2 – 7 Nov)
REECE SHEARSMITH (9 – 14 Nov)
BOB THE DRAG QUEEN (16 – 21 Nov)
MICHAEL BALL (23 Nov – 5 Dec)
SIMON RUSSELL BEALE (7 – 12 Dec)
OMID DJALILI (14 – 19 Dec)
LAYTON WILLIAMS (21 Dec – 2 Jan)

Joining Sam Ryder as Jesus
for a strictly limited season at Theatre Royal Drury Lane from
Friday 16 October 2026 to Saturday 9 January 2027

following summer season at The London Palladium from
Saturday 20 June to Saturday 5 September 2026

london.jesuschristsuperstar.com

Friday 19 June, London, 2pm: Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals is today thrilled to announce further casting for Jesus Christ Superstar at Theatre Royal Drury Lane this autumn. Joining Sam Ryder as Jesus are an all-star line-up of King Herods. They are Matt Bomer from 16 – 31 October; Rob Brydon from 2 – 7 November; Reece Shearsmith from 9 – 14 November; Bob The Drag Queen from 16 – 21 November; Michael Ball from 23 November – 5 December; Simon Russell Beale from 7 – 12 December; Omid Djalili from 14 – 19 December; and Layton Williams from 21 December 2026 to 2 January 2027, who returns to the stage having played 2 weeks at The London Palladium in August. One final King is to be announced for the final week of performances (4 to 9 January 2027).

Jesus Christ Superstar begins preview performances at The London Palladium this week and plays for 11 weeks from Saturday 20 June to Saturday 5 September 2026 with an opening night scheduled for 7 July. The production has extended performances for a limited 12-week engagement at Theatre Royal Drury Lane from Friday 16 October 2026 to Saturday 9 January 2027. Tickets are available via london.jesuschristsuperstar.com.

Matt Bomer is a Golden Globe Award-winning, Emmy Award-nominated actor. He is known for his role as charismatic con artist Neal Caffrey in the hit series White Collar, and for his acclaimed performance in Fellow Travelers. His theatre work includes the Broadway production of The Boys in the Band. Jesus Christ Superstar marks Bomer’s West End debut. 

Rob Brydon MBE is an Award-winning actor, comedian and presenter. He is best known for his role as Uncle Bryn in Gavin and Stacey and as host of the comedy panel show Would I Lie to You? He has also starred alongside Steve Coogan in the celebrated series The Trip.

Reece Shearsmith is a BAFTA Award-winning actor, writer and comedian, best known as a member of The League of Gentlemen. He co-created and starred in Psychoville and the nine-series BAFTA Award-winning anthology Inside No. 9. His stage credits include Ghost Stories and the stage adaptation of Inside No. 9 – Stage/Fright.

Bob The Drag Queen / Caldwell Tidicue is an Award-winning comedian, actor and drag performer. Best known for winning Season 8 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, where he was crowned America’s Next Drag Superstar. He co-hosts HBO’s We’re Here and the acclaimed podcast Sibling Rivalry with Monét X Change. Bob made his Broadway debut earlier this year as Harold Zidler in Moulin Rouge! The Musical.

Michael Ball OBE is a double Olivier Award-winning singer, actor and broadcaster. He won the Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his performances as Edna Turnblad in Hairspray and in the title role of Sweeney Todd. He originated the role of Marius in Les Misérables and Alex in Aspects of Love, the latter of which he also performed on Broadway.

Sir Simon Russell Beale is one of the UK’s most distinguished actors, with three Olivier Awards, two BAFTAs, one Tony Award and a knighthood for services to drama to his name. His screen work includes: The Death of Stalin, Mary Queen of Scots and The Choral.

Omid Djalili is an Award-winning comedian and actor. His film credits include Gladiator, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again and The Mummy. His theatre work includes starring as Fagin in Oliver! at Theatre Royal Drury Lane. 

Layton Williams is an Olivier Award-winning and Tony Award-nominated actor, singer and dancer, celebrated for his performances in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Cabaret and Titanique, the latter earning him an Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical in 2025 and a Tony Award-nomination in 2026. He is also widely known for reaching the final of Strictly Come Dancing and for his role as Stephen in TV series Bad Education.

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. This reunites 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 followed by a 12-week season at Theatre Royal Drury Lane.

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 an album, Jesus Christ Superstar opened on Broadway in 1971, at the Mark Hellinger Theatre, where it was nominated for five 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. 

Sam Ryder’s brand-new recordings of Gethsemane and What’s The Buzz? are now available to listen to on all streaming platforms. With lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, the record was produced by music legend Fraser T. Smith (Adele, Raye, Dave) alongside Andrew Lloyd Webber and Sam Ryder, recorded live to tape at British Grove Studios earlier this year.

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 the award-winning Starlight Express, which will embark on a World Tour in spring 2027 after recently concluding its London run. They have just opened CATS: The Jellicle Ball on Broadway to huge critical acclaim and three Tony-Award wins; 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. 

EUROPEAN PREMIERE OF NEW MUSICAL

“PRIVATE JONES”

TO RUN AT

SOUTHWARK PLAYHOUSE ELEPHANT

FOR A LIMITED ENGAGEMENT FROM

14 DECEMBER 2026 – 30 JANUARY 2027

Seth A. Goldstein and Isaac Robert Hurwitz of Hugo Six in association with Thomas Hopkins Productions are delighted to announce that the European Premiere production of new musical PRIVATE JONES will run at Southwark Playhouse Elephant from 14 December 2026 – 30 January 2027 with a national press night on 17 December 2026.

Tickets on sale now.Casting to be announced.

PRIVATE JONES is a thrillingly theatrical, completely original new musical set in WW1 about the journeys that transform us and the friendships that remind us we’re not meant to go it alone. 

Gomer Jones is restless to find where he belongs, but the recent loss of his hearing has left him feeling shut out of the world he longs to join. Amid a company of misfit young men, he becomes an unlikely hero, only to discover that the prize he’s been chasing may not be the one that matters. 

A coming-of-age story told with grit, heart, and a touch of irreverence, PRIVATE JONES is written and directed by acclaimed creative, Marshall Pailet (Marcel and the Train, Who’s Your Baghdaddy), with choreography by Misha Shields (Who’s Your Baghdaddy); artistic sign language direction by Alexandria Wailes (CODA film); music direction by Máth Roberts (Merrily We Roll Along, Oxford Playhouse); set design by Anna Kelsey (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Ambassadors Theatre); lighting design by Tim Deiling (Ride The Cyclone, Southwark Playhouse Elephant); sound design by Yvonne Gilbert (The Code, Southwark Playhouse Elephant); video design by Ben Glover (Little Shop of Horrors, Northern Stage and Derby Theatre); associate direction by Alice Eklund (The Last Five Years, Porters Theatre Cardiff); casting direction by Rob Kelly (Hadestown, Lyric Theatre West End); BSL direction by Daryl Jackson (The Rule And The Exception, Young Vic); Welsh language consultancy by Lowri Morgan (S4C presenter); music consultancy by Myrna Conn (Death Becomes Her, Broadway); production management by Sam Kelly (Manic Street Creature, Kiln Theatre) and dramaturgy Jac Moore (Associate Director of New Work Development at The Public Theater).

