ACCLAIMED STAR OF STAGE AND SCREEN

RICHARD FLEESHMAN

TO TAKE THE ROLE OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

AS HE JOINS

JASON MANFORD

IN THE UK PREMIERE OF AWARD WINNING COMEDY MUSICAL

SOMETHING ROTTEN!

OPENING IN MANCHESTER NEXT SUMMER 

IN A WORLD WITHOUT MUSICALS,

TWO BROTHERS DARED TO DREAM A DREAM.

somethingrottenthemusical.com

Acclaimed star of stage and screen Richard Fleeshman (Company, Ghost the Musical, Legally Blonde The Musical) is to join the cast of award-winning comedy musical Something Rotten!, which will have its highly anticipated UK premiere at the Manchester Opera House from 16 June to 19 July 2026, ahead of a West End run.

Fleeshman joins the previously announced comedy, TV and musical theatre icon Jason Manford (Sweeney Todd, The Producers, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) in the side-splitting mash-up of song, dance and Elizabethan absurdity that tells the story behind the creation of the world’s very first musical.

Fleeshman, whose screen credits include Netflix’s The Sandman, Syfy’s The Ark and BBC’s Riot Women, as well as many years playing Craig Harris in Coronation Street on ITV, will take the role of William Shakespeare.

Richard Fleeshman said:

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining the cast of Something Rotten! This show is very special and absolutely riotous. I can’t wait to bring this larger-than-life rock star version of the Bard to the stage and I’m especially proud that the UK premiere will be in my home town of Manchester. 

Having the opportunity to perform alongside my good friend Jason Manford makes the experience even more joyous. This is an outrageously funny and uplifting show and I’m sure audiences will love every hilarious minute of it.”

The ‘90s are back! The 1590s, that is. Brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play but remain stuck in the shadow of that pompous Renaissance rockstar Will Shakespeare. When a quirky soothsayer foretells an outlandish future for theatre – full of acting, singing and dancing all at the same time – Nick and Nigel set out to write this strange new creation called A MUSICAL! But amidst the scandalous excitement of Opening Night, the Bottom Brothers discover that reaching the top means being true to thine own self… and all that jazz.

Created by the award-winning team behind Mrs. Doubtfire: The Musical: Grammy award-winning songwriter Wayne Kirkpatrick (Change the World, Every Heartbeat), screenwriter Karey Kirkpatrick (Chicken Run, Over the Hedge,  James and the Giant Peach) and best-selling author and comedy scriptwriter John O’Farrell (Spitting Image, Have I Got News for You, Just For One Day), Something Rotten! was the toast of Broadway where it received 10 Tony Award nominations. 

This new production, which follows the acclaimed 2023 WhatsOnStage Award-winning concert version, is directed and choreographed by Tim Jackson (Merrily We Roll Along, Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York) and presented by Broadway and West End producers, Kevin McCollum of Alchemation and Joshua Andrews of JAS Theatricals. This production is licensed by Music Theatre International. 

Manchester Abid has supported the Opera House’s Manchester Gets it First programme to help bring Something Rotten! to Manchester.

Savoy Theatre – until 25 October 2026

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

5*****

Paddington has arrived in London in style. The beloved bear is in good hands, as the care and love for this project shines through in every facet of this beautiful production.

Based on Michael Bond’s “A Bear Called Paddington” and the 2014 film, the musical tells the story of the young bear arriving in London and meeting the Brown family in Paddington station. His quest to find the friendly explorer who encountered Aunt Lucy in Darkest Peru, leaving an open invitation to visit his home city, leads to chaotic adventures around London as Paddington looks for somewhere he belongs. The plot is simple enough for the youngest audience members and crammed with jokes and references for the older ones: Jessica Swale’s book and Tom Fletcher’s music and lyrics unashamedly celebrate the innocence of Paddington, British eccentricity, and the energy of London with irresistible charm.

