Further casting and 2026/27 UK and Ireland tour dates announced for the premiere of Torben Betts’ darkly comic new thriller The Other Side of Murder starring Rufus Hound and Susie Blake
Original Theatre and Theatr Clwyd, co-producers ofThe Other Side of Murder, a wickedly entertaining new comedy thriller from Torben Betts – writer of smash-hit plays Murder at Midnight and Murder in the Dark – have announced further casting and 2026/27 tour dates.
Rufus Hound (One Man, Two Guvnors, Wind in the Willows, The Mesmerist) stars as TV medium Darius Divine alongside Susie Blake (Victoria Wood, Coronation Street and Torben Betts’ Murder in the Dark and Murder at Midnight) as Miriam, Aisha Jawando (Hamilton the Musical, Tina: The Musical) as Laura, Beth Lilly (The Play That Goes Wrong, Grantchester) as Jen, and Andy McLeod (Murder at Midnight, Cosmic) as Jason/understudy Darius. Completing the cast are understudies Maddy Banks,Oliver Byng and Sarah Lawn. Further casting is to be announced.
When celebrated TV medium Darius Divine, host of hit light-entertainment show The Other Side, plans a cosy family dinner, he expects awkward small talk. He doesn’t expect his pregnant lover, his Gilbert and Sullivan obsessed mother-in-law, or a night of ghostly visitations and explosive revelations. As dinner burns and tensions rise, the line between performance and reality begins to shatter. Secrets surface. Jealousies ignite. And a final twist lands that no one will see coming.
Funny, shocking and deliciously unsettling, this is a wild theatrical ride that will have audiences laughing one minute and gasping the next.
The Other Side of Murder is presented by the award-winning producers Original Theatre (Birdsong, ART, Being Mr Wickham) in association with Theatr Clwyd.
The creative team includes Director Philip Franks, Writer Torben Betts, Designer Colin Falconer, Lighting Designer Jason Taylor, Sound Designer and Composer Max Pappenheim, Illusion Designer John Bulleid, Casting Director Emma Sylvester and Associate Director Joshua Miles. The Production Manager is Brian Watson, the Costume Supervisor is Chrissy Maddison and the Props Supervisor is Katie Balmforth.
The Other Side of Murder 2026/27 tour dates are Theatr Clwyd, Mold (4-12 Sept); Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford (15-19 Sept); New Theatre, Cardiff (22-26 Sept); Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne (5-10 Oct); Gaiety Theatre, Dublin (13-17 Oct); Blackpool Grand Theatre (20-24 Oct); Churchill Theatre, Bromley (2-7 Nov); Palace Theatre, Southend (9-14 Nov); Mayflower Studios, Southampton (16-21 Nov); Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe (18-23 Jan); Derby Theatre (26-30 Jan); Malvern Theatres (2-6 Feb); Royal & Derngate, Northampton (8-13 Feb); Darlington Hippodrome (16-20 Feb); Leeds Playhouse (23-27 Feb), Salisbury Playhouse (9-13 March) and Belgrade Theatre, Coventry (16-20 March). More venues are to be announced.
For more information, and to book tickets, visit murderplay.co.uk. Age guidance 14+
JORDAN DONICA AS THE PHANTOM BEATRICE PENNY-TOURÉ AS CHRISTINE DAAÉ RHYS WHITFIELD AS RAOUL, VICOMTE DE CHAGNY and SIERRA BOGGESS AS CARLOTTA GIUDICELLI IAN PIRIE AS MONSIEUR FIRMIN JOSEPH MILLSON AS MONSIEUR ANDRÉ JOANNA RIDING AS MADAME GIRY MATT BATEMAN AS UBALDO PIANGI MILLIE LYON AS MEG GIRY COLLEEN ROSE CURRAN AS CHRISTINE DAAÉ at certain performances
As the phenomenally successful PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is about to celebrate a landmark 40th Anniversary at its original London home, His Majesty’s Theatre, Cameron Mackintosh is thrilled to introduce a sensational international cast who have been put together to play for a special, limited birthday season. The 40th Anniversary cast will be led by Broadway star Jordan Donica as The Phantom and Beatrice Penny-Touré’s acclaimed Christine Daaé, with Rhys Whitfield returning to the production as Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny.
One of PHANTOM OF THE OPERA’s most loved Christines and one of Broadway’s great leading ladies, Sierra Boggess, who starred in the 25th Anniversary production at the Royal Albert Hall in London and also played Christine in Love Never Dies, is now returning as the Prima Donna, Carlotta, opposite Matt Bateman as Piangi. Sierra’s co-star of Love Never Dies, Britain’s Joseph Millson will be playing Monsieur André alongside Ian Pirie as Monsieur Firmin, with the much-loved Joanna Riding as Madam Giry and Millie Lyon as her daughter, Meg. At certain performances the role of Christine will be played by Colleen Rose Curran.
The brilliant original staging of Hal Prince, choreographed by Gillian Lynne, was revised for the post-Covid re-opening of the production in 2021 by Seth Sklar-Heyn and Chrissie Cartwright, and the original stage and costume design by the legendary Maria Björnson was thrillingly restored and updated with even more spectacular effects by Matt Kinley and Jill Parker, dazzlingly lit by Andrew Bridge with associate lighting design by Warren Letton, sound by Mick Potter and Musical Supervision by Simon Lee.
The cast is completed by Harry Apps, George Arvidson, Michael Baxter, Embla Bishop, David Burilin, Polly Clarke, Leonard Cook, Hywel Dowsell, Connor Ewing, Lila Falce-Bass, Florence Fowler, James Gant, Emily George, Melanie Gowie, Molly Hall, Will Hawksworth, Matt Hayden, Nino Hepher, Mandy Kwan, Verity Marlow, Tim Morgan, Inguna Morozova, Skye November, Taylor Pardell, Johnny Randall, Rachel Spurrell, Jasmine Wallis, Victoria Ward, and Alicia Wong.
