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THE PARENT AGENCY – THE MUSICAL RECEIVES RAVE REVIEWS

David Baddiel’s fantastic new family friendly show is a five-star hit with both critics and audiences at Storyhouse

Stars came out on gala night to celebrate world premiere

The Parent Agency – The Musical is now running at Storyhouse with the joyous new stage version of David Baddiel’s bestseller winning five-star reviews from critics and audiences alike.

The musical, based on the writer, comedian and presenter’s award-winning children’s adventure, is receiving its world premiere at the Chester venue where it continues until this Sunday 2 March.

The new family friendly musical has a book and lyrics by David Baddiel with music and additional lyrics by The Feeling’s Dan Gillespie Sells.  It is produced by Scenario Two and Storyhouse and directed by Tim Jackson.

Critics have described the “triumphant adaptation” as “truly joyous”, “delightfully heartwarming”, “a mischievous delight” and “whip-smart with a winning score”.

And audiences of all ages are also being bowled over by the production, with young theatregoers praising its catchy songs and describing the musical as ‘energetic’, ‘upbeat’, ‘hilarious’, ‘magical’ and ‘cool’.

A special gala night was held at the Hunter Street theatre last week which was attended by a host of stars – including actors Hugh Dennis, Ralf Little, Ricky Tomlinson and Andrew Lancel – as well as the show’s creators.

The Parent Agency – The Musical will appeal to anyone who is, or has been, a child. And also, to anyone who is, or who has had, at least one parent. And definitely to anyone who wishes they weren’t called Barry.

Barry Bennett hates his name. In fact, it’s number one on the list of things the 11-year-old blames his parents (Susan and Geoff) for, along with “being boring, never buying him cool stuff, being tired all the time and being too strict.” So he makes a wish for a better mum and dad, and finds himself whisked away to Youngdon in the ‘United Kid-dom’, an alternative universe where kids get to pick out their perfect parents with the help of the staff of the eponymous Parent Agency.

For Barry this seems like a dream come true, although he soon learns that choosing a new mum and dad isn’t as simple as it sounds….

Talented young actors Max Bispham (Les Miserables, Mrs Doubtfire), Osian Salter (Les Miserables, The Osmonds a New Musical), Eli Sowden-Mehta (Wonka, Blitz, Wicked) and Louis Wilkins (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) share the lead role of Barry.

Rebecca McKinnis (Dear Evan Hansen, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie) plays Susan and Rakesh Boury (Matilda, The Creakers) appears as Geoff.

The cast also includes Kazmin Borrer (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie), Elliot Broadfoot (Kathy and Stella Solve a Murder), Natasha Cayabyab (Shrek the Musical), Dylan Collymore (Shrek the Musical), Sarah McFarlane (SIX), Joshian Angelo Omana (Why Am I So Single?), Alan Vicary (Girl from the North Country), Ralph Birthwell (Life of Pi), Althea Burey (The Gruffalo), Elliot Copeland (Becoming Nancy), Jessica Daugirda (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie), Sophia Lewis (Around the World in 80 Days) and Robbie Scott (Sunshine on Leith).

David Baddiel’s books have achieved exceptional success and have been translated into 30 languages. His children’s books have received huge critical acclaim and have won some of children’s literature’s highest accolades including the Laugh Out Loud award for The Parent Agency.

Dan Gillespie Sells, best known as the lead singer and songwriter of The Feeling, has enjoyed widespread critical acclaim for his work in musical theatre. He composed the music for the West End hit Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, which received multiple Olivier Award nominations, toured nationally and internationally and was adapted into an Amazon Original film.

His work has earned him an Ivor Novello Award, Olivier, BAFTA and BRIT nominations, and he was named Stonewall’s Entertainer of the Decade in 2015 for his contributions to the LGBT community.

The creative team also includes director Tim Jackson (Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York), Merrily We Roll Along), designer John Bausor (Spirited Away, Bat Out of Hell), choreographer Carrie-Anne Ingrouille (SIX, Dear Evan Hansen), costume designer Sarah Mercadé (Jesus Christ Superstar, 101 Dalmatians, The Spongebob Musical), lighting designer Zoe Spurr (The Curious Incident of Benjamin Button, Fantastically Great Women who Changed the World, Bonnie and Clyde), and assistant director Francesca Hsieh (VANYA), with Musical Supervisor Nick Finlow (Back to the Future, The Book of Mormon), Musical Director Ellen Campbell (Waitress, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), Sound Designer Paul Gatehouse (Mary Poppins, The Little Big Things), Associate Sound Designer Richard Jones, Wig, Hair and Make-up Designer Craig Forrest-Thomas (Mrs Doubtfire, Buyer & Cellar), Casting Director Olivia Layden CDG for Jill Green Casting and Children’s Casting by Amy Beadle CDG for Grindrod Burton Castin.