Visually, the show is stunning. Tom Pye’s set is full of quirky detail and is lit beautifully by Neil Austin, taking the audience on a whirlwind journey through London from Paddington Station to Windsor Gardens and the National History Museum – the latter being gloriously dark and ominous as jeopardy rises. For the doubters who question how live theatre could match the spectacle of the film, the opening number should dispel any doubts, but if the magical scene where Paddington is transported to Peru watching the explorer’s recording doesn’t bring a lump to your throat, then you deserve a hard stare: Ash J Woodward’s video design is absolutely spectacular, transforming the auditorium throughout the show. Tom Fletcher’s music and lyrics are glorious, referencing many musical theatre styles with an unstoppable pop energy, with some real earworms and bangers. “The Rhythm of London” is an exuberant love song to the city and its people, and “Pretty Little Dead Things” is the ultimate villain’s song. There’s even a singalong in the sublimely silly act 2 opening number – a loving tribute to marmalade with deliciously daft choreography by Ellen Kane. Swales draws humour and pathos from every scenario while keeping the plot moving, and Luke Sheppard’s exquisite direction ensures that no chance to wow the audience is missed. They have developed some frankly insane characters with distinctly panto vibes that made the audience roar with laughter.

The Brown family (Amy Ellen Richardson, Adrian Der Gregorian, Delilah Bennett-Cardy, with Leo Collon playing Jonathan at the performance I attended) are superbly dysfunctional until Paddington brings them together, with Richardson and Der Gregorian artfully portraying Mr and Mrs Brown’s inability to connect with impressive nuance amongst such broadly drawn characters. Tom Edden and Victoria Hamilton-Barritt chew the scenery as Mr Curry and Millicent Clyde. Edden channels Basil Fawlty and Mr Rigsby as the jobsworth neighbourhood watch leader, hilariously breaking the fourth wall at every opportunity, while Hamilton-Barritt prowls around the stage in tweed and fox fur full of malicious glee. Bonnie Langford is a hoot as wise but wacky Mrs Bird; Teddy Kempner is the calm centre of the chaos and Amy Booth-Steel is brilliantly bonkers as the snooty head of the Geographers’ Guild. As amazing as the human cast is, it is Paddington that, quite rightly, steals the show. His first appearance brings gasps and giggles as Tahra Zafar’s brilliant design is brought to life by the onstage performer (Abbie Purvis at this performance). Voiced with delicate charm and innocence by James Hameed, the facial expressions and body language of Paddington is emotive and enchanting – those eyebrows! The emotional heft of this character is immense – you will be invested in his fate from the get-go. A superb realisation of everyone’s favourite bear – and who knew he had such an amazing singing voice!

Heartfelt, heartwarming and irresistibly sweet, Paddington the Musical has already made its mark in London. This beautiful bearhug of a show is unmissable.

Cambridge Arts Theatre, Cambridge – until 4th January 2026

Reviewed by Steph Lott

5*****

After a year of closure, walking back into the Cambridge Arts Theatre felt like coming home. The new seats! The buzz of excited chatter, and that special anticipation before the curtain rises – we’ve missed it all so much! Last night’s performance of Sleeping Beauty was the perfect way to celebrate the theatre’s reopening, delivering exactly the kind of magical pantomime experience we’ve all been waiting for and have come to expect at the Cambridge Arts Theatre.

From the moment the curtain rose, it was clear that director Michael Gattrell and set designer Ian Westbrook had crafted something truly special. The scenery was absolutely stunning – rich jewel colours that sparkled under the stage lights, creating a fairy-tale world that felt both traditional and fresh. And a dragon! It’s these touches that make pantomime such a wonderfully immersive experience.

The costumes, as always during pantomime season deserve special mention. They were consistently gorgeous throughout, but Nanny Nutkin’s outfits were particularly spectacular – each entrance brought something more fabulous than the last! Sarah Stammler and her team should be very proud.

Chris Jarvis has written a script packed with jokes – and I mean packed. I’m genuinely not sure whether he should be proud or slightly ashamed of just how many puns, one-liners, and groan-worthy gags he managed to squeeze in! There was Happy Harry’s clever ditty about Cambridgeshire and the song about “a Prince called Ken” was brilliantly silly. As always, there were plenty of topical references and local in-jokes that had us all nodding and laughing in recognition.

The cast was uniformly excellent. Matt Crosby was back as Nanny Nutkins – need I say more. Every year he returns to the stage and he’s just as fresh and energetic as ever. Steven Roberts brought real charm to Happy Harry, and the kids in the audience obviously loved him. Joseph Hewlett as handsome Prince Ken was not only an excellent performer but also had a great voice.

The ensemble were the true unsung heroes of the evening. Their snappy dance moves and singing added so much energy and polish to every scene. It’s easy to focus on the leads, but these talented performers kept the whole show moving with style and precision. This was pantomime at its very best – funny, beautiful, perfectly pitched for all ages, and performed with genuine heart. Welcome back, Cambridge Arts Theatre. We’ve missed you!

