Author: FairyPoweredProductions

Windsor Theatre Royal – until 21 March 2026

5*****

Five stars hardly feel enough for Glorious! at Windsor Theatre Royal, a production that delivers laughter, warmth, and surprising tenderness in equal measure. Based on the true story of Florence Foster Jenkins — the famously enthusiastic but catastrophically off-key soprano — this show is a delight from start to finish, and this cast makes it shine.

Wendi Peters takes on the formidable role of Florence, and what a performance it is. It must be incredibly difficult to sing that badly on purpose, yet Peters does so with astonishing precision. Every note is gloriously wrong, every phrase wildly misplaced, and yet the control required to make it sound so convincingly awful is clearly the work of a hugely skilled performer. More than that, she captures Florence’s spirit perfectly – optimistic, determined, and utterly convinced of her own talent. It would be easy to play the role for simple laughs, but Peters gives Florence real vulnerability. Beneath the comedy is a woman who simply loves music and wants to share that love with the world, no matter what anyone else thinks.

Matthew James Morrison is superb as Cosme McMoon, Florence’s long-suffering pianist. His reactions throughout the show are priceless, often saying more with a glance than with a line. The balance between exasperation and affection is spot-on, and his musical partnership with Peters provides some of the funniest moments of the evening. You can almost feel his internal struggle as he tries to keep the performance together while everything around him falls spectacularly apart.

Sioned Jones also deserves huge praise as Dorothy, Florence’s loyal friend and greatest supporter. Jones brings warmth and charm to the role, making Dorothy far more than just a comic side character. Her unwavering belief in Florence adds a touching layer to the story. And Caroline Gruber as Italian maid Maria is hilarious

The production itself is slick and beautifully paced, allowing the humour to land perfectly while never losing sight of the humanity behind the story. The audience laughed constantly, but there were also moments of genuine emotion that caught everyone by surprise. That balance is what makes Glorious! more than just a comedy – it becomes a celebration of individuality, passion, and the courage to follow your dreams, no matter how unconventional they may be.

By the time the final note rang out, the audience was on its feet, and rightly so. This is a five-star performance in every sense: hilarious, heartfelt, and performed with extraordinary skill.

A truly glorious night at the theatre.

Festival Theatre, Malvern – 15th March 2026

Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau

5*****

It was a cold, blustery night that made one question if it was worth going out. Since it was Malvern Theatre for a Malvern Concert Club appearance of the Doric String Quartet I forced myself. And boy was I glad!

First up was Mendelssohn’s String Quartet No. 1. I love it when musicians give us a talk from the stage, perhaps with a little anecdote to illuminate our understanding – and tonight Cellist John Myerscough did just that with several fascinating introductions. The first of these highlighted the similarities between this quartet and the Beethoven later, complete with the quartet playing the first sections of each. Very much enhancing our enjoyment.

From the Beethoven inspired opening sighs to the crushing chords and surprising key centre of much of the last movement, the Mendelssohn piece was a revelation. I had always thought this composer to be a bit conservative, even boring and predictable. But this was nothing like that. Inspired work and playing.

Janáček’s String Quartet No.1 The Kreutzer Sonata was next up. John had described the piece as an intense 15 minutes and he wasn’t wrong. Or exaggerating. The piece was inspired by a novel regarding a rehearsal of Beethoven’s Kreutzer Quartet. If you like early 20th Century music you will love this piece as it is full of that era’s drama, outbursts and use of modes. It reminded me of a Hitchcock or melodramatic silent movie film score – I will certainly be searching out the piece again!

After the interval, during which we got the opportunity to thank two of the musicians in person at the Merch stand (yes, I did buy a CD), it was the Harp String Quartet (No 10) by Beethoven. The piece got its nickname due to the harp like effect as the tune is shared around the Cello, Viola (Emma Wernig) and second Violin (Ying Xue) – and what a miraculous effect was wrought by those three; truly awe inspiring. The Violin cadenza (from first Violinist Maia Cabeza) was also a thing of wonder to thrill the senses – and that’s not even mentioning the frenetic end to the opening movement with the Violin racing along like a runaway train hurtling downhill.

With a gentle lullaby of a 2nd movement, a 3rd movement showing echoes of his 5th symphony and a last movement of variations for various instruments and combinations giving each musician a chance to shine, it was a stunning performance throughout – displaying a breadth of emotion and depth of musicianship that is hard to surpass.