Storyhouse creative director Suzie Henderson said today: “I’m delighted we’re staging the world premiere of this wonderful new family musical here at Storyhouse; it’s been fantastic to see audiences of all ages loving the show and to receive such an amazing response from the critics.

“David Baddiel’s story is hilarious, and he and Dan Gillespie Sells have created a soundtrack which I know will have people singing its songs all the way home.

“I’m looking forward to sharing this special show with thousands more theatregoers over the next week. Catch it now before it’s snapped up by the West End!”

For more details on The Parent Agency visit www.storyhouse.com

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SHOW LISTINGS 

THE PARENT AGENCY – THE MUSICAL

Storyhouse in Chester

Now running until Sunday 2 March 2025

Tickets from £21

storyhouse.com | 01244 409113

Senbla presents in association with Steven Howard for The TCB Group and David Shepherd

   THE RETURN OF THE LEGENDS

Strictly Legends Return with Smash Hit Dance Show for 2025

Following their smash hit sell-out tour Legends of The Dance Floor in 2024, Strictly Come Dancing legends Brendan Cole, James Jordan, Pasha Kovalev, Vincent Simone and Ian Waite have announced an even bigger tour for 2025: The Return Of The Legends.

It was a wonder no one thought of it before. All household names, all Strictly favourites, all kings of the ballroom, yet before last year’s Legends Of The Dance Floor tour Brendan, James, Pasha, Vincent and Ian had never performed together as professionals on one stage – but from the moment the tour was announced it quickly became the hottest dance show ticket in town.

To meet phenomenal demand, all five stars will reunite for The Return Of The Legends tour. It is going to be twice as big for 2025, with the show’s 36 performances (with more to be announced)  starting on 5^th September in Cambridge and ending in Truro on 17^th October, including a date The London Palladium on 25^th September.

Tickets will go on sale from 10.00am on Monday 3^rd March, available from all venues and via www.legendsofthedancefloor.com.

Acknowledged as one of the best and most entertaining Strictly-related dance shows ever produced, Strictly Come Dancing’s Head Judge Shirley Ballas gave Legends of The Dance Floor the ultimate endorsement, described it as, “By far one of the funniest shows that I’ve ever seen in my life – a great evening out.”

Amongst their countless Strictly highlights, Vincent mesmerised with his tango moves, Pasha appeared in three finals (winning one), Ian dazzled with his Pasa Doble, James’s ballroom skills and larger-than-life personality made him a Saturday night favourite and Brendan, of course, never shied away from telling the judges what he really thought whilst remaining one of the show’s most popular pros.

Now, performing world-class Latin, ballroom, tango, rumba and so much more, the Strictly legends are coming to a theatre near you, with Brendan, James, Pasha, Vincent and Ian promising to share more stories from their illustrious careers and paying tribute to their dance icons, while never failing to remind us exactly why they became our Legends of The Dance Floor!

James Jordan: “Last year’s Legends tour was a life-changing experience, reigniting a passion for dance I thought was lost. The energy, artistry, and camaraderie reminded me why I fell in love with dance. I’m deeply grateful to the exceptional team and talent behind it. I can’t wait to bring that same energy and legacy to new audiences on the upcoming tour.”

Brendan Cole: “I’m so happy that all five of us are returning for the new Return Of The Legends show this year. The success of last year’s tour was a wonderful experience to be a part of – and it’s hugely exciting to be able to bring the show to so many more towns and cities across the UK.”

Pasha Kovalev: “Working with my best friends on the Legends of The Dance show was such a joy. We gave it everything, so to see the audiences’ reaction in sold-out theatres night after night…it doesn’t get better than that. See you there.”  

Vincent Simone: “This year’s Return Of The Legends tour promises to be the most magical evening, with brand new stories and more incredible choreography. And, don’t forget, out of all the Legends, I’m the best!”