Leeds Grand Theatre – until Saturday 13th December 2025

Reviewed by Adam Craddock

3***

Tonight I had the privilege of being invited back to Leeds Grand Theatre, this time to review the touring production of Schönberg and Boublil’s legendary “Miss Saigon”. This is a show incredibly close to my heart, I played John while training and Last Night of the World is going to be my first dance at my wedding so it is fair to say that this is a show and text I know and love.

The production is a new staging for the tour, with several lyric changes and differences very noticeable to anyone the knows the original. For me, the main thing I noticed straight away from the first number was just how much the show has been toned back and made PG. This for me made some of the setting and background drop straight off as the seediness and lad-culture was what immerses you in the dingy world of pre-fall Saigon in Dreamland. To me, Miss Saigon should never be a show seen as PG!

Seann Miley Moore stars as The Engineer. Moore puts an interesting spin on the character, more androgynous than capitalist but, for me, showed a prime case of an actor pre-conceiving what they are going to do rather than letting the emotion guide the performance. Julianne Pundan was solid as Kim, definitely growing into it as the show went but slightly feeling on one level emotionally for me throughout. Jack Kane was vocally strong as Chris but for me again was very much on one level throughout, always feeling like he was about to burst into tears at any one moment. I didn’t feel much of a connection between Pundan and Kane and again it felt very staged for me in the scenes when the characters are falling in love, less so feeling like they actually wanted to kiss each other and more feeling like that was what the director had told them. This really hurt the climax of the show for me, which should be a brutal gut punch but instead I felt… indifferent?

On a more positive note, Ace was exceptional as Gigi, giving a stirring rendition of Movie in My Mind and showing the power of letting your lyrics tell a story, not darting around the stage. Emily Langham was fantastic as Ellen, a character I have been previously indifferent to but her story really connected with me today! Langham found a real human connection to the character and for the first time I think I actually sided with Ellen! Dominic Hartley-Harris was strong as John, with this staging of Bui Doi being a particular highlight of the show for me, really showing the trauma that a brutal world such as this can leave the survivors with.

The production design was very strong, particularly with the all important helicopter scene. I had wondered how they would pull this off on tour and for me, I struggle to think of a better way of doing it than this. The lighting was good, and the sound design was mostly strong, apart from two microphones that were noticeably louder and more bassy than the others during ensemble numbers.

In conclusion, whilst I would recommend a trip to see Miss Saigon for its beautiful score and touching story, I think this production is slightly lacking in connection with its material at times. For me, the heat wasn’t on in Saigon, it was lukewarm.

Hull Truck Theatre – until 4th January 2026

Reviewed by Dawn Bennett

5*****

Hull Truck Theatre presents Oliver Twist, based on the novel by Charles Dickens, adapted by Deborah McAndrew and directed by Mark Babych.

Hull Truck Theatre have yet again managed to produce a brilliant show as their festive production. It was a deliciously dark show, with fantastic acting, singing and dancing by all the cast.

The set (designed by Patrick Connellan) and costumes (Siân Thomas) really provided the atmosphere for the show; it was it really helped set the scene of Dickens time in history.

We first meet Oliver (Vivienne Rowland) at his birth in the workhouse when his mother dies in childbirth. The workhouse is run by Mr Bumble (Andrew Whitehead) and Widow Corney (Alison Fitzjohn) and they run it with a rod of iron. Oliver is left hungry, tired and badly treated so decides to leave the workhouse and walks the 70 miles to London. It’s there he meets Fagin’s (Lisa Howard) gang led by The Artful Dodger (Zak Robinson) and Charley (Aimee Brett), a group of child pickpockets preying on the richer member of society. Oliver isn’t treated any better by the group with the exception of Nancy (Alyce Liburd) and on the day he is let out to join the gang he gets arrested. He’s taken in front of the magistrate and it’s there he meets Mr Brownlow (William Relton) a kindly man who, along with his ward Rose (Jessica Jolleys) take Oliver into their home when he became ill. Now Fagin needs Oliver back with them, she’s scared that he will tell the powers that be about the gang and what they are up to. Nancy finds Oliver while he is running an errand for Mr Brownlow and takes him back to Fagin. Then Bill Sikes (Christopher D. Hunt) arrives, a scary and very violent character and he needs a boy to help him a robbery, and this causes Nancy to make a decision that will change her and the rest of the people involved lives.