The Doric’s are incredibly tight unit musically, often sounding like one person doing double stops (playing two strings at once) rather than 2 separate musicians. Though technically dazzling it was also the physicality that held my attention. This was a visceral performance with everyone off their chairs, in the air and digging into their instruments when the music demanded it. Don’t get me wrong though – the tone and balance of the group was absolutely first class too.

In short, it was an evening of wonderful music played to the highest calibre! I cannot wait for their return (or the next concert in the series). Bravo to all concerned.

Birmingham Rep – Sunday 15th March 2026

Reviewed by Nadia Dodd

4****

Myra’s Story arrives at The Birmingham Rep as a powerful reminder of how precarious life can be. Written by Irish playwright Brian Foster and performed as a one-woman show by Fionna Hewitt-Twamley, the production delivers a raw, intimate portrait of homelessness, addiction, and resilience. With nothing more than a few simple props and the strength of a single performer, the play reveals how easily an ordinary life can unravel.

At the centre of the story is Myra McLaughlin, a homeless woman living on the streets of Dublin. Over the course of the evening, she recounts the circumstances that brought her there: a childhood shaped by poverty, the loss of her child, and the slow descent into alcoholism that followed. Yet Myra’s Story is far from a simple monologue. Instead, Hewitt-Twamley inhabits an entire community around Myra, shifting seamlessly between fifteen different characters who have shaped her life.

The most striking achievement of the performance is Hewitt-Twamley’s remarkable versatility. With subtle shifts in posture, voice, and expression, she transforms from Myra into priests, social workers, pub regulars, family members, and fellow rough sleepers. Each character feels distinct and believable, bringing Dublin’s streets vividly to life. The transitions are so fluid that the audience quickly forgets they are watching a single performer.

Despite the heavy themes, the play is laced with humour and warmth. Myra herself is sharp-tongued, observant, and often disarmingly funny. Her anecdotes about Dublin life provoke genuine laughter, creating moments of relief before the story returns to darker territory. This balance between humour and heartbreak is one of the production’s greatest strengths. It ensures the audience connects with Myra not as a symbol of social hardship, but as a complex and deeply human individual.

Hewitt-Twamley’s portrayal never slips into sentimentality. Instead, she presents Myra with honesty and dignity, allowing the character’s flaws, regrets, and stubborn resilience to coexist. The performance invites empathy without demanding pity. By the end of the play, the audience feels they have been confided in rather than simply told a story.

The minimalist staging at The Birmingham Rep serves the piece well. With little in the way of scenery, the focus remains firmly on the storytelling. This simplicity allows the audience’s imagination to fill in the streets, pubs, and shelters of Dublin while keeping Myra’s voice front and centre.

Perhaps the most powerful aspect of Myra’s Story is its underlying message: that homelessness is not the result of a single failure but a chain of circumstances that can happen to anyone. The play quietly suggests that a few different turns of fate—“a flip of a coin,” as Myra implies—could lead many lives down a similar path.

By the final moments, the theatre sits in reflective silence. What begins as the story of one woman becomes something much broader: a compassionate reminder of shared vulnerability and humanity. Through a tour-de-force performance by Fionna Hewitt-Twamley, Myra’s Story proves that the simplest theatrical form—a single actor and a powerful story—can be the most affecting of all.

Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham – 14th March 2026

Reviewed by Emma Millward

5*****

Making its debut at the Old Joint Stock Theatre, House of Allure Speakeasy offers an exciting evening (or afternoon) of cabaret, drag, and burlesque. The show captures the spirit of vintage nightlife while celebrating the bold creativity of Birmingham’s alternative performance scene. With glamour, humour, and striking stagecraft, it transports the audience into a world of playful excess and theatrical mischief.

Led by “The Queen of Birmingham Burlesque” Dominus von Vexo, the show brings together a diverse lineup of performers. Joining the stage are Tristan Treble, Enrico Touché, Sofeya, Mimi Mariama, and Amarise, each contributing their own unique performance style that keeps the evening varied and entertaining. Every performer brings their own creative flair to the stage. Hosting the evening is Locques La Roux, whose confident stage presence and sharp comedic timing guide the audience smoothly through the performance. Locques maintains the swift pace of the show with ease and playfully handles any heckles thrown his way. Meanwhile, stage manager Vinca De Fleur keeps the audience entertained during transitions. Rather than allowing scene changes to slow the momentum, her appearances amuse the audience while the stage is reset for the next act.