Ian Waite: “I can’t begin to describe just how much fun we all had on tour last year, so to do it bigger and better for 2025 is just fantastic. And, of course, we get to perform again with our incredible female dance partners, who quite rightly received their own standing ovation every single night.”  

The full list of dates for The Return Of The Legends tour is as follows (*indicates additional matinee performance):

5^th Sept – Cambridge, Corn Exchange

6^th Sept – Llandudno, Venue Cymru

7^th Sept – Crewe, Lyceum Theatre

9^th Sept – Glasgow, Royal Concert Hall

10^th Sept – Derby, Becketwell Live

11^th Sept – Liverpool, Empire Theatre

12^th Sept – Bradford, St George’s Hall

13^th Sept – Hull, Connexin Live

14^th Sept – Manchester, The Bridgewater Hall

16^th Sept – Nottingham, Concert Hall

17^th Sept – Bournemouth, Pavilion Theatre

18^th Sept – Eastbourne, Congress Theatre

19^th Sept – Portsmouth, Guildhall

20^th Sept – York, Barbican

23^rd Sept – Richmond, Richmond Theatre

24^th Sept – Southend, Cliffs Pavilion*

25^th Sept – London, London Palladium

26^th Sept – Sheffield, City Hall

30^th Sept – Aberdeen, Music Hall (on sale 24^th March)

1^st Oct – Perth, Concert Hall

2^nd Oct – Carlisle, Sands Centre

3^rd Oct – Newcastle, O2 City Hall

4^th Oct – Watford, Colosseum

5^th Oct – Birmingham, Symphony Hall

6^th Oct – Warwick, Arts Centre (on sale 24^th March)

8^th Oct – Buxton, Opera House

9^th Oct – Bath, Forum Theatre

10^th Oct – Cardiff, New Theatre

11^th Oct – Northampton, Derngate Theatre

12^th Oct – Stockton, Globe Theatre

13^th Oct – Leicester, De Montfort Hall

14^th Oct – Oxford, New Theatre

15^th Oct – Guildford, G Live

17^th Oct – Truro, Hall for Cornwall* (on sale 24^th March)         

www.legendsofthedancefloor.com

https://www.instagram.com/legendsdancefloor

https://www.facebook.com/LegendsDanceFloor

https://twitter.com/legendsdf

ENGLAND’S DEADLIEST COUNTY

COMES TO THE STAGE FOR THE FIRST TIME In

MIDSOMER MURDERS: THE KILLINGS AT BADGER’S DRIFT

ADAPTED FOR THE STAGE AND DIRECTED BY GUY UNSWORTH

BASED ON THE CAROLINE GRAHAM NOVEL AND THE ITV SERIES

UK TOUR OPENS IN OCTOBER 2025

For the first time ever, Inspector Barnaby and his trusty sidekick, Sergeant Troy, will take to the stage in Guy Unsworth’s adaptation of Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift, 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. The tour will open at Richmond Theatre on 24 October and will tour through to April 2026.  The tour is produced by Nicholson Green Productions and Colin Ingram Ltd.

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.

Casting is to be announced.

Caroline Graham said of Guy Unsworth’s adaptation for the stage:  “It’s fast paced and witty, and has everything an audience wants: bizarre murders and a beautiful setting. I am delighted to be a part of it and to see The Killings at Badger’s Drift on the stage. ”

A spokesperson for the television producers and All3Media International said of the announcement of the stage version: “We’re delighted that Midsomer Murders, the detective drama that continues to delight TV audiences around the world, can now also delight theatre fans with this new production from Nicholson Green Productions.  We wish the producer a successful launch tour this autumn in the UK – and are sure that fans from the UK and visitors from abroad alike will embrace this wonderful opportunity to see Inspector Barnaby in action!”

John Nettles, the original Inspector Barnaby, said of the forthcoming tour: “Such anticipation!  I’m thrilled to hear that the exploits of those in Midsomer’s Badger’s Drift are being brought to the stage.  How exciting!”