Cameron Mackintosh said: “I’m thrilled that this special birthday season of Phantom at His Majesty’s Theatre will be led by such a sensational cast alongside a brilliant ensemble – this is certainly going to be one of the finest casts ever of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s beloved musical! Only two musicals in history have run continuously to packed houses for over 40 years… and counting, and I am very proud to be the producer of them both (the other being Les Misérables). The extraordinary resurgence of interest from young audiences all over the world to see this timeless gothic romance has been mirrored in the continued popularity of Andrew’s iconic score, which is now being excitedly discovered by new generations. I have no doubt that the music of the night will be thrilling audiences for many more decades to come and I’m delighted that the show that Andrew and I embarked on ‘just for the fun of it’ has become a phenomenon beyond our imaginations. Our gratitude to the public knows no bounds.”
The anniversary performance on Friday 9 October 2026 is currently off sale. Please sign up via Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Box Five Club phantomoftheopera/london40.com to be among the first to receive updates and news.
PHANTOM OF THE OPERA tells the haunting story of Christine Daaé, a young soprano whose extraordinary voice enchants a mysterious masked figure known as The Phantom. A brilliant yet tormented musical genius, The Phantom dwells in the depths of the Paris Opera House, casting fear over all who inhabit it.
Drawn to Christine’s sensational talent, The Phantom becomes her mentor, believing she alone can truly bring his music to life, and as he guides her from the shadows, he falls deeply and dangerously in love. When Christine is reunited with her childhood sweetheart, Raoul, now the young patron of the Opera House, she must wrestle with the unpredictable nature of a powerful love triangle. The Phantom’s obsession with his new star sets off a dramatic turn of events where devotion, jealousy and passions collide.
Jordan Donica as The Phantom. Jordan made his Broadway debut in Phantom of the Opera as Raoul from 2016 to 2017, a role he performed again in 2022. He then starred in Lincoln Center Theater revivals portraying Freddy Eynsford-Hill in My Fair Lady and Sir Lancelot in Camelot, the latter of which earned him a nomination for the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical. Further stage credits include Max von Mayerling in the Broadway revival of Sunset Boulevard and originating the role of Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson in the 1st National US tour of Hamilton. Notable screen credits include Charmed and The Gilded Age.
Beatrice Penny-Touré as Christine Daaé. Beatrice made her professional and West End debut in Phantom of the Opera, in the ensemble before taking on the role of Christine Daaé. Further credits include Cosette in the 40th Anniversary and Arena World Tour of Les Misérables, Mary Poppins, Nabulungi in The Book of Mormon, and Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends.
Rhys Whitfield as Raoul. Rhys played Raoul in the West End production at His Majesty’s Theatre in 2021. Further credits include The Devil Wears Prada, Into the Woods, My Fair Lady, Summer and Smoke, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Commitments, and Million Dollar Quartet.
Sierra Boggess as Carlotta Giudicelli. Sierra is very closely associated withthe history of Phantom of the Opera and its related productions. She first portrayed Christine Daaé in the Las Vegas production of Phantom of the Opera in 2006 before originating the role in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sequel, Love Never Dies, in London’s West End in 2010, earning an Olivier Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical. Sierra subsequently played Christine in the 25th Anniversary concert of Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall in 2011, a performance that was filmed and released internationally, and later reprised the role in the Broadway production. Further credits include Ariel in the original cast of The Little Mermaid on Broadway, Les Misérables and School of Rock.
Ian Pirie as Monsieur Firmin. Ian returns to the London production of Phantom of the Opera having played Buquet in 2008 and 2009. Further West End stage credits include Les Misérables, Quasimodo in Notre Dame de Paris, with the RSC in The Canterbury Tales, as well as in Black Watch and acclaimed productions of Macbeth. Ian played Captain Dragonetti in the TV series Da Vinci’s Demons, alongside screen roles in The English, Chernobyl, The Matrix Resurrections, Calibre, Sunset Song, The Terror, Guilt, The Capture, The Last Duel, and Les Misérables.
Joseph Millson as Monsieur André. Joseph played Raoul in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Love Never Dies at London’s Adelphi Theatre, with further stage credits in the West End, at the National Theatre, Shakespeare’s Globe, Peter Hall Company, Royal Court Theatre and the RSC. Theatre credits include Mary Poppins, Macbeth, Much Ado About Nothing, As You Like It, Apologia, Mr Foote’s Other Leg, and King John. Joseph’s screen credits include Peak Practice, CasinoRoyale, AngelHasFallen, MoonKnight, 24, The Sarah-Jane Adventures, and The Last Kingdom. This marks his debut in Phantom of the Opera.
Joanna Riding as Madame Giry. Joanna is a two-time Olivier Award-winning actress whose stage career has been centred around major West End and National Theatre productions including Carousel, My Fair Lady, Guys and Dolls, Stephen Ward, The Witches of Eastwick, Billy Elliot the Musical, Follies, The Girls and Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends. She has also played leading roles across the UK and internationally. This marks her debut in Phantom of the Opera.
Matt Bateman as Ubaldo Piangi. Matt returns to the London production of Phantom of the Opera following ensemble and cover roles from 2017 to 2019. Further credits include West End productions of Les Misérables and Pretty Woman: The Musical as well as the UK tour of Jesus Christ Superstar.
Millie Lyon as Meg Giry. Millie made her West End debut in Phantom of the Opera in 2024.