The performances highlight the rich range of styles within cabaret and burlesque. Elegant striptease routines sit alongside stylised dance, glamorous showgirl numbers and moments of theatrical comedy. Sofeya’s hypnotic belly dancing provided calmer moments to the show’s otherwise hectic energy, while the showgirl-inspired routines add a touch of classic charm. Comedic performances inject playful absurdity that keeps the audience consistently entertained. Tristan Treble’s ‘The Paint Stripper’ act with multiple layers of boiler suits being removed, and Dominus Von Vexo’s hilarious dance and lip-sync to Special from Avenue Q (made even funnier by a dental mouth guard) were both highlights of the show for me.

Audience interaction also plays a memorable role in the evening. During one of Enrico Touché’s comic routines, I was unexpectedly invited to assist with what appeared to be a wardrobe emergency, tasked with pulling a loose thread from his flapper dress. What began as a simple attempt to tidy the costume quickly escalated into comic chaos as the thread continued to unravel, prompting mock outrage as he theatrically branded me a “bad lady.” Meanwhile, my guest was drawn into the action multiple times during the evening, first to join Enrico for an impromptu dance, and later to provide rhythmic accompaniment by squeezing a plastic pig in time like a comic heartbeat. These moments of playful audience participation really bring a sense of spontaneity and shared enjoyment that lies at the heart of cabaret performance. A key strength of House of Allure Speakeasy is the ability to create an immersive atmosphere. The venue’s intimate setting allows audiences to feel closely connected to the performers. The Old Joint Stock is the perfect venue for this kind of show.

Beyond the visual spectacle, the production also reflects the collaborative spirit of Birmingham’s cabaret and drag communities. That spirit will continue later this year as the team behind the show host and produce Birmingham’s first drag and burlesque festival, taking place from 6–8 November across several city venues including the Old Joint Stock Theatre, Old Rep Theatre and Eden Bar.

Ultimately, House of Allure Speakeasy proves to be a bold, stylish and inventive showcase of Birmingham’s thriving cabaret scene. With its mix of striking performances from a talented ensemble and spontaneous audience interaction, the show is a lively reminder of the enduring power of live cabaret to surprise, delight and captivate audiences.

LAMBCO Productions
presents 

Full cast announced for the premiere of 

Entertaining MURDERA murder mystery musical
Book, Music and Lyrics by Chris Burgess
Directed by Chris Burgess

Upstairs at the Gatehouse
Highgate Village London N6 4BD
23 April – 10 May

Alex Cosgriff, Dora Gee, Sue Kelvin, Daisy Snelson and Dominic Sullivan will star in the world premiere of the murder mystery musical, Entertaining MURDER.

Alex Cosgriff (Percy Thompson) was Pop in We Will Rock You (Royal Caribbean); George Mallory in Mallory and the Mountain (The Lowry) and #3 in Climb Way Up and Jewish Hollywood (Hope Mill Theatre).
Dora Gee (Young Avis) was recently nominated Best Performer in a Musical in The Stage Debut Awards for The Mad Ones at The Other Palace (“Possessing powerhouse vocals, Gee navigates the emotional trajectory of the production with breathtaking skill” – The Stage).
Sue Kelvin (Avis) has featured in many West End productions including playing Madame Morrible in Wicked, Louise in Private Lives, Despina in Onassis, Golda in Fiddler on the Roof, Mama Morton in Chicago, Mrs Bumble in Oliver!, Emma Goldman in Assassins, Madame Thénardier in Les Misérables, plus Auntie in Travelling Light and Eunice in A Streetcar Named Desire (both National Theatre).
Daisy Snelson (Edith Thompson) is about to star in Arthur & Marilyn at the Lion & Unicorn Theatre. Her credits also include Sondheim Unplugged (The Other Palace).
Dominic Sullivan (Freddy Bywaters) was Darryl in Supersonic Man (Southwark Playhouse) and  Peregrine in Young Sherlock (MGM/Amazon).

In the 1950s, Edith Thompson was accused of colluding with her lover to murder her husband. But did she?

The Old Bailey trial became a huge cause célèbre, with people queuing for days to get tickets to see whether she is found innocent or guilty.

