Author: FairyPoweredProductions

Alphabetti Theatre Newcastle – until 20th December 2025

Reviewed by Sandra Little

3***

A Queermas Carol is billed as, “The gayest ghost story ever told,” and is very loosely based on A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. This production gives this traditional story a modern twist and explores issues relating to the gay community. This version of Dickens’ story is predominantly told by two Marley’s ghosts played by Mack Sproates and Rhianne Bowes meanwhile Charles Dickens (Micky Cochrane) is also presented as a ghost who complains about this interpretation of his “traditional and melancholy ” story.

The production begins with a high energy rap style dance routine from Marley and Marley and the audience are told that they will be embarking on a, “chain shrinking” journey with some audience participation included in the process. At one point in the interpretation of Christmas past, Marley (Mack Sproates) is dressed as a combination of a Tamagotchi and a Furby. He performs a dance routine to, “Push the Button” and then the other Marley (Rhianne Bowes) takes part in an episode of Mastermind where she is asked intrusive and uncomfortable questions about her past. This was quite a poignant moment included in a generally light hearted show.

Part two of this production introduces the audience to the ghost of Christmas present. Rhianne changes into a traditional Victorian dark green costume and gives a great version of, “Santa Baby.” Meanwhile Mack becomes Bob Cratchit with his son being played by a puppet. There are lots of references in this sketch to ‘80s films including Terminator and Indiana Jones and also intense emotions are explored with references to issues faced by young people struggling with identity and sexuality. Eventually it becomes clear that Bob Cratchit’s son is trans gender and chooses to be called Tim.

As the story moves to the future and Christmas yet to come, the traditional phantom is played by Carmen Silk, who was the guest artist on Wednesday evening. A different artist will perform this part each evening for future performances. Carmen ditched her black garb and informed everyone that she was bringing hope and joy to the future. The audience were then treated to three great traditional songs including, “Life is a Cabaret” and “Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”

The final part of this production involved a conversation with a puppet of a ghostly Charles Dickens and the final message from Marley and Marley was that we need space to tell everyone’s story and we shouldn’t listen to voices that dim our light.

Needless to say, this was an interesting version of a tale everyone knows so well and I must say there were some serious issues explored, however for me the contrast between light hearted and serious was too sharp and there were times when I wasn’t sure what the intention was.

However if you are looking for alternative Christmas entertainment then this could be for you.

The West End’s original Elphaba in Wicked  
Whatsonstage Award winner

Broadway.com Audience Award winner
KERRY ELLIS

completes the star cast for the world premiere
semi-staged West End concert of
Jo – The Little Women Musical

Sunday January 25, 2026 at 7pm
Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Catherine St, London WC2B 5JF
Final star casting is announced today for the world premiere semi-staged concert of Jo – The Little Women Musical in Concert at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on Sunday January 25, 2026.

Kerry Ellis will play Marmee.

Kerry, widely recognised as a leading lady of West End and Broadway musicals, with a number of starring roles in London, New York, and around the world, made musical theatre history as the first British Elphaba in the worldwide smash, Wicked, for which she won the 2008 Whatsonstage.com Award for ‘Best Takeover in a Role’. She then headed to Broadway to play Elphaba, where she won the Broadway.com Audience Award for Favourite Female Breakthrough Performance, before returning to London in the role.

Kerry originated the role of Meat, in Queen’s We Will Rock You and her other leading West End credits include Grizabella in Cats, Nancy in Oliver!, Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady, Ellen in Miss Saigon, Fantine in Les Miserables, Sara in Murder Ballad and Alice in Wonderland. In 2022 Kerry played Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes at the Barbican to huge acclaim. She continues her long term working relationship with Brian May and they have toured the UK and Europe extensively.