Colleen Rose Curran as Christine Daaé at certain performances. Colleen made her West End debut in Phantom of the Opera in 2023.
Some of the principals will be staying into 2027. See Notes to Editors for Principal Cast performance dates.
Cameron Mackintosh’s production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is widely considered one of the world’s most beautiful and spectacular musicals. Since 1986, PHANTOM OF THE OPERA has become a global phenomenon with productions playing to 160 million people in 217 cities, 52 territories and in 23 languages. Lloyd Webber’s celebrated romantic and soaring score includes The Music of the Night, All I Ask of You, Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again, Masquerade and the iconic title song.
PHANTOM OF THE OPERA has won over 70 major awards all over the world. In 1988, the Broadway production was nominated for twelve Tony Awards and won seven including Best Musical. The original London production in its 1986 debut won the Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Musical and two Olivier Awards including Best New Musical. The original cast recording was the first in British musical history to enter the charts at Number One.
PHANTOM OF THE OPERA – Produced by Cameron Mackintosh, Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Lyrics by Charles Hart, and Additional Lyrics by Richard Stilgoe. Book by Richard Stilgoe and Andrew Lloyd Webber, based on the novel ‘Le Fantôme de l’Opera’ by Gaston Leroux, with Orchestrations by David Cullen and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Musical Supervision is by Simon Lee. The Production Design is by Maria Björnson and the Set Design is adapted by Matt Kinley with Associate Costume Design by Jill Parker, Lighting is by Andrew Bridge with Associate Lighting Design by Warren Letton, Sound is by Mick Potter. The Musical Staging and Choreography is by Dame Gillian Lynne, recreated and adapted by Chrissie Cartwright. Originally Directed by Harold Prince, this production is Directed by Seth Sklar-Heyn.
PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is a Cameron Mackintosh and LW Entertainment production.
TOHO Co., Ltd. are delighted to announce a major 2026-2028 world tour of the highly acclaimed stage adaptation of SPIRITED AWAY. The production will open at the National Theater, Taipei (December 2026 – January 2027), before embarking on a national tour of Japan beginning in Tokyo (March – August 2027),then playing the Princess of Wales Theatre, Toronto (May – August 2027), the Ahmanson Theatre, Los Angeles (September –October 2027) and finally, returning to the London Coliseum (March – July 2028) where it had its European premiere in 2024. The London production will be co-produced by PW Productions. Casting and on sale dates for the world tour to be announced.
Sign up for priority booking and be the first to access tickets at spiritedawayonstage.com
TOHO Co., Ltd said today “Toho is deeply grateful for the opportunity to be welcomed back to London. This production made its world premiere in Tokyo in 2022, followed by sold-out success from London and Shanghai to Seoul. Through this journey, it has proven that the masterpiece by Hayao Miyazaki and Toshio Suzuki from Studio Ghibli, brought to life through John Caird’s masterful direction, resonates universally. As we embark on a grand world tour from December 2026 through 2028, it is our greatest joy to further share the excellence of Japanese performing arts with audiences worldwide.”
PW Productions said today “We’re thrilled to be bringing this extraordinary production of Spirited Away back to London after its sell-out run in 2024. The overwhelming response from audiences during its European premiere made it clear that there is a huge appetite for the production, and we’re delighted to be returning to the magnificent London Coliseum, where the production’s majestic scale can be fully realised.”
Bob Holland, Executive Producer at the London Coliseum, said today “We’re delighted that Spirited Away returns to the London Coliseum in Spring 2028 following the extraordinary and sell-out success of their first run. This production was a huge hit with audiences of all ages and captures the magic of such a beloved Studio Ghibli classic. We look forward to welcoming audiences back for what promises to be the return of a breathtaking adaptation.”
Following a sell-out tour of Japan in 2022, the original Japanese cast performed this spectacular production for a limited season at the London Coliseum in 2024, where it played to sold-out audiences of over 300,000 people across 17 weeks. Opening to both critical and audience acclaim, it won Best New Play at the 2025 WhatsOnStage Awards and was nominated for four Olivier Awards including Best Set Design (Jon Bausor, Toby Olié, Daisy Beattie, Satoshi Kuriyama), Best Costume Design (Sachiko Nakahara), Best Sound Design (Koichi Yamamoto), and Best New Entertainment or Comedy Play. Critical acclaim included:
★★★★★
The Independent
“constant, unpredictable spectacle”
★★★★★
The Express
“utterly enchanting”
★★★★
Financial Times
“boundless invention”
Following these milestone achievements, the production further expanded its global footprint across Asia, continuing its international success with an overwhelming 42-performance run at the Shanghai Culture Square in China in July and August 2025. This was immediately followed by a triumphant three-month, 94-performance long-run at the Seoul Arts Center Opera House in South Korea starting in January 2026. With every single performance entirely sold out across both international runs, this Japanese-born masterpiece has firmly established its powerful presence on the global stage, paving the way for its highly anticipated 2026–2028 world tour.
Studio Ghibli’s SPIRITED AWAY, created by legendary animator and director Hayao Miyazaki, wasre-imagined for the stage by Toho Theatrical Department and Olivier and Tony Award-winning director John Caird (LesMisérables). The production is presented in the original Japanese, with English captions. Miyazaki’s masterpiece is brought beautifully to life with a live orchestra playing the magnificent film score by Joe Hisaishi arranged by Brad Haak (Mary Poppins), dazzling set design by Jon Bausor (Bat Out of Hell), wildly imaginative puppets designed by Toby Olié (Pinocchio: National Theatre), choreography by Shigehiro Ide (NODA MAP Series), and lavish costumes by Sachiko Nakahara.