The production, which weaves together sign language, live captioning, a Foley soundscape, and a sweeping original score, will feature a cast of hearing, hard-of-hearing, and deaf performers – to be announced

Marshall Pailet said “Private Jones is a full-hearted, heart-pounding, and hopefully pretty funny story about valuing life inside a world where lives are stripped for value. It has been the joy of my life to collaborate with so many talented and passionate artists in its creation, especially Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Welsh-speaking artists, in the attempt to create a storytelling that feels authentic in its use of language and representation of culture, and one that is fully accessible to all audiences. Every time I spend time with it, it fills my heart, breaks it a little bit, then puts it back together stronger. I hope you love it as much as I do. And if you don’t, please tell my bubby you loved it, I’m still trying to convince her I can do this for a living.”

PRIVATE JONES has been in development since 2021 and was first presented in October 2023 at Goodspeed Musicals in Chester, Connecticut. The February 2024 World Premiere production at Signature Theatre in Arlington, Virgina won four Helen Hayes Awards including Outstanding New Musical. The musical has since been reworked with consultation and input from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff, Wales where it was workshopped in 2025.

PRIVATE JONES is produced by Hugo Six in association with Thomas Hopkins Productions.

Website: privatejonesmusical.com

Instagram: @privatejonesmusical

TikTok: @privatejonesmusical

Facebook: @privatejonesmusical

X: @privatejmusical

LISTINGS INFORMATION

PRIVATE JONES

14 December 2026 – 30 January 2027

Preview performances 14 – 16 December

Southwark Playhouse Elephant

1 Dante Place,

London,

SE11 4RX

How to get to Elephant Venue: the nearest stations are Elephant & Castle and Kennington.

Performances:

Monday – Saturday 7pm

Thursday & Saturday 2.30pm

Please note there will be no performances on the Thursday 24 December, Friday 25 December, Thursday 31 December & Friday 1 January. Additional performances are available on Tuesday 22 December, Wednesday 23 December, Tuesday 29 December, Wednesday 30 December & Tuesday 05 January at 2:30pm.

Captioned performance – Open captions are available at every performance

Running time: 2 hours and 30 minutes including 15-minute interval

Age guidance: 15+

Content Guidance: This show is recommended for mature teens and up and has strong language, derogatory and ableist terms, gunshot/explosive sounds, depictions of war and death, harm to animals and will use strobe lights and theatrical haze.

Box Office

020 7407 0234

Box Office opens Mon – Sat, 10am – 6pm.

Tickets

Off Peak Standard tickets from £20 | Off Peak Concession tickets £16 | Pioneers Preview tickets from £10 | Preview tickets from £16

PRIVATE JONES was originally conceived, developed and produced at GOODSPEED MUSICALS

Donna Lynn Hilton, Artistic Director; David B. Byrd, Managing Director.

World Premiere Produced at Signature Theatre, Arlington, Virginia, February 2024.

Matthew Gardiner, Artistic Director; Maggie Boland, Managing Director.

ASHCON RAHMANI AND REBECCA TREHEARN

TO PLAY JAMIE AND MARGARET NEW IN

EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE

10^TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR

FROM JANUARY 2027

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is pleased to announce that Ashcon Rahmani and Rebecca Trehearn will be playing the much-loved roles of Jamie and Margaret New for the 10^th Anniversary tour commencing in January 2027.  Following a record-breaking three-year West End residency, two sold-out UK & Ireland Tours and Amazon Studios award-winning film, the smash-hit critically acclaimed musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie will feature a brand-new song from Dan Gillespie Sells and Tom MacRae.  The tour will open in Leeds 10 years after the original opening at the Sheffield Crucible prior to the West End, national tours and playing across the world including USA, Korea, Japan and Italy. Jamie is coming home to the UK again for possibly the last time.

The 10^th Anniversary tour of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie opens at Leeds Grand Theatre on 15 January 2027 before visiting Chester, Shrewsbury, Sunderland, Edinburgh, Wolverhampton, Wycombe, Sheffield, Manchester, Wimbledon, Liverpool, Truro, Eastbourne, Glasgow, Southampton, Cheltenham, Birmingham, Aylesbury, Cardiff, Nottingham, Oxford, Woking, Bradford and Newcastle.

Nica Burns, Producer,said “We are absolutely delighted to be celebrating the tenth anniversary of this joyous contemporary musical, Everybody’s Talking AboutJamie which has been such a success all over the world. Ashcon Rahmani making his stage debut as Jamie is a three-strike talent – he can act, sing and dance – and is real find.  Rebecca Trehearn as his mother Margaret is a much-loved staple of the West End.  We are so lucky to have these talented players in the central roles of mother and son.”

Jonathan Butterell, Director, said “We could not be more thrilled and delighted to celebrate the announcement of our 10th Anniversary tour with Ashcon and Rebecca as Jamie and Margaret. Our story tells of the courage of a glorious 16-year-old stepping out into the world. How fitting that this is Ashcon’s debut and he will be held in the arms of the extraordinary Rebecca Trehearn. We are so excited to send them off together on their journey around the country spreading the joy of our show.”

Ashcon Rahmani said “I am beyond thrilled to be making my professional debut playing Jamie in the 10th Anniversary tour of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. I grew up with this show, it was the representation I needed as a young queer boy from the north of England to know this could all be possible for me one day, so to step into those stilettoes and become the representation I once had is truly a dream come true. Jamie is iconic and I feel incredibly grateful and excited to start this journey and be sharing the stage with the wonderful Rebecca Trehearn playing my onstage mum.”

Rebecca Trehearn said “I’m thrilled to be joining the UK tour cast of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie to play Margaret, and to be reuniting with a creative team I adore. The relationship between Margaret and Jamie is truly special and I’m so looking forward to performing alongside Ashcon and the rest of the company. The musical’s celebration of courage, acceptance and being unapologetically yourself feels as relevant now as it did 10 years ago and I can’t wait to be part of this beautiful and uplifting show.”

Ashcon Rahmani, originally from Rotherham, is a recent graduate of The Urdang Academy.

After training extensively in musical theatre for the past 6 years, he is thrilled to be making his professional debut as Jamie New in the 10th anniversary production of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.

