Author: FairyPoweredProductions

Awkward Prods present, in association with King’s Head Theatre and Daddy’s Money:

THE FIT PRINCE (WHO GETS SWITCHED ON THE SQUARE IN THE FROSTY CASTLE THE NIGHT BEFORE (INSERT PUBLIC HOLIDAY HERE)) To Tour UK

After critically acclaimed runs in Edinburgh and London, the smash hit from the creators of ‘Gwyneth Goes Skiing’ and ‘Diana’ is set to go on tour to Belfast, Newcastle, Manchester, Dublin, Oxford, Hull, Norwich, Bristol and Brighton

Previous Praise for The Fit Prince 2025:

Top 10 Standout Acts From This Year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival – Vogue

Critic’s Pick – August 25 – New York Times

Number 1 Coolest Thing To Do In London – GQ
“Outrageously funny, unapologetically queer, and utterly unforgettable.”
  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Broadway World

“Clever, camp, charming and full of heart. A loud declaration of Awkward Productions’ unrivalled vision and talent.”★ ★ ★ ★ Broadway Baby

“This is theatrical escapism at its finest – a glitter bomb of clever writing, shameless silliness, and genuine heart.” ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Theatre and Tonic

“Unmissable” ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Everything Theatre

“All round incredible show” ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ The Spy In The Stalls

“a brilliantly weird marriage made in heaven” ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ All That Dazzles

Following riotous 2025 runs at the Edinburgh Fringe and in London, with over 21 five-star reviews and counting, Awkward Prods are delighted to announce that their romcom parody The Fit Prince (who gets switched on the square in the frosty castle the night before (insert public holiday here)) will be touring to Belfast, Newcastle, Manchester, Dublin, Oxford, Hull, Norwich, Bristol, Brighton in the spring and summer of this year.

From the makers of Gwyneth Goes Skiing, Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story and how to live a jellicle life, The Fit Prince (who gets switched on the square in the frosty castle the night before (insert public holiday here)) Flicks through the Net of traditional holiday movies, bringing all their Hallmarks together in the signature Awkward Prods way – queer, interactive, comedic and heartfelt.

About The Show

Panic! In Swedonia. The King is dead, and the Prince in line to the throne is unmarried – if he doesn’t find someone soon, he must forfeit the crown!

Meanwhile, in New York City, baker Aaron Butcher is butchering his career as a family baker. His puppet colleague, the ever-optimistic Jenny Puppetson, secretly enters him for a mysterious royal commission in the faraway land of Swedonia: Aaron has been chosen to bake the wedding cake for the Prince himself. Extremely reluctantly, and mostly to spite his ex, Aaron accepts. Maybe a commission in a suspiciously familiar, completely fictional country will fix his problems…

Audiences are invited to Swedonia – the perfect setting for the ultimate queer parody of all those Netflix and Hallmark romcoms you love to cringe at; the chaotic queer cousin to them all.

Written by and starring Linus Karp and Joseph Martin, with original music by Golden Globe–nominated songwriter and producer Leland (Troye Sivan, Charli xcx, RuPaul’s Drag Race) and multiple surprise cameos, The Fit Prince is a joyous subversion of heteronormative romcoms and a love letter to Karp’s native Sweden.

As if their creative chemistry weren’t already clear, there’s a sweeter twist to the story: in August last year, Linus and Joseph legally tied the knot on stage at the Edinburgh Fringe in a packed-out 750-seat Pleasance Grand in front of friends, loved ones and a ticketed audience. Believed to be the first legal wedding ever to take place at the Fringe – and the first LGBTQ+ wedding in the festival’s official programme – the one-off ceremony celebrated their 11 years together with a joyful mix of festival sparkle and real-life romance.

Digital Cast Cameos

In addition to the live on-stage action, The Fit Prince also boasts a glittering line-up of digital cameos.

Appearing via video throughout the show are Grammy-nominated pop icon Tove Lo (making her theatrical debut as the Prime Minister of Swedonia), Sebastian Croft (Heartstopper, Game of Thrones), Malte Gårdinger (Young Royals), Joshua Whitehouse (The Knight Before Christmas, Poldark), Misia Butler (Kaos), Jeremy McClain (Pose), Kate Butch (RuPaul’s Drag Race UK), and more – including Geri Allen (Operation Mincemeat) reprising her acclaimed Queen of England from Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story.

This line-up brings together a mostly queer and pan-global mix of talent –  from drag royalty to pop royalty to fan-favourite faces from queer TV moments. 

WHO’S WHO

Linus Karp is a queer Swedish actor, writer and theatre maker whose range as a performer goes from glamorous blonde women to glamorous blonde men. He is the writer/performer behind Gwyneth Goes Skiing, Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story and how to live a jellicle life. He is so skinny that he was the inspiration for the hockey sticks in Heated Rivalry.

Joseph Martin is an actor, musician and creative based in North London. Previous credits include Jeff Wayne’s The War Of The Worlds (Layered Reality), Sir Quentin Blake’s The Green Ship (UK Tour), and Count Magnus (BBC). He co-founded Awkward Prods with Linus Karp in 2017.

Leland is a Golden Globe–nominated songwriter and producer. He has written for artists including Charli xcx, Kylie Minogue, Selena Gomez, Ariana Grande and Cher, as well as co-writing Troye Sivan’s Grammy-nominated hit Rush. His television and film credits include RuPaul’s Drag Race, Love, Victor (Hulu), The Other Two (HBO Max), and Sierra Burgess Is a Loser (Netflix). He also wrote the original songs for Gwyneth Goes Skiing.

More Praise for The Fit Prince, 2025

“A flamboyantly queer, joyfully audience-involving homage to the romcom”

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Edinburgh Reviews

“Proving once again that these theatre creators have a unique voice, The Fit Prince is their best show yet.” ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ The Recs

“Fringe camp at its absolute finest.” ★ ★ ★ ★ The Arts Desk
  “Going straight to the top of my recommendations for this Fringe!” ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Theatre and Tonic
  “A beautiful and hilarious rom-com for the ages – one of the freshest, most original shows you’ll see this Fringe.” ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Fairy Powered Productions
  “A gloriously unhinged send-up of Hallmark-style romcoms, full of theatrical flair and tongue-in-cheek charm.” ★ ★ ★ ★ Mickey Jo Theatre

‘The Fit Prince […]’ might well be the crown jewel of Awkward Productions.” ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ A Youngish Perspective
  “Bursting with queer joy, mischievous invention, and laugh-until-you-cry mayhem. Swedonia is officially my new happy place.”  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Theatre Audience Podcast
  “This is unashamedly fun, fiercely funny, and just an utterly unforgettable experience…the must-see theatrical event of the season.” ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Pink Prince Theatre
  “A must-see” ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Celeb Mix
  “Unmissable – supremely silly and hilariously uplifting.” ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Fairy Powered Productions
  “Had me howling throughout, a must-see…pure unadulterated joy” ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ The Live Review

Praise for previous Awkward Prods shows

“An endless amount of non-stop laughter” ★★★★★★ Jack The Lad
  “Absurd, camp, chaotic, and hilarious” ★★★★★ Attitude
  “Perfectly imagined and brought to life on stage with vision and heaps of silliness”