She joins the previously announced
GRAMMY Award® nominee Christine Allado (Hamilton) as Jo March.
Double Olivier Award® winner Tracie Bennett (Judy Garland in End of the Rainbow) as Aunt March.
Eleanor Grant (Avatar LIVE) as Beth March.
Chris Mann (Phantom in 25 The Anniversary Tour of The Phantom of the Opera) as Professor Bhaer.
West End star Kelly Mathieson (The Phantom of the Opera) as Meg March.
Miyuki Miyagi (Beau the Musical) as Sallie Gardiner.
Julian Ovenden (from TVs Bridgerton and The Crown) as Father.
TV star Sophie Pollono (the Showtime series, I Love That For You) as Amy March.
Yazdan Qafouri (The Kite Runner) as Fred Vaughn.
Tobias Turley (Mamma Mia!) as Theodore ‘Laurie’ Laurence.
Liam Tamne (Ramses in Prince of Egypt, Raoul in Phantom Of The Opera) as John Brooke.
Barry James (West End roles include Ladislav Sipos in She Loves Me – Olivier nominated; Beadle Bamford in Sweeney Todd – Olivier nominated) as Grandfather/Mr. Laurence.

Ensemble/chorus performers will be provided by Vocals Unlimited with Tom Pearce serving as Choirmaster.

Orchestral management is by Isobel Griffiths Ltd.

General Managers are New Road Theatricals.
The concert, featuring a 27-piece orchestra, follows the global release in May of a Studio Album released on Center Stage Records and recorded at London’s iconic Abbey Road Studios, produced by five-time GRAMMY Award® nominee and three-time Emmy winner Nigel Wright and Dan Redfeld. The album is available on all platforms including Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music and Amazon Music and as a special 2-CD set available on Center Stage Records.

A Universal Story. A Cultural Moment. Jo – The Little Women Musical in Concert is a once-in-a-lifetime star-studded event that will bring Louisa May Alcott’s classic story Little Women to life in a bold new musical adaptation with a sweeping, timeless score that will leave you spellbound.

At the heart of this iconic coming-of-age story is Jo March, the original literary heroine – a fiercely passionate young writer whose grief over losing her sister inspires a story that continues to resonate with audiences everywhere. This enchanting new musical is for anyone who has dreamed big, questioned their path, or yearned to share their story.

Jo – The Little Women Musical has music by Dan Redfeld, book and lyrics by Christina Harding and John Gabriel Koladziej, and is directed and choreographed by JoAnn M. Hunter (20 Broadway shows to her credit as a choreographer including Bad Cinderella and School of Rock).

Randy Jones Toll & Steven Toll (Broadway: Waiting for Godot, Glengarry Glen Ross, Our Town, The Hills of California), 2 On The Aisle BDWY, LLC (West End: The Producers, Broadway: Just In Time, Chess) and award winning actress, Peri Gilpin and her daughter, graphic artist, Ava Vincent, have joined as Associate Producers for the concert.

LISTINGS INFO

March Hare Entertainment, LTD.,
Little Women Enterprises, LLC.,
Brian Purcell (4 Times Entertainment, Inc.),
Rob O’Neill (O’Neill/Snow, LLC.),
Willette and Manny Klausner
(WMK Productions), Pulau Sisters, LLC
present

Jo – The Little Women Musical
in Concert

Music by Dan Redfeld
Book and Lyrics by Christina Harding
and John Gabriel Koladziej

Directed & Choreographed
by JoAnn M. Hunter

Musical Director Dan Redfeld

Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Catherine St,
London
WC2B 5JF

Sunday January 25, 2026
at 7pm

running time: 2 hours 30mins

age recommendation: PG

Tickets from £30 (inc all fees)

Booking link:
https://ticketing.lwtheatres.co.uk/event/51000

Social media:
Website: www.jothemusical.com
Instagram: @jothemusical  
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jothemusical

Martin Clarkson and The Production Garden 

in association with Cube Room Productions 

announce 2026 centenary performances for

Eric and Ern

starring Ian Ashpitel and Jonty Stephens

including a West End performance on Sunday 29 March

In celebration of Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise’s joint centenary – both entertainers would have celebrated their 100th birthdays in 2026 – a series of special performances has been announced for Eric and Ern, the new show from Ian Ashpitel and Jonty Stephen, the Olivier nominated duo behind the hugely celebrated critically acclaimed West End hit Eric & Little Ern.