Director Hayao Miyazaki’s timeless masterpiece SPIRITED AWAY became an explosive blockbuster after its 2001 release and won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film in 2003. A masterpiece of storytelling and stunning visuals SPIRITED AWAY tells the enchanting tale of Chihiro who while traveling to a new home with her family, stumbles into a world of fantastic spirits ruled over by the sorceress Yubaba. When her parents are turned into pigs and she is put to work in a magical bathhouse, Chihiro must use her wits to survive in this strange new place, find a way to free her parents, and return to the normal world.
TOHO Co., Ltd.,has been one of the premiere Japanese entertainment companies for theatre and film since its foundation in 1932, best known internationally for Godzilla movies as well as the Akira Kurosawa masterpieces. TOHO also plays a leading role in the Japanese theatre community, producing the highest quality shows for the past 85 years. TOHO’s production of My Fair Lady premiered in 1963 and was the first-ever production of a Broadway musical performed fully in Japanese. Since then, TOHO has been a pioneer of musical theater throughout Japan introducing musical masterpieces from Broadway, the West End and locations around the world, including: Les Misérables, Miss Saigon, Fiddler on the Roof, Man of La Mancha, RENT, Jersey Boys, Elisabeth, Newsies, Moulin Rouge! The Musical and Tootsie. TOHO also produces its own original shows which include: Roman Holiday, Marie Antoinette, Lady Bess, Knights’ Tale, KINGDOM, SPY x FAMILY, Your Lie in April, JOJO’s Bizarre Adventure, Spirited Away, Kane and Abel, Itaewon Class, The Twelve Kingdoms and many others.
PW Productions is one of the West End’s most prolific and significant theatre producers, responsible for some of the most successful productions in British theatre since it was founded in 1983 by Peter Wilson MBE. As well as Spirited Away at the London Coliseum, productions have included Susan Hill’s The Woman in Black, Stephen Daldry’s production of J.B. Priestley’s classic thriller An Inspector Calls, De La Guarda at the Roundhouse, Nigel Slater’s Toast, Ross Willis’ Wonder Boy and many more. The company has acted as General Manager and Production Accountant for more than 500 productions throughout the world. PW Productions has also presented work in Japan, Singapore, Canada, USA, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Austria, Australia and Hong Kong.
The original Japanese Stage Production of SPIRITED AWAY is based on the Oscar-winning animated feature film by Hayao Miyazaki, adapted by John Caird, co-adapted by Maoko Imai and featuring the original score by Joe Hisaishi.
Autumn, amplified: Wiltshire Creative launches an exciting season of performance and participation
Tickets for the full autumn season on general sale from 2 July
Images, left to right: The Haar, The Haunting of Hill House, Paul Merton and Suki Webster’s Improv Show
Get ready for a bold, brilliant line-up of music, theatre, conversation and comedy at Salisbury Playhouse and Salisbury Arts Centre this autumn. Enjoy three months packed with live performance and explore your own creativity with new participatory opportunities.
Some of the folk scene’s most exciting artists bring virtuoso musicianship and infectious energy to the season. Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman celebrate 30 years of making music together, The Haar share poetic interpretations of traditional songs and Awake Arise unites five rising English folk stars.
Wiltshire Creative are proudly providing a stage for local legends following Salisbury Arts Centre’s best venue award at The Salisbury Music Awards, including False Futures and Carsick, while future stars can show off their skills at Band Night Halloween Party – created for young people, by young people.
It’s also a season of musical reminiscence, from swinging to the 60s with The Zoots, transporting to the 20s with Pasadena Roof Orchestra or enjoying easy listening from Tenors Un Limited. And there are big tributes to great names from Genesis to Bowie.
The theatre programme is already booking fast after its launch in April. From best-selling novel to major hit Netflix series, The Haunting of Hill House now takes to the stage with a chilling theatrical adaptation produced by Wiltshire Creative in association with Theatr Clwyd. Don’t miss this world premiere. Other autumn highlights on the main stage include a major revival of the modern classic East is East,co-produced by Wiltshire Creative, Octagon Theatre Bolton, Citizens Theatre & Derby Theatre, and two visiting productions, The Anastasia File and Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of). And, of course, audiences will be treated to Wiltshire Creative’s award-winning pantomime for the festive season, with a new version of Beauty and the Beast.
The reopening of the Salberg Studio as Salisbury Playhouse celebrates its 50th anniversary has been received positively by the local community. This intimate stage welcomes Up Down Big Man, produced by Myrtle Theatre Company and Wiltshire Creative, alongside visiting productions Two Halves of Guinness and A Christmas Carol.
Families will enjoy the return of the home-produced Salberg Christmas offer, too, with Beatrix Potter’s The Tailor of Gloucester, directed by Wiltshire Creative’s Artistic Director Gareth Machin. Another season highlight for younger audiences is funny, family-friendly adventure Rabbit & Rey and the Lost Things from Stuff and Nonsense Theatre Company, staged at Salisbury Arts Centre.
Autumn also sees the biggest ever line-up of fascinating talks outside the Festival season. Join author and former war reporter Damien Lewis to discover the never-before-told story of SAS Captain Lewis ‘Archie’ Gibson. And broadcaster Matthew Stadlen presents four nights of compelling conversation with famous names: entrepreneur Deborah Meaden, poet, novelist and essayist Sir Ben Okri, journalist Matt Frei and actor Trevor Eve.
There are big names from the world of comedy, too, with stand-up shows from Daniel Kitson, Mark Simmons, Michael Spicer and Lucy Porter. Take a trip into silliness and surrealism with improv a-plenty, from Paul Merton & Suki Webster’s Improv Show to The Noise Next Door, and five-star Fringe favourites Pinch Punch welcome you aboard Locomotive for Murder: The Improvised Whodunnit. Or, for fast-paced, funny theatre full of 90s pop-culture references, try Buffy ReVamped, from comedian Brendan Murphy.