This show is well worth watching, all the cast are so good, the music (under musical director and composer John Biddle) was from traditional carols to an original score with some of the cast playing instruments on stage. The young cast need a mention, from the main characters to the ensemble (Sophia Pike, Vivienne Rowland, Eve McDonald, Zak Robinson, Maia Lowthorpe, Remi Condette, Aimee Brett, Lydia Failey, Alexandra Spore, Ella McDonald, Felix Dunstan, Matthew Rodriques, Neve Mills-Ward, Ameila Ellerby, Edie Pyke, Edward Healey, Grace Ward, Jonah Smith and Matilda Burgess) they were excellent with clear singing and speaking voices. Definitely ones to watch.

It’s funny, poignant, covers some quite harrowing subjects sensitively and deserves every accolade it will no doubt get.

MISCHIEF MOVIE NIGHT (IN)

EIGHT EPISODES RELEASED FOR STREAMING WORLDWIDE OVER THE FESTIVE SEASON 

INCLUDING FOUR BRAND NEW EPISODES

www.MischiefMovieNight.co.uk

Mischief, ‘the funniest theatre troupe in Britain’ (The Telegraph) are releasing eight episodes of the hilarious improvised stage show Mischief Movie Night (In)over the festive season.  The episodes were filmed in front of a live audience at the Lilian Baylis Studio at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London last year.

The first four episodes, Me and Zoo, The TurKEY to Christmas Joy and new episodes The Bourneville Identity and Cell Out! will be released on Monday 22 December for 1 week and Bread, Shop Till You Drop and new episodes The High Cs and Ghouls Aloud will be released on Monday 29 December for 1 week.

Henry Lewis and Jonathan Sayer, two of the creators of and performers in the award-winning The Play that Goes Wrong and Mischief Movie Night (In) said:

‘Improv is where it all started for Mischief and so we’re always thrilled when we get the chance to perform Mischief Movie Night again. The whole run at Sadler’s Wells last year was awesome, but we’ve picked out our absolute fave episodes (including some that have never been released before) for you to enjoy over the festive season. We hope you have as much fun watching them as we had recording them.’

No two shows are the same, as the audience suggests a genre, location and title, and Mischief hilariously bring the show to life, complete with rewinds, fast forwards, directors cuts and a thrilling live score to laugh along to.

Mischief Movie Night (In)is a guaranteed comedy blockbuster, and the perfect family treat this Christmas.

The hugely successful on stage run of Mischief Movie Night played to sell-out houses last year, and the last live-stream was enjoyed by over 250,000 people in over 70 countries around the world.

Streaming passes can be booked from www.MischiefMovieNight.co.uk.

Mischief Movie Night features Mischief original cast members and regulars including:  Bryony Corrigan as TBC, Dave Hearn as Piece of Cake,  Charlie Russell as What Not Me?, Ellie Morris as Surely Not Now, Harry Kershaw as Time, Gentlemen Please, Henry Lewis as Not Sure, Henry Shields as I Suppose We’ll Find Out, Jonathan Sayer as Wait and See, Josh Elliot as No Idea, Nancy Zamit as It’s a Slam Dunk, Niall Ransome as We’ll Never Know and Susan Harrison as Guess Who?  They are joined by musicians Chris Ash, Richard Baker, Yshani Perinpanayagam, and Ed Zanders.

The Mischief production Mischief Movie Night (In) was filmed at the Lilian Baylis Studio in 2024 by Human Eyes for Kenny Wax, Stage Presence and Mischief Theatre. The production management and set design is by Tom Nickson and lighting by David Howe. 

ASLAN ARRIVES IN SALFORD AS HIT WEST END SHOW THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE OPENS 5-WEEK FESTIVE RUN

LOWRY, SALFORD

Wednesday 3^rd December 2025 – Sunday 11^th Jan 2026

Aslan made a majestic arrival at the Lowry, Salford ahead of this evening’s first performance of a 5-week festive run of C.S. Lewis’ much-loved The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

The award-winning production runs at Lowry from Wednesday 3^rd December 2025 to Sunday 11^th January 2026.