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

Website: Midsomeronstage.com

Facebook, Instagram and YouTube: @MidsomerOnStage

TOUR SCHEDULE

2025

24 October – 1 November       Richmond Theatre, London

                                                    www.atgtickets.com/Richmond                                                          on sale 28 February

4-8 November                           Malvern Festival Theatre                                                                        01684 892277

                                                     www.malvern-theatres.co.uk                                                              on sale 24 February

11-15 November                       Chester Storyhouse                                                                                   01244 409 113

                                                     www.storyhouse.com                                                                              on sale 1 March

18-22 November                       Eastbourne Devonshire Park Theatre                                                01323 412000

                                                     www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk                                                         on sale 24 February

25-29 November                        Sheffield Lyceum                                                                                       0114 249 6000

                                                      www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk                                                              on sale 8 March

2026

20-24 January                             TruroHall for Cornwall                                                                      01872 262 466                                                         

                                                      www.hallforcornwall.co.uk                                                               on sale 31 March

27-31 January                             The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford                                          01483 440000

                                                      www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk                                                               on sale 3 March

3-7 February                                Theatre Royal Brighton

                                                       www.atgtickets.com/brighton                                                         on sale 28 February

10-14 February                            Blackpool Grand                                                                                 01253 290190

                                                       www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk                                                              on sale 25 February

17-21 February                            Glasgow Theatre Royal

                                                       www.atgtickets.com/glasgow                                                          on sale 28 February

24-28 February                            NottinghamTheatre Royal                                                               0115 989 5555

                                                       www.trch.co.uk                                                                                  on sale 3 March

10-14 March                                 Birmingham The Alexandra

                                                        www.atgtickets.com/birmingham                                                 on sale 28 February

17-21 March                                 Norwich Theatre Royal                                                                    01603 630000

                                                        norwichtheatre.org                                                                          on sale 28 February    

24-28 March                                 Derby Theatre                                                                                   01332 593939

                                                        derbytheatre.co.uk                                                                          on sale 24 February

14-18 April                                    Curve, Leicester                                                                                on sale soon

www.curveonline.co.uk

More dates to be added.

YORK THEATRE ROYAL ANNOUNCES THE WORLD PREMIERE OF DEBBIE ISITT’S MILITARY WIVES – The Musical

York Theatre Royal, in association with Everyman Theatre Cheltenham and Buxton Opera House,today announces the world premiere of Debbie Isitt’s Military Wives – The Musical. The brand-new musical will also be directed by Isitt and is inspired by the true story of the Military Wives choir and based on the film Military Wives.

The production opens at York Theatre Royal on 16 September, with previews from 10 September and runs until 27 September.

Writer and Director Debbie Isitt said, “This inspirational new musical about a group of women who triumph against all odds has been a joy to create.  It is so exciting to be working with York Theatre Royal on such a funny and exhilarating new musical and I can’t wait to share it with audiences.”

Paul Crewes, CEO of York Theatre Royalsaid, “It is so great to be working with Debbie Isitt, to produce the world premiere of this brand-new musical here at York Theatre Royal. It is a very moving yet uplifting story inspired by the film and the true story of the Military Wives choirs. It is also packed full of songs that our audiences will know and love. Don’t miss this joyous production in York this autumn.”

Priority booking for York Theatre Royal Members opens today (Feb 24th) from 1pm, with general on sale on 1 March at 1pm.

A York Theatre Royal Production

MILITARY WIVES – The Musical

Inspired by a true story and based on the hit movie

Written and directed by Debbie Isitt

In association with Everyman Theatre Cheltenham and Buxton Opera House 

10 September – 27 September

This Autumn, join us for the world premiere of a brand-new British musical, based on the 2019 hit movie Military Wives and inspired by a true story.

A joyous celebration of female friendship, courage and ‘unsung’ heroes. Get ready for the inspirational story of the Military Wives choir as they change the world one song at a time. 

Written and directed by Bafta award winner Debbie Isitt (Nativity!), this new production is a funny, feel-good story of female empowerment and the perfect harmony of laughter, emotion and fun.

With their husbands and partners away at war, the women are isolated, bored and desperate to find a focus to take their minds off feelings of impending doom.  Enter Olive who arrives on the ‘patch’ to help them form a choir and learn to sing.  But Olive gets a lot more than she bargains for with this diverse group of women – who through the power of song find themselves facing their fears and making unexpected friendships along the way. 

Featuring a fantastic mix of pop, rock and power ballads to make you laugh, cry and sing your hearts out! 