★★★★★ The National
  “A masterclass of parody” ★★★★★ The Skinny
  “As poised and polished as it is anarchic and outrageous.” ★★★★★ London Theatre1
  “A whole new level of genius” ★★★★★ All That Dazzles
  “The most unhinged piece of theatre in existence” ★★★★★ Broadway Baby
  “Gleeful absurdist comedy at its finest” ★★★★★ Culture Fix
  “Gloriously ridiculous” ★★★★ The Stage
  “Preeningly perfect… very funny” ★★★★ The Scotsman

“Repellent trash” Daily Mail
 
 

The Fit Prince (who gets switched on the square in the frosty castle the night before (insert public holiday here))

Venue: The Lyric Theatre, 55 Ridgeway Street, Belfast, BT9 5FB
 Dates: Friday 13^th – Saturday 14^th March 2026
Time: 7.30pm
 Tickets: https://lyrictheatre.co.uk/whats-on/the-fit-prince

TOUR DATES AND TICKET LINKS:

• BELFAST (Lyric Theatre) – March 13-14 – https://lyrictheatre.co.uk/whats-on/the-fit-prince
• NEWCASTLE (Live Theatre) – April 7-10 – https://www.live.org.uk/whats-on/fit-prince
• MANCHESTER (Hope Mill) – April 21-26 – https://hopemilltheatre.co.uk/event/the-fit-prince/ 
• DUBLIN (Smock Alley) – May 28-30 – https://smockalley.com/the-fit-prince/
• OXFORD (Old Fire Station) – June 6-7 – https://oldfirestation.org.uk/whats-on/the-fit-prince-who-gets-switched-on-the-square-in-the-frosty-castle-the-night-before-insert-public-holiday-here/
• HULL (Truck Theatre) – June 11 – https://www.hulltruck.co.uk/whats-on/general-entertainment/the-fit-prince/
• NORWICH (Playhouse Theatre) – June 21 – https://norwichtheatre.org/whats-on/the-fit-prince/
• BRISTOL (Tobacco Factory) – June 24-27 – https://tobaccofactorytheatres.com/shows/the-fit-prince-who-gets-switched-on-the-square-in-the-frosty-castle-the-night-before-insert-public-holiday-here/
• BRIGHTON (The Old Market) – June 29-30 – https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/the-fit-prince

YORK THEATRE ROYAL ANNOUNCES MAJOR UK REVIVAL OF

MARGARET ATWOOD’S THE PENELOPIAD

York Theatre Royal today announces a major UK revival of Margaret Atwood’s The Penelopiad. Adapted from her critically acclaimed novella of the same name, this exuberant feminist retelling of Homer’s The Odyssey gives voice to the silenced Penelope and her chorus of maids.

Directed by York Theatre Royal’s Creative Director Juliet Forster, the production will open on 14 October, with previews from 10 October, and runs until 24 October 2026 at York Theatre Royal.

The Penelopiad premiered at the Swan Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon, in July 2007 in a co-production between the Royal Shakespeare Company and Canada’s National Arts Centre. This marks the first major UK revival of the show since that production.

Juliet Forster said today,“Margaret Atwood is such a phenomenal writer – she’s clever, witty, subversive and her insights into human dynamics are acutely well observed. The Penelopiad is a funny, moving, fast paced, visual feast, a classical tale told through a contemporary lens. The epic, heroic story of The Odyssey will never look the same again! I am thrilled we will be staging it here at York Theatre Royal, and I can’t wait to get started on the show.”

Priority booking opens for YTR members on 23 Feb at 1pm, with general onsale on 28 Feb at 1pm.

York Theatre Royal presents

THE PENELOPIAD
by Margaret Atwood

10 October – 24 October 2026

Director: Juliet Forster

THE ODYSSEY: HER STORY

Margaret Atwood, author of the modern feminist classic The Handmaid’s Tale, revisits Homer’s The Odyssey in a powerful, irreverent and darkly humorous retelling that unpicks one of the oldest of myths.

Immortalised as the devoted and faithful wife to the glorious Odysseus, Penelope waits 20 years for her husband to return from the Trojan War, silently weaving and unpicking and weaving again. Now it’s time to hear the story of those left behind…

Reimagining this ancient tale, Atwood gives voice to the silenced Penelope and her chorus of maids. Wandering the underworld Penelope spins a different kind of thread: her side of the story – a tale of injustice, betrayal and revenge.

Adapted for the stage by Booker Prize winner Margaret Atwood and interwoven with songs, York Theatre Royal’s production will be directed by Juliet Forster (Little Women, Around The World In 80 Days-ish!) This exuberant and witty retelling questions the version of events we think we know and exposes the truth behind the myth…

Margaret Atwood is an internationally acclaimed writer, poet and essayist whose work has been published in more than forty-five countries. Her novels include The Handmaid’s Tale (recipient of Arthur C. Clarke Award – and subsequently adapted into the Emmy and Golden Globe-winning TV series), The Robber Bride, Alias Grace, The Blind Assassin (winner of the Booker prize), Cat’s Eye, The Edible Woman, Surfacing, Life Before Man, Bodily Harm, The Testaments (winner of the Booker prize), and The MaddAddam Trilogy. Her poetry collections include Double Persephone, The Circle Game, Power Politics, Morning in the Burned House, and The Door. Her essay collections include Negotiating with the Dead and Burning Questions. Atwood’s novella The Penelopiad was published in 2005 and later adapted in 2007 for the stage, marking her first theatrical work.

Creative Director of York Theatre Royal Juliet Forster directs. At York Theatre Royal she has directed Sleeping Beauty, His Last Report, Little Women, Around the World in 80 Days-ish!, Aladdin, Sovereign, The Coppergate Woman, Jack and The Beanstalk, All New Adventures of Peter Pan, Cinderella, The Travelling Pantomime, A View from the Bridge, Everything is Possible: The York Suffragettes, The Machine Stops, The Crucible, Twelfth Night, Betrayal, See How They Run, In Fog and Falling Snow, Two Planks and a Passion, A Number, Angels & Insects, Blue/Orange, Morgana le Fey, Escaping Alice, Oleanna, Rupert Brooke, Beyond Measure, The Journey, The Elves and the Shoemakers, The Book of Dragons, Whatever Next and Rabbit and Hedgehog. Other theatre include Romeo & Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Shakespeare’s Rose Theatre, Blenheim), Sense and Sensibility (Theatre by the Lake), The Tempest (Winchester Theatre Royal), The Devil at Coventry, View, Alien Invasion, Five Princes and a Wedding (Belgrade Theatre), The Legend of Perseus, The Night Before Christmas, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus (Big Wooden Horse), A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and A Tale of Two Cities (Wolverhampton Grand Theatre).

LISTINGS

THE PENELOPIAD

York Theatre Royal
St Leonard’s Place, York YO1 7HD
www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

Box Office: 01904 623568

THE SECRET GARDEN – THE MUSICAL

17 March – 4 April 2026

THE PSYCHIC

29 April – 23 May 2026

THE PENELOPIAD

10 – 24 Oct 2026

SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARFS

4 Dec 2026  – 03 Jan 2027

TIKTOK STAR WILL PARFITT TO LEAD MAGIC MEN UK ARENA AND THEATRE TOUR IN 2026

British performer Will Parfitt will headline a UK arena and theatre tour in 2026 with Magic Men, the internationally touring live show from Australia.