C.S. Lewis’ book was first published in October 1950.  Since then, over 85 million copies in 60 languages have been sold. It is one of the top ten best-selling books of all time. The stage adaptation of Lewis’ iconic book enjoyed a hugely successful, critically-acclaimed London run in 2022/3.

Step through the wardrobe into the enchanted kingdom of Narnia. Join Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter as they wave goodbye to wartime Britain and embark on the most magical of adventures in a frozen, faraway land where they meet Mr Tumnus the faun, talking beavers, Aslan (the noble king of Narnia) and the coldest, most evil White Witch.

Award-winning  Katy Stephens plays The White Witch.  Katy’s extensive stage career includes leading roles at Shakespeare’s Globe and the Royal Shakespeare Company with whom she is an Associate Artist.  Katy was part of the team that won the Olivier Award for Best Ensemble Performance for the RSC’s Histories Cycle where her roles included Joan of Arc and Margaret of Anjou.  Katy will also play Mrs Macready.

Playing the Pevensie Children are: Joanna Adaran as Susan, Jesse Dunbar as Peter, Kudzai Mangombe as Lucy and Bunmi Osadolor as Edmund.

The cast is completed by:  Archie Combe (Mr Pope and Foxtrot), Andrew Davison (Mr Wilson Schroedinger, Jack Rabbit, Aslan Puppeteer and Head Cruel),  Anya de Villiers (Mrs Beaver), Molly Francis (Mrs Pevensie, Aslan Puppeteer and Robin) Ruby Greenwood (Onstage Swing) Ffion Haf (Miss Gumley-Warmley and Phoenix), Rhiannon Hopkins (Miss Chutney and Blue Badger), Joe Keenan (Mr Granville, Spirit of the Moon and Red Squirrel), Oliver Magor (Onstage Swing), JB Maya (Onstage Swing), Luca Moscardini (Onstage Swing), Alfie Richards (Mr Tumnus, White Mouse and Badger), Kraig Thornber (The Professor, Father Xmas and Wise Owl),  Ed Thorpe (Mr Beaver), Rhodri Watkins (Mr Brinkworth, March Hare and Aslan Puppeteer) and Shane Anthony Whiteley (Maugrim, Satyr and White Stag) and Stanton Wright as Aslan.

Producer Chris Harper said: “We are proud to be marking the 75^th anniversary of the publication of CS Lewis’ novel with this enchanting production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe – a production that wowed audiences when it played at the Lowry in 2021. It’s the perfect show for Christmas – and we are delighted to bring it back to Salford.”

Lowry Head of Theatres Steve Cowton, said: “We are so excited to be welcoming back this fabulous production, which is a brilliant piece of imaginative story-telling theatre – with a real heart – and the perfect family production for Christmas. The show’s previous visit in 2021 was impacted by the pandemic so we are delighted to be able to welcome it, and audiences back, for what we know will be a hugely successful run this festive period.”

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is directed by Michael Fentiman based on the original production by Sally Cookson.  The  Set and Costume Designer is Tom Paris, Composers are Barnaby Race and Benji Bower, the Choreographer is  Shannelle ‘Tali’ Fergus, the Lighting Designer is Jack Knowles, the Sound Designer is Tom Marshall, the Puppetry Director is Toby Olié, the Puppetry Designer is Max Humphries, the Aerial Director is Gwen Hales,  the Illusionist is Chris Fisher, the Casting Director is  Will Burton CDG andtheWigs, Hair and Make-Up Designer is Susanna Peretz.  

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is produced by Chris Harper Productions and Catherine Schreiber and was first produced at the Leeds Playhouse.  

CHILDREN’S CASTING CALL

FOR FORTHCOMING RUN

OF

THE ORIGINAL PRODUCTION

OF

BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL

The producers of the original production of Billy Elliot the Musical today announced the search for children to play the roles of Billy, Michael and Debbie in a forthcoming run of the multi award-winning hit show.

Dates, location and full details for the run of the production will be announced in due course.

Casting Director Jessica Ronane said today “We are delighted to be starting a new nationwide search to find our next generation of boys to play Billy Elliot. Following in the footsteps of some of the most beloved stars whose careers were launched by this extraordinary production.”

BILLY & MICHAEL

Boys aged 9 – 14 and under 5ft.

Tap and ballet experience are a bonus but not essential

Max height 5ft

Unchanged voices only

DEBBIE

Must be 9 to 12 years of age, under 4ft 8. Some ballet experience.

Girls applying for Debbie MUST be from the North East of England.