Rebecca Trehearn is an Olivier Award-winning actress. Her extensive theatre credits include Aunt Betty in Ballad Lines (Southwark Playhouse); Gertrude Lawrence in Noel and Gertie (The Mayflower Theatre Trust); Beverly in Indigo (Curve Theare, Leicester); Kath Starr in Becoming Nancy (Birmingham Rep); Mrs Cratchit in A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story (Nottingham Playhouse/Alexandra Palace); The Queen in Cinderella (Gillian Lynne Theatre); Donna/Oolie in City Of Angels (Garrick Theatre/Donmar Warehouse); Belle in A Christmas Carol (Old Vic), Lilli/Kate in Kiss Me, Kate (Watermill, Newbury); Rebecca Hershkovitz in Rags (Hope Mill Theatre); Charity in Sweet Charity (Nottingham Playhouse); Fantine in Les Misérables (Pimlico Opera); Charlotte Goetz in Diary of a Teenage Girl (Southwark Playhouse); Mother in The Night Before Christmas (Salisbury Playhouse); Belinda Fezziwig in A Little of What You Fancy (Salisbury Playhouse); Nellie Collins in Floyd Collins (Wilton’s Music Hall); Julie in Showboat (Sheffield Theatres, Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical); Marcy in Dogfight (Southwark Playhouse); Molly in Ghost (UK National Tour); Martirio in Bernarda Alba (Union Theatre); u/s Jenny Cavilleri in Love Story (Duchess); u/s Rose Vibert in Aspects Of Love (Menier Chocolate Factory); Dirty Dancing (Aldwych); u/s Meat/Killer Queen in We Will Rock You (Dominion); Annie in Alfie the Musical (Palace Theatre, Watford).

Television And Film credits include : Cheryl in Pobol Y Cwm (BBC Wales); Peggy Roberts in The Nan Movie (Great Point Media); Karen McKay in Dim Ond Y Gwir (S4C); Carla Hewson in Casualty (BBC); Angharad in A470 (S4C). Audio work includes: The Warrior’s Princess (2020 recordings); Whispers Of A Scandal (The Audiobook Producers); Violets (Granta); Drift (Penguin Random House UK); Anna in Torchwood: Thirst Trap (Big Finish).

Jamie New is sixteen and lives on a council estate in Sheffield.

Jamie doesn’t quite fit in.

Jamie is terrified about the future.

Jamie is going to be a sensation.

Supported by his brilliant loving mum (Rebecca Trehearn) and surrounded by his friends, Jamie (Ashcon Rahmani) overcomes prejudice, beats the bullies and steps out of the darkness, into the spotlight.

This ‘Funny, outrageous, touching’ (Daily Telegraph), musical sensation is to be experienced by all the family and not to be missed! With an original score of catchy pop tunes that will ‘blow the roof off the Theatre’ (Mail on Sunday) by lead singer-songwriter of The Feeling, Dan Gillespie Sells and writer Tom MacRae (Doctor Who), this ‘Sparkling coming-of-age musical’ (The Times) will have everybody talking about Jamie for years to come. Sixteen: the edge of possibility. 

Time to make your dreams come true

★★★★★

Time Out, The Stage, WhatsOnStage, The Times, Financial Times, The Independent

Music by Dan Gillespie Sells

Book and Lyrics by Tom MacRae

From an idea by Jonathan Butterell

Directed by Jonathan Butterell

Tour directed by Matt Ryan

Design by Anna Fleischle

Choreography by Kate Prince

Lighting design by Lucy Carter

Sound design by Paul Groothuis

Musical Supervision by Theo Jamieson

Casting by Will Burton

Facebook and Instagram:      Jamie Musical

HEATHER, HEATHER AND HEATHER…

HEATHERS THE MUSICAL ANNOUNCES 

LONDON AND TOUR CASTING

Producers Bill Kenwright Ltd and Paul Taylor-Mills are delighted to announce Westerberg High’s Class of 2026!

Casting for Veronica Sawyer will be revealed at West End Live at 2.55pm on Sunday 21 June. Louis Hearsey (I Was a Teenage She-Devil) will play Jason ‘J.D.’ Dean.

Liberty Stottor (Six the Musical) leads the trio of Heathers as the incomparable Heather Chandler, with Jessica Ibadin, making her professional debut, as Heather Duke and Lou Henry (Six the Musical) as Heather McNamara.

Also on the register are Veronica Carabai (Black Power Desk) as Ms. Fleming/Veronica’s Mom, Sophie Manners(professional debut) as Martha Dunnstock, Markus Södergren (Here and Now – The Steps Musical) as Kurt Kelly, Beau Jackson(professional debut)as Ram Sweeney, Reuben Browne (School of Rock) as Kurt’s Dad/Veronica’s Dad/Principal Gowan, with Christian De-Gallerie (Midnight) as Preppy Stud/Officer, Ellouise Delooze (The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical) as New Wave Party Girl, Caitlin Garcia (West End debut)as Drama Club Drama Queen, Alexander Howarth (West End debut) as Hipster Dork, Charlotte O’Rourke(Cruel Intentions The Musical) as Midwestern Surfer Punk, Thomas Oxley (Bonnie & Clyde) as Beleaguered Geek, Tola Sokoya (We Will Rock You) as Young Republicanette and Carys Taylor(professional debut) as Stoner Chick.

Following record breaking seasons in London, New York and Melbourne, Heathers the Musical returns to London for 52 performances only this summer. Heathers will be the opening show at the Arts at Marble Arch, London’s newest theatre situated next to one of the capital’s most iconic landmarks, Marble Arch. The 594 seat semi-permanent theatre is the Arts Theatre’s temporary home while their current building undergoes a transformational upgrade. Heathers is at the Arts at Marble Arch from 9 July – 22 August. 

After its summer in the capital, audiences up and down the UK and Ireland will be able to join the Heathers as they head off on their Autumn 2026 and Spring 2027 tour. Westerberg High will open its doors at Windsor’s Theatre Royal on 26 August 

2026 before travelling to Leeds, Nottingham, Coventry, Darlington, Poole, Leicester, Peterborough, Sheffield, Blackpool, Cheltenham, Chichester, Dublin and Oxford in 2026.

Then in Spring 2027 class will resume in Hull, Liverpool, York, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Bradford, Chelmsford and Torquay, with further dates to be announced. 

Welcome to Westerberg High, where popularity is a matter of life and death, and Veronica Sawyer is just another of the nobodies dreaming of a better day.

But when she’s unexpectedly taken under the wings of the three beautiful and impossibly cruel Heathers, her dreams of popularity finally start to come true.

That is, until J.D., the mysterious teen rebel, turns up and teaches her that it might kill to be a nobody, but it’s murder being a somebody…

Based on the iconic 1989 cult film starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, Heathers first premiered in Los Angeles in 2013 to sold-out audiences before transferring to New York’s New World Stages in 2014. The show was reimagined for its 2018 London debut, featuring new songs and updated script.

With three smash-hit West End runs and three record-breaking UK and Ireland tours under its belt, Heathers has become a fan-favourite. It won the 2019 WhatsOnStage Award for Best New Musical and was filmed for streaming on The Roku Channel in 2022.

Heathers the Musical is also making its way across Australia and New Zealand this year, with stops in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Canberra, Perth, Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.

The current New York production at New World Stages opened in June 2025 to the largest advance in the venue’s history. Originally planned to run until 28 September 2025, the show has been extended to 6 September 2026 due to overwhelming demand. Looking ahead, Heathers the Musical will embark on a year-long tour across North America from Spring 2027. 