Following a previously announced limited run at Curve, Leicester from Tuesday 6 to Saturday 17 January, Eric and Ern will visit the Lowry, Salford from Tuesday 24 to Saturday 28 March, Garrick Theatre in London’s West End on Sunday 29 March, and Morecambe Winter Gardens on Saturday 16 May for a special performance coinciding with Eric Morecambe’s birthday weekend.

Eric and Ern takes audiences back to the times when whole families would huddle around the telly to watch the fantastic Morecambe and Wise Christmas specials. This brilliant homage to the two national comedy heroes is crammed full of renditions of those famous comedy sketches, and hits all the right notes – from Greig’s Piano Concerto to Mr Memory, “Arsenal!”, Eric and Ern is a show full of Morecambe and Wise’s most loved routines, songs and sketches – and of course a musical guest – suitable for all the family from 8 to 80.

Eric and Ern is created by Ian Ashpitel and Jonty Stephens based on the writing of Eddie Braben with additional material by Morecambe and Wise.  It is presented by Martin Clarkson and The Production Garden in association with Cube Room Productions. 

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Show title: Eric and Ern

Running time: 1 hour and 50 minutes (including a 20 minute interval)

Age guidance: 8+ 

LIST OF TOUR DATES 

Tuesday 8 – Saturday 17 January 2026                                                                      Curve, Leicester

https://www.curveonline.co.uk/whats-on/shows/eric-and-ern

Tuesday 24 – Saturday 28 March 2026                                                                        Lowry, Salford

https://thelowry.com/whats-on/eric-and-ern-xwc6

Sunday 29 March 2026                                                                            Garrick Theatre, London 

Saturday 16 May 2026                                                                          Morecambe Winter Gardens

ON SALE SOON

An accompanying event can be booked separately which is an afternoon talk with Gary and Gail Morecambe, chaired by Martin Clarkson

Royal Shakespeare Theatre Stratford-Upon-Avon – until 31st January 2026

Reviewed by Amarjeet Singh

4****

Roald Dahl’s beloved classic The BFG has been delighting readers since its publication in 1982, and now, thanks to Tom Wells and Jenny Worton’s vibrant new stage adaptation, the story leaps from page to stage with dazzling creativity. Directed by Daniel Evans, this production at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre is a feast of humour, heart, and theatrical ingenuity.

From the outset, the show captures Dahl’s signature blend of gruesome absurdity and tender warmth. The narrative, while condensed from the original book, retains its essence, a tale of giants, dreams, and the unlikely friendship between Sophie the orphan and the Big Friendly Giant. Wells and Worton sprinkle in fresh jokes, additional characters and clever twists, ensuring the adaptation feels both faithful and refreshingly original. Designer Vicki Mortimer’s minimalist set is anything but bare. Through ingenious lighting by Zoe Spurr and vivid costume work from Kinnetia Isidore, the stage transforms into a playground of imagination creating a world of whimsy and wonder. Toby Olié’s puppetry and Akhila Krishnan’s video projections elevate the production to another level. The seamless transitions between live actors and puppets create a sense of scale that is both magical and believable. Giants loom large without breaking the spell, dreams swish around the stage and illuminated model buildings flying by in a chase sequence evoke otherworldliness.

John Leader’s portrayal of the BFG is enchanting. Mostly eschewing Quentin Blake’s iconic illustrations, this BFG is younger, and brims with energy, bringing a curious mix of innocent charm and giant gentleness. Leader’s mastery of Dahl’s mangled language and his physicality make the character irresistibly endearing. Elsie Laslett as Sophie strikes the perfect balance of cheek and courage, while Charlotte Jones as Kimberley adds depth to the dynamic. Both young actors impress not only with their acting but also with their agility, as they perform physical acrobatics assisted by puppeteers, with remarkable grace. Helena Lymbery’s Queen is a delightful surprise, a monarch yearning for adventure rather than mere royal protocol, she has a remarkable transformation. Sargon Yelda’s uptight butler Tibbs provides a foil of comic rigidity, while the double act of Captain Smith, Philip Labey, and Captain Frith, Luke Sumner, lampoon military paranoia with gusto. Their scenes are laugh-out-loud funny, especially when Frith’s dialogue disappears behind his bristling moustache.