For Billy, Michael & Debbie – please get in touch with billy@jessicaronane.com which will take you to an application form to enter your details and pick a city near you to come and audition. 

If you have any questions or would like to apply for any of the other child roles which must be based in Greater London then please reach out to billy@jessicaronane.com.

Acclaimed by audiences and critics alike, this original production of Billy Elliot the Musical has been seen by over 10.5 million people across five continents and is the recipient of over 80 awards internationally, including ten Tony Awards and five Olivier Awards.

Based on the highly successful film, the show is set in a northern mining town against the background of the 1984/’85 miners’ strike and follows Billy’s journey from boxing to ballet class where he discovers a passion for dance that inspires his family and whole community and changes his life forever.

Billy Elliot the Musical is brought to life by the multiple award-winning creative team behind the film including writer Lee Hall (book and lyrics), director Stephen Daldry and choreographer, Peter Darling, joined by Elton John who composed the show’s score. The production features scenic design by Ian MacNeil, costume design is by Nicky Gillibrand, lighting design by Rick Fisher and sound design by Paul Arditti. Musical supervision and orchestrations are by Martin Koch.

Billingham Forum – until 4 January 2026

Reviewed by Andrew Bramfitt

4****

Billingham Forum’s festive offering, The Further Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan – The Return of Captain Hook, is an energetic, good-hearted blast of family fun that grabs its audience from the first burst of fairy dust and doesn’t let go.

Set years after the classic tale, this new adventure finds everyone except Peter Pan all grown up. When Captain Hook resurfaces in Neverland, Tinkerbell (a vibrant Michelle Heaton) sets out to bring Wendy back to help—but instead recruits Wendy’s granddaughter Angela. From that moment, the show rockets forward with colourful chaos, sharp comedy and just the right dose of panto silliness.

Panto newcomer Jessie Williams is the standout of the night. Bursting with charm and confidence, she steals scenes effortlessly and feels like a natural fit for the genre. Ben-Ryan Davies brings playful charm to Peter Pan, and Michelle Heaton’s lively Tinkerbell keeps the story fizzing along.

Connor McIntyre returns as a gleefully menacing Captain Hook—exactly the sort of villain the audience loves to boo. Liam Mellor, as ever, is a whirlwind as Mr Smee. His comic timing is impeccable, and considering he also wrote and directed the show, his fingerprints are everywhere: warm humour, snappy pacing and big-hearted family focus. Robert Squire’s Mrs Hook is outrageous in all the best ways, with costumes that raise laughs the moment they appear (the Baywatch bikini is unforgettable).

The production is slicker than many regional pantos, thanks in no small part to Jen Cassidy’s standout choreography—some of the best this season. Add impressive flying effects, polished sound and music from John Hudson, and you’ve got a show that looks and feels joyfully full.

And the finale? Completely wild—and wonderfully so. Kids and grown-ups alike become part of the action in one of the most interactive endings you’ll see.

Fun, friendly and full of festive sparkle, this panto cements Liam Mellor as one of the region’s leading panto creatives. A brilliant night out for families.

The Further Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan (produced by Derek Cooper for DCC Ltd) runs until January 4^th – tickets from https://www.forumtheatrebillingham.co.uk/pantomime/

THE WEST END UNITES AGAINST CANCER

A LANDMARK CONCERT FEATURING STARS  OF THE WEST END 

LOVE LIFE, LONDON

THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE

1 FEBRUARY 2026 

TICKETS ON SALE 10AM FRIDAY 5 DECEMBER VIA LW TICKETS.

WITH A PRE-SALE FROM 10AM THURSDAY 4 DECEMBER

This February, the West End theatre community will come together for Love Life: West End Unites Against Cancer, a major one-night-only concert at Theatre Royal Drury Lane in support of One For The Boys, the men’s health charity working to break the silence around male cancer.

Taking place on Sunday 1 February 2026, just ahead of World Cancer Day on 4 February, this special event will unite performers, creatives, musicians and supporters for an evening of music, solidarity and storytelling.

The concert will be led by musical director Alan Williams (Evita, Sunset Boulevard, Funny Girl, Crazy For You) and directed by Rupert Hands (Evita, Sunset Boulevard, Roam), bringing together a world-class creative team for the event. The creative team also includes lighting design by Peter Small, sound design by Sound Quiet Time (Rob Bettle and Sam Clarkson), and production management by Jack Boissieux.

