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Roast Productions present

by special arrangement with TWTheatricals

CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR THE EUROPEAN PREMIERE OF ‘DOG MAN: THE MUSICAL’ BASED ON DAV PILKEY’S PHENOMENALLY SUCCESSFUL CHILDREN’S BOOK SERIES.

CAST INCLUDES: VANESSA DUMATEY AS FLIPPY, SAM KIPLING AS PETEY, PETER LAVERY AS HAROLD, RICARDO MENDES AS GEORGE, REBECCA-JO ROBERTS AS LI’L PETEY AND RENAN TEADORO AS DOG MAN.

The cast has today been announced for the UK tour of the European premiere of Dog Man: The Musical. This hilarious and heartfelt new musical is based on the worldwide bestselling book series by Dav Pilkey, also creator of Captain Underpants and Cat Kid Comic Club. Dog Man: The Musical comes to the UK after playing to packed houses in the US where it had multiple sell-out Off-Broadway seasons and US tours.  Tickets are now on sale at www.Dogman.live.

Casting includes Vanessa Dumatey (I’m Every Woman, Hackney Empire/ UK Tour; The Tina Turner Musical, Aldwych Theatre, West End) as Flippy, Sam Kipling (Les Misérables, Sondheim Theatre; The Mikado, Wilton’s Music Hall/ UK Tour) as Petey, Peter Lavery (Becoming Nancy, Birmingham Repertory Theatre; Jack and the Beanstalk, Ipswich Regent Theatre) as Harold, Ricardo Mendes (Carmen, ENO London Coliseum; Pinocchio, The Alhambra Theatre) as George, Rebecca-Jo Roberts (Beauty and the Beast, The Theatre Chipping Norton; Stalled: A New Musical, King’s Head Theatre) as L’il Petey and Renan Teadoro (Anyone Can Whistle, Southwark Playhouse; I Am Harvey Milk, European Premiere) as Dog Man. The cast is completed by Richener Bissereth, Shannon Bourne and Robert Wilkes.

The tour will have a run at Southbank Centre from 29 July – 16 August (Press Performance will be 4 August at 2.30pm).  The UK tour venues include Leicester Curve (16-19 July), Crewe Lyceum (21-23 July), Southend Palace (18-20 August), Hertford Beam (24-26 August), Wolverhampton Grand (28-29 August), Eastbourne Devonshire Park (4-5 September), Darlington Hippodrome (11-13 September), Torquay Princess Theatre (26-27 September), Halifax Victoria (3-4 October), Cambridge Arts Theatre (8-10 October), Cardiff Wales Millennium Centre (16-17 October), Fareham Live (23-25 October) and Wycombe Swan (26-28 October). Further dates for 2027 are to be announced.

This epic musical adventure has a book and lyrics by Kevin Del Aguila (two-time Emmy Award-winning writer of the PBS show Peg + Cat), music by Brad Alexander (Drama Desk-nominated See Rock City & Other Destinations); and is directed and choreographed by Jen Wineman (NY: Less Than 50%).

Since it launched to critical acclaim in 2016, Dav Pilkey’s international hit book series Dog Man has more than 70 million copies in print worldwide and has been translated into 48 languages, with five of the titles currently in the Amazon UK top 50 best-selling children’s books. The Dreamworks animated film based on the books was released earlier in 2025 to great acclaim and box office success. Dog Man: The Musical, originally produced by TheaterWorksUSA, premiered off-Broadway in June 2019 at the Lucille Lortel Theatre, extending due to popular demand. The production returned to New York at New World Stages in March 2023.

Best friends George and Harold have been creating comics for years, but now that they’re 10, they figure it’s time to level up and write a musical based on their favourite character, Dog Man, the crime-biting sensation who is part dog, part man, and ALL HERO!! How hard could it be?

With the head of a dog and the body of a policeman, Dog Man loves to fight crime and chew on the furniture. But while trying his best to be a good boy, can he save the city from Flippy the cyborg fish and his army of Beasty Buildings? Can he catch Petey, the world’s most evil cat, who has cloned himself to exact revenge on the doggy do-gooder? And will George and Harold finish their show before lunchtime?

Dav Pilkey was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia as a child. He was so disruptive in class that his teachers made him sit out in the hallway every day. Luckily, Dav loved to draw and make up stories, so he spent his time in the hallway creating his own original comic books – the very first adventures of Dog Man and Captain Underpants. Since then, Dav has written and illustrated a number of bestselling and award-winning children’s books, including the Caldecott Honor book The Paperboy. His Captain Underpants series and Dog Man graphic novels have sold millions of copies worldwide and have been translated into many languages. Dav lives in the Pacific Northwest with his wife. His stories explore universally positive themes that celebrate the triumph of the good-hearted.

The original creative team for Dog Man: The Musical also includes scenic design by Timothy R. Mackabee (Broadway’s The Elephant Man; Guards at the Taj, Lucille Lortel Award); costume design by Heidi Leigh Hanson (Regional: The Addams Family Musical, How I Learned to Drive); lighting design by David Lander (Broadway’s The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical; Benghal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo, Drama Desk Award); original sound design by Emma Wilk (NY: The Waiting Game, Regional: The Heiress); orchestrations by Lloyd Kikoler.  Paul Herbert (Rob Brydon Songs and Stories, UK, Australia, NZ tour and The Wipers Times, West End /UK Tour) joins the team for the European premiere as Musical Director and Pearson Casting will be Casting Director.

Dog Man: The Musical is produced by Roast Productions by special arrangement with TWTheatricals.