Edith’s lover, Freddy, claimed throughout that Edith was totally innocent and that the murder was his idea alone. But what did the jury decide?

Entertaining Murder is a murder-mystery-musical that answers the questions that still hover over this true crime case of lies, lust, love letters… and laudanum.

After successful sell-out public readings and workshop performances this is the premiere of the full production, including new songs and a retro 1920s design.

Writer and director Chris Burgess has premiered 10 previous shows at Upstairs at the Gatehouse: It’s Only Make Believe, Iceberg Right Ahead!, The Jewish Legends, The Great Jewish American Songbook, That’s Jewish Entertainment, Bette Midler and Me, A Night at the Oscars, The MGM Story, Elton John: It’s a Little Bit Funny and Jewish Hollywood.

Robbie O’Reilly Choreographer
Aaron Clingham Musical Director
Richard Lambert Lighting Designer

LAMBCO Productions
presents

the premiere of
Entertaining MURDER
Book, Music and Lyrics by Chris Burgess

Directed by Chris Burgess

Upstairs at the Gatehouse
Highgate Village
London
N6 4BD

23 April – 10 May

Tuesday – Saturday at 7.30pm

Saturday matinee at 3pm
Sunday matinee at 4pm

Tickets: £25.00
(concs £23.00)

Box Office: 020 8340 3488

www.upstairsatthegatehouse.com

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR UK PREMIERE TOUR OF 

THE KARATE KID – THE MUSICAL 

BASED ON THE COLUMBIA PICTURES MOTION PICTURE

THE KARATE KID WRITTEN BY ROBERT MARK KAMEN

Book by Robert Mark Kamen   Music & Lyrics by Drew Gasparini

UK TOUR FROM 28 APRIL | CANADIAN PREMIERE FROM SEPTEMBER 

PRIOR TO THE WEST END AND BROADWAY 

Producers Naoya Kinoshita, Kumiko Yoshii, John Gore, Kenny Wax, Michael Wolk, Jack Lane and Leo Stages today announce the full casting for the UK premiere production of THE KARATE KID – THE MUSICAL. Based on the smash hit Columbia Pictures motion picture, this new stage adaptation features a book by Robert Mark Kamen,screenwriter of the original 1984 film that launched a 40-year global franchise, and music and lyrics by Drew Gasparini. The production will embark on a UK tour beginning in April 2026, before heading to Toronto from September, where it will make its Canadian premiere.

Adrian Pang will lead the company as Mr. Miyagi, with Gino Ochello as Daniel LaRusso, Abigail Amin as Ali Mills, Joe Simmons as Johnny Lawrence, Matt Mills as John Kreese, Sharon Sexton as Lucille LaRusso, and Finley Oliver as Freddie Fernandez.

The ensemble includes Ambra Caserotti, Johndeep More, Ria Tanaka, Elena Breschi, Aden Dzuda, Elliott Evans, El Haq Latief, Isaac J Lewis, Emily Rose-Davis, Aaron Archer, Dylan Blake-Colbet, Serenar Douch, Esme Rothero and Sok-Ho Trinh.

Adrian Pang is an acclaimed Singaporean performer whose extensive stage career spans the UK and Asia. Credits include the title roles in Hamlet and Macbeth, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Twelfth Night, The Comedy of Errors, The Grand Babylon Hotel, The Glass Menagerie, Little Shop of Horrors, Barefoot in the Park, The Odd Couple and The God of Carnage. In 2024 he portrayed Ying Ruocheng in the world premiere of Salesman in China at the Stratford Festival in Ontario, later reprising the role at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa.

Gino Ochello, a Gibraltar-born performer and singer makes his professional stage debut as Daniel LaRusso. Abigail Amin a recent Arts Ed graduate, recently completed filming James Graham’s feature film Inkdirected by Danny Boyle. Joe Simmons also recently graduated from ArtsEd, with credits including Cruel Intentions (UK Tour) and Pippin (West End).

Matt Mills’ theatre credits include MJ the Musical (West End), Dreamgirls (UK Tour), Tina – The Tina Turner Musical (West End), Motown the Musical (UK Tour) and Beautiful – The Carole King Musical (UK Tour).