Beneath the fart jokes and fantastical giants beats a heartwarming story of friendship, bravery, and the power of dreams. A cacophony of whizzpopping wonder, delivering the kind of joyous chaos that Dahl fans crave, the production succeeds at balancing spectacle with sincerity. Daniel Evans has orchestrated a production that is as inventive as it is heartfelt. With its stunning puppetry, clever design, and pitch-perfect performances, The BFG is a splendiferous triumph of imagination, a theatrical treat for audiences of all ages.

Park Theatre – until 24 December 2025

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

3***

Make It Beautiful bring a modern twist to the Arthurian legend of Gawain and the Green Knight in this quirky and warm-hearted comedy.

Since the death of the CEO of Camelot Corp, his daughter has taken over and gone all in on the Arthurian ethos for the cybersecurity company, insisting on staff using Arthurian names and shouting “Huzzah” at every opportunity. The medieval warfare jargon used in customer calls is hilarious and Arthur (Cara Steele) and Lance’s (Gabriel Fogarty-Graveson) management style is hardly chivalrous.

Gary (Felix Grainger) hates being called Gawain, is unhappy in his job but can’t be bothered to leave and is viewed as a boring disappointment by management. The only ray of light in his day is Gwynne (Laura Pujos), who shares his opinion that the Arthurian schtick is nonsense. Handed his marching orders on the day of the compulsory Christmas party, Gawain is the only person to accept the mysterious stranger’s challenge to strike him with his axe and be prepared to accept the same in one year and a day. Gawain continues working, waiting for the arrival of the Green Knight, but as his time draws near, he finally decides to search for the knight and face his fate head-on.

This setup takes an hour before the interval, during which Simon Nicholas’s versatile set was redressed. Although lots of satisfying callbacks to throwaway lines in the second act worked brilliantly, this hour could have been cut back and a 90-minute show could be better balanced and paced. The change to the quest lands could possibly have been achieved with lighting effects (Caitlin MacGregor’s lighting design and Kezia Tomsett’s sound design create wonderfully atmospheric dynamics throughout.)

Writers Grainger and Fogarty-Graveson hit their stride once Gawain’s search for the Green Knight begins, via the magic elevator, and director Kelly Ann Stewart picks up the pace nicely. The characters Gawain meets are frankly insane but straight out of the original story. Think Monty Python/Maid Marian and her Merry Men/Horrible Histories and that’s the tone of this madcap nonsense. The writing partners have a wonderful eye for the absurd and Grainger’s reactions are wonderful as Gawain tries to cope with the medieval shenanigans surrounding him. Fogarty-Graveson is brilliantly deadpan as a range of bonkers characters; Cara Steele nails the role of the deluded and cruel Arthur and Laura Pujos is the show’s calm anchor as Gwynne. Shawn Chambers voices Merlin – the corporation’s AI that seems to be even crueller than Arthur, but Gawain still finds meaning in his life despite the digital devilry.

This smart and funny Arthurian tale could do with a little streamlining but has exciting potential.

Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham – until 11th January 2026

Reviewed by Jacqui Radford

5*****

Billed as an extravaganza, this year’s Everyman Theatre pantomime is exactly that. Robin Hood is not a traditional pantomime choice but with the addition of Tweedy and a ‘Gloucestershire dimension’, the well-known tale delivers perfectly on the brief of a family pantomime.