FOLLOWING THE HUGE SUCCESS OF

THE THEATRICAL WORLD PREMIERE OF

MIDSOMER MURDERS: THE KILLINGS AT BADGER’S DRIFT

THERE WILL BE A SECOND TOUR FROM APRIL 2027

DANIEL CASEY WILL RETURN TO THE ROLE OF INSPECTOR TOM BARNABY

The world premiere of Guy Unsworth’s stage adaptation of Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift broke box office records and was critically acclaimed across its 2025/26 UK & Ireland Tour, so producers Nicholson Green Productions and Colin Ingram Ltd will be taking the show back on the road from April 2027 and are delighted to announce that Daniel Casey will be returning to the role of Inspector Tom Barnaby.  Further casting is to be announced.  The UK & Ireland Tour is based on the book by Caroline Graham, The Killings at Badger’s Drift, and the television series Midsomer Murders produced by Bentley Productions [for ITV] in association with All3Media International. 

Daniel Casey said of the new tour, “Since returning to the world of Midsomer last October, it has been such a delight to see the incredible reaction of people around the UK and Ireland to our theatre version of The Killings at Badger’s Drift and, most importantly for me, getting my dear friend John Nettles’ seal of approval after he saw it in Truro.  So it is wonderful that, after such a successful first tour, we will be touring to even more venues in 2027.  Thank you to all those people who have shown such love for the play and I can’t wait to bring it to a whole new audience in some wonderful new venues in 2027.” 

When well-loved spinster Emily Simpson is found dead in the picturesque village of Badger’s Drift, her friend Lucy Bellringer refuses to accept it was an accident. DCI Tom Barnaby and Sergeant Gavin Troy are called in to investigate, uncovering a world of hidden passions, long-buried secrets and deadly rivalries.

With eccentric villagers, shocking twists and an unforgettable reveal, The Killings at Badger’s Drift is a classic whodunit that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Bringing to life the wit, charm and chilling suspense of the beloved television series and original series of books, this gripping and thrilling new show will entrance theatre audiences.

Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift is adapted and directed by Guy Unsworth, with design by David Woodhead, lighting design by Matt Haskins, sound design by Ella Wahlström, music by Max Pappenheim and casting by Ginny Schiller CDG.

The stage show is produced by Nicholson Green Productions and Colin Ingram Ltd.

Website: Midsomeronstage.com

Facebook, Instagram and YouTube: @MidsomerOnStage

TOUR SCHEDULE

23-24 April                                   The Alexandra, Birmingham

                                                       www.atgtickets.com/birmingham                                                  on sale

28 April – 1 May                         Festival Theatre, Edinburgh                                                              0131 529 6000

                                                      www.capitaltheatres.com                                                                 on sale

5-8 May                                       Milton KeynesTheatre                                                                                                                                  

                                                      www.atgtickets.com/milton-keynes                                               on sale

12-15 May                                   Orchard Theatre, Dartford                                                                0343 310 0033

                                                      orchardtheatre.co.uk                                                                         on sale

19-22 May                                   Hull New Theatre                                                                                01482 300306

                                                      www.hulltheatres.co.uk                                                                    on sale

25-29 May                                   Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury                                                            01743 281281

                                                      www.theatresevern.co.uk                                                                on sale

1-5 June                                        Belfast Grand Opera House                                                            028 9024 1919   

                                                       www.goh.co.uk                                                                                 on sale 12 June

23-26 June                                   Aylesbury Waterside Theatre                                                                                                                                                    

                                                      www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury                                                      on sale

30 June – 3 July                          Grand Opera House York

                                                      www.atgtickets.com/york                                                               on sale

6-10 July                                       Liverpool Playhouse

                                                       everymanplayhouse.com                                                               on sale

14-17 July                                     Wolverhampton Grand Theatre                                                    01902 429212

                                                       www.grandtheatre.co.uk                                                               on sale 8 June

21-24 July                                     Alhambra Theatre, Bradford                                                          01274 432000

                                                       bradford-theatres.co.uk                                                                 on sale 8 June

27-31 July                                     Newcastle Theatre Royal                                                               0191 232 7010

                                                       www.theatreroyal.co.uk                                                                on sale 23 June

More dates to be announced.

THE INTERNATIONAL SMASH HIT MUSICAL SIX ANNOUNCES NEW CAST FOR UK & CHINA TOUR 2026

The multi award-winning musical SIX,written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, today announces a new cast for its 2026 UK and China tour. The new company will take over from Wednesday 15 July, opening at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley, before touring across the UK until 26 September. The production will then embark on a 12-week tour of China, until 20 December 2026. The new Queens are Madison Swan (Catherine of Aragon), Izi Maxwell (Anne Boleyn), Laura Dawkes (Jane Seymour), Hannah Victoria (Anna of Cleves), Lizzie Emery (Katherine Howard) and Eloise Lord (Catherine Parr). Lorren Santo-Quinn, Rosie Singha and Erin Summerhayes will be joining the cast as Alternates, with Super Swings Selen Berry and Darcy Stewart. The cast are backed by the show’s all-female band, The Ladies in Waiting, led by Musical Director Yutong Zhang.

SIX follows the six wives of Henry VIII as they take to the mic to tell their own personal tales, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an 80-minute celebration of 21^st century girl power.

On the international stage, SIX continues its reign on Broadway at the Lena Horne Theatre and is now booking into its fifth year. SIX has toured the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, The Philippines, South Korea, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy and Switzerland and enjoyed a seven-week season at the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas. 2026 sees its return visit to China. Back on home turf, the London production recently celebrated its sixth sensational year in the West End and continues its reign at the Vaudeville Theatre (its third royal residence), whilst nationally, the UK tour – now booking through 2027 – continues to break Box Office records.

Winner of over 35 major international awards including the 2022 Tony Award for ‘Best Original Score’ and ‘Best Costume Design’ on Broadway, triple Whatsonstage Award winner for ‘Best West End Show’ 2022, 2023 and 2025 and the 2020 BBC Radio 2 Audience Award for ‘Best Musical’, SIX was also nominated for five Olivier awards, including ‘Best New Musical’. The original studio album of SIX officially turned Platinum  in 2026, with the Broadway album SIX – Live on Opening Night nominated for a Grammy Award andcollectively, the music has been listened to over 5.5 billion times. Last year, the live captured event cinema release of SIX the Musical! Live was seen in cinemas across the UK, broadcast on the most screens of any limited release cinema event, beating Taylor Swift’s Eras tour.