The global stage show has played to arena-sized crowds worldwide and has sold over one million tickets across North America, Asia and Europe. At its biggest event so far, more than 6,000 people attended a Saturday night performance in Oslo in 2025, the largest audience recorded for a live male revue. Parfitt, who fronts the Magic Men show, has built a major online following. He has more than 15 million followers across social media, and videos of his performances have been viewed more than two billion times.

The backpacker-turned-male-stripper and viral phenomenon

He did not originally plan a career on stage. In his early twenties he was travelling in Australia and working odd jobs when a nightclub promoter asked him to take part in a live performance. Expecting it to be a one-off experience, he agreed. The booking led to further appearances and eventually international touring as the venues grew from small clubs to theatres and later arenas with thousands of spectators.

Parfitt says the live reaction keeps him performing. “Every girl is going to feel special on that night. You never get the same crowd twice,” he says. “You respond to them and they respond back.” Excited to be coming back to the UK he continues “We’ve performed all over the world, but coming home feels really special. UK crowds really know how to have fun, and I know this is going to be an unforgettable experience for everyone.”

The show combines choreographed routines, music and audience interaction, with spectators often invited on stage during the performance.

Promoter Maria Ohlson says audiences quickly settle into the atmosphere. “Once the show starts, people relax,” she says. “After that, the room carries the night on its own.”

Tickets go on pre-sale on Thu 26 February and general sale Fri 27 February

Magic Men Australia

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MagicMenAustralia

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

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

Will Parfitt

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/willparfittTM

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

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

LISTINGS

Magic Men

M&S Bank Arena                                             www.mandsbankarena.com

Thu 15 October

Venue Cymru                                                   www.venuecymru.co.uk

Sun 18 October

Portsmouth Guildhall                                      www.portsmouthguildhall.org.uk

Tue 20 October

Bournemouth International Centre                  www.bic.co.uk

Wed 21 October

Bradford Live                                                  www.bradfordlive.co.uk

Fri 23 October                                      

SEC Armadillo, Glasgow                                 www.sec.co.uk

Sat 24 October

Middlesbrough Town Hall                               www.boxoffice.middlesbrough.gov.uk

Fri 28 October

O2 City Hall Newcastle                                    www.academymusicgroup.com/o2cityhallnewcastle

Thu 29 October

Swansea Brangwyn Hall                                  www.brangwyn.co.uk

Fri 30 October

Fairfield Halls Croydon                                    www.fairfield.co.uk

Sat 31 October

More dates to follow

Short listings copy

Magic Men have sold over 1 million tickets worldwide and now the world’s biggest Ladies Night is coming to you. Starring international sensation Will Parfitt, this bold, high-energy production is packed with wild performances, razor-sharp choreography, and irresistible stage presence. It’s not just a show it’s a party! One night. One show. One unforgettable experience.

Strict 18+ policy

FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY TREVOR ASHLEY IS LIZA MINNELLI

A MILLION YEARS OF MINNELLI

AT THE GARRICK THEATRE

Trevor Ashley today announces a special one night only performance of A Million Years of Minnelli at the Garrick Theatre on Sunday 3 May to celebrate the iconic Liza Minnelli turning 80 years old. Ashley will once again step into the shoes of Minnelli for an evening filled with glitz and glam paying tribute through sensational songs and fabulous stories. Backed by a live seven-piece band, the evening will also include special guests Jac Yarrow and Christina Bianco.

Tickets are on sale now via www.thegarricktheatre.co.uk

Trevor Ashley said today, “I’ve been paying tribute to the legend that is Liza for over fifteen years. Her inspiration to me as an artist is second to none, and this year she releases her autobiography and reflects on her incredible career. I thought it only fitting that we celebrate the songs, the sequins and the sensation as only I can! It will be a night to remember.”

Liza Minnelli turns 80 — and Trevor Ashley is throwing the most fabulous birthday party imaginable at the Garrick Theatre.

In this one-off West End celebration, Trevor pays riotous tribute to the legend, the legacy, and the lashes of the ultimate showbiz survivor. Expect iconic songs, wicked stories, glamorous chaos, and heartfelt celebration in equal measure.

Backed by a live seven-piece band, and joined by special guests Jac Yarrow and Christina Bianco, this is an unmissable night of powerhouse vocals, razor-sharp comedy, and pure Minnelli magic.

Ashley has previously incarnated Liza Minelli at the Vaudeville Theatre in Liza (on an E), both the Lyric Theatre and the London Wonderground in Liza’s Back! (is broken), and last year to great acclaim in TYPSY! at the Menier Chocolate Factory. He is thrilled to be doing this one-off concert on the set of The Producers, in which he currently stars at the Garrick Theatre.

‘Trevor Ashley as Liza is perfection. Totally, perfection.’

Gay Times

‘Glitzy, humorous fun with an explosion of sparkles, spotlights and sequins’

Broadway World

Trevor Ashley is an actor, writer, director and international cabaret performer. Ashley is currently playing Roger de Bris in the West End production of The Producers. His cabaret performances include Fat Swan, I’m Every Woman, Diamonds are for Trevor, The Bodybag, Liza’s Back!, The Lyin’ Queen, Moulin Scrooge, Twins and Liza Typsy. His Australian theatre work includes Les Misérables, Hairspray, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Jesus Christ Superstar and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. His television work includes RFDS – Royal Flying Doctor Service, Les Norton and Significant Others; and for film, Seriously Red and Holding the Man. He was also the runner-up on Queen of the Universe.

Listing Information

GARRICK THEATRE

2 Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H 0HH

Box Office:  0330 333 4811
https://nimaxtheatres.com/

Tickets from £35

TOBY STEPHENS TO LEAD THE COMPANY OF EQUUS

PUBLIC BOOKING OPENS TODAY

With their production of The Holy Rosenbergs about to begin previews, The Producers running in the West End and Sabrage at Lafayette, the Menier Chocolate Factory announce today that Toby Stephens will play Dr. Martin Dysart in Lindsay Posner’s major revival of Peter Shaffer’s Equus, in its co-production with Theatre Royal Bath. The production opens at the Menier on 18 May, with previews from 8 May, and runs until 27 June, ahead of a run at theatre Royal Bath from 13 to 25 July.

Joining Posner to complete the creative team are Paul Farnsworth (Set and Costume Design); Paul Pyant (Lighting Design); Adam Cork (Composer and Sound Design); and James Cousins (Movement Director).

Full casting will be announced shortly.

EQUUS

By Peter Shaffer

Menier Chocolate Factory: 8 May – 27 June

Theatre Royal Bath: 13 – 25 July

Cast includes: Toby Stephens

Directed by: Lindsay Posner; Set and Costume Design: Paul Farnsworth; Lighting Design: Paul Pyant; Composer and Sound Design: Adam Cork; Movement Director: James Cousins

Presented in a co-production with Theatre Royal Bath

What prompts a 17-year-old boy to blind six horses?  This is the challenge presented to psychiatrist Martin Dysart as he delves into the psyche of his young patient Alan Strang to search for the answers and at the same time questioning whether the cure is more dangerous than the crime.  Peter Shaffer’s brilliantly intriguing award-winning play is now considered a modern masterpiece.