Wiltshire Creative’s participatory programme offers new ways to get creative for all ages. There are plenty of opportunities for young people to get involved, whether as trainee technicians, ambassadors, or dropping in for a jam session. For younger children and their families, there are Friday Under 5 sessions and a CrAfter School Club, plus an imaginative stay-and-play day for October half term. Adults can explore dance, theatre arts and much more.
Gareth Machin, Artistic Director, Wiltshire Creative, said: “We’re delighted to share this vibrant programme for the autumn season. We’re excited to reopen the Salberg Studio as we celebrate the Playhouse’s 50th anniversary, and we’re revitalising the Arts Centre with new participatory activities alongside live performances. We look forward to seeing you at an event very soon.”
The full autumn season opens for booking to Wiltshire Creative Supporters on Tuesday 30 June and on general sale Thursday 2 July. For more information and to book tickets, visit wiltshirecreative.co.uk/whats-on or pick up a season brochure.
The Victoria Wood Estate, in association with Phil McIntyre Live and Sustainable Entertainment, announces the return of the iconic Victoria Wood sitcom dinnerladies. More than a quarter of a century after it was first screened on BBC One, a brand-new stage adaptation for 2027 in the first piece of Victoria’s work to be commissioned by the Estate. Adapted by Beth and Emma Kilcoyne and directed by double Olivier-award winner Sean Foley.
The new show features a storyline inspired by the beloved original TV sitcom episodes and characters. Premiering at the Manchester Opera House in January, the production will then tour major theatres across the UK until August and star Les Dennis (Coronation Street, Only Fools and Horses The Musical) as maintenance man Stan. Further star casting will be announced soon, and tickets will go on sale from 29th June for select theatres at dinnerladiestheplay.com.
Originally created, written and starring comedy legend Victoria Wood, dinnerladies ran for two acclaimed series and 16 episodes between 1998 and 2000, winning widespread critical plaudits and a devoted audience for its warmth, wit and brilliantly observed characters. Winning a British Comedy Award for Best TV Comedy in 2000, the sitcom was set in the canteen of fictional Manchester factory HWD Components, and followed the lives, friendships and workplace dramas of the staff and regulars who gathered there every day.
Now, audiences will once again be reunited with the unforgettable world of dinnerladies, and the affectionate portrayal of everyday working British life. This new adaptation will feature all the much-loved characters that made the show a huge British classic with a lasting place in comedy history, including Bren, Tony, Dolly, Anita, Jean, Twinkle, Philippa and Stan. Whether you’re revisiting an old favourite or discovering it for the first time, dinnerladies serves up a hilarious night out packed with heart, nostalgia and plenty of surprises.
The Victoria Wood Estate, said: “We are delighted to be bringing the joy of Victoria Wood’s much-loved classic dinnerladies back to the nation after more than 25 years. We hope that this new stage adaptation by Beth and Emma Kilcoyne and directed by Sean Foley – featuring a story inspired by the original TV series – will take theatre goers across the UK straight back to the delights of the canteen and characters they grew to love.”
Speaking about joining the production, Les Dennis added: “I’m so thrilled to be on board with this new production of Victoria Wood’s dinnerladies. I’m lucky enough to say I knew Victoria – she and I performed on the comedy circuit in the 1970s and were both finalists on New Faces. I was always such a fan of her – both as a person, and as a comedic voice. Being part of this tour and seeing these beloved northern working-class characters brought to the stage is a perfect way to keep her legacy alive. I’m the first cast member to be announced as Stan, and I can’t wait to see which fantastic actresses will be bringing these amazing dinnerladies characters to life – they’re all such fantastic roles. I think fans of Victoria will be in for a real treat after hearing director Sean Foley’s plans for this tour!”
DINNERLADIES – UK TOUR DATES 2027
22nd – 23rd January Churchill Theatre, Bromley ON SALE 3 JULY
26th Jan – 6th February Opera House, Manchester ON SALE 3 JULY
9th – 13th February Venue Cymru, Llandudno ON SALE 2 JULY
16th – 20th February Theatre Royal, Bath ON SALE 29 JUNE
23rd – 27th February Grand Opera House, York ON SALE 3 JULY
2nd – 6th March Birmingham Hippodrome ON SALE 1 JULY
9th – 13th March Stockton Globe ON SALE 3 JULY
16th – 20th March Milton Keynes Theatre ON SALE 3 JULY
23rd – 27th March Congress Theatre, Eastbourne ON SALE 3 JULY
31st March – 3rd April Blackpool Opera House ON SALE 29 JUNE
6th – 10th April New Theatre, Cardiff ON SALE 3 JULY
13th – 17th April New Theatre, Hull ON SALE 3 JULY
20th – 24th April Theatre Royal, Nottingham ON SALE 3 JULY
27th April – 1st May New Theatre, Wimbledon ON SALE 3 JULY
4th – 8th May Regent Theatre, Ipswich ON SALE 29 JUNE
11th – 15th May Princess Theatre, Torquay ON SALE 3 JULY
18th – 22nd May Hall for Cornwall, Truro ON SALE 20 JULY
25th – 29th May Pavilion Theatre, Bournemouth ON SALE 29 JUNE
1st – 5th June Royal & Derngate, Northampton ON SALE 1 JULY
8th – 12th June Regent Theatre, Stoke ON SALE 3 JULY
15th – 19th June G Live, Guildford ON SALE 3 JULY
22st – 26th June Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury ON SALE SOON