Written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, SIX is co-directed by Lucy Moss and Jamie Armitage, featuring choreography by Carrie-Anne Ingrouille. The design team includes Emma Bailey (Set Design), Gabriella Slade (Costume Design), Tim Deiling (Lighting Design) and Paul Gatehouse (Sound Design). The score features orchestrations by Tom Curran with music supervision and vocal arrangements by Joe Beighton. Associate Directors Alexandra Spencer-Jones and Beth Wilkinson, Associate Choreographer Nicole Bondzie and Associate UK Musical Supervisor Lauren Hopkinson. Casting is by Pearson Casting. SIX is produced by Kenny Wax, Wendy & Andy Barnes and George Stiles.

sixthemusical.com | @sixthemusical

Tour Listings: 

SIX UK TOUR 2026

Wed 15 – Sat 18 Jul  

BROMLEY Churchill Theatre

High Street, Bromley, London, BR1 1HA

churchilltheatre.co.uk

Wed 22 – Sun 26 Jul  

HIGH WYCOMBE Swan Theatre                 

St Mary St, High Wycombe HP11 2XE

wycombeswan.co.uk

Sat 1 – Sat 15 Aug  

SALFORD Lowry

Pier 8, Salford Quays, Salford M50 3AZ

thelowry.com

Tue 18 – Sat 22 Aug  

TUNBRIDGE WELLS Assembly Hall

Crescent Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 2LU

assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

Tue 1 – Sat 12 Sep  

SHEFFIELD Lyceum Theatre

55 Norfolk Street, Sheffield S1 1DA



sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

Tue 15 – Sat 26 Sep  

EDINBURGH Festival Theatre

13-29 Nicolson St, Edinburgh EH8 9FT

capitaltheatres.com

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 

12-WEEK CHINA TOUR 2026

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 

UK & IRELAND TOUR 2026-27 

CAST TO BE ANNOUNCED

FURTHER DATES FOR 2027 TO BE ANNOUNCED

Tue 29 Sep – Sat 3 Oct

GLASGOW Theatre Royal

282 Hope St, Glasgow G2 3QA

atgtickets.com/Glasgow

Tue 6 – Sat 10 Oct

INVERNESS Eden Court

Bishops Rd, Inverness IV3 5SA

eden-court.co.uk

Tue 13 – Sat 17 Oct

DARLINGTON Hippodrome

Parkgate, Darlington, DL1 1RR 

darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk

Tue 20 – Sat 24 Oct

WOKING New Victoria Theatre

The Ambassadors, The Peacocks Centre, Woking GU21 6GQ

atgtickets.com/Woking

Tue 27 – Sat 31 Oct

SOUTHAMPTON Mayflower

Empire Lane, Southampton, SO15 1AP

mayflower.org.uk

Tue 3 – Sat 7 Nov

LEEDS Grand Theatre

New Briggate, Leeds LS1 6NU

leedsheritagetheatres.com

Tue 10 – Sat 14 Nov

LLANDUDNO Venue Cymru

The Promenade, Penrhyn Crescent, Llandudno LL30 1BB

venuecymru.co.uk

Tue 17 – Sat 21 Nov

SOUTHEND Cliffs Pavilion

Station Rd, Southend-on-Sea SS0 7RA

thecliffspavilion.co.uk

Tue 24 – Sat 28 Nov

MILTON KEYNES Theatre

500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes MK9 3NZ



atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

Tue 1 – Sat 5 Dec

BRIGHTON Theatre Royal

New Road, Brighton BN1 1SD

atgtickets.com/Brighton

Fri 18 – Sat 2 Jan

SWANSEA Arena

Oystermouth Rd, Maritime Quarter, Swansea SA1 3BX

swansea-arena.co.uk

Tue 12 – Sat 16 Jan

SUNDERLAND Empire

4-5 High St, West Sunderland SR1 3EX

atgtickets.com/sunderland

Tue 19 – Sat 23 Jan

LEICESTER Curve

60 Rutland St, Leicester LE1 1SB

curveonline.co.uk

Tue 2 Feb – Sat 6 Feb

CHESTER Storyhouse

Hunter Street, Chester CH1 2AR

storyhouse.com

Tue 16 – Sat 27 Feb

CAMBRIDGE Arts Theatre

6 St Edward’s Pasage, Cambridge CB2 3PJ

cambridgeartstheatre.com

Tue 30 Mar – Sat 3 Apr

MALVERN Theatres

Grange Road, Great Malvern, Worcs WR14 3HB

malvern-theatres.co.uk

Tue 13 – Sat 17 Apr

DUBLIN Bord Gais Energy Theatre

Grand Canal Square, Docklands, Dublin 2

bordgaisenergytheatre.ie

Tue 27 Apr – Sat 1 May

BELFAST Grand Opera House

2-4 Great Victoria St, Belfast BT2 7HR

goh.co.uk

Tue 14 – Sat 22 May

AYLESBURY Waterside Theatre

Exchange St, Aylesbury HP20 1UG

atgtickets.com/aylesbury

Tue 21 – Sat 25 Sep

STOCKTON Globe

153A High St, Stockton-on-Tees TS18 1PL

atgtickets.com/stockton

Tue 28 Sep – Sat 2 Oct

STOKE Regent Theatre

Piccadilly, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 1AP

atgtickets.com/stoke

Tue 26 – Sat 30 Oct

TORQUAY Princess Theatre

Torbay Rd, Torquay TQ2 5EZ

atgtickets.com/torquay

Tue 23 – Sat 27 Nov

BRISTOL Hippodrome

St Augustine’s Parade, Bristol, BS1 4UZ



atgtickets.com/bristol

Running time: 80 minutes, no interval 

Age guide: 10+

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR KIMBERLY AKIMBO AT HAMPSTEAD THEATRE

Hampstead Theatre today announces the full cast for Michael Longhurst’s new production of the Tony Award-winning musical Kimberly Akimbo by David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori.Performances begin on 28 August with the production running through to 7 November 2026.