Heathers the Musical is directed by acclaimed American screen and stage director Andy Fickman, with choreography by Gary Lloyd, design by David Shields, lighting by Ben Cracknell, sound by Dan Samson,musical supervision by Jeremy Wootton and Will Joy and is produced by Bill Kenwright Ltd and Paul Taylor-Mills.

LISTINGS

BILL KENWRIGHT LTD & PAUL TAYLOR-MILLS PRESENT 

HEATHERS THE MUSICAL 

Book, Music and Lyrics Kevin Murphy & Laurence O’Keefe

Based on the film by Daniel Waters

Directed by Andy Fickman

Choreographer and AssociateDirector Gary Lloyd

Design by David Shields

Lighting Design by Ben Cracknell

Sound Design by Dan Samson

Music Supervisors Jeremy Wootton and Will Joy

www.heathersthemusical.com

LONDON

09 July – 22 August 2026

The Arts at Marble Arch

Performance schedule: 
W/C 6 July:                   Thursday and Friday 7.30pm 

                                     Saturday 2.30pm and 7.30pm

W/C 13 and 20 July:    Monday – Thursday 7.30pm

                                        Friday 4.30pm and 8pm 

                                       Saturday 2.30pm and 7.30pm 

From 27 July:                Monday – Saturday 7.30pm

                                      Wednesday and Saturday matinees 2.30pm 

Ticket Prices: From £25

Address: Marble Arch, London W1H 7DX

Website: heathersthemusical.com/London

AUTUMN 2026 TOUR DATES

Windsor Theatre Royal                                          theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk

Wed 26 – Sat 29 August

Leeds Grands Theatre                                                leedsheritagetheatres.com

Tues 1 – Sat 5 September

Nottingham Theatre Royal                                        trch.co.uk

Tues 8 – Sat 12 September

Coventry Belgrade Theatre                                       belgrade.co.uk

Tues 15 – Sat 19 September

Darlington Hippodrome                                             darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk

Tues 22 – Sat 26 September

Poole Lighthouse                                                        lighthousepoole.co.uk

Tues 29 September – Sat 3 October

Leicester Curve Theatre                                             curveonline.co.uk

Tues 6 – Sat 10 October

Peterborough New Theatre                                       newtheatre-peterborough.com

Tues 13 – Sat 17 October

Sheffield Lyceum Theatre                                          sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

Tues 20 – Sat 24 October

Blackpool Grand Theatre                                           blackpoolgrand.co.uk

Tues 27 – Sat 31 October

Cheltenham Everyman Theatre                                everymantheatre.org.uk

Tues 3 – Sat 7 November

Chichester Festival Theatre                                   cft.org.uk

Tue 10 – Sat 14 November

On sale 12 September

Dublin Bord Gais Energy Theatre                             bordgaisenergytheatre.ie

Tues 17 – 21 November

Oxford New Theatre                                                     atgtickets.com/Oxford

Tues 24 – Sat 28 November

SPRING 2027 TOUR DATES

Hull New Theatre                                                       hulltheatres.co.uk

Tues 16 – Sat 20 February 

Liverpool Empire                                                        atgtickets.com/Liverpool

Tues 23 – Sat 27 February

York Grand Opera House                                           atgtickets.com/York

Tues 9 – Sat 13 March

Birmingham The Alexandra                                       atgtickets.com/Birmingham

Tues 16 – Sat 20 March

Edinburgh Festival Theatre                                        capitaltheatres.com

Tues 23 – Sat 27 March

Glasgow King’s Theatre                                             atgtickets.com/Glasgow

Tues 30 March – Sat 3 April

Aberdeen His Majesty’s Theatre                             aberdeenperformingarts.com

Tues 6 – Sat 10 April

Bradford Alhambra Theatre                                   bradford-theatres.co.uk

Tue 13 – Sat 17 April

On sale 20 July

Chelmsford Theatre                                                  chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk

Tues 20 – Sat 24 April

Torquay Princess Theatre                                           atgtickets.com/Torquay

Tues 27 April – Sat 1 May

Age Recommendation: 14 years+

Leeds Grand Theatre – until Saturday 27th June 2026

Reviewed by Adam Craddock

5*****

I had the delight of being invited along to review Mamma Mia! at the stunning Leeds Grand Theatre. I have to be upfront, I am not an ABBA fan at all … they’re just a bit over rated to me? But as the doting partner of an ABBA super fan I agreed to go with her to see what I thought of the musical, and I have to say … I was so pleasantly surprised.

For the uneducated like myself, Mamma Mia! follows the story of Sophie Sheridan in the lead up to her wedding as she seeks to find out which of her mother’s 3 former lovers is her father so that he can walk her down the aisle. The show is a real feel good tale about motherhood and finding your true self.

Jenn Griffin stars as Donna Sheridan, the single mother of the bride living on an idyllic Greek island. Griffin has the most beautiful tone to her voice and brings a real connection to the material. Her portrayal of the strong independent mother was just spot on! Rosie Glossop was great as Rosie. Her physical comedy in her solo was brilliant and her chemistry with her on stage other half came naturally. Sarah Earnshaw was outstanding as Tanya, with that fabulous cougar energy you’ve come to expect from this role and a voice to match, she really was one of the absolute highlights for me! Luke Jasztal was strong as Sam Carmichael, with a real chemistry with Griffin’s Donna and a naturally suave portrayal of the role. Richard Meek was brilliant as Harry Bright, being endearingly nice, making it even more funny to imagine him in his headbanger days in the show. Mark Goldthorp was hilarious as Bill Austin, with an impeccable West Country accent and being my personal favourite of the three dads. Lydia Hunt was strong as Sophie Sheridan, with a very clean vocal and a wonderful youthful energy. My partner commented that in the film Sophie can be a bit of a wet character but Hunt’s portrayal was very likeable.

In terms of the production elements I thought overall they were outstanding. My only slight gripe was the music/speakers were on way too loud during the overture, to the point that my partner had to put her hands over her ears to quieten the noise, but by the end of the first number this seemed to have been rectified. The lighting was crisp and clean and the sets were simple but effective. The costumes were brilliantly campy, just as you’d expect from an ABBA musical.

Overall I had a thoroughly enjoyable night watching Mamma Mia!, which to be honest I was not expecting! Regardless of whether you like ABBA or not, this is a delightful feel good summery show not to be missed.

Birmingham Repertory Theatre- 16th June 2026

Reviewed by Emma Millward

5*****

Celebrating their 25th anniversary, BalletBoyz brought Still Pointless to Birmingham Rep for an evening that was as thought-provoking as it was visually stunning. This retrospective production showcased a collection of works from across the company’s history. Created by former Royal Ballet Company dancers Michael Nunn and William Trevitt, BalletBoyz have continually evolved over the years. They have brought together 10 remarkable dancers and a collection of choreographers and musicians to create a diverse celebration of dance.

Contemporary dance can sometimes feel intimidating for audiences unfamiliar with the genre, but Still Pointless never felt inaccessible. Instead, it invited the audience in, allowing us to experience a wide range of emotions through movement alone. From moments of quiet reflection to sequences bursting with power and energy, every piece had an identity of its own while contributing to the evening’s wider celebration of the company. The show featured eight pieces across two acts, moving between moments that were powerful, poignant, playful, and deeply personal.