29th June –3rd July Grand Theatre, Leeds ON SALE 3 JULY
5th July Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton ON SALE 1 JULY
13th – 17th July Empire, Liverpool ON SALE 3 JULY
20th– 24th July Hexagon, Reading ON SALE 3 JULY
27th – 31st July City Hall, Sheffield ON SALE 3 JULY
3rd – 7th August Cliffs Pavilion, Southend ON SALE 3 JULY
Indigo Productions and Crossroads Live in association with Curve
present
FINAL CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR THE WORLD STAGE PLAY PREMIERE OF
MOLLIE GALLAGHER (Coronation Street) makes her theatrical debut as ‘Clarice Starling’ in this spine-tingling new production
OLIVER FARNWORTH (Emmerdale) and SAM JACKSON (Skins) also star as ‘Jack Crawford’ and ‘Buffalo Bill’ alongside previously announced JOHN PARTRIDGE (EastEnders) as ‘Dr Hannibal Lecter’
Multi Olivier & Tony Award-Winning Creative Team Also Confirmed
Seminal psychological thriller adapted for the stage by
Pulitzer finalist and Tony-nominated playwright Gina Gionfriddo
from the modern classic novel by Thomas Harris
Directed by acclaimed Curve Artistic Director, Nikolai Foster
Indigo Productions and Crossroads Live, in association with Curve, are delighted to announce full casting for the upcoming UK and Ireland tour of The Silence of the Lambs, as the global cultural phenomenon prepares to make its world stage play premiere. Mollie Gallagher (Coronation Street) will make her professional theatre debut as ‘Clarice Starling’, Oliver Farnworth (Emmerdale) will star as ‘Jack Crawford’ alongside Sam Jackson (Skins) as ‘Buffalo Bill’, when the electrifying new production opens at Leicester’s Curve theatre on Saturday 01 August 2026, ahead of a major UK and Ireland tour.
Also joining the ensemble are Minal Patel as ‘Frederick Chilton’; Jo Mousley as ‘Senator Ruth Martin’; Lottie Amor as ‘Catherine Martin’;Mark Peachey as ‘Pilcher’;Andrew Joshi as ‘Peterson’;Jonny Magnanti as ‘Wertimer’, with Mary Timbrell Hill completing the company, all taking on a variety of roles.
They join previously announced British actor, singer, presenter, writer and director, John Partridge. Best known for his long-running role as Christian Clarke in BBC 1’s Eastenders and extensive range of West End credits from CATS to Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, John will don the iconic mask as the refined and sadistic Dr Hannibal Lecter.
Mollie Gallagher makes her professional theatrical debut as Clarice Starling. Mollie is an award-winning actor (Serial drama performance, National Theatre Awards) best-known for her role as Nina Lucas on ITV long running soap, Coronation Street. Mollie joined Coronation Street straight out of drama school and has since been central to some of the show’s biggest storylines, including the powerful ‘Nina’ and ‘Seb’ hate crime storyline, based on the attack of Sophie Lanacaster. In 2023 Mollie took part in ITV’s Dancing On Ice in which she reached the semi-finals. The Silence of the Lambs is Mollie’s professional theatre debut.
Oliver Farnworth is Jack Crawford. His theatre credits include: 42nd Street (Sadlers Wells); Fatal Attraction (Tour); The Girl on the Train (Tour); The Marilyn Conspiracy (Tour); Down The Dock Road (Theatre Royal Liverpool); Dobbo (Royal Court Liverpool); Inherit The Wind (New Vic Theatre); Beautiful Thing (Arts Theatre / UK Tour); Santa Claus The Musical (Grand Theatre Singapore); The Widowing of Mrs Holroyd (New Vic Theatre); A View From The Bridge (Theatre By The Lake); Holding The Man (Trafalgar Studios); Kes (Liverpool Playhouse & UK Tour); Merchant of Venice (Changeling Theatre); A Midsummer Night’s Dream (British Shakespeare Company); Saturday Night, Sunday Morning (Harrogate Theatre / Oldham Coliseum); London Plays: London Tongue (Old red Lion); Under Milk Wood (New Vic Studio); The Roaring Girl (New Vic Studio) and The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (Redgrave Theatre). Television includes: Emmerdale, Endeavour VI, Coronation Street, Mr. Selfridge, Doctors XIV, The Royal and Hollyoaks. Films include Love Type D.
Sam Jackson is Jame Gumb (Buffalo Bill). His theatre includes: Ichabod Crane in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (UK Tour), Jamie in Beautiful Thing (UK Tour), Haemon in Antigone (Eagle’s Nest Theatre) and Billy in Kes (Derby Playhouse). Television includes: Sean Crimp in Father Brown (BBC), James in Drifters (E4), Cameron Pollins in Holby City (BBC), Ryan in Heartbeat (ITV), Jonathan in The Syndicate (BBC), Alex Henley in Skins (E4). Film includes: Adam in The Drowning of Arthur Braxton (Firefox)
When FBI trainee Clarice Starling is sent to interview the psychiatrist and infamous murderer Hannibal Lecter, it’s hoped his brilliant mind will help catch sadistic new serial killer, Buffalo Bill. Another girl is missing, and time is running out. But Dr Lecter has questions of his own, and now Clarice must decide: keep a safe distance, or let Hannibal ‘The Cannibal’ into her head?
Two-time Pulitzer finalist Gina Gionfriddo (Law & Order (NBC), House of Cards (Netflix), Becky Shaw, whose recent Broadway debut earned two Tony nominations and one win)brings Thomas Harris gripping literary masterpiece to the stage in a bold adaptation directed by the Curve’s Artistic Director, Nikolai Foster. Gionfriddo’s theatrical adaptation delves into the psychological tension of Thomas Harris’s landmark novel, drawing the audience deep into Clarice and Lecter’s intelligent, intricate, and bone-chilling game of cat-and-mouse, as the FBI scramble to catch Buffalo Bill, a serial killer still at large.