Sharon Sexton is an award-winning Irish West End performer, best known for originating the role of Sloane in Jim Steinman’s Bat Out of Hell: The Musical in the West End and internationally. Her extensive UK theatre credits include Donna in Mamma Mia! (international tour), A Night with Janis Joplin (Peacock Theatre), The Liza Minnelli Story (Edinburgh Fringe/UK Tour) and the original cast of The Commitments (West End). She has performed widely in concert, including performances at the Royal Albert Hall and with the RTÉ National Concert Orchestra.

The UK tour opens at New Wimbledon Theatre on Tuesday 28 April before visiting Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Oxford, Milton Keynes, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Sheffield, Sunderland, Birmingham and Cardiff until 1 August. The Toronto season opens in September. Tickets are on sale at all venues.

The original 1984 film, The Karate Kid, starring Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso and Pat Morita as Mr Miyagi was a global box office success and critical triumph, earning Morita an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. The story fast became a cultural phenomenon, launching a major global franchise that has included three movie sequels, a 2010 remake starring Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan and the hit Netflix series Cobra Kai (2018 – 2025). Most recently, Karate Kid: Legends starring Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio was released in cinemas in 2025.

THE KARATE KID – THE MUSICAL received its world premiere at STAGES St. Louis, USA in 2022, playing to sold-out houses and critical acclaim.

Honouring the roots of the timeless story, this new musical celebrates resilience, mentorship, and the quiet strength that bridges generations.

Daniel is the new kid in town trying to fit in until he becomes the target of Cobra Kai’s relentless star student, Johnny. Underestimated and outmatched, Daniel struggles to find his footing, until Ali, Johnny’s ex, sees something in Daniel that no one else does. As Johnny refuses to step aside, teenage rivalry turns into something more sinister. Daniel discovers guidance from Mr. Miyagi who teaches him that karate isn’t about fighting, it’s about balance, respect and that the greatest victories are won from within. 

Featuring a Tony Award®-winning design team and an electrifying new score, this coming-of-age masterpiece is reimagined for the stage with stunning artistry and ground-breaking choreography.

Written by Robert Mark Kamen with music and lyrics by Drew Gasparini, THE KARATE KID – THE MUSICAL is directed by Amon Miyamoto, with choreography by Keone and Mari Madrid, scenic design by Derek McLane, costume design by Ayako Maeda, lighting design by Bradley King, sound design by Kai Harada, projection design by Peter Nigrini, wigs and hair design by Tommy Kurzman, orchestrations by John Clancy, music supervisor and arrangements by Andrew Resnick. Produced by Naoya Kinoshita,  Kumiko Yoshii, John Gore, Kenny Wax, Michael Wolk, Jack Lane, and Leo Stages.  

Elaine Paige to receive Special Award at Olivier Awards 2026 with Cunard 

Olivier Award-winning and multi-nominated actress Dame Elaine Paige will receive the Special Award at the Olivier Awards 2026 with Cunard 

Dame Elaine’s extraordinary career has made her one of the most celebrated musical theatre performers of her generation 

OlivierAwards.com 

As revealed on BBC’s The One Show yesterday evening, Dame Elaine Paige will receive this year’s Special Award at the Olivier Awards 2026 with Cunard. The star-studded ceremony, showcasing London’s world-leading theatre industry, will take place at the iconic Royal Albert Hall on Sunday 12 April. Celebrating 50 years of theatre’s biggest night, the event will be hosted by Nick Mohammed. 

Elaine Paige is an Olivier Award-winning actress whose extraordinary career has made a defining contribution to musical theatre. Widely regarded as one of the leading stars of her generation, she has appeared in a remarkable number of smash-hit West End and Broadway productions, helping to shape and set the standard for the modern stage musical, and originating iconic roles such as Eva Perón in Evita, Florence in Chess, and Grizabella in Cats. In recognition of her outstanding contribution to the arts, she was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II in 1995, and in 2025 was further honoured by King Charles III who made her a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her services to music and charity. 

Alongside her celebrated stage career, Dame Elaine has starred in numerous television productions, performed in concert around the world and recorded more than 30 albums. She also continues to present her hugely popular weekly programme Elaine Paige on Sunday on BBC Radio 2, now in its 22nd year. A passionate supporter of the next generation of performers, she serves as Artistic Associate and Vice President of Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts and has established scholarships there and at BIMM University to support emerging musical theatre talent. Alongside this, she is deeply committed to charitable work, supporting a wide range of organisations across the arts, health and community sectors, including her own animal welfare charity, West End Woofs. 