Toby Stephens plays Dr. Martin Dysart. His theatre credits include Wendy and Peter Pan, Hamlet, Measure for Measure, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Coriolanus, Unfinished Business, Wallenstein, All’s Well That Ends Well, Antony and Cleopatra, Tamburlaine (RSC), Corruption (Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater), The Forest (Hampstead Theatre), A Day in the Death of Joe Egg (Trafalgar Studios), Oslo (National Theatre, Harold Pinter Theatre), Private Lives (Chichester Festival Theatre, Gielgud Theatre), Danton’s Death (National Theatre), The Real Thing (The Old Vic), A Doll’s House, Betrayal (Donmar Warehouse), The Country Wife, The Royal Family, Japes, A Streetcar Named Desire (Theatre Royal Haymarket), Ring Around the Moon (Lincoln Center), Phedre and Britannicus (Almeida at the Albery Theatre, BAM) and Tartuffe (Playhouse Theatre). His television work includes Percy Jackson and the Olympians, The Season, A Cruel Love, The Split, Dodger, One Day, How to Date a Pleasure Seeker, Prisoner, Alex Rider, Summer of Rockets, Lost in Space, Black Sails, And Then There Were None, Vexed, Strike Back, Robin Hood, Wired, The Wild West, Jane Eyre, Sharpe’s Challenge, The Best Man, The Queen’s Sister, London, Cambridge Spies, Napoleon, Perfect Strangers, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall and The Camomile Lawn; and for film, Giant, Marama, The Kashmir Princess The Morrigan, Journey, 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi, All Things To All Men, The Machine, Theatre of Dreams, Dark Corners, Severance, The Rising: Ballad of Mangal Pandey, Die Another Day, Space Cowboys, Possession, The Announcement, Onegin, Photographing Fairies, Sunset Heights, Cousin Bette, The Great Gatsby, Twelfth Night and Orlando.

Peter Shaffer’s (1926 – 2016) plays include Five Finger Exercise (Evening Standard Drama Award), The Private Ear/The Public Eye, The Royal Hunt of the Sun, Black Comedy, The White Liars, Amadeus (Evening Standard Drama Award and Tony Award for Best Play), Yonadab, Lettice and Lovageand The Gift of the Gorgon.

Director Lindsay Posner has directed in every major London theatre as well as the RSC and on Broadway. His recent credits include Endgame (Bath’s Ustinov Studio), the double bill of Pinter’s The Lover and The Collection (Ustinov Studio), The Deep Blue Sea and A View from the Bridge (both at Theatre Royal Bath and Theatre Royal Haymarket), Noises Off (Theatre Royal Bath, Phoenix Theatre and UK tour), and Edward Albee’s classic Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (Theatre Royal Bath). For the Chocolate Factory, he has previously directed The Truth (also at Wyndham’s and Theatre Royal Bath), The Lie, Communicating Doors, Abigail’s Party (also at Wyndham’s and UK tour) and Dinner with Saddam.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

MENIER CHOCOLATE FACTORY

THE HOLY ROSENBERGS

27 February – 2 May

EQUUS

8 May – 4 July

Theatre Royal Bath: 13 – 25 July

MIDNIGHT AT THE NEVER GET

11 July – 12 September

PRIORITY BOOKING OPENS FOR MENIER SUPPORTERS ON 2 MARCH

PUBLIC BOOKING OPENS ON 11 MARCH

MENIER ELSEWHERE

THE PRODUCERS

Garrick Theatre

Currently booking until 19 September

SABRAGE

Lafayette London

Currently booking until 6 September

Box Office: 020 7378 1713 (£2.50 transaction fee per booking)

Website: www.menierchocolatefactory.com (£1.50 transaction fee per booking)

www.menierchocolatefactory.com

Instagram: @menierchocolatefactory

SIX STARS TO SHARE THE ROLE OF KING HEROD
IN
TIM RICE AND ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER’S

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM THIS SUMMER 

JESSE TYLER FERGUSON (20 June – 11 July)
SIMON RUSSELL BEALE (13 – 25 July)
RICHARD ARMITAGE (27 July – 1 August)
BOY GEORGE (3 – 15 August)
LAYTON WILLIAMS (17 – 29 August)
JULIAN CLARY (31 August – 5 September)

Joining Sam Ryder as Jesus
Strictly limited season to play from
Saturday 20 June – Saturday 5 September 2026

london.jesuschristsuperstar.com

Monday 23 February, London, 11am: Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals is today thrilled to announce further casting for Jesus Christ Superstar at The London Palladium this summer. Joining the previously announced Sam Ryder as Jesus are an all-star line-up of six performers sharing the role of King Herod. Jesse Tyler Ferguson will play King Herod from 20 June – 11 July; Simon Russell Beale from 13 – 25 July; Richard Armitage from 27 July – 1 August; Boy George* from 3 – 15 August; Layton Williams from 17 – 29 August; and Julian Clary from 31 August – 5 September 2026. *Please note Boy George will not be performing on Saturday 8 August.

Jesus Christ Superstar will play from Saturday 20 June to Saturday 5 September 2026. Tickets are on sale at london.jesuschristsuperstar.com.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson is a Tony Award-winning actor best known for his Emmy Award-nominated role as Mitchell in the global hit sitcom Modern Family. His theatre work includes acclaimed performances in Take Me Out on Broadway, for which he received a Tony Award, as well as The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

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

Richard Armitage is an Olivier Award-nominated actor whose theatre credits include The Crucible and Uncle Vanya. He is internationally known for his screen roles in The Hobbit trilogy, Fool Me Once and Red Eye.

Boy George is a Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and global pop icon, best known as the frontman of Culture Club. His theatre work includes starring as Harold Zidler in Moulin Rouge! The Musical on Broadway.

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

Julian Clary is a comedian, actor and presenter, renowned for his sharp wit and distinctive stage persona. He celebrated 10 years of starring in The London Palladium Panto in 2025. He returns to the role of King Herod having starred in the 2023-2024 UK Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar.

Director Tim Sheader said:
“All different but all fabulous, we are thrilled that these six artists will take a turn demanding Jesus walk across their swimming pool as the infamously camp but lethal King Herod. Choose to see any one of them and we promise, for a golden moment, they will stop this juggernaut of a show in its glitter filled tracks.”

Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic global phenomenon is directed by Tim Sheader with choreography by Olivier Award-winner Drew McOnie and design by Tony and Olivier Award-winner Tom Scutt. Reuniting the creative team of the 2016 production 10 years on to create a unique staging of their Olivier award-winning, worldwide smash-hit production. The production which was originally created and produced at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, will play a limited 11-week season at The London Palladium.

Jesus Christ Superstar follows the events of the last days of the life of Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’, ‘Gethsemane’ and the iconic title number ‘Superstar’.