What stood out the most was the extraordinary commitment of the dancers. Whether performing as a tightly unified ensemble or in more intimate pairings, the dancers had a clear connection and chemistry. Every performer threw themselves wholeheartedly into the choreography, and they seemed to have endless energy. I was impressed to discover that some members of the company had taken part in the local Men’s Mental Health ‘Well Run Brum’ 5km run outside the theatre just an hour before the performance.

Atmospheric lighting by Andrew Ellis and a carefully crafted musical landscape enhanced the mood of each piece without ever overshadowing the performers. The focus remained firmly on the dancers and their ability to tell stories through movement. 

The performances can become intense at times, especially during pieces like ‘Young Men’ choreographed by Ivan Perez, which explored the brutality of war and its impact on the men sent to fight. Benji Knapper was the heartbreaking focus of this piece, as he contorted his body into increasingly unnatural positions. While Young Men delivered some of the evening’s most emotionally devastating moments, other works showcased a more playful side, highlighting the company’s impressive versatility. Fiction, by Javier de Frutos, provided a more comedic end to the show. Set in a rehearsal space, the dancers used a ballet barre as a prop throughout. Narrated by Jim Carter and Imelda Staunton, parts of the narration and dance were repeated multiple times. Fiction really showcased the company’s synchronicity as they spun around the barre in perfect unison. This piece (and the show) culminated in a surprisingly feel-good moment as Kai Tomioka danced to Donna Summer’s song ‘Last Dance’.

By the final curtain, there was an undeniable sense of appreciation across the theatre as the audience took to their feet for a prolonged standing ovation. Inventive, exhilarating, and utterly mesmerising, Still Pointless proves that BalletBoyz remain masters of their craft.

VICKY GRAHAM PRODUCTiONS, BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME, AND ARIA ENTERTAINMENT

WITH Pascal Ultee Productions,

BROADWAY ASIA INTERNATIONAL, TRW PRODUCTION AND WILETTE KLAUSNER PRESENT

THE BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME PRODUCTION OF

HOT MESS: A NEW MUSICAL

MUSIC AND LYRICS BY JACK GODFREY

BOOK AND DIRECTION BY ELLIE COOTE

THE OTHER PALACE

Saturday 13 JUNE – SUNDAY 6 SEPTEMBER 2026

PRODUCERS ANNOUNCE SERIES OF POST-SHOW EVENTS CURATED BY POLLINATE, EXPLORING MUSICAL THEATRE, CLIMATE AND CULTURAL CHANGE

SONGWRITING FOR CLIMATE RECOVERY – FRIDAY 26 JUNE

STAGING CLIMATE THEMED SHOWS – TUESDAY 7 JULY

LOVE SONGS FOR THE PLANET – SATURDAY 18 JULY

BETTER WITH TIME: BUILDING AN EQUAL AND HABITABLE UK – TUESDAY 28 JULY

Tickets and more information available here

Ahead of London Climate Action Week next week, producers Vicky Graham, Birmingham Hippodrome, and Aria Entertainment are delighted to announce a new series of post-show panel events and a workshop for multi-award-winning 5-star new musical Hot Mess, curated by Pollinate, a new organisation developing musical theatre focused on climate and nature.

Taking place as part of the strictly limited season of Hot Mess at The Other Palace, running from Saturday 13 June to Sunday 6 September 2026, the events – offered free of charge to ticket holders who sign up – will bring together artists, theatre makers, songwriters and climate and nature recovery leaders to explore how musical theatre can help audiences believe in fairer, greener futures.

Pollinate is a new UK-based community interest company working in partnership with leading organisations across music, theatre and the environmental sector. Founded on the belief that climate change is a challenge of culture and imagination, Pollinate grows musicals that help audiences move beyond anxiety or abstraction and towards more hopeful, human ways of engaging with climate and nature.

Created by the award-winning duo behind 42 Balloons, Jack Godfrey and Ellie Coote, Hot Mess is a high-energy original romcom that reimagines the climate crisis as a turbulent love story between Earth and Humanity.

The partnership with Pollinate extends the show’s conversation beyond the stage, inviting audiences to engage with the climate and nature themes at the heart of Hot Mess through a series of live post-show discussions.

The post-show events will include:

Songwriting for Climate Recovery

Friday 26 June

According to IFPI, in 2023, people spent an average of 20.7 hours listening to music each week. Music provides an emotional window to the world as it stands and how it could be. But how might writing songs contribute to the movement for a just, habitable planet?

This discussion, taking place during London Climate Action Week, is for audiences and artists who want to understand more about the power and challenges of songwriting about climate change. Speakers will share insights into making music about climate, the impact of music in their life, and how they’ve approached storytelling through writing songs.

Drawing on expertise from the commercial music sector, and including Jack Godfrey, composer of Hot Mess, this panel brings together artists and journalists to explore the challenges of writing music with urgency and ambition.

Panellists:

Sohini Alam,  singer, composer & music director; Khiyo, Lokkhi Terra, GRRRL/FLOW

Greg Cochrane,  journalist; The Guardian, BBC, NME, Rolling Stone

Jack Godfrey,  composer, lyricist & writer; Hot Mess, 42 Balloons, Babies

Phoebe Jasper (aka NAVVY),  artist, writer & producer; Pete Will Save This House

Chaired by Finlay Carroll, Pollinate.

Staging Climate Themed Shows –

Tuesday 7 July

Plays and musicals have always been a space for exploring society’s biggest challenges. From its earliest form, theatre has grappled with complex issues, seeking to speak with clarity and care to contemporary audiences.

As public demand grows for a cultural response to climate change, many artists are grappling with how to translate such a vast and urgent subject for different stages. If theatre cannot share stories about climate change in an accessible way, how can we build the lasting engagement needed for climate and nature action?

This panel brings together theatre makers, artists and creatives who are tackling climate and nature themes while staying true to their own artistic practice. Audiences will gain insight into live conversations happening in rehearsal rooms, the challenges of responding to environmental crises, and introductions to a generation of climate artists.

Panellists:

Finlay Carroll,  producer & founder; Pollinate

Ellie Coote, director, writer & dramaturg; Hot Mess, 42 Balloons

Anna Himali-Howard,  director, theatre maker & dramaturg; The Secret Garden, Orpheus

Luke Howarth,  director & writer; Relish Theatre

Chaired by Meg McGrady, Pollinate.

Love Songs for the Planet (workshop)

Saturday 18 July 4 – 5pm

What would happen if humanity viewed its relationship with Earth as one of care, partnership, or even love?

Inspired by the question at the heart of Hot Mess, this creative workshop invites participants to explore their feelings about nature and climate through songwriting. Led by Hot Mess writers Jack Godfrey and Ellie Coote, alongside Pollinate.

The session begins with performances of two previously unheard songs from Hot Mess’s development, performed by Mia Quimpo (covering the role of Earth) and Nathan Shaw (covering the role of Humanity).