Dame Elaine Paige said: 

“I am thrilled and profoundly honoured to receive this Special Award at the Olivier Awards with Cunard. To be recognised by my peers and by the theatre community that has been my home for so many years means more than I can say. Theatre has given me a lifetime of unforgettable roles and memories, and I feel deeply privileged to have shared those moments on stages in the West End, on Broadway and around the world.  

“To stand alongside the remarkable artists who have received this honour before me is truly humbling. I accept this award with sincere gratitude and pride on behalf of everyone who continues to keep musical theatre alive and dazzling for future generations.” 

Kash Bennett, President of the Society of London Theatre, added: 

“Dame Elaine Paige is quite simply one of the defining figures of modern musical theatre. For decades she has captivated audiences in the West End and on Broadway, setting an extraordinary benchmark for performers and helping to shape the landscape of musical theatre as we know it today. 

“As we celebrate 50 years of the Olivier Awards, it is especially fitting to honour a performer whose artistry, dedication and generosity have inspired generations of audiences and artists alike. We are delighted to recognise Dame Elaine’s remarkable contribution to theatre with this Special Award.” 

On Sunday 12 April, the Olivier Awards 2026 will be broadcast on BBC Two and iPlayer. BBC Radio 2 will also broadcast a special two-hour show (8-10pm) from the Royal Albert Hall, hosted by Jo Whiley, featuring performances from some of the night’s biggest shows and exclusive interviews with a dazzling line-up of stars. 

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#OlivierAwards 

POPSTAR PETER ANDRE TO JOIN THE CAST OF MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY ALONGSIDE SAM BAILEY

• Singer-songwriter Peter Andre will join the cast in the role of Nikos for a limited run of performances (at selected performances only), from 14 May until 23 July 2026.
• Singer and The X Factor winner Sam Bailey will step into the role of Debbie from 14 May 2026, joining the rest of the cast until 4 April 2027.
• Audience favourite Mamma Mia! The Party is booking until April 2027, continuing to welcome visitors from the UK and beyond for a full evening of dancing, dining and singing to some of ABBA’s greatest hits. 
• Since opening in August 2019, Mamma Mia! The Party London has welcomed over 700,000 guests, delivered over 1500 performances, and has been visited by guests from 110 countries.

Björn Ulvaeus’ Mamma Mia! The Party today announces that singer-songwriter Peter Andre and X-Factor winner Sam Bailey will join the cast on 14 May, respectively in the roles of Nikos and Debbie.

Peter Andre said: 

“I remember being absolutely blown away when I first saw Mamma Mia! The Party, and I am now ecstatic to be joining the cast as Nikos –a character I feel very connected to, especially through my Greek heritage. The experience has got the best of entertainment to offer, from singing and dancing to delicious Greek food, and I cannot wait to join this incredible production and welcome customers to Nikos’ Taverna.”

Sam Bailey said: 

“I have seen firsthand how much joy Mamma Mia! The Party brings to people, and I could not be more thrilled to be part of this experience. No night ever looks the same! I cannot wait to join the rest of the cast performing the best of ABBA’s songs and bringing to life this fabulous party night after night.”

Peter Andre, best known for his 1990s pop hits such as “Mysterious Girl” and “Flava”, will star in the experience for a limited run (at selected performances only) from 14 May until 23 July 2026in the role of the owner of the eponymous taverna, Nikos.

Peter Andre is an accomplished global media star, prominently known for his successful music, television, and stage career. At the height of his music success in the 90s, he became the sixth highest selling artist in the UK with a string of number one hit singles and albums. He’s toured the world, won a host of awards and, with many TV shows and appearances under his belt, has also moved into the world of film, working on several different film projects. All this, as well as starring in theatrical productions: Grease: The Musical, Thriller and The Best of Franki Valli and the Four Seasons.

Sam Bailey, pop singer and winner of the 2013 edition of The X Factor, will join the cast in the role of Debbie. Bailey will start performances on 14 May 2026 and forming part of the cast until 4 April 2027.