Originally released as a concept album, Jesus Christ Superstar opened on Broadway in 1971, at the Mark Hellinger Theatre, where it was nominated for 5 Tony Awards including Best Original Score. The original London production ran for over eight years. By the time it closed, after 3,358 performances, it had become the longest-running musical in West End history at that time. 

The creative team is joined by musical supervisor Tom Deering (Standing at the Sky’s Edge – Olivier Award for Outstanding Musical Contribution), lighting designer Lee Curran (A Streetcar Named Desire – Olivier Award Nomination for Best Lighting Design), sound designer Adam Fisher (Sunset Boulevard – Olivier Award for Best Sound Design), fight director Kate Waters (Othello) and BAFTA Award Winning casting director David Grindrod CDG for Grindrod Burton Casting.

Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals’ recent productions include the smash hit Evita at The London Palladium last Summer, the seven-time Olivier-Award and three-time Tony-Award winning revival of SUNSET BLVD., and Starlight Express, which will embark on a World Tour in spring 2027 after concluding it’s London run. This year they bring CATS: The Jellicle Ball to Broadway, opening at the Broadhurst Theatre, and a brand-new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s global sensation CATS to Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre ahead of a major UK Tour.

Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals presents the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production by arrangement with LW Entertainment. 

SAME PRESENCE. NEW PLACES.

PARANORMAL ACTIVITY TO HAUNT THE UK AND IRELAND

FROM SEPTEMBER 2026 UNTIL SUMMER 2027

WHILST ALSO CONTINUING IN THE WEST END

THE PRODUCTION RETURNS TO LEEDS PLAYHOUSE FOR A

SUPERNATURAL CHRISTMAS SEASON

www.paranormalonstage.com

Written by acclaimed playwright Levi Holloway

and directed by Felix Barrett, visionary director behind Punchdrunk

Based on the Paranormal Activity films, first written and directed by Oren Peli and brought

to the screen by Blumhouse and Solana Films

Spooky season is about to get even more thrilling as Melting Pot today announces that the West End smash hit Paranormal Activity will embark on a major UK and Ireland tour from September 2026. Opening at Richmond Theatre on Saturday, 5 September 2026, the chilling theatrical experience will visit towns and cities nationwide until May 2027, giving audiences across the country a chance to witness the haunting phenomenon that has taken the West End by storm. Originally developed at Leeds Playhouse, the production returns this Christmas for a spine-chilling festive run.

Today’s tour news follows the recent announcement that, following phenomenal demand, Paranormal Activity will return to the West End this summer, marking the third extension for the nerve-shredding scare fest. The show is currently playing at the Ambassadors Theatre until Saturday, 25 April and returns to the venue from Saturday, 8 August.

For all tickets and full tour details visit www.paranormalonstage.com. Full tour casting to be announced.

A new story inspired by the worldwide horror phenomenon, Paranormal Activity, is directed by immersive theatre pioneer and Punchdrunk’s Founder and Artistic Director, Felix Barrett and written by playwright Levi Holloway, whose pulse-pounding theatrical thriller Grey House chilled Broadway audiences.

James and Lou move from Chicago to London to escape their past, but they soon discover that places aren’t haunted, people are…This thrilling West End hit is inspired by the iconic, hugely popular film series, Paranormal Activity, with a brand-new story live on stage. Now embarking on its first ever UK and Ireland tour after a sell-out, extended run in London, this chilling production promises to keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Hold your nerve…

Blurring the line between cinema and live theatre, Paranormal Activity has been hailed as a ‘relentlessly frightening – arm-clutchingly, stranger-embracingly so’ (Metro) theatrical experience— leaving audiences jumping out of their seats and questioning what’s lurking in the dark long after the curtain falls.

After opening in Richmond, Richmond Theatre (Saturday 5 – Saturday 12 September 2026) the tour then visits: Milton Keynes, Milton Keynes Theatre (Tuesday 15 – Saturday, 19 September 2026); Glasgow, Theatre Royal (Tuesday 22 – Saturday 26 September 2026); York, Grand Opera House (Tuesday 29 September – Saturday 3 October 2026); Woking, New Victoria Theatre (Tuesday 6  October – Saturday 10 October 2026); Cheltenham, Everyman Theatre (Tuesday 13 – Saturday 17 October 2026); Canterbury, Marlowe Theatre (Tuesday 20 – Saturday 24 October 2026); Birmingham, Alexandra Theatre (Tuesday 27 – Saturday 31 October 2026); Norwich, Theatre Royal (Tuesday 10 – Saturday 14 November 2026); Salford, The Lowry (Tuesday 17 – Saturday 21 November 2026); Brighton, Theatre Royal (Tuesday 24 – Saturday 28 November 2026); Bath, Theatre Royal (Tuesday 1– Saturday 5 December 2026); Leeds, Leeds Playhouse (Wednesday 9 – Thursday 24 December 2026); Southampton, Mayflower Theatre (Wednesday 6 – Saturday 9 January 2027); Aylesbury, Waterside ,Theatre (Tuesday 12 – Saturday 16 January 2027); Cardiff, Wales Millennium Centre (Tuesday 19 – Saturday 23 January 2027); Belfast, Grand Opera House (Tuesday 26 – Saturday 30 January 2027); Edinburgh, King’s Theatre (Tuesday 2 –  Saturday 6 February 2027); Wolverhampton, Grand Theatre (Tuesday 9 – Saturday 13 February 2027); Sheffield, Lyceum Theatre (Tuesday 16 – Saturday 20 February 2027); Nottingham, Theatre Royal (Tuesday 23 – Saturday  27 February 2027); Aberdeen, His Majesty’s Theatre (Tuesday 2 – Saturday 6 March 2027); Shrewsbury, Severn Theatre (Tuesday 16 – Saturday 20 March 2027); Cambridge, Arts Theatre (Tuesday 23 – Saturday 27 March 2027); Plymouth, Theatre Royal (Tuesday 30 March – Saturday 3 April 2027); Bradford, Alhambra Theatre (Tuesday 6 – Saturday 10 April 2027); Newcastle, Theatre Royal (Tuesday 13 –  Saturday 17 April 2027); Hull, New Theatre (Tuesday 20 – Saturday 24 April 2027); Liverpool, Empire Theatre (Tuesday 27 April – Saturday 1 May 2027); Inverness, Eden Court(Tuesday 4 – Saturday 8 May 2027); Northampton, Derngate Theatre(Tuesday 11 – Saturday 15 May 2027); Dublin, Bord Gáis Theatre(Tuesday 18 – Saturday 22 May 2027) and Cork, Everyman Theatre(Tuesday 25 – Saturday 29 May 2027).

‘A night that leaves you spellbound. Jaw-clenchingly, arm-clutchingly thrilling’

The Guardian

Paranormal Activity reimagines the modern ghost story with an unsettling intimacy only theatre can provide. Immersing audiences in an atmosphere of creeping dread, unseen forces, and psychological tension, Levi Holloway’s script offers a bold reinterpretation of the original, blending domestic horror with mind-bending theatricality. Felix Barrett, known for breaking boundaries between audience and performer, brings his signature visionary style to the production. With innovative staging and chilling soundscapes, Paranormal Activity invites audiences to witness the inexplicable up close—and feel the fear in real time.