The concert will feature performances and exclusive collaborations from West End theatre royalty, including Olivier Award Winners; Giles Terera MBE (Passing Strange, The Young Vic; Hamilton, Victoria Palace Theatre), Tom Francis (Sunset Boulevard, Savoy Theatre & St. James Theatre NYC; &Juliet, Shaftesbury Theatre), David Thaxton (Roam, The Shaftesbury Theatre; Sunset Boulevard, Savoy Theatre & St. James Theatre NYC).

Performing after their sell-out summer in Evita are Diego Andrés Rodriguez (Roam; The Shaftesbury Theatre; Evita, The London Palladium; Sunset Boulevard, St. James Theatre NYC), Bella Brown (Into The Woods, The Bridge Theatre; Evita, The London Palladium) and James Olivas (Evita, The London Palladium; American Idiot, Deaf West Los Angeles).

They are joined by West End stars Ramin Karimloo (Roam, The Shaftesbury Theatre; Pirates! The Penzance Musical, Todd Haimes Theatre NYC; Dirty Rotten Scoundrels; The London Palladium), Jordan Luke Gage (Titanique, Criterion Theatre; Bonnie & Clyde, The Arts Theatre & Garrick Theatre), Lucie Jones (Wicked, The Victoria Apollo, 13 Going on 30, Manchester Opera House), Ben Joyce (Shucked, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre; Back to the Future, The Adelphi Theatre) and Melanie La Barrie (Hadestown, The Lyric Theatre; &Juliet, Manchester Opera House; The Shaftesbury Theatre; Princess of Wales Toronto & Stephen Sondheim Theatre NYC) and Christina Bennington (Heathers, Theatre Royal Haymarket; Bat Out Of Hell, Manchester Opera House, The Dominion Theatre, Ed Mirvish Theatre Toronto & New York City Centre NYC). 

The star-studded cast will be joined onstage by a live orchestra as they perform a variety of exclusive collaborations and performances, including an exclusive preview of Redcliffe from Jordan Luke Gage, with further special performances to be announced.

Further names and special guests to be announced in the coming weeks.

Their involvement reflects the extraordinary commitment of the West End community to stand together in support of a charity whose work has resonated across the country and around the world. One For The Boys has a long history of drawing remarkable talent to its cause, with previous supporters including Sia, Nicole Scherzinger, Kylie Minogue, Adam Lambert, Paloma Faith and Mark Ronson, as well as global cultural figures such as Samuel L. Jackson, Stanley Tucci, Lewis Hamilton, Colin Firth and Margot Robbie.

This event follows the success of Love Life: Broadway Unites Against Cancer in New York this autumn, which saw the Broadway community rally behind One For The Boys’ mission.

When the concert concludes at Drury Lane, the celebration will continue with an exclusive After Party for VIP and premium ticket holders. Guests will be welcomed into a vibrant late-night setting featuring live DJ sets and appearances from performers, creating a rare opportunity for artists, supporters and industry colleagues to come together in a shared expression of solidarity, joy and purpose.

The night will raise vital funds and awareness for early detection, for open and honest conversations around health, and for the mental and emotional support needed by those living with or affected by cancer.

One For The Boys is a men’s health charity tackling one of the biggest killers of men: silence. The organisation works to encourage people to speak up at the earliest sign that something might be wrong, placing early detection, open communication and emotional support at the heart of its mission. Too many men delay seeking help due to fear, stigma or the pressure to appear strong. One For The Boys seeks to change this culture by creating spaces for honest conversation and providing clear, accessible pathways to support.

Founded in the UK, the charity has produced some of the most high-profile awareness events of the last decade, from the Fashion Ball at the V&A to the Masked Rave at Troxy, and most recently Love Life: Broadway Unites Against Cancer at Cipriani 42nd Street. Its supporters include globally recognised artists and influential figures who have helped amplify its message, contributing to a growing international movement for earlier diagnosis, better awareness and compassionate support. Across all its work, the charity’s goal remains unwavering: to turn a frightening diagnosis into a hopeful journey, one conversation at a time.

Sofia Davis, Founder & CEO, One For The Boys, said, “The silence around male cancer is costing lives. By uniting the West End for this special event, we hope to break down stigma, empower people to speak up early, and support those navigating the mental and emotional impact of cancer. The West End’s support means the world, and together we can help save lives.”