Tweedy, playing the role of Friar Tuck takes comedy and clowning around to the highest level. His humour hits the mark with the children in the audience, evoking fits of giggles at the mention of farts or admonishing the adults in the audience. Every bit of clowning around is carefully planned to provoke gasps and cheers, drawing everyone into the spirit of panto, including a comedic performance of ‘Bolero’ alongside Dame Nursie, played by Kevin Brewis

Alongside the clowning around we have all come to expect of a pantomime at Everyman Cheltenham, the remaining cast bring more cheer and glamour than you could ever hope for. Dan Wilshire as Robin Hood plays the role of a wholesome hero alongside Maid Marian and the obligatory villain, Sheriff of Gloucestershire.

The chemistry between the whole cast is obvious, enabling a few spontaneous moments and shared moments of laughter between them. It is clear that they really enjoy the script and all the opportunities they have to kick back and enjoy performing.

This year’s set and costume design surpassed previous productions. Bright colours, dazzling lighting effects, snowstorms and confetti all add a real Christmas experience that every child and adult can’t help but enjoy. Add to that the participation of panto, singing and dancing, you’ll leave this production with a spring in your step.

BILL KENWRIGHT’S

MULTI AWARD-WINNING PRODUCTION OF

BLOOD BROTHERS

SPRING 2026 CAST AND DATES ANNOUNCED

Bill Kenwright’s legendary, award-winning production of the international smash hit musical, Blood Brothers has announced its Spring 2026 tour dates, opening at Churchill Theatre, Bromley on Wednesday 14 January 2026. 

Vivienne Carlyle will continue as Mrs. Johnstone having gained widespread critical acclaim and nightly standing ovations on the show’s most recent tours. 

Richard Munday rejoins Blood Brothers as the Narrator, at certain venues, after playing the role on the 2022–2023 UK tour. He will share the part with Kristofer Harding, a role he first played in 2016 and returned to in the most recent 2025 tour. 

Fresh from alternating the role of Elphaba in Wicked (Apollo Victoria) and covering Norma Desmond in Jamie Lloyd’s production of Sunset Boulevard (Savoy), Laura Harrison returns to Blood Brothers. Harrison previously played Donna Marie in the 2015 tour and is now taking on the role of Mrs Lyons. 

For performances in Derry and Dublin, Mrs Johnstone will be played by Ireland’s own musical theatre legend, Rebecca Storm. Rebecca is thrilled to return to a role she has truly made her own and join the Blood Brothers company for a limited run at the Millenium Forum followed by the Bord Gais Energy Theatre. 

Sean Jones and Joe Sleight will also be returning as the twin brothers, Mickey and Eddie and Gemma Brodrick will continue to play Linda. 

Also reprising their roles are Michael Gillett (Sammy), Tim Churchill (Mr Lyons), Francesca Benton-Stace(Donna Marie/Miss Jones), Latesha Karisa (Brenda), Danny Knott (Perkins), Dominic Gore (Neighbour), Alex Harland(Policeman/Teacher) and Graeme Kinniburgh (Postman/Bus Conductor).

For further information on casting at each venue, please visit kenwright.com.

Written by award-winning playwright Willy Russell, few musicals have been received with such acclaim as the multi-award-winning Blood Brothers. Considered ‘one of the best musicals ever’ (Sunday Times), Bill Kenwright’s production surpassed 10,000 performances in London’s West End, and has been affectionately christened the ‘Standing Ovation Musical’, as inevitably it “brings the audience cheering to its feet and roaring its approval” (Daily Mail).

This epic tale of Liverpool life started as a play, performed at a Liverpool comprehensive school in 1981, before opening at the Liverpool Playhouse in 1983. The musical has since triumphed across the globe, completing sell out seasons in the US, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Japan, and scooping up four awards for Best Musical in London and seven Tony Award nominations on Broadway.  

Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins separated at birth, who grow up on the opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with tragic consequences.  