The creative team also includes Fly Davis as Set and Costume Designer, Illusions by Chris Fisher, Anna Watson as Lighting Designer, Gareth Fry as Sound Designer, Video Design by Luke Halls and Casting Direction by Ginny Schiller CDG.

‘A chilling evening: a cracking ghost story so skilfully delivered that it might follow you home.’

Financial Times

Released by Paramount Pictures in 2009, the original Paranormal Activity is a master class in psychological terror.  Reimagining the found footage genre for a new generation, the film became a global sensation, grossing nearly $200 million worldwide and kicking off a blockbuster franchise spanning seven feature films.  Now, the legacy of fear comes to the intimate world of the theatre as the terrifying phenomenon transitions to the West End stage. Get ready to experience Paranormal Activity in real life.

‘Will I be scared? Yes. How scared? Very. Cleverly, too.’ 

Chicago Tribune

The show will play a simultaneous run at the Ambassadors Theatre in London’s West End where it is playing until Saturday, 25 April. After a short break, it returns to the theatre from Saturday, 8 August. Praised for its inventive storytelling and terrifying atmosphere, Paranormal Activity is a must-see event for thrill-seekers and theatre lovers alike. Paranormal Activity began a North American tour last autumn, with dates including the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, the Center Theatre Group, Ahmanson Theatre, Los Angeles, the Shakespeare Theatre Company, Washington DC and had recently started its final US haunting at the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco.

Full casting to be announced.

Paranormal Activity is produced by Simon Friend & Hanna Osmolska for Melting Pot in association with Gavin Kalin, Ken Davenport, Jenny King, Patrick Gracey, Jonathan & Rae Corr and Leeds Playhouse.

Age recommendation – 15 +

PARANORMAL ACTIVITY

A New Story Live on Stage

www.paranormalonstage.com

SOCIAL HANDLES

IG / TikTok: @paranormalonstage

PARANORMAL ACTIVITY – 2026/2027 TOUR DATES

Richmond, Richmond Theatre       

Saturday 5 – Saturday 12 September 2026

www.atgtickets.com/venues/richmond-theatre/

Milton Keynes Theatre

Tuesday 15 – Saturday 19 September 2026

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

Glasgow, Theatre Royal

Tuesday 22 – Saturday 26 September 2026

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

York, Grand Opera House

Tuesday 29 September – Saturday 3 October 2026

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

Woking, New Victoria Theatre

Tuesday 6 – Saturday 10 October 2026

www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-victoria-theatre/

Cheltenham, Everyman Theatre

Tuesday 13 – Saturday 17 October 2026

www.everymantheatre.org.uk

Canterbury, Marlowe Theatre

Tuesday 20 – Saturday 24 October 2026

www.everymantheatre.org.uk

On sale soon

Birmingham, Alexandra Theatre

Tuesday 27 – Saturday 31 October 2026

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

Norwich, Theatre Royal

Tuesday 10 – Saturday 14 November 2026

www.norwichtheatre.org/

Salford, The Lowry

Tuesday 17 – Saturday 21 November 2026

www.thelowry.com/

Brighton, Theatre Royal

Tuesday 24 – Saturday 28 November 2026

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

Bath, Theatre Royal

Tuesday 1 – Saturday 5 December 2026

www.theatreroyal.org.uk

Leeds Playhouse

Wednesday 8 – Thursday 24 December 2026

www.leedsplayhouse.org.uk

Southampton, Mayflower Theatre

Wednesday 6 – Saturday 9 January 2027 

www.mayflower.org.uk

Aylesbury, Waterside Theatre

Tuesday 12 – Saturday 16 January 2027

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

Cardiff, Wales Millennium Centre

Tuesday 19 – Saturday 23 January 2027

www.wmc.org.uk

On sale soon

Belfast, Grand Opera House

Tuesday 26 – Saturday 30 January 2027

www.goh.co.uk

Edinburgh, King’s Theatre

Tuesday 2 – Saturday 6 February 2027

www.capitaltheatres.com/our-venues/kings-theatre

On sale soon

Wolverhampton, Grand Theatre

Tuesday 9 – Saturday 13 February 2027

www.grandtheatre.co.uk

Sheffield, Lyceum Theatre

Tuesday 16 – Saturday 20 February 2027

www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/

Nottingham, Theatre Royal

Tuesday 23 – Saturday 27 February 2027

www.trch.co.uk/

Aberdeen, His Majesty’s Theatre

Tuesday 2 – Saturday 6 March 2027

www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/his-majestys-theatre

On sale soon

Shrewsbury, Severn Theatre

Tuesday 16 – Saturday 20 March 2027

www.theatresevern.co.uk

Cambridge, Arts Theatre

Tuesday 23 – Saturday 27 March 2027

www.artstheatre.co.uk

On sale soon

Plymouth, Theatre Royal

Tuesday 30 March – Saturday 3 April 2027

www.theatreroyal.com

Bradford, Alhambra Theatre

Tuesday 6 – Saturday 10 April 2027

www.bradford-theatres.co.uk/alhambra-theatre

On sale soon

Newcastle, Theatre Royal

Tuesday 13 – Saturday 17 April 2027

www.theatreroyal.co.uk

On sale soon

Hull, New Theatre

Tuesday 20 – Saturday 24 April 2027

www.hulltheatres.co.uk

On sale soon

Liverpool, Empire Theatre

Tuesday 27 April – Saturday 1 May 2027

www.atgtickets.com/venues/liverpool-empire/

Inverness, Eden Court

Tuesday 4 – Saturday 8 May 2027

www.eden-court.co.uk

Northampton, Derngate Theatre

Tuesday 11 – Saturday 15 May 2027

www.royalandderngate.co.uk

On sale soon

Dublin, Bord Gáis Theatre

Tuesday 18 – Saturday 22 May 2027

www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie

On sale soon

Cork, Everyman Theatre

Tuesday 25 – Saturday 29 May 2027

www.everymancork.com

On sale soon

Kings Theatre Portsmouth – 21st February 2026 

Reviewed by Emma Barnes

5***** 

There was a joyful confidence in the way Stage One Youth Theatre approached their latest production at the Kings Theatre, proving that a Golden Age classic like Oklahoma! still has plenty to say when placed in capable hands. Under the direction of Paul Clements, this was a polished and high-energy performance that balanced the show’s iconic charm with a surprising amount of psychological drama.

The production was anchored by a 16-piece live orchestra, providing a rich, well-balanced sound that never overpowered the clear vocals of the cast. Arthur Westmorland (Curly) and Lizzie Codling (Laurey) led the show with professional discipline, their chemistry bringing an authentic and engaging heart to the story. A particular highlight was the dream sequence at the end of Act One; this “fever dream” was effectively staged, successfully shifting the tone to explore Laurey’s internal conflict with impressive depth.

The energy of the territory was captured during the “Kansas City” number. Led by Sam Shirley (Will Parker), the tap dancing was slickly executed and served as a fantastic showcase for the diversity of talent within this youth group. Evie Payne-Simmons was equally wonderful as Ado Annie, navigating the physical comedy and exuberance of the role with natural ease.  Joshua Witt navigated the complex role of Jud Fry with skill, successfully flitting between dark menace and a tragic, profound loneliness.  We also loved Fraser Ndahiro as the hilarious Ali Hakim serving as a bright contrast to the show’s more serious moments.