The tour’s award-winning creative team is completed by acclaimed theatre Designer, Michael Taylor (The Ladykillers (Olivier-nominated), Billy Elliot (Leicester Curve)); Sound Designer, Carolyn Downing (award-winning credits include her Olivier for Chimerica and Tony Award for Life of Pi); Projection Designer, George Reeve (2025 Tony Award recipient for Best Scenic Design of a Musical for Maybe Happy Ending, Disney’s Hercules and Oliver (West End and Chichester Festival Theatre); Tony nominated and Drama Desk Award-winning Composer, Grant Olding, whose theatrecredits include numerous collaborationswith Nicholas Hytner at both The Bridge and National Theatres, including One Man, Two Guvnors; Tony and Olivier-nominated Lighting Designer, Howard Hudson (Starlight Express,Troubadour Theatre,& Juliet,Broadway, West End, International and UK tours) and Casting by Harry Blumenau CDG CSA. Julia Thomas is Associate Director.
The Silence of the Lambs is produced by Indigo Productions and Crossroads Live in association with Curve.
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Polka Theatre’s Arthur delivers a bright, witty reimagining of the Sword in the Stone legend, blending sharp humour, clever writing, and a generous dose of heart.
Gurjot Dhaliwal’s Grace is lured into the past by Rose Wardlaw’s enigmatic Merlin, tasked with helping Giles Carden’s hesitant Arthur locate Excalibur and, more importantly, discover the courage and self-belief he’s been missing. Along the way, Grace learns a lesson every child (and quite a few adults) should take to heart, be kind to yourself… and never, under any circumstances, stick Lego up your nose.
The production is a lively and very funny romp. With minimal props and a single central set piece, it relies on lighting and performance to do much of the storytelling, creating a playful and imaginative staging. Adam Mirsky brings delightful comic flair as Sir Lancelot (Lottie to his mummy), and his turn as the spirit of the rock (or something very close to it) proved unexpectedly captivating, particularly for my partner, who was very taken with his rocky alter ego. Megan Vaughan-Thomas is excellent as both Sir Gawain and Vivian, the latter a former flame of Merlin with a grudge that refuses to die quietly.
As the cast debate through song whether the kingdom needs an honest, moral, respectful and brave leader or a handsome warmonger, the humour lands with a sharp, knowing edge. It’s a moment that feels both playful and pointed, and the adult audience responded with the kind of laughter that comes from recognising a truth wrapped in silliness.
The children in our group, aged seven and nine, loved every moment. The songs, particularly Quest and War, are irresistibly catchy and have already become favourites. It’s a charming, clever, and thoroughly enjoyable Saturday afternoon treat for families, anchored by a memorable moral: do not put Lego up your nose.
Crucible Theatre, Sheffield – until 18th July 2026
Reviewed by Alison Beaumont
3***
Summer Holiday is a 1960’s inspired musical adapted from the iconic Cliff Richard film of the same name. The story follows Don, a bus mechanic and his friends who convert a double-decker bus into a mobile home to embark on a European adventure. They bump into a musical trio called Do Re Mi and offer to help them by taking them to Athens. During the journey they come across a stow away who tries to disguise themselves as Bobby but really, they are a famous singer called Barbara. Barbara’s mum tracks Barbara down and tries to stop the bus on its travels.
Don played by George Jones had the biggest feet to fill stepping into the role played by Sir Cliff Richard himself. The best song for me from George was Batchelor Boy.
Fanta Barrie took on the role of Barbara and vocally did the job well. I would have like to have heard her sing something that she could have belted out to emphasize her singing capability.
The show itself had the audience laughing, although I’m not quite sure if this was down to the audience finding it funny or laughing at the daftness of the show from card board cut outs of landmarks to a little remote control bus whizzing round the stage.
The set itself was simple with bus seats being moved around by the cast members. A car did come up through the stage floor with the Do Re Mi trio in it but to me I think the bus should have been the main feature to wow the audience.
All the cast seemed to enjoy themselves and worked well together and had lots of energy. They sang really well together, often better than individually. They are talented and alongside singing they played multiple instruments.
The second half of the show was much better than the first half and the show did end on a high with everyone up and dancing to Do You Wanna Dance. I think this show could definitely divide the audience with some finding it brilliant and others feeling like it was missing something.
This Sunday (28 June 2026) marks 20-years since the multi-award-winning hit musical AVENUE Q first opened in the West End at the Noel Coward Theatre (28 June 2006).
Now, the critically acclaimed 20th anniversary production, which recently opened at the Shaftesbury Theatre, is playing a strictly limited season untilSunday 3 January 2027, bringing the original Broadway puppets back to the block!
The production stars Emily Benjamin as Kate Monster and Lucy The Slut, Noah Harrison as Princeton and Rod, Meg Hateley as Mrs T and Bad Idea Bear, Oliver Jacobson as Brian, Charlie McCullagh as Nicky, Trekkie Monster and Bad Idea Bear, Amelia Kinu Muus as Christmas Eve and Dionne Ward-Anderson as Gary.
The company is completed by Jasmine Beel, Jonathan Carlton, Angelis Hunt, Lesley Lemon, Jessica Niles Kadi and Joshua Williams-Ward.