Debbie Isitt is a BAFTA and EMMY award winning writer and director of film, television and theatre. Debbie originally trained as an actor and spent her youth touring the world with her internationally renowned theatre company, Snarling Beasties and after a successful run in London’s West End, her play The Woman Who Cooked Her Husband is still performed across the globe. In recent years Debbie has created a hugely successful UK film franchise by writing and directing (in her inimitable improvisational process) a series of blockbuster Christmas films; NATIVITY! Starring Martin Freeman, Nativity 2 starring David Tennant, Nativity 3 starring Martin Clunes and Catherine Tate, and Nativity Rocks! starring Celia Imrie and Craig Revel Horwood which have all been major box office hits. She also adapted and directed the hit stage show Nativity! The Musical which is heading into its 5th sensational season this Christmas. Last year Debbie wrote and directed a major new stage musical I Should Be So Lucky featuring Kylie Minogue, based on the songs of hit factory composers Stock, Aitken and Waterman which embarked on an extensive UK tour. Her other films include CONFETTI (Fox Searchlight) and CHRISTMAS ON MISTETOE FARM (Netflix)

Listings

YORK THEATRE ROYAL

St Leonard’s Place, York YO1 7HD

www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

Box Office: 01904 623568

NORTH BY NORTHWEST

York Theatre Royal

18 March – 5 April

THE STORM WHALE

14 – 19 April

KRAPP’S LAST TAPE

14 April – Sat 17 May 2025

Press performances: 7.30pm 23 April, 7.30pm 24 April, 7.30pm 25 April, 5pm & 7.30pm 26 April

HIS LAST REPORT

19 July – 3 August

MILITARY WIVES THE MUSICAL

York Theatre Royal

10 Sep – 27 Sep 2025

Press night: Tuesday 16 September at 7:30pm

www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

Dave Moutrey reappointed as Theatres
Trust’s Chair

Theatres Trust, the national public advisory and advocacy body for theatres, is pleased to announce that Rt Hon Lisa Nandy MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport has reappointed Dave Moutrey as Chair for a further three-year term.

Two Trustees have also been reappointed; James Dacre, Director and Producer, founder of Living Productions and Stephanie Hall, a barrister specialising in town and country planning at Kings Chambers.

As an arms-length public body, appointments to the Theatres Trust’s Board are made by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. All appointments are for a three-year term, beginning on 21st February 2025.

Dave Moutrey is Director of Culture for Manchester City Council where he is responsible for advising the council on policy and strategy for culture. He was appointed as Theatres Trust’s Chair in February 2022, and during his first three-year tenure he oversaw a refresh of the organisation’s vision and mission and led the recruitment of Theatres Trust’s new CEO, Joshua McTaggart.

Dave says I am delighted that the Secretary of State has approved my re-appointment for another term as Chair of the Theatres Trust alongside the renewal of two other trustees who give their valuable time to our brilliant board. To have the Secretary of State’s confidence to do this work is a great honour. As a Department for Culture, Media and Sport Arm’s Length Body, Theatres Trust is the only organisation empowered to protect the UK’s theatre ecosystem, from small-scale community spaces through to large-scale commercial auditoriums. Given the numerous challenges currently facing the sector, our mission and purpose feel more vital than ever. I am especially looking forward to working with our new Director Joshua McTaggart as he and our team develop our next strategic plan to ensure theatres across the country continue to be fit for the future.

Joshua McTaggart, Theatres Trust’s CEO says, It is fantastic news that Dave [Moutrey] has been reappointed as Theatres Trust’s Chair, and James [Dacre] and Stepanie [Hall] reappointed as Trustees. Their collective knowledge and experience are invaluable to Theatres Trust, especially as we head towards our 50th anniversary in 2026. I am excited to work with them, and the rest of our Board, to expand Theatres Trust’s reach and impact, develop our impartial professional advice services, and grow the recently established Sector Skills Bank.

OLIVIER-AWARD WINNING STAR

CASSIDY JANSON

LIVE AT THE VAUDEVILLE THEATRE

MONDAY 7 APRIL, 7.30PM

THE SECOND CONCERT IN THE WESTWAY SESSIONS SERIES – WHERE LEADING STARS OF THE WEST END AND BROADWAY PERFORM EXCLUSIVE CONCERTS AT THE VAUDEVILLE THEATRE ON MONDAYS

Westway Music is pleased to announce further details of Cassidy Janson’s concert, the second of the Westway Sessions, a series of Monday night concerts with leading stars of the West End and Broadway at the Vaudeville Theatre.