Joining the previously announced Maria Friedman as Kimberly Levaco is Alice Fearn (Wicked,Apollo Victoria; Come From Away, Phoenix Theatre)as Debra, Peter Hannah (Waitress, Adelphi Theatre) as Buddy Levaco, Gilli Jones (Brigadoon, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre)as Seth Weetis and Niamh Perry (Love Never Dies, Adelphi Theatre) as Pattie Levaco.

Also joining are Sara Hajizadeh as Teresa Benton and Ronav Jain as Aaron Puckett, who are both making their professional stage debuts, Robin Simões da Silva (Spring Awakening, Hope Mill Theatre)asMartin Doaty and Aviva Tulley (Les Misérables, West End) as Delia McDaniels.

Director Michael Longhurst said:

“I am thrilled to have cast such amazing talent to join the legend that is Maria Freidman to play her dysfunctional family and lovestruck classmates in Kimberly Akimbo. I can’t wait to get under the skin of David’s hilarious script and Jeanine’s incredible music with them all.”

The creatives joining director Michael Longhurst are designer Soutra Gilmour, musical supervisor Nigel Lilley, choreographer Matt Cole, lighting designer Jack Knowles and sound designer Matt Peploe. Casting is by Anna Cooper CDG.

A profoundly funny and heartwarming musical, Kimberly Akimbo won five Tony Awards in 2023 including Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book. The show follows 16-year old Kimberly Levaco whose rare genetic condition causes her to age four times faster than normal. As she navigates family chaos, first love and the growing pressures of adolescence, Kimberly is determined to find joy, connection and adventure while knowing time is not on her side.

Tickets for Kimberly Akimbo are on sale now at hampsteadtheatre.com

CURVE TO STAGE NEW PRODUCTION OF WILLY RUSSELL’S

EDUCATING RITA

DIRECTED BY CARA NOLAN

RUNNING AT CURVE 26 SEPTEMBER – 17 OCTOBER 2026

Willy Russell’s comedy of classrooms and the class-system, EDUCATING RITA, is to be revived as a new Made at Curve production at the Leicester theatre this autumn.

EDUCATING RITA will run in Curve’s Studio Theatre Saturday 26 September to Saturday 17 October and will be directed by Curve’s Associate Director Cara Nolan. The drama follows the success of the theatre’s acclaimed 2025 production of Edward Albee’s WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?, also directed by Nolan.

Set and costumes will be designed by Michael Taylor (THE SOUND OF MUSIC, Curve), with lighting design by Katy Morison (PUBLIC – THE MUSICAL, Curve) and sound design by Jack Baxter (WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?, Curve). Casting is by Richard Johnston for Pippa Ailion and Natalie Galacher Casting.

It’s never too late to start again…

Bright-eyed twenty-something Susan ‘Rita’ White dreams of making more of her life. Armed with an interest in literature and unwavering determination she enrols in the Open University, forming an unlikely friendship with disillusioned and dishevelled Frank – her self-proclaimed “appalling teacher”. Through their weekly tutorials, they challenge each other into a life-changing journey of self-discovery.

Hailing from Liverpool, Willy Russell is one of our most celebrated playwrights. With a career spanning over five decades, Russell’s plays and musicals include the epoch defining BLOOD BROTHERS, OUR DAY OUT and SHIRLEY VALENTINE. EDUCATING RITA first premiered in 1980 at the Donmar Warehouse, with Julie Walters in the titular role. The play catapulted Walters to stardom and she went on to reprise the role in the 1983 film adaptation opposite Michael Caine, for which both actors earned respective BAFTA and Golden Globe Awards, alongside Oscar nominations. Russell himself also received BAFTA, Golden Globe and Oscar nominations for his screenplay.

Curve’s Chief Executive Chris Stafford and Artistic Director Nikolai Foster said:

“Rita has been a vibrant and vital part of our culture for the past forty years and it’s always a pleasure to say hello to her again and see a new production of Willy Russell’s epoch-defining play.

“Russell is pretty unique in British theatre, as he has remained committed to celebrating working-class stories throughout his career. As these stories and characters feature less frequently on our stages and screens, it feels increasingly important these plays remain in the repertoire. Director Cara Nolan delivered a sensational production of WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? in the Studio Theatre last year and we are thrilled Cara will now bring her insight and imagination to this great play.

“The very best of live theatre, Willy’s plays are hilarious, life-affirming and remain an electrifying plea for equality.”

The run of EDUCATING RITA at Curve will be accompanied by educational activity including a free digital Learning Pack and a Theatre Day on Thursday 15 October, where audience members of all ages can learn more about the play and the show’s creation.

Accessible performances include Captioned (8 October, 7pm), British Sign Language Interpreted (9 October, 7pm) and Audio Described (17 October, 2pm with a Touch Tour from 12:30pm).

EDUCATING RITA will run at Curve 26 September to 17 October 2026. Tickets will be on sale to Made at Curve Circle, Champions and Patrons from Tuesday 2 June, to Curve Friends from Wednesday 3 June, to Curve Loyalty Pass holders, Groups and Access Register customers from Thursday 4 June and on general sale from Tuesday 9 June, all at 12pm midday. To find out more, visit www.curveonline.co.uk, call the Box Office on 0116 242 3595, or visit in-person.

Presented by Rambert and Factory International

Co-produced with Wales Millennium Centre (Cardiff), Capital Theatres (Edinburgh), Sadler’s Wells (London) and Les Théâtres de la Ville (Luxembourg).

TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR RAMBERT’S LIVE STAGE ADAPTATION OF BAFTA-NOMINATED IT’S A SIN, WITH RUSSELL T DAVIES, PET SHOP BOYS AND GLYN FUSSELL AS EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS

 Rambert, the UK’s leading contemporary dance company, in partnership with Factory International, today announces the on sale of tickets for the live tour of It’s a Sin – a major new dance work inspired by the era-defining, award-winning Channel 4 series, It’s a Sin. The live show will tour across the UK from February 2027. Pre-sale tickets are available from 1^st June at 10am, with general on sale beginning on 4th June at https://itsasin-rambert.com/

This bold reimagining sees original series creator Russell T Davies (Queer As Folk, Doctor Who) serving as Executive Producer, alongside legendary pop duo PetShop Boys and Glyn Fussell (Sink the Pink, Mighty Hoopla festival). The production will be choreographed and directed by Rambert’s Artistic Director Benoit Swan Pouffer reigniting his partnership with Dramaturg Kaite O’Reilly (The Almond and The Seahorse)on the development of a new script for the show.

It’s a Sin is a Rambert and Factory International co-production that will premiere at Aviva Studios in Manchester. It is co-produced with Wales Millennium Centre (Cardiff), Capital Theatres (Edinburgh), Sadler’s Wells (London) and Les Théâtres de la Ville (Luxembourg). The live tour will begin on 16th February 2027 at Aviva Studios in Manchester, before touring across theatres in Luxembourg, Liverpool, Birmingham, Plymouth, Southampton, Edinburgh, Norwich, Newcastle, Cardiff, Truro, London, Glasgow and Sheffield throughout 2027. Full listings details including venues and performance dates are detailed below. 

Raw, euphoric and deeply moving, It’s a Sin will be a visceral theatrical experience – a reckoning and a celebration told through fearless movement. Clubs pulse with possibility. Friendships ignite. Fear edges closer. Lives are changed forever.

Expanding the world of the beloved television drama, the production brings together an extraordinary creative team. Shaping the musical landscape Composer and Music Supervisor Roman Gian Arthur (Grammy nominated albums multi-instrumentalist credits include Janelle Monáe’s Dirty Computer and The Age of Pleasure) will compose the music with the support of executive producers Pet Shop Boys (who composed and performed the original “It’s a sin” hit song) to evoke the glamour, defiance and emotional intensity of 1980s queer life. Set and video design comes from Luke Halls Studio (West Side Story, concerts from Adele, Pet Shop Boys,  Dua Lipa, Take That), whose work spans global arena tours and major stage productions.

Originally set in London between 1981 and 1991, Davies’ story follows a generation of young gay men and their friends as the HIV/AIDS crisis unfolds around them. It is a story of joy and innocence, of loss and injustice – and of resilience, activism and love in the face of unimaginable change.

Rambert is transforming this narrative into a powerful live experience where contemporary dance, archive and cinematic visuals collide as past and present unfold side by side. Urgent and intimate, it asks vital questions about memory, community and how we choose to live.

Unapologetic. Electrifying. Deeply human. It’s a Sin continues Rambert’s legacy of bringing epic stories to the stage through movement that speaks to now.

Benoit Swan Pouffer said: “Storytelling sits at the heart of Rambert’s mission. This is a story we feel compelled to tell right now, and collaborating with Russell – one of the most powerful storytellers of our time — is incredibly exciting. Together we’re exploring how dance and choreography can carry urgent, emotional narratives in a visceral way. I can’t wait to share this with audiences, and there is so much more still to come as the work evolves.”

Russell T Davies said: “Excitement is rising as this landmark production gets closer and closer. It’s such an honour for me to see It’s a Sin being brought to life by Benoit and the team with passion, joy and respect.”

Pet Shop Boys commented: “The original TV drama was a landmark series which compellingly presented the reality and tragedy of the Aids crisis to a mass audience. Our song “It’s a sin” was contemporary with the crisis and we are proud to be involved as this poignant and important story is interpreted in a different medium.”

Factory International Artistic Director and CEO John McGrath said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Rambert on this thrilling new project. Russel T Davies is an icon, and the story he tells in It’s a Sin has resonated with all ages. Rambert will no doubt re-tell the story with great vision and beauty. We can’t wait to premiere this collaboration at our home, Aviva Studios, before sharing it with an exceptional group of national and international co-producers.”

The announcement comes during Rambert’s centenary celebrations, marked by its nationwide FUTURE100Campaign aiming to power the next 100 years of bold dance, artists and participation.

Alongside this, Rambert will tour This is Rambert, nationally and internationally, presenting a fierce and fearless triple bill of contemporary works by today’s most distinctive choreographic voices, brought to life by Rambert’s world-class dancers. Reaffirming its position as one of the world’s most innovative dance companies, as it enters its second century, Rambert continues to push boundaries – creating work that provokes, connects and captures the spirit of its time.

It’s a Sin is made possible thanks to major support from the Colwinston Charitable Trust’s 30th Anniversary Fund. It’s a Sin has been supported by Incentivising Touring: Repayable Grants for Theatre and Dance, a pilot scheme developed by Arts Council England to support mid-large-scale productions to tour to regional venues. It’s a Sin was amongst the 23 to receive a share of over £4.5 million across two investment rounds of the scheme, which creates the opportunity for more people to see high-quality shows close to where they live.

This production is inspired by the television series “It’s a Sin” created by Russell T Davies and produced by Red Production Company

LISTINGS INFORMATION – IT’S A SIN UK TOUR 2027

Runtime circa 110 minutes (including interval)

Suitable for 15+

Content warning:  Contains strong language, sexual references, scenes of sexual nature, partial nudity, and themes of illness, death, grief, HIV/AIDS and homophobia. Some archive footage and testimonial material contain outdated language and attitudes reflective of the time, which audiences may find upsetting or offensive.