A standout creative choice was the casting of Tayla Fallon as Andrea Carnes. By taking this traditionally male role, Fallon created a formidable “second matriarch” character that played brilliantly against Heidi Butcher, who, in her final performance with Stage One, provided a fittingly confident anchor as Aunt Eller.

With a cast of over 50 young performers, the ensemble did a fantastic job of filling the stage with energy and professionalism. We were impressed that the young cast maintained consistent, grounded Midwestern accents that truly brought the characters to life. Great scenery and props combined with the disciplined choreography, the production felt like a vibrant celebration of both the story and the young talent being nurtured behind the scenes,  and they looked like they were really enjoying the ride! 

Huge congratulations to the entire cast and the support team for a professional, high-quality production that was a genuine joy to watch.

OFFFEST 2026 NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED AS FESTIVAL ARM OF OffWestEnd AWARDS (OFFIES) RETURNS, CELEBRATING OUTSTANDING FRINGE FESTIVAL THEATRE ACROSS THE UK

Following the announcement of this year’s Offies nominations, OffFest returns as the festival arm of OffWestEnd, celebrating work not only made in London but also at festivals across the UK. OffFest remains a vital part of grassroots recognition, often with shorter runs and therefore smaller budgets than the main Offies awards.
 
Launched in 2019, OffFest was created to ensure that work premiering at UK festivals – often with shorter runs, tighter budgets and less structural support than London productions – receives meaningful recognition within the OffWestEnd ecosystem. It acknowledges that some of the most urgent and innovative theatre in the UK begins life in festival contexts.

While the Offies honour productions in London across the year, OffFest brings a curated selection of nominated and award-recognised shows back into the spotlight through a dedicated festival platform open to all parts of the UK, extending the life of acclaimed productions, and amplifying the visibility of the entire independent theatre sector. Many OffFest nominees and winners have gone on to transfer to OffWestEnd, the West End and go on tour.

This year’s OffFest nominees range from National Theatre of Scotland and Handspring Puppet Company to emerging artists premiering at Brighton and Camden Fringe. In addition, recognising work at the Voila! Festival allows the Offies to extend to shows made by foreign nationals and in languages other than English.

Rooted in OffWestEnd’s commitment to championing innovation, diversity and creative risk, OffFest serves as a showcase for the breadth of talent working across the UK and beyond. 

Festivals taking part in 2025 were: The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, The Camden Fringe, Brighton Fringe, Voila! Festival
 
 Last month, OffWestEnd announced the full nominees for the main Offies Awards (see here for the full list), the winners of the OffFest will be announced along the main awards at a star-studded award ceremony on March 30^th at Central Hall Westminster, hosted by drag icon Divina de Campo and complete with a host of special guests, presenters and live performance.

Denholm Spurr, Executive Producer of the Offies, said: “Festival theatre often runs for days, not weeks. It operates with tighter budgets and fewer safety nets. Yet it is frequently where the most urgent ideas emerge. OffFest ensures that this work is not overlooked simply because it was fleeting.

It is a vital extension of the Offies model – broadening our reach beyond the capital, strengthening career pathways, and ensuring that recognition within the independent sector reflects the full ecology of how theatre is actually made in the UK today.”

The 2026 nominees are:

Brighton Fringe

Duty / Twilight Theatre / The Lantern Theatre
Electra / The Conor Baum Company / BN1 Arts Centre
HOW TO KILL A CHICKEN / Let Luz Productions / The Actors

Camden Fringe

Am I Losing My Mind Or Just My Figure? / Untethered + Hinterland / Etcetera Theatre
Anthropocene / Ben Wendel and Emily Hawkins / Barons Court Theatre
Buds, Revolt! / Stephanie Chu / Hen & Chickens Theatre
Every Great Man / RamPage Theatre / The Cockpit
MISS / Miss Production Team / Lion & Unicorn Theatre
None of Them Will Get Out Alive / Samuel Winner / Hen & Chickens Theatre
Richard II / The Whole Pack Theatre / Libra Theatre Café
Scene with Black Folk / Joy Nesbitt / Camden People’s Theatre
Spin Cycle / Berserk Theatre / Etcetera Theatre
Transient / Until The Next Productions / Bridewell Theatre
WILT / Segments Company / Bridewell Theatre

Edinburgh Fringe

4’s a Crowd (Or What Not to Do When Stuck in a Bunker During the Apocalypse) / The Fiascoholics / theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall
AH-MA / Cathy Lam Arts Collective / theSpace @ Niddry Street
ALTAR / Extraterrestrial; Em Tambree / Underbelly George Square
AN ADEQUATE ABRIDGEMENT OF BOARDING SCHOOL LIFE AS A HOMO / Choir Boys Productions / Underbelly Cowgate
Alright Sunshine / Wonder Fools / Pleasance Dome
An Ode to the Casting Director / Sophie Fisher / Gilded Balloon Patter House
Body Count / White Noise Theatre / Pleasance Courtyard
CADEL: Lungs on Legs / Piper Productions / Underbelly Cowgate
Clean Slate / The Project People / Summerhall
Club NVRLND / RJG Productions / Assembly Checkpoint
Crocodile Tears / Shark Bait Theatre / theSpace @ Venue 45
Disco 2000 / Hedge Maze Theatre / Greenside @ Riddles Court
Do Astronauts Masturbate in Space / Briony Martha & Zak Reay-Barry / Greenside @ Riddles Court
Do You Accept These Charges? / Suzanna Rosenthal Productions / Pleasance Courtyard
Faustus in Africa! / Handspring Puppet Company / Royal Lyceum Theatre
Frozen Love: A Buckingham Nicks Story / ERA Theatrical Productions / theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall
Fuselage / Suzanna Rosenthal Productions / Pleasance Courtyard
Goodness Me / Joan of All Trades / Paradise Green
Hold the Line / Sam Macgregor & Gabriela Chanova / Pleasance Courtyard
Hole! / American Sing-Song / Underbelly Cowgate
Lost Property / Amelia Dunn & Tuia Suter / theSpace @ Venue 45
Make It Happen / National Theatre of Scotland / Festival Theatre
Midnight At The Palace / Midnight At The Palace Ltd / Gilded Balloon Patter House
Nowhere: Fuel / Fuel / Traverse Theatre
Ohio / Francesca Moody Productions / Assembly Roxy
Ordinary Decent Criminal / Paines Plough / Summerhall
Outing / Unseen Theatre / theSpace @ the Mile
PALS / Mirren Wilson / Gilded Balloon
Paldem / Summerhall Arts / Summerhall
Rock of Ages / Bare Productions / St John’s Church
Small Town Boys / Shaper/Caper / Zoo Southside
Squidge / White Noise Theatre / Pleasance Courtyard
Strangers And Revelations / Unshaded Arts / theSpace @ Venue 45
The Other Mozart / Little Matchstick Factory / Assembly George Square
The Pornstar Martini Effect / 52 Theatre Co / theSpace @ Niddry Street
The Queen is Mad / Castile Collective Ltd / Zoo Southside
This Blighted Star / Underbelly / Underbelly George Square
Triptych Redux / Lewis Major Projects / Zoo Southside
WHEN WE WERE YOUNG / Geez a Break Productions / theSpace @ the Mile
Who We Become: One-Acts by Lanford Wilson / Deep Flight Productions / theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall
Woman in the Arena / Jade Studio / Greenside @ George Street
Woody Fu: One Man John Wick / Penguintown Media / Assembly George Square

Voila!