When Mrs Johnstone, a young mother, is deserted by her husband and left to her own devices to provide for seven hungry children she takes a job as a housekeeper in order to make ends meet. It is not long before her brittle world crashes around her when she discovers herself to be pregnant yet again – this time with twins! In a moment of weakness and desperation, she enters a secret pact with her employer which leads inexorably to the show’s shattering climax. 

Willy Russell is one of this country’s leading contemporary dramatists. His countless credits include Educating Rita and Shirley Valentine. Educating Rita, originally commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company, enjoyed a two-year run in the West End and was made into a movie starring Michael Caine and Julie Walters. Shirley Valentine also made the move from stage to screen in an enormously popular film starring Pauline Collins and Tom Conti. The production made a triumphant return to the West End in 2023 with Sheridan Smith.

LISTINGS 

Bill Kenwright Ltd presents 

BLOOD BROTHERS 

2026 UK and Ireland Tour 

Written by Willy Russell 

Directed by Bob Tomson & Bill Kenwright  

Resident Director Tim Churchill

Music Supervisor Matt Malone 

Sound by Dan Samson  

Set & Costumes by Andy Walmsley  

Lighting by Nick Richings 

Running Time: 2 hours 45 minutes (including interval)  

Spring 2026 Tour Dates

Bromley Churchill Theatre                trafalgartickets/Churchill-Theatre 

Wed 14 – Sat 17 Jan

Crewe Lyceum Theatre                       crewelyceum.co.uk

Tues 20 – Sat 24 Jan

Coventry Belgrade Theatre                belgrade.co.uk

Tues 27 – Sat 31 Jan

Guildford Yvonne Arnaud                  yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

Theatre

Tues 3 – 7 Feb

Brighton Theatre Royal                       brightontheatre.co.uk

Tues 10 – Sat 14 Feb

Derry Millennium Forum                    millenniumforum.co.uk

Tues 17 – 21 Feb

Dublin Bord Gais Energy                     bordgaisenergytheatre.ie

Theatre             

Tues 24 Feb – 7 Mar

Sunderland Empire Theatre                sunderland-theatre.co.uk

Tues 17 – Sat 21 Mar

Wellingborough Castle                       parkwoodtheatres.co.uk

Theatre         

Tues 24 – 28 Mar

Hull New Theatre                                   hulltheatres.co.uk

Tues 31 Mar – Sat 4 Apr

Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre           bournemouthpavilion.co.uk

Tues 14 – Sat 18 Apr

High Wycombe Wycombe Swan         trafalgartickets/wycombeswantheatre

Tues 21 – Sat 25 Apr

Bradford Alhambra Theatre                 bradford-theatres.co.uk

Tues 28 – Sat 2 May

Hertford Beam                                      beamhertford.co.uk

Tues 5 – 9 May

London Richmond Theatre                 ATG/richmndtheatre.com 

Tues 12- Sat 16 May

Lichfield Garrick Theatre                    lichfieldgarrick.com

Tues 19- Sat 23 May

Website: kenwright.com 

Social Media:

Facebook and Instagram:       BKLProductions

X/Twitter:                                BKL_Productions

A Fane production licensed by the BBC
  NATIONAL TOUR ANNOUNCED CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF THE ARCHERS

Priority on sale: (venue members and Fane priority bookers) Thursday 18th December at 10am
General On Sale: Friday 19th December at 10am

www.fane.co.uk/the-archers 
 
 BBC Radio 4’s long-running drama ‘The Archers’ celebrates 75th anniversary and steps out of the studio for a new live theatrical experience, 

touring the UK from June–November 2026.

First airing on 1st January 1951, BBC Radio 4’s The Archers is the world’s longest-running drama. Today Fane is delighted to announce that the programme will mark its 75th anniversary in 2026 with a national live tour, inviting audiences to experience the village of Ambridge as they’ve never seen – or indeed heard – it before.

Touring from June to November 2026, this brand-new live production brings the beloved iconic radio drama out of the studio and onto stages across the UK. Hosted by award-winning comedian and Archers devotee Angela Barnes, each performance will feature a rotating cast of Archers actors, a BBC archivist and a live sound-effects specialist.