MANCHESTER – AVIVA STUDIOS (GENERAL ON SALE 4TH JUNE)

16th February 2027 – 27^th February 2027 (press night 18^th February)

LUXEMBOURG – THÉÂTRES DE LA VILLE (GENERAL ON SALE 1ST JULY)

4th March 2027 – 7^th March 2027

LIVERPOOL – THE LIVERPOOL EMPIRE (GENERAL ON SALE 10TH JUNE)

6th April 2027 – 10^th April 2027

BIRMINGHAM – THE BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME (GENERAL ON SALE 22ND JUNE)

27th April 2027 – 1^st May 2027

PLYMOUTH – THEATRE ROYAL (ON SALE SOON)

11th May 2027 – 15^th May 2027

SOUTHAMPTON – MAYFLOWER THEATRE (GENERAL ON SALE 12TH JUNE)

20th May 2027 – 22^nd May 2027 (matinee and evening performance on 22^nd May 2027)

EDINBURGH – FESTIVAL THEATRE (GENERAL ON SALE 5TH JUNE)

8th June 2027 – 12^th June 2027

NORWICH – THEATRE ROYAL (GENERAL ON SALE 26TH JUNE)

15th June 2027 – 19^th June 2027

NEWCASTLE – THEATRE ROYAL (ON SALE SOON)

29th June 2027 – 3^rd July 2027

CARDIFF – WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE (GENERAL ON SALE 5TH JUNE)

6th July 2027 – 10^th July 2027 (matinee and evening performance on 10^th July 2027)

TRURO – HALL FOR CORNWALL (ON SALE SOON)

23rd September 2027 – 25^th September 2027 (matinee and evening on 25^th September 2027)

LONDON – SADLER’S WELLS THEATRE (GENERAL ON SALE 6TH JULY)

5th October 2027 – 16^th October 2027

GLASGOW – THEATRE ROYAL (GENERAL ON SALE 10TH JUNE)

2nd November 2027 – 6^th November 2027

SHEFFIELD – LYCEUM THEATRE (GENERAL ON SALE 17TH OCTOBER)

9th November 2027 – 13^th November 2027

LISTINGS INFORMATION – THIS IS RAMBERT UK TOUR 2026

Runtime 1h35 (incl. interval)

Suitable for: 12+

LONDON – SADLER’S WELLS
 Wed 10 June –Press Night
 Thu 11 June 2026
 Fri 12 June 2026
 Sat 13 June 2026 – matinee and evening

https://www.sadlerswells.com/whats-on/rambert-this-is-rambert

NEWCASTLE – THEATRE ROYAL

Tue 16 June 2026
Wed 17 June 2026

https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/this-is-rambert

EDINBURGH – FESTIVAL THEATRE
 Thu 2 July 2026 
 Fri 3 July 2026
 Sat 4 July 2026 – matinee

SALFORD – LOWRY
 Tue 7 July 2026 
 Wed 8 July 2026
 Thu 9 July 2026

https://thelowry.com/whats-on/this-is-rambert-bwbd

NORWICH – THEATRE ROYAL

Tue 14 July 2026
 Wed 15 July 2026

https://norwichtheatre.org/whats-on/this-is-rambert

TRURO – HALL FOR CORNWALL 
 Tue 15 September 2026
 Wed 16 September 2026
https://www.hallforcornwall.co.uk/whats-on

CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR UK AND IRELAND HAUNTING

TOUR DATES BEGIN THIS SEPTEMBER

WHILST PARANORMAL ACTIVITY CONTINUES IN THE WEST END

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

Melting Pot today announces casting for its major UK and Ireland tour of the smash-hit, Paranormal Activity. The spine-chilling theatrical experience will star James Bye (2:22, UK Tour, BBC 1’s EastEnders) as ‘James’, Hannah Sinclair Robinson (The Play That Goes Wrong, West End, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, National Theatre, UK and Ireland Tour) as ‘Lou’, Jo Castleton (War Horse at the National Theatre, National and International Tour;) as ‘Etheline Cotgrave’ and Caroline Faber (Network and The Heiress, National Theatre) as ‘Carolanne.’ 

Opening at Richmond Theatre on Saturday, 5 September 2026, the supernatural smash 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.

Praised for its inventive storytelling and terrifying atmosphere, Paranormal Activity is a must-see event for thrill-seekers and theatre lovers alike. Following its original run at Leeds Playhouse and its first West End engagement, which saw the show play at the West End’s Ambassadors Theatre from Friday 5 December 2025 – Saturday 25 April 2026. The show returns to the same venue this summer, where it reopens on Tuesday 11 August and will run simultaneously with the tour, having just extended for the fourth time.

Paranormal Activity began a North American tour last autumn, with dates including the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Center Theatre Group, Ahmanson Theatre, Shakespeare Theatre Company, Washington DC and American Conservatory Theatre, San Francisco. Paranormal Activity marks its Canadian premiere at the CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre, Toronto this June, ahead of a run at Boston’s Emerson Colonial Theater in July, before embarking on a 20-week Broadway season at the August Wilson Theatre from August 14 2026.

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 (Tuesday 8 – Saturday 26^th 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) Cork, Everyman Theatre(Tuesday 25 – Saturday 29 May 2027)and Leicester, Curve Theatre(Tuesday 8 – Saturday 12 June 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

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 +

DISNEY PRINCESS – THE CONCERT

TO EMBARK ON MAJOR

UK & IRELAND TOUR

FROM MARCH 2027

WITH 5 PERFORMANCES AT LONDON’S

ROYAL FESTIVAL HALL

NEXT EASTER

Disney Concerts and Cuffe & Taylor are delighted to announce that DISNEY PRINCESS – THE CONCERT will embark on a major UK and Ireland tour for the first time from March 2027, with 5 performances over the Easter break at London’s Royal Festival Hall.

For generations, the music of Disney’s princesses has been the soundtrack to our lives. Now, these beloved songs come alive on stage with a host of acclaimed Broadway and West End stars in DISNEY PRINCESS – THE CONCERT.

Your every dream will come true as larger-than-life animation and theatrical effects immerse the audience in pure Disney magic, while these powerhouse talents sing your favourite princess, hero and (yes!) villain songs, and share behind-the-scenes stories from their time on the stage and screen.