Participants will then take part in a guided songwriting session, using memories of the natural world as inspiration for creating lyric ideas. No songwriting experience is needed.

To be eligible for the workshop you must be a Hot Mess ticket holder, please register with the name on your ticket order confirmation. Limited availability.

Better With Time: Building an Equal and Habitable UK

Tuesday 28 July

In June 2026, an international report outlined the alternative to climate breakdown, political extremism and economic tensions. Academics stated that ‘an equal and habitable world is possible’ in a sweeping vision for planetary survival. Across the UK, people are working to realise this vision through the creation of new coalitions, organisations and initiatives.

In this panel, we’ll explore the challenges and opportunities ahead with climate and nature recovery leaders with expertise in renewable energy, rewilding, conservation, and organising for climate justice. This is for anybody who wants to learn how they can contribute to the creation of just and thriving futures on their doorstep.

Panellists:

Chisara Agor,  award-winning composer and multidisciplinary artist; The Garden, We Are The New Hope

Kaplana Arias,  technologist & urban greening activist; Nowadays On Earth, nature rights campaigning, tech for good

Lois Clark,  conservationist, science communicator & researcher; habitat restoration, science participation

Tom Pakenham,  environmental entrepreneur & investor; e-mobility, smart energy, sustainable business

Chaired by Finlay Carroll, Pollinate.

Producer Vicky Graham said: “The full team of HOT MESS share an ambition for it to be a conversation-starter on a topic that all too often feels too big to broach. We are immensely grateful to Pollinate for bringing together this distinguished group of artists, activists and entrepreneurs to explore the interplay between emotion and action and amplify some of the most inspiring innovations in the UK today.”

Pollinate founder Finlay Carroll said: “We’re so excited to announce this panel series featuring an exceptional cohort of speakers from across music, theatre, and environmental sectors. Hot Mess has been pivotal in championing creativity as a response to climate change and Pollinate is proud to be curating constructive conversations alongside this remarkable team.”

Hot Mess

After a billion years of bad dates, Earth has finally found the one… Humanity. Sparks fly. Seeds are sown. Ground is broken. But what begins as a passionate love affair between the universe’s most iconic couple quickly descends into a hot mess.

An original pop musical about love, hope, and the ultimate break up.

Following its world premiere at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025 and subsequent London transfer to Southwark Playhouse last September, the show has quickly become one of the most exciting new British musicals, winning a Fringe First Award, the Popcorn Writing Award and Musical Theatre Review’s Best Musical Award, alongside widespread critical acclaim.

Returning to the role of ‘Earth’ is Danielle Steers (Just for One Day, Six the Musical, Bat Out of Hell) following her acclaimed performances in the show’s sell-out Edinburgh Fringe premiere and subsequent Southwark Playhouse transfer. Joining the company as ‘Humanity’ is Morgan Gregory, whose recent theatre credits include The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, UK tour, Back to the Future, original West End cast at the Adelphi, 42 Balloons, Lowry, and Newsies, Troubadour Wembley Park.

Also joining the company are Mia Quimpo (Pippin, Upstairs at the Gatehouse) as cover ‘Earth’ and Nathan Shaw (Mamma Mia! The Party, and The Rocky Horror Show UK and International tour) as cover ‘Humanity’.

The production features music supervision and co-orchestrations by Joe Beighton, choreography by Alexzandra Sarmiento, set design by Shankho Chaudhuri, lighting design by Ryan Joseph Stafford, audio production and sound design by Paul Gatehouse, costume design by Sarah Mercadé, musical direction by Sara De Sanctis, casting by Pearson Casting CDG and intimacy coordination by Lex Kaby. The dramaturg is Deirdre O’Halloran, with Lydia Cook as Associate Director and Taz Hoesli as Associate Choreographer, Phil Burke as Associate Lighting Designer, Charlie Smith and Richard Pomeroy as Associate Sound Designers, and Ciéranne Kennedy-Bell as Costume Supervisor. Rosie Morgan is Company Stage Manager, with James Anderton as Production Manager and Byron Ladd-Carr as Sound No.1.

Hot Mess is produced by Vicky Graham Productions, Birmingham Hippodrome, and Aria Entertainment, TRW Production, Pascal Ultee Productions, and RJG Productions as General Managers.

Instagram: @hotmessmusical

Tiktok: @hotmessmusical

Original cast recording available here: https://slinky.to/HotMess 

DAVID IAN FOR CROSSROADS LIVE

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

BARRY AND FRAN WEISSLER

PRESENT
THE 2027 UK AND IRELAND TOUR OF

THE MULTI AWARD-WINNING

OPENING AT

NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE

ON 5 FEBRUARY 2027

David Ian for Crossroads Live in association with Barry and Fran Weissler announced today the 2027 UK and Ireland tour of the multi award-winning musical CHICAGO. The tour will open at New Wimbledon Theatre on 5 February 2027. Initial tour schedule below with further dates and casting to be announced soon. www.chicagothemusical.com/uk-tour

Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, CHICAGO is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from today’s tabloids.

Created by the musical theatre talents of John Kander, Fred Ebb and legendary choreographer Bob Fosse, CHICAGO’s sexy, sassy score includes the show-stopping songs “Razzle Dazzle”, “Cell Block Tango”, and “All That Jazz”.  Winner of six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards and a Grammy, CHICAGO is the longest running American musical in Broadway and West End history.

Since it opened in New York in 1996, CHICAGO has played in 38 countries worldwide, and been performed in English, Dutch, German, Swedish, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Italian, French, Danish, Japanese and Korean.  Worldwide it has been seen by an estimated 35 million people, grossed over $1.8 billion has played over 36,000 performances.

CHICAGO, which is based on the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins, has a book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb.  The 1996 Broadway revival of CHICAGO was choreographed by Ann Reinking in the style of Bob Fosse, directed by Walter Bobbie, and produced by Barry and Fran Weissler.

CHICAGO UK AND IRELAND TOUR – 2027 TOUR LISTINGS

FRIDAY 5 – SATURDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2027
NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE
https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-wimbledon-theatre/
ON SALE 19 JUNE 2026

TUESDAY 16 – SATURDAY 20 FEBRUARY 2027
THEATRE ROYAL PLYMOUTH
https://theatreroyal.com/
ON SALE 7 JULY 2026

MONDAY 22 – SATURDAY 27 FEBRUARY 2027
WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE, CARDIFF
https://www.wmc.org.uk/
ON SALE 3 JULY 2026

TUESDAY 2 – SATURDAY 6 MARCH 2027
SHEFFIELD LYCEUM
https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/venues/lyceum
ON SALE SOON

WEDNESDAY 24 – SATURDAY 27 MARCH 2027
LIVERPOOL EMPIRE
https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/liverpool-empire/
ON SALE 19 JUNE 2026

MONDAY 29 – SATURDAY 3 APRIL 2027
NEWCASTLE THEATRE ROYAL
https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/
ON SALE 26 JUNE 2026