Be Gay, for God’s Sake / Oh My My / Theatre Deli
Comfort / Giannine Tan / Barons Court Theatre
Hansal & Geetal / Two2Mango / Etcetera Theatre
Hecuba: Why Am I In Your Country? / Arwa Omaren with Refuge Media Productions CIC / Theatro Technis
If I Were to Say It in English / Thea Lungu / Etcetera Theatre
Imprints / The Palimpsest Project / The Cockpit
Naran Ja / logica picnic / The Playground Theatre
Superstar In Therapy / Rania Kurdi / Etcetera Theatre
The Uncontainable Nausea of Alec Baldwin / TG WORKS / The Cockpit

OffWestEnd Awards (Offies)

OffWestEnd was founded in 2006 with the aim of recognising and supporting the independent theatre sector in London, giving it a unified identity to rival Off-Broadway. The OffWestEnd Awards (Offies) has been recognising outstanding work in London’s off-West End theatres since 2010. The awards aim to provide a platform for independent theatre that may otherwise go unrecognised in more mainstream awards systems. Celebrating the best of independent theatre, the Offies promotes inclusivity, creativity, and excellence within the theatre Community.

Key Sponsors: TodayTix, Tarento Productions, White Light, and Royal Variety Charity.

Supporters: Mischief Theatre

Media Partners: Theatre Channel & Chewboy Productions

PR Partners: The Gingerbread Agency

NOMINEES ANNOUNCED FOR THE

EMPTY SPACE…PETER BROOK AWARD 2026

AS PART OF THE CRITICS’ CIRCLE THEATRE AWARDS

The Critics’ Circle Theatre Awards today announces the nominations for the Empty Space… Peter Brook Award 2026 (In Memory of Blanche Marvin). Sponsored by Nica Burns, the nominations are decided by a separate panel of critics chosen by the Marvin family. This year’s nominees are:

• ORANGE TREE THEATRE by Fiona Mountford – Chief Theatre Critic, The i Paper
• RED ROSE CHAIN, IPSWICH by Dominic Cavendish – Chief Theatre Critic, The Telegraph
• ROYAL COURT UPSTAIRS by Andrzej Lukowski – Theatre & Dance Editor, UK, Time Out Media
• THE OTHER PALACE STUDIO by Mark Shenton – Editor, ShentonSTAGE Theatre Newsletter
• WONDER FOOLS by Lyn Gardner – Associate Editor, The Stage

This is the fourth year of the acclaimed Empty Space…Peter Brook Award being part of the Critics’ Circle Theatre Awards. Founded by Blanche Marvin MBE, who died last month just short of her 101st birthday, the award recognises a theatre that embodies the spirit of Peter Brook, both in its use of space and in relationship to its locality. Blanche’s daughter, Niki Marvin, an Oscar-nominated director/producer, has taken over the running of the award. From this year, the award has been renamed The Empty Space…Peter Brook Award (In Memory of Blanche Marvin).

The award will be presented as part of the Critics’ Circle Awards at a ceremony at the National Theatre on 26 March. These are the only prizes to be entirely voted for by the professional theatre critics who are members of the Circle, and this year’s awards are sponsored by Finto.

For the first time in the awards’ 37 year history, members have voted for longlists and shortlists. Leading the competition with five nominations each are Ivo van Hove’s production of Arthur Miller’s All My Sons currently running at the Wyndham’s Theatre (Best Revival, Best Actor nominations for Bryan Cranston and Paapa Essiedu, Best Actress for Marianne Jean-Baptiste, and Best Director for van Hove), and two musical revivals – Jordan Fein’s production of Sondheim’s Into the Woods currently running at Bridge Theatre (Best Revival, Best Actress for Kate Fleetwood, Best Director for Fein, Best Designer for Tom Scutt and Best Ensemble or Cast), and Jamie Lloyd’s production of Evita by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice which ran at The London Palladium last summer (Best Revival, Best Director for Lloyd, Best Actress for Rachel Zegler, Best Designer for Soutra Gilmour and Best Newcomer for Diego Andres Rodriguez).

They are followed by Paddington The Musical, Stereophonic, The Weir and Much Ado About Nothing, all with four nominations each.

The National Theatre has eleven nominations across five productions – Inter Alia, Hamlet, The Estate, Here We Are and The Land of the Living.

https://criticscircle.org.uk/

Twitter: @cctheatreuk

Instagram: @criticscircletheatreuk

EMPTY SPACE… PETER BROOK AWARD 2026 (IN MEMORY OF BLANCHE MARVIN)

CRITICS’ NOMINEES AND SUMMARIES IN FULL:

NOMINATION: ORANGE TREE THEATRE

Fiona Mountford – Chief Theatre Critic, The i Paper

Under the assured leadership of artistic director Tom Littler, the Orange Tree continues to confirm its status as a boutique powerhouse of a venue, with a particularly fine line in sharply pointed revivals of classic works from the canon.

NOMINATION: RED ROSE CHAIN, IPSWICH

Dominic Cavendish – Chief Theatre Critic, The Telegraph

Red Rose Chain in Ipswich (/redrosechain.com) is a not-for-profit powerhouse, which has sadly just lost founder/creative director Joanna Carrick to cancer. Recent highlights include a bravura Hamlet at Sutton Hoo and Carrick’s The Ungodly and the company brilliantly champions inclusion through programmes for people with disabilities, young people and prisoners.

NOMINATION: ROYAL COURT UPSTAIRS

Andrzej Lukowski – Theatre & Dance Editor, UK, Time Out Media

The Royal Court Upstairs is the original Empty Space black box and after a few years of sporadic use, it’s really got its mojo back. This year almost all the programming is of debut plays sent in for consideration (rather than commissioned work) – a gesture that feels very in line with the values of the Empty Space…Peter Brook Award.

NOMINATION: THE OTHER PALACE STUDIO

Mark Shenton – Editor, ShentonSTAGE Theatre Newsletter

The Other Palace Theatre in Victoria has long set its sights on becoming a home for new musicals, first under the ownership of Andrew Lloyd Webber from 2016, then of Bill Kenwright from 2021. Bill, an old friend and champion of Blanche Marvin’s, has since died, but Blanche would be delighted to see his legacy celebrated now in hers: the warm, and intimate downstairs studio provides an accessible home for producers to nurture, develop and showcase new musicals in.

NOMINATION: WONDER FOOLS

Lyn Gardner – Associate Editor, The Stage

A ground-breaking Scottish company, Wonder Fools makes space for and connects young people with playwrights. Now one of Scotland’s most significant commissioners of new plays, is artfully making change for participants and writers.