Sam Bailey rose to national prominence after receiving a standing ovation for her powerful performance of Listen on The X Factor, where she went on to win the competition in 2013. Her debut single Skyscraper became the UK Christmas Number One, followed by the chart-topping album The Power of Love. Alongside her recording career, Sam has built an impressive and much-loved career in musical theatre. She starred as Mama Morton in Chicago, Betty Simpson in Fat Friends the Musical, and appeared in Vampires Rock. Sam went on to play Mrs Potts in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Miss Hedge in the UK tour of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, and most recently April Devonshire in NOW… That’s What I Call a Musical.

Sophie Arendt, Managing Director of Mamma Mia! The Party for Pophouse Entertainment, said:

“We’re thrilled to welcome Peter and Sam to the taverna. Peter’s decades of international success and natural stage charisma make him a perfect Nikos, while Sam’s powerhouse vocals and emotional connection with audiences will bring something truly special to the role of Debbie.

It’s an incredibly exciting moment for the show. Our productions in London and Stockholm continue to go from strength to strength, welcoming guests from across the globe and building extraordinary momentum. As we look ahead to global expansion, this is the first of some exciting updates about the future of Mamma Mia! The Party, with more unforgettable moments, destinations and surprises on the horizon.”

Since opening in August 2019, Mamma Mia! The Party London has welcomed over 700,000 guests, delivered over 1500 performances, and has been visited by guests from 110 countries for a full evening of dancing, dining and singing to some of ABBA’s greatest hits.

Mamma Mia! The Party is London’s premier theatrical dining experience, bringing ABBA’s hits to life more vividly than ever before. As the sun sets in Skopelos, guests take their seats at Nikos’ family-run taverna where they enjoy a delicious four-course Greek feast, whilst a romantic and heartwarming story unfolds all around them. Following the performance, which is filled with timeless ABBA anthems such as Mamma Mia, Dancing Queen and Waterloo, guests are encouraged to sing and dance the night away at a glittering ABBA disco.  

Mamma Mia! The Party is executive produced by Björn Ulvaeus and Pophouse Entertainment and is currently booking until 4 April 2027.

THE VICTORIA WOOD THEATRE

Prepares to Remember VICTORIA WOOD

on the 10^th anniversary of her death on Monday 20 April 2026

Leading ladies Ria Jones and Sally Ann Triplett will be going into the recording studio during rehearsals for the brand-new musical FOURTEEN AGAIN, to record and film a special rendition of the song Fourteen Again, music and lyrics by Victoria Wood, as a moving tribute to remember Victoria on the 10^th anniversary of her death on Monday 20 April 2026. The recording will be ready to share in advance (15/04 under embargo) for all to play out with joy on Monday 20 April – Fourteen Again includes Victoria’s legendary lyrics “Illya Kuryakin’s photograph” for all those that swooned and remember him!

Ria Jones and Sally Ann Triplett play best friends,in the world premiere of the brand-new musical FOURTEEN AGAIN with music and lyrics by Victoria Wood and book by Tom MacRae (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie), opening at THE VICTORIA WOOD THEATRE, Bowness-on-Windermere, Friday 1 May – Saturday 6 June 2026 (Press Night Thursday 7 May), bringing a whole new generation of fans to Victoria’s genius.

Victoria Wood’s long-standing friendships, love of the Lake District and close connection to The Old Laundry Theatre comes full circle, as the intimate theatre is renamed THE VICTORIA WOOD THEATRE in honour of the much loved and talented star (official renaming 19 May). Her dear friends and the theatre’s owners, husband-and-wife team, Charlotte Scott and Roger Glossop MBE, have brought together an extraordinary cast and production team for FOURTEEN AGAIN (see below), most of whom had worked with Victoria.

The musical FOURTEEN AGAIN begins at the local Slimming Club, where Peggy (Triplett) is reunited with Lou (Jones), her best friend from school who she hasn’t seen since they were teenagers. As kids, no two friends were ever funnier or more fun, but here, now, today they are shadows of their younger selves – and a story unfolds of looking back to the future, full of comedy, love and pain, with Victoria’s amazing songs moving the musical fast forward.