We invite you to relive your VHS glory days, dress up in your favourite royal attire, and share the joy of Disney with your loved ones at this internationally acclaimed concert experience. Be part of our world at DISNEY PRINCESS – THE CONCERT!

DISNEY PRINCESS – THE CONCERT has played 20 countries on 5 continents since its premiere in 2021, including two US tours of more than 100 cities, and tours the UK and Ireland for the first time in 2027.

The show features iconic songs from more than 29 films, including: “How Far I’ll Go,” “A Whole New World,” “Just Around the Riverbend,” “Part of Your World,” “Almost There,” “Let It Go” and more!

Cast of Disney Broadway and West End talent to be announced in August.

DISNEY PRINCESS – THE CONCERT is produced in London by Disney Concerts, Broadway Princess Party, Cuffe & Taylor and Live Nation.

Running time: Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, including one 20-minute intermission.

Website:  www.disneyconcerts.com/ cuffeandtaylor.com

Facebook: @DisneyConcerts/ @cuffeandtaylor

Instagram: @DisneyConcerts/ @cuffeandtaylor

TOUR LISTINGS INFORMATION

12 March 2027                        Warwick Butterworth Hall                              024 7649 6000                                       

                                                warwickartscentre.co.uk

13 March 2027                        Brighton Centre                                                                    

                                                brightoncentre.co.uk

14 March 2027                        Swansea Building Society Arena

                                                swansea-arena.co.uk

18 March 2027                        Portsmouth Guildhall                                    023 9387 0200

                                                portsmouthguildhall.org.uk

19 March 2027                        Leicester De Montfort Hall                             0116 233 3111

                                                demontforthall.co.uk

20 March 2027                        Torquay Princess Theatre

                                                atgtickets.com/torquay

21 March 2027                        Norwich Theatre Royal                                  01603 630 000

norwichtheatre.org                                          On sale soon

24 March 2027                        Peterborough New Theatre                          01733 852992

newtheatre-peterborough.com

25 March 2027                        Nottingham Royal Concert Hall                    0115 989 5555

                                                trch.co.uk

27 March 2027                        Hull City Hall                                                   01482 300 306

                                                hulltheatres.co.uk

28 – 30 March 2027                Royal Festival Hall, London                          020 3879 9555

                                                southbankcentre.co.uk                                    On sale soon

1 April 2027                             New Theatre, Oxford            

                                                Atgtickets.com/Oxford

2 April 2027                             Sunderland Empire

                                                atgtickets.com/sunderland-empire

3 April 2027                             Bradford Live

                                                trafalgartickets.com/bradford-live

4 April 2027                             Manchester Opera House

atgtickets.com/Manchester

6 April 2027                             Northampton Royal & Derngate                   01604 624811   

                                               royalandderngate.co.uk

8 April 2027                             Sheffield City Hall

                                                sheffieldcityhall.co.uk

9 April 2027                             York Barbican

                                                yorkbarbican.co.uk

10 April 2027                           Birmingham Symphony Hall

                                                bmusic.co.uk

11 April 2027                           Southend Cliffs Pavilion                                0343 310 0030

thecliffspavilion.co.uk

15 April 2027                           Carlisle Sands Centre                                    0333 33 55055

                                                thesandscentre.co.uk

16 April 2027                           Stoke Regent Theatre

atgtickets.com/regent-theatre

17 April 2027                           Ipswich Regent Theatre

ipswichtheatres.co.uk 

18 April 2027                           Cardiff Wales Millennium Centre

                                                wmc.org.uk

20 April 2027                           Belfast Waterfront Hall

                                                waterfront.co.uk

21 – 22 April 2027                   Dublin 3Olympia

                                                3olympia.ie

24 April 2027                           Bath Forum                                                    0161 832 1111

                                                bathforum.co.uk

25 April 2027                           Liverpool Empire Theatre                 

atgtickets.com/liverpool

27 April 2027                           Bournemouth Pavilion

                                                bournemouthpavilion.co.uk

29 April 2027                           Aberdeen Music Hall

                                                aberdeenperformingarts.com/music-hall

30 April 2027                           Edinburgh Playhouse

                                                atgtickets.com/Edinburgh

1 May 2027                             Glasgow SEC Armadillo

                                                sec.co.uk

2 May 2027                             Gateshead, The Glasshouse

                                                theglasshouseicm.org

The Glitch – until 22^nd June 2026

Reviewed by Heather Chalkley

4****

Award winning writer James Rushbrooke has captured the essence of a young women’s emotional journey through cancer, drawing on his experience working with children and young people. The shades of dark and light are well balanced to draw the audience in to this very human story. 

Stuart (Pete Ashmore) reminds me of so many compassionate, dedicated charity workers I have had the pleasure of knowing during my own career in the voluntary sector. Ashmore (Stuart) delivers a warm, believable performance, not shying away from the honesty built into the script. The tussle with ‘policy and procedure’ combined with mistakes made in paperwork, give you a real sense of the pressure Stuart (Ashmore) and many other charity workers like him experience every day.

 Zara (Myla Carmen) offers you an insight into the complexities of family relationships and an innate need to be heard before she dies. Carmen (Zara) gives a depth of emotion that visibly touches the audience, ranging from anger, pain, frustration to sorrow, love, vulnerability. Carmen (Zara) is able to bounce from a wise 17 year old who knows her own mind, to the inner child that needs the love of her parents.  

Together Ashmore (Stuart) and Carmen (Zara) create a bond on set that is palpable. Ashmore switches between charity worker and Zara’s dad seamlessly, giving both characters their own distinct identity. Carmen (Zara) is sometimes so quiet you are made to strain to hear, however well pronounced the script. However, Carmen also offers you humour in her portrayal of the charity bosses and gentle ribbing of Stuart (Ashmore) and his hand puppets! 

The stripped back set gives an intense focus on the two actors, with no where to hide. The lighting, sometimes glaring straight into the audience’s eyes, can do with a little adjustment.  