 For 75 years, broadcasting six times a week to millions of listeners, The Archers follows the everyday lives, loves, and dramas of the residents of the fictional village of Ambridge, deep in the heart of the English countryside. Over the course of more than 20,000 episodes, the show has chronicled significant social and cultural changes in Britain, dealing with complex contemporary issues alongside the traditional rhythms of rural life, earning its place as a cornerstone of the British cultural landscape. Today, it remains one of the BBC’s most popular programmes and is currently the top on-demand show for listeners of all ages – as well as regularly topping the list of most popular on-demand programmes for listeners under 35 – on BBC Sounds.

Set within a playful reimagining of the Ambridge Flower & Produce Show, The Archers: Live at 75 blends theatricality, nostalgia, comedy and behind-the-scenes insight. The evening will include on-stage interviews, insider stories and gossip,live performances with live foley sound effects of specially written scenes created exclusively for the tour, archive treasures spanning seven decades from the BBC vaults, fascinating demonstrations of the sound-effects artistry that brings the fields, kitchens and barns of Ambridge so vividly to life, audience questions, an interactive pub quiz straight out of The Bull  and  of course, a sing-along to the programme’s famous theme tune.

This is a theatrical, one-of-a-kind celebration of, and a unique insight into, the people, stories and distinctive production craft that have cemented The Archers as a beloved British institution for three generations.

The tour offers newcomers an accessible introduction to the drama’s world, while giving long-time listeners a rare look into how Ambridge is created – revealing the artistry behind the character work, development of storylines, and the unmistakable soundscape that define the series.

The full list of cast appearances will be announced in early 2026 and will feature both much-loved long-standing Ambridge actors and the newer voices shaping the drama today.

“I am not just an Archers superfan, I am obsessed with all things Ambridge. So to be asked to host The Archers: Live at 75 is like winning a prize at the Flower and Produce Show and being cast as the lead in a Lynda Snell production, all rolled into one. I can’t wait to hang out with all of my favourite characters and really immerse myself in Borsetshire life.”  Angela Barnes, Host

 “Marking 75 years of The Archers is a rare privilege, and we’re thrilled to work with the BBC to create a live experience that honours the programme’s extraordinary legacy. Taking one of the BBC’s most precious and established brands, which has lived almost entirely in listeners’ imaginations, and working so closely with Angela, the editorial team, and the cast to make it leap out of the studio and onto the stage is a wonderfully fun creative challenge. We can’t wait to share this special experience with the audiences who’ve loved The Archers for generations.” James Albrecht and Serena Brett, Directors of Fane 

Alison Hindell, Drama and Fiction Commissioner, BBC Radio 4, says, “The Archers is one of the BBC’s most-loved programmes and we are tremendously proud of it as it reaches the  astonishing broadcasting milestone of its 75^th year. We hope that The Archers live show will give fans even more of what they love, joining in the celebrations with an extra slice of Ambridge life.”

Apollo Theatre – until 26 January 2026, then touring UK until March

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

5*****

Cornley Drama Society delivers consummate Christmas chaos as Mischief tackle Dickens.

Writers Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields have all the familiar characters return, with their foibles ramped up to eleven. Beginning with the audition process, with eternal optimist Annie (Nancy Zamit) appreciating every candidate while Chris (Daniel Fraser) despairs and decides that nobody can match his acting skills and casts himself as Scrooge, the big gags in the second act are set up early. Interminable production team meetings are held, the eternally enthusiastic but untalented Max (Matt Cavendish) rehearses, and hapless Dennis’s (Jonathan Sayer) inability to learn any lines leads to his script being printed on multiple props. Meanwhile poor Jonathan (Greg Tannahill) is still suffering from the trauma of playing Peter Pan and cannot face heights – or even singing high notes. Deluded thespian Robert (Henry Lewis) thinks he is perfect for the part of Scrooge, even though he hasn’t read the script, and Sandra (Sasha Frost) still dreams of playing Russell Crowe’s dead wife in a movie one day – she can now play all 3 – yes 3 – emotions!