DISNEY’S HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL

STARRING

TOBIAS TURLEY, LEONOR CORREIA,

CAITLIN TIPPING & LUKE BAYER

TO EXTEND AT LOWRY, SALFORD

DUE TO PHENOMENAL DEMAND

OPENING 22 AUGUST 2026

Hope Mill Theatre and Chris Harper Productions with Lowry are delighted to announce that Disney’s HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL starring Tobias Turley, Leonor Correia, Caitlin Tipping and Luke Bayer as Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay and Ryan respectively, will extend its run at Lowry, Salford due to phenomenal demand. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the iconic movie, Lowry, Salford, will open the first UK non-replica production on 22 August 2026, and will now run until Saturday 19 September 2026.

Tickets for the extended period will go on sale at 10am Thursday 12 March 2026.

The Lyric Theatre at Lowry will transform into an immersive basketball court, with on-stage seating and an extended stage, bringing audiences into the world of East High. Featuring classic songs such as: Breaking Free, We’re All In This Together, Get’cha Head in the Game, Stick to the Status Quo and many more.

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL has a book by David Simpatico with music adapted, arranged and produced by Bryan Louiselle and will be co-directed by Hope Mill founders Joseph Houston and William Whelton.

Further casting to be announced.

Tobias Turley is best known for winning ITV’s MAMMA MIA! I Have A Dream; the televised search for Sky in MAMMA MIA! in the West End. His other credits include Jo: The Little Women Musical in Concert (Royal Festival Hall); Hot Mess (Pleasance & Southwark Playhouse Elephant); White Rose (Marylebone Theatre); Heathers the Musical (The Other Palace) and The Nutcracker (Birmingham Royal Ballet).

Leonor Correia made her professional debut in SIX The Musical in the West End last year as Alternate Jane Seymour/Katherine Howard. High School Musical marks her second professional role.

Caitlin Tipping has previously starred as Jane Seymour in SIX The Musical in the West End, on tour across the UK and on Norwegian Cruise Lines and her other credits include: Titanique (Criterion Theatre); Disney’s Frozen the Musical (Theatre Royal Drury Lane/Disney+); Musical Starnights (European Tour) and The Last Five Years (Edinburgh Fringe Festival).

Luke Bayer currently stars as Jack in Titanique in the West End. His previous credits include Chicago (European Tour); Head Over Heels (Hope Mill Theatre); Millennials (The Other Palace); RENT (Hope Mill Theatre); Hair (London Palladium); Fiver (Southwark Playhouse); Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (Original West End Cast); Soho Cinders (Charing Cross Theatre); Yank! (Hope Mill Theatre); Gatsby (Southwark Playhouse); Les Misérables 20^th Anniversary (West End). In 2023 Luke won the Off-West-End Award for Best Lead Performance in a Musical and was nominated for a WhatsOnStage Award for his role of Desmond Channing in one-man musical Diva: Live From Hell (Turbine/Kings Head/Underbelly at Edinburgh Fringe). His film & television credits include Wicked: For Good (Universal Pictures) and Ackley Bridge (Channel 4).

Based on the hit Disney Channel Original movie, that inspired a generation, HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL had its world premiere production at Stagedoor Manor Summer Theatre Camp in 2006. It then went to The Theatre of Stars in Atlanta, Georgia for its first professional staging before Disney Theatrical Group staged a national tour in 2007. The musical has enjoyed significant success in regional theatres around the world and had its London premiere at the Hammersmith Apollo Theatre in January 2008.

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL will be co-directed by Joseph Houston & William Whelton with choreography by Aaron Renfree, set design by Andrew Exeter, sound design by Matt Peploe, video design by George Reeve,lighting design by Rory Beaton, costume design by Sophia Pardon, musical supervision by Katy Richardson, musical direction by Audra Cramer, casting by Pearson Casting and production management by Ammonite Studios. General management by Chris Harper Productions.

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL is produced by Hope Mill Theatre, Chris Harper Productions with Lowry.

Website:  thelowry.com

Instagram: @highschoolmusicalonstage

LISTINGS INFORMATION

22 August 2026 – 19 September 2026

Lowry

Pier 8, The Quays

Salford

M50 3AZ

Performances:

22 August – 6 September: Wednesday – Sunday 2pm & 7pm

Please note there will be an additional performance on Tuesday 25 August at 7pm. There will be no 7pm performance on Sunday 23 August and no 2pm performance on Friday 28 August.

8 – 19 September: Tuesday – Saturday 7pm, Saturday – Sunday 2pm

Please note there will be matinees on Wednesday 9 September & Thursday 17 September at 2pm

Tickets from: from £26

Box Office: 0161 876 2000