TUESDAY 6 – SATURDAY 10 APRIL 2027
BOURNEMOUTH PAVILION THEATRE
https://www.bournemouthpavilion.co.uk/
ON SALE 19 JUNE 2026

MONDAY 10 – SATURDAY 15 MAY 2027
GLASGOW KING’S THEATRE
https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/kings-theatre-glasgow/
ON SALE 19 JUNE 2026

TUESDAY 18 – SATURDAY 22 MAY 2027

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE, ABERDEEN
https://www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/venues/his-majestys-theatre/
ON SALE 19 JUNE 2026

TUESDAY 25 – SATURDAY 29 MAY 2027
MANCHESTER OPERA HOUSE
https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/opera-house-manchester/
ON SALE 19 JUNE 2026

MONDAY 31 MAY – SATURDAY 5 JUNE 2027
GRAND OPERA HOUSE, YORK
https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/grand-opera-house-york/
ON SALE 19 JUNE 2026

MONDAY 7 – SATURDAY 12 JUNE 2027
BLACKPOOL OPERA HOUSE
https://www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk/venue/opera-house/
ON SALE 19 JUNE 2026

MONDAY 14 – SATURDAY 19 JUNE 2027
NOTTINGHAM CONCERT HALL
https://trch.co.uk/
ON SALE 22 JUNE 2026

MONDAY 21 – SATURDAY 26 JUNE 2027
ALHAMBRA THEATRE, BRADFORD
https://www.bradford-theatres.co.uk/alhambra-theatre
ON SALE 20 JULY 2026

TUESDAY 29 JUNE – SATURDAY 10 JULY 2027
DUBLIN

TUESDAY 13 – SATURDAY 17 JULY 2027
SOUTHEND CLIFFS PAVILION
https://www.cliffspavilion.co.uk/
ON SALE SOON

MONDAY 19 – SATURDAY 25 JULY 2027
EASTBOURNE CONGRESS THEATRE
https://www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk/venues/congress-theatre
ON SALE SOON

TUESDAY 27 JULY – SATURDAY 7 AUGUST 2027
BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME
https://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/
ON SALE 19 JUNE 2026

MONDAY 9 – SATURDAY 14 AUGUST 2027
NORWICH THEATRE ROYAL
https://norwichtheatre.org/
ON SALE 26 JUNE 2026

MONDAY 16 – SATURDAY 21 AUGUST 2027
THEATRE ROYAL BRIGHTON
https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/theatre-royal-brighton/
ON SALE 19 JUNE 2026

TUESDAY 31 AUGUST – SATURDAY 4 SEPTEMBER 2027
BRISTOL HIPPODROME
https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/bristol-hippodrome/
ON SALE 19 JUNE 2026

MONDAY 6 – SATURDAY 11 SEPTEMBER 2027
MILTON KEYNES THEATRE
https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/milton-keynes-theatre/
ON SALE 19 JUNE 2026

TUESDAY 14 – SATURDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2027
HALL FOR CORNWALL, TRURO
https://www.hallforcornwall.co.uk/
ON SALE 20 JULY 2026

MONDAY 20 – SATURDAY 25 SEPTEMBER 2027
NEW THEATRE OXFORD
https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-theatre-oxford/
ON SALE 19 JUNE 2026

MONDAY 27 SEPTEMBER – SATURDAY 2 OCTOBER 2027
HULL NEW THEATRE
https://www.hulltheatres.co.uk/hull-new-theatre
ON SALE SOON

MONDAY 4 – SATURDAY 9 OCTOBER 2027
VENUE CYMRU, LLANDUDNO
https://venuecymru.co.uk/
ON SALE 19 JUNE 2026

MONDAY 11 – SATURDAY 16 OCTOBER 2027
SUNDERLAND EMPIRE
https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/sunderland-empire/
ON SALE 19 JUNE 2026

MONDAY 1 – SATURDAY 6 NOVEMBER 2027
WOKING THEATRE
https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-victoria-theatre-woking/
ON SALE 19 JUNE 2026

MONDAY 8 – SATURDAY 13 NOVEMBER 2027
EVERYMAN THEATRE CHELTENHAM
https://www.everymantheatre.org.uk/
ON SALE 19 JUNE 2026

MONDAY 15 – SATURDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2027
REGENT THEATRE, STOKE ON TRENT
https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/regent-theatre-stoke-on-trent/
ON SALE 19 JUNE 2026

TUESDAY 23 – SATURDAY 27 NOVEMBER 2027
EDINBURGH PLAYHOUSE
https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/edinburgh-playhouse/
ON SALE 19 JUNE 2026

FURTHER DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED

Royal & Derngate Theatre, Northampton – until 20th June 2026

Review by Amanda Allen

5*****

Bringing us Sunshine and Laughter, as Tributes go this was Brilliant. There were times when I had to remind myself that this was not the real Eric and Ernie but supremely talented actors portraying the nations favourite comedy double act. With lots of laughs and positive thinking they transported those of us of a certain age back to our childhood and back to a time when good TV was watched by us all, as a family, at the same time and then discussed at length, something that sadly just does not seem to happen anymore.

Ian Ashpitel and Jonty Stephens not only looked like Morcambe and Wise but mimicked their mannerisms and characteristics brilliantly too. Their comic timing was spot on, looking out at the audience to make a point and so in tune with each other they made it all look really easy, just as the real Eric and Ern did. The old jokes flowed fast and furiously with the audience anticipating all the well known punch lines, sometimes before they had even been uttered!

The Guest singer on this show was Olivia Fines, she played her part really well and when given the chance to sing properly wowed the audience with her beautiful voice and amazing silver dress! Eric and Ernie of course had to spoil the Sondheim song by being the “Clowns” in the background. Amazingly she managed to perform the entire song without breaking up in laughter. Maybe it was a good job they were behind her so she didn’t see them!

The Nostalgia was laid on thickly, with the old fashioned radios and telephone props used to full effect. I wonder if younger audience members would understand the frustrations of a telephone attached to the wall by a curly wire and the simple pleasure of the Dandy Comic on a Saturday! The reproduction of some of the favourite sketches from the old Morcombe and Wise shows was loved by all, familiarity in this case bringing laughter. My favourite piece was the bed scene, with the police car, sirens blaring, going past the window and Eric muttering the immortal line “he won’t sell many ice creams going that fast” the audience got there before Eric even had his words out! A demonstration of how loved the show was in its day, my father used this joke every time he heard a siren sounding.

I am not sure younger audience members would understand all the old jokes and sketches but don’t let that put you off. Providing you don’t have a medical condition, so that sustained hilarity could cause you a problem, I heartily encourage you to go and see this show, especially if like me you are of a certain age! It has certainly brought Sunshine and Laughter to Northampton today.