The anniversary production is directed by the original award-winning Broadway director Jason Moore, has music & lyrics by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx and book by Jeff Whitty, music orchestrations and arrangements by Stephen Oremus, original Broadway puppets, conceived and designed by Rick Lyon and set design by Anna Louizos. Alongside choreography by Ebony Molina, costume design by Jean Chan, lighting design by Tim Lutkin, sound design by Paul Groothuis, video design by Nina Dunn for Pixellux, musical direction by Benjamin Holder, puppetry coaching by Iestyn Evans and Andy Heath forTalk to the Hand Puppet, hair & makeup design by Jackie Saundercock, casting by Pearson Casting CDG and original West End company member, Julie Atherton, as Associate Director.
‘25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’ is an American musical conceived by Rebecca Feldman, with music and lyrics by William Finn.
Directed at theatre@41 by Neil Wood and performed by York Light Opera Company, it follows six teens and as they vie for the ultimate spelling championship. They spell their way through a series of complex (and occasionally made-up) words whilst discussing their home lives, simultaneously hoping never to hear the ‘ding’ of the adjudicators’ bell that indicates that they made an error and will be disqualified.
The set contains as a backdrop a huge American flag, and the characters sit on raised benches before being called up to the podium to spell their words. There is also a stall set out by the Bee’s sponsors, Putnam County Optometrists with accompanying glasses illustration – because in popular cuture bookworms/nerds often need vision correction. While that stereotype could have grated on another critic, it amused this reviewer – if the shoe fits, as the saying goes, she will good-naturedly wear it.
One of the adjudicators of the Bee, Rona Lisa Perretti, is a former Putnam County Spelling Bee victor herself, and Katie Brier, who plays her, perfectly captures her nostalgia as she reflects on her own performance as a ‘marvellous memory,’ but also her slightly subversive side, ‘when the favourite loses, that’s my favourite moment of the Bee.’
Neil Foster, who plays her fellow judge, Vice Principal Douglas Panch, gives a believable comic performance when he melts down at a contestant calling him Principal ‘they won’t let me be principal!’
Daniel Wood evokes sympathy as the melodramatic and self-deprecating Leaf Coneybear. Coneybear placed third in his district and only got to the final due to the winner and attending a bat mitzvah and the runner-up attending it. As a result, his siblings bully him into believing that, as he sings, ‘I’m Not That Smart’. Wood excels at evoking Coneybear’s clumsiness, both visually through his wearing a helmet and when he randomly yet slickly falls off his chair.
Also physically, Wood strongly resembles the actor Tyger Drew-Honey from the television series ‘Outnumbered’, and with his comic aptitude this reviewer believes he could be equally successful professionally.
Stephen Wright, who plays William Barfee evokes Hyacinth Bucket when he is introduced by Perretti and immediately corrects her pronunciation to make his surname more pretentious, ‘it’s Barfée.’ His strengths range from linguistics to being lithe and fleet of foot as he spells out each word on the floor with his shoe as he articulates it, particularly in the number ‘My Magic Foot.’ This reviewer thinks a role in \ (perhaps as a slim Mr Braithwaite) is definitely within his purview, should he desire it.
Rosa Burns plays the highly successful but also highly pressured and neurotic Marcy Park. ‘[her paperwork] says I speak 6 languages but does it also say I only sleep 3 hours a night and I hide in the medicine cabinet and I’m not allowed to cry?’ She has great comic range and rapport with James Dickinson, who plays Jesus, who tells her it’s ok to fail the contest, which she then throws with glee, ‘I don’t have to win!’
It was lovely for this reviewer to see Lim act for the first time, particularly in a comic role as she first came across him in May directing Inspired By Theatre’s ‘Spring Awakening,’ a show which, while equally engrossing, is far from light-hearted.
Lim is impressively versatile in his role of ‘Comfort Counsellor’ Mitch Mahoney going from gritty, slightly threatening ex-con who’s only doing it for his community service, ‘I just want to beat them up a little, so they understand that pain has degrees, and this is nothing, you little freaks’ to moral supporter,handing out juice boxes and hugs.‘Go with dignity, you’re a real smart dude, spell with patience and care, that, dude, is my prayer.’
Lottie Farmer plays Logainne Schwartzandgrubenniere. Like Parks, her character is highly-strung and highly-pressured, in her case to not let down her dads (played by Wood and Lim, to excellent effect, I could instantly see them smashing the Heathers the musical anthem, My Dead Gay Son, and Farmer herself perhaps as Martha.)
Hannah Shaw, who plays Olive Ostrovsky, deserves credit before she even opens her mouth, simply for surviving the show while wearing a pink, fluffy, and very thick-looking jumper in 30 degree heat in a theatre with no air conditioning! I hope Carly Price from Wardrobe had plenty of fans and ice for her backstage. When Shaw does sing, however, she endears herself entirely to the audience as she relates how the words in her beloved dictionary have become forever friends compared to the (few) real ones she may have in school, a sentiment this bookish reviewer can well remember sharing.
But the stand-up performance of the night (if you’ll excuse the pun) came from James Dickinson who plays Chip Tolentino. Tolentino’s ‘Unfortunate Erection’ didn’t need to be spelled out at all and evicted him from the Bee. His bemoaning of it (forgive the pun again!) while throwing candy at the audience had us all in stitches. Magic Mike The Musical surely awaits his audition.
The only error the show made, in my opinion was having too few of the cast wear their glasses in the show, especially since the Bee is sponsored by Putnam Optometrists! There may have been practical reasons for these choices such as a preference for contact lenses onstage, perhaps due to lighting effects but should she have directed, this bespectacled reviewer would have said nerds/glasses-wearers unite and be proud!
Geeks and freaks and those who love us, and American cultural traditions, I cannot spell it out more clearly if I was writing it in flames across the sky, this show is F A B U L O U S. Get your head out of your latest book and GO SEE IT NOW!