This play is well worthy of its awards, touching you in many ways – expect both tears and laughter.

Prince Edward Theatre, London W1 – until 17 April 2027

Reviewed by Phil Brown

4****

If, like me, you have never endured/enjoyed a Beetlejuice or even a Betelgeuse experience before, but are nevertheless gothic horror comedy curious, you need to prepare carefully.  

Step 1 is to deactivate the brain circuitry responsible for the rational part of your mind.  Step 2 is to recognise that you have strayed into cult territory – most of the audience will be dressed as characters from the show and will be going merch crazy.  Step 3 is to suspend any remaining critical faculties and go with the flow of one of the most preposterous and bizarre fantasies this side of the Arabian Nights.  Step 4 is simply to soak up the creative ambition, superb effects and phenomenal production values on display in this ultra slick, brilliantly presented musical.

This show has been a long time in gestation.  The Beetlejuice cult was originally kicked off by the 1988 Oscar winning (for make-up) film directed by Tim Burton.  A critical and commercial success, it went on to spawn all manner of media spin-offs plus a US musical in 2018 and a movie sequel in 2024.  

The pleasingly informative programme goes into some fascinating detail about the development of the stage musical which was written by Scott Brown and Anthony King, with music and lyrics by Australian Eddie Perfect.  Excellent work guys.  There is a palpable, informal, improvisational feel to the show, and it’s a lot funnier than I expected.  Songwriter Perfect keeps the humour going in his lyrics and has written some strong tunes such as the ballad “Invisible” which opens the show.   Some songs like “Dead Mom” and “Say My Name” already have a fan following before this opening.   The score mixes a range of musical styles from rock to classic show tunes to balladry which all fit quite seamlessly in the flow.

Ludicrous story aside, the show is an absolute feast for the eyes and ears, possibly teetering on the edge of sensory overload.   This may be because there are 10 (yes 10) main designers, not to mention super choreography (Connor Gallagher) and music supervision (Kris Kukul).  Sets (David Korins), costumes (William Ivy Long), lighting (Kenneth Posner), sound (Peter Hylenski), projection (Peter Nigrini), puppets (Michael Curry), special effects (Jeremy Chernick), and magic and illusion (Michael Weber) all made impressive impacts throughout the two hour extravaganza.  In addition, there are clever up to date references for the West End such as to Paddington.   All of which underlines how fastidious and skilful director Alex Timbers has been in pulling together a real humdinger of a show.  You get the feeling that the whole production team has pulled out all the stops to make this a hit.

The plot as briefly as possible…  

Charles and goth teenage daughter Lydia Deetz suffer the death of wife/mother Emily Deetz. Meanwhile, cloyingly lovey-dovey and conventional Adam and Barbara Maitland accidentally perish at their beloved country home as the result of botched DIY.  Consumed with grief and work, Charles decides to buy the Maitland’s house in order to make a fresh start, against the wishes of emotionally isolated and depressed, Lydia.  (So far, so realistic).  But as ghosts, the Maitlands want to rid their forever home of the Deetz family and summon up exorcist demon Beetlejuice to help. Beetlejuice is dead but wants to be alive and able to fully exploit his powers to create chaos and mayhem.  This needs someone, anyone, living, to say his name three times. He targets Lydia Deetz, who is living but desperately wanting death to bring her closer to her mother.  The fifth character in the mix is Delia – life coach and Charles’ new lover.  

Act 1 concludes with Beetlejuice back from the dead and generating pandemonium at a big Deetz dinner party, possessing the guests into singing “Day-O” (the Banana Boat Song).  Apparently, the 1988 film used four Harry Belafonte songs because they were cheap to licence and provided an upbeat, high-energy contrast to the slightly macabre ghost story.

Act 2 moves ever further into farce with the quest to find Lydia’s mother leading to adventures in “the Netherworld”, created by a deceptively simple telescopic effect stage set.  With Charles still engulfed in grief, Lydia consults the “Handbook of the Recently Deceased” to open a door into the Netherworld.  She, Charles and the Maitlands set off deep into the realm of the dead, experiencing bizarre encounters with harsh customs official, Juno (also Beetlejuice’s mother) and Miss Argentina.  Whilst lost, Lydia and Charles eventually open up about their sorrow and connect.  To save everyone from his vengeance, Lydia then agrees to marry Beetlejuice, allowing him to come fully alive, only to double cross the demon and dispatch him back to the Netherworld.  His mother Juno shows up but is devoured by a giant sandworm ridden by Beetlejuice.  In a happy ever after conclusion, Charles, Delia and Lydia agree to live in peaceful co-existence with the friendly ghosts of the Maitlands.  Weird!

The evening feels more like a one-off event than a regular show.  There is a definite gothic carnival feel to the Prince Edward Theatre with many of the audience dressed in black and white stripes and raucous cheering for each showcase routine on stage.  The show itself is loud, fast, chaotic, musically complex and rich in colour and detail.  

Although, the very first thing to make an impression is the eye-catching staging and lighting, the true star of this show is the exceptional David Fynn as Beetlejuice who leads the cast with extraordinary zeal, devilish charm and more manic energy than any self respecting corpse has a right to possess.  He also acts as a master of ceremonies talking to the audience and occasionally interacting to great comic effect.   A scintillating bravura performance.   Hannah Nordberg also impresses as grieving daughter Lydia Deetz with strong vocal performances of all her key songs.  These two leads are backed up superbly by a brilliant team – the supporting cast, the dance ensemble who deliver several dynamic routines on a crowded stage and the wonderful orchestra who worked their socks off faultlessly in a demanding gig.  

Overall, Beetlejuice, The Musical, The Musical, The Musical is quite breathtaking in its exuberant, flat out and flawless execution.  It’s unashamedly absurd in concept but some of the best fun in practice.  I fully expect this will be A West End Hit, A West End Hit, A West End Hit.