A mishap with Chris’s model box means that the set builder has a very different design to Chris’s original, resulting in a confectionary catastrophe and a truly terrifying Tiny Tim. Throw in some sabotage from Robert as he continually tries to incapacitate Chris and take over the role of Scrooge mid-performance, and stage manager Trevor’s (Chris Leask) relaxed attitude to health and safety, and Chris Beans’ Dickensian vision is doomed. The characters foibles are well known to Mischief fans, and writers Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields dig deeper into their relationships in this production, developing a backstage parallel to Scrooge’s transformation as tyrannical micromanaging director Chris has his own epiphany after the disastrous first performance where he rewrites Dickens’ onstage.

Director Matt DiCarlo directs skilfully and Libby Todd’s fantastic set, lit by David Howe, is a masterpiece. Roberto Surace’s costumes are a triumph, especially the three ghosts of Christmas: Nancy Zamit has a hoot as the weirdly leggy Christmas past, while poor Henry Lewis is a very literal take on Christmas present. Chris Leask’s physical comedy in the towering Christmas yet to come costume is absolutely brilliant, dispelling any fear of younger audience members.

The physical, sight and verbal gags come at pace, and most hit the spot brilliantly. Bellringers, execrable choreography, insane multi-role playing, Chris and Robert’s onstage war – and Tiny Tim’s long-awaited entrance all have the audience in stitches. And, as any Mischief fan knows, Chris eventually loses it with the audience for laughing at his show – Daniel Fraser does apoplexy very well, and the Christmas audiences are really up for goading Chris Bean in true panto style.

Packed with warm-hearted silliness and genuine belly laughs, Mischief’s Christmas Carol Goes Wrong is the Christmas gift that keeps on giving.

UK Tour Dates

Nottingham Theatre Royal 27 – 31 January 2026

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre 3 – 7 February

Edinburgh Festival Theatre 10 – 15 February

Glasgow King’s Theatre 17 – 22 February

Canterbury Marlowe Theatre 24 February – 1 March

SOHO THEATRE – UNTIL 24th JANUARY 2026

REVIEWED BY JACKIE THORNTON

5*****

The morning after a one night stand in a Travelodge during the Edinburgh Festival doesn’t immediately scream Christmas, but this sharp and witty two-hander from multi-award winning playwright David Ireland has audiences gasping in delight as some truly astonishing truths come to life.

Most Favoured was originally staged as a reading at the Traverse during the 2012 Edinburgh Fringe so it’s perhaps no surprise that it revels in poking fun at the renowned arts festival. Double BAFTA Scotland winner Lauren Lyle, probably best known for playing Detective Karen Pirie in the hit ITV series, is Mary, a brash Glaswegian who’s been shagging her way across the country for the last eight months. Her latest conquest is American tourist Mike, played by Skins star Alexander Arnold, who wanders nonchalantly back into the room having ventured out for some breakfast KFC.

For Mary it’s been the best sex of her life. For Mike, the fried chicken is the best he’s ever tasted. Lyle brings real heart and humour to the role as Mary’s incredulity towards Mike’s laissez faire attitude to their night of passion ratchets up and up. Arnold, as Mike, remains unflappable and displays brilliant comic timing as his eyes refuse to be pulled away from that iconic striped bucket.

Director Max Elton has worked with David Ireland before on the critically acclaimed Not Now and not a beat is wasted in this performance as the layers of this seemingly everyday encounter are slowly pulled back.

There’s a wonderful rhythm to the low key battle for power between the two lovers and Ceci Calf’s simple set of a crumpled bed in a nondescript budget hotel room is put to good effect in demonstrating the clash of worldviews in Mary and Mike.

Over a pacy 45 minutes Ireland’s writing is undeniable and Lyle and Arnold are a joy and instantly watchable.

A Christmas tale like no other with sackfuls of heart and humour and a clever twist.