RICKY WILSON TO PLAY TEEN ANGEL

IN SECRET CINEMA’S SMASH HIT

GREASE: THE IMMERSIVE MOVIE MUSICAL

Secret Cinema today announces that Ricky Wilson, lead singer of the Kaiser Chiefs, will be taking on the role of Teen Angel in the critically acclaimed Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical across selected performances. He will be joining the previously announced Stephanie Costi and Lucy Penrose who are returning as Sandy and Rizzo respectively, reprising their roles from last year; and they are joined by Giórgios Michaelídes as Danny and Arcangelo Ciulla as Kenickie. Full casting will be announced in due course. 

Ricky Wilson said today, “At school I was in Grease and I feel I have to redeem myself. I was not yet the international pop sensation I am today and I only really wanted to do it cos I fancied the girl who played Frenchie (I was Doody) so this is my chance to show everyone I should have got a bigger part. I don’t believe anyone from that production is now a professional singer, so in short, I win.”

This summer Secret Cinema is welcoming audiences back to Rydell High once more with the return of the smash-hit Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical, following its sold-out run in 2025. The production opens at Evolution London in Battersea Park for a strictly limited run from 22 July to 13 September.

★★★★★

‘The entire production is movie magic come to life’ Radio Times

Each performance of Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical is a two hours and fifteen minutes spectacular. Come down to Rydell High as we relive memorable moments from ‘Beauty School Dropout’, featuring Teen Angel star Ricky Wilson (Kaiser Chiefs, The Voice), and ‘Summer Nights’, to ‘Greased Lightnin’’ and ‘We Go Together’. Every iconic song from the beloved 1978 Paramount Pictures film comes to life as a knock-out cast and live band perform against multiple movie screens.

From the moment they enter this modern live experience, audiences step into the world of the movie, exploring the iconic locations including Frosty Palace, The Autoshop, and The Carnival and immerse themselves in school spirit, training with Coach Calhoun, cheering on the T-Birds, taking part in a choir practice and even tasting 1950s American diner-style delights.

The innovative production is brought to life by the multi-award-winning creative team of Matthew Costain – Director; Tom Rogers – Set Designer; Jennifer Weber – Choreographer; Howard Hudson – Lighting Designer; Gareth Fry – Sound Designer and Ian William Galloway – Video Designer.

Due to popular demand, summer 2026 will feature even more themed Roam and Return seating, allowing audiences to explore the experience and return to dedicated seating at Frosty Diner or The Drive-In.

★★★★

‘This is a masterpiece. A spectacularly ambitious show’ Evening Standard

Secret Cinema & TodayTix present

GREASE: THE IMMERSIVE MOVIE MUSICAL

Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical is produced by Secret Cinema and TodayTix (Merritt Baer, Artistic Director and Co-Founder; Ben Hosford, Executive Producer).

Director: Matt Costain; Choreographer: Jennifer Weber; Set Designer: Tom Rogers; Lighting Designer: Howard Hudson; Sound Designer: Gareth Fry; Music Supervisor, Orchestrator and Arranger: Steve Sidwell; Video Designer: Ian William Galloway; Costume Designer: Susan Kulkarni and Martina Trottman; Wigs, Hair and Make-up: Farida Ghedwar and Jessie Deol; Casting Director: Grace McInerny for Pippa Aillion and Natalie Gallacher Casting

22 July – 13 September

Gala Performance: Wednesday 29 July at 7:30pm

Ricky Wilson plays Teen Angel. Wilson is the lead singer of one of Britain’s most treasured bands, Kaiser Chiefs. The band have released 7 original studio albums which includes ‘Education Education Education and War’ which entered the UK album charts at number 1 in 2014. They achieved platinum record sales, top ten singles (including the number 1 hit ‘Ruby’), 3 Brit Awards, an Ivor Novello award for album of the year, toured with U2, Foo Fighters and Green Day and sold 8 million albums. The band recently completed a hugely successful World tour to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of ‘Employment’, the album which launched them into the stratosphere. This will be followed by a slew of festivals and shows across the UK in 2026. He has been a coach on The Voice UK alongside Tom Jones, Will-I-Am, Boy George and Paloma Faith and was named the winning coach for the second year in a row in 2016. He hosted his own prime-time entertainment show for Sky One called Bring The Noise with Nicole Scherzinger and Tinie Tempah, presented The One Show and had a weekly show on Radio X. On CBBC he had his own show, Ricky Wilson’s Art Jam, and also hosted Britain’s Best Young Artist. In 2023, he appeared on The Masked Singer UK. Performing as Phoenix, he eventually finished as runner-up, finally being unmasked in the grand final. He presented Drive on Virgin Radio for a number of years, leaving just ahead of the Employment 20th anniversary tour. He has covered a number of shows across Radio 2 and continues to be in demand on a number of Entertainment TV shows.

Arcangelo Ciulla plays Kenickie. His theatre credits include A Knight’s Tale The Musical (Manchester Opera House), Singin’ in the Rain (Dubai and China), Mamma Mia! (West End), Disney’s Newsies (Troubadour, Wembley Park – The Stage Debut Award nomination for Best Performer in a Musical), Billy Elliot (Italian and international tour), and Dick Whittington (New Wimbledon Theatre). His film credits include Cruel Peter. 

Stephanie Costi returns to play Sandy. Her stage credits include Something Rotten! (Manchester Opera House), Pretty Woman (Zurich), Sleeping Beauty (Darlington Hippodrome), Fame (Athens), The Sound of Music (Beirut & Lebanon tour), and Romeo & Juliet (English National Ballet); and concerts include Children of Eden, West End Does: Love (Cadogan Hall), Roles We’ll Never Play (Union Theatre), and One Young World: Opening Ceremony (Royal Albert Hall). She came third in Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream for ITV. 

Giórgios Michaelídes plays Danny. His stage credits include Justin Timberlake’s opening act on his Forget Tomorrow World Tour, Grease (UK tour and Dominion Theatre), Disney’s Newsies (Troubadour Theatre), and Here Come The Boys (The London Palladium). His film credits include Mistletoe Farm.

Lucy Penrose returns to play Rizzo. Her theatre credits include Ancient Grease (The Vaults), Growled (Royal Vauxhall Tavern), Judy! (Arts Theatre, Southwark Playhouse and London Hippodrome), Eurovision, Your Decision (Above The Stag Theatre, Wonderville, King’s Head Theatre and Royal Vauxhall Tavern), Top Hat, California Suite (Royal Court Liverpool), and A Pissedmas Carol (Sh!tfaced Showtime, Edinburgh Fringe Festival). For television, her work includes Watchmen. 

Listing Information           

Evolution London, Battersea Park,

Chelsea Bridge Gate, Queenstown Road, London SW11 4NJ 

www.greasetheimmersivemoviemusical.com

22 July – 13 September PERFORMANCES

Tues – Sun 7:30pm (Sun 5:30pm) Sat 2:30pm, Sun 12:30pm

Ricky Wilson will appear as Teen Angel on 22, 23, 28, 29, 30 and 31 July; 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 25 and 26 August.

Social: @greaseimmersive on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook

TICKETS

General Admission (Standing Ticket) from £39

Roam & Return (Seated Ticket) from £59 – Roam and return to dedicated themed seating at either The Drive-In or Frosty Diner