On Monday 7 April, Cassidy will be back on the West End stage for the first time since her Olivier Award winning role of Anne Hathaway in & Juliet at the Shaftesbury Theatre.  

Cassidy will be recreating her much acclaimed rendition of the Celine Dion classic It’s All Coming Back To Me Now, which she performed on Strictly Come Dancing, alongside many of her favourite songs, which have inspired her career.

Cassidy explains, “It’s such an honour to perform so many well-loved songs. Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow’ has a special place in my heart as a Carole King song, and one that I also recorded for the Classic Brit award nominated album Leading Ladies: Songs from the Stage with Beverley Knight and Amber Riley. 

It’s always a thrill to perform Nobody’s Side from Chess, which brings back great memories of playing opposite Michael Ball and Alexandra Burke a few tears ago. Music and lyrics are so powerful for the audience, and I’m sure I will see a few tears with the Bette Midler classic Wind Beneath My Wings.

“The set is eclectic and filled by my musical influences, which is an absolute joy. It’s no secret that I adore jazz and a baritone vocal, so singing the Gregory Porter ballad Wolfcry will be a special moment.”

The show also features When a Woman, taken from the hit Brit film ‘Fisherman’s Friends’, the hit Brit Flick that featured one of Cassidy’s self-named album tracks.

Well known for playing Carole King in ‘Beautiful’, to rave reviews, Cassidy received the approval of the American singer/songwriter herself following a surprise visit to one of her performances. Ms King praised the performance, saying: “Cassidy Janson literally brought me to tears this evening with her performance of Natural Woman. She was who I was, she felt what I felt. She was me!”. This accolade led a to a duet with Carole King in Hyde Park for 65,000 people in 2016.

Westway Sessions celebrates the very best talent of musical theatre and the recording label Westway Music that in the past three years has become the home to leading stars of the West End, Broadway, and musical theatre. 

 Cassidy’s performance follows the first Westway Session by Lee Mead in March, followed by Kerry Ellis (Monday 21 April) and Aimie Atkinson (Monday 23 June), with further details to be released.

 Tickets for all concerts are available here.  All Concerts Start at 7.30pm, with tickets from £25.

 For more information about Westway Music please visit www.westwaymusic.com

Follow Cassidy on socials @cassidyjanson

ADDITIONAL DATES AND VENUES ANNNOUNCED
FOR THE MAJOR NEW UK TOUR
OF THE WORLDWIDE SMASH HIT MUSICAL
MAMMA MIA!
BEGINNING FROM OCTOBER 2025

The sensational feel-good musical MAMMA MIA! embarks on a new UK tour from 24 October 2025 and today announces additional dates and venues.

The new dates and venues for 2026 are: Swansea Building Society Arena (13 January – 24 January 2026), His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen (27 January – 7 February 2026), Newcastle Theatre Royal (11 – 28 February 2026), Palace Theatre Manchester (3 – 21 March 2026), Curve, Leicester (24 – 29 March 2026).

Previously announced dates are: Mayflower Theatre, Southampton (24 October – 8 November 2025), Bristol Hippodrome (11 – 22 November 2025), New Theatre Oxford (25 November – 6 December 2025), Edinburgh Playhouse (9 December 2025 – 4 January 2026).

Further tour dates and venues are to be announced. For more information and to book the newly announced venues visit mamma-mia.com. Casting for the tour is to be announced.

From West End to global phenomenon, MAMMA MIA! is Judy Craymer’s ingenious vision of staging the story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs with a sunny, funny tale of a mother, a daughter and three possible dads unfolding on a Greek island idyll.

This irresistibly funny show has been thrilling audiences all around the world and now there’s never been a better time to see this unforgettable musical. Whatever age you are, you can’t help but have the time of your life at MAMMA MIA!

Now in its 26th year, MAMMA MIA! has been seen by over 11 million people and has played over 10,000 performances in London’s West End. The MAMMA MIA! International Tour has visited 42 countries in the past 20 years, performed more than 3,750 shows and has been seen by over 7.3 million people. MAMMA MIA! became the 9th longest running show in Broadway history where it played a record-breaking run for 14 years. In 2011, it became the first Western musical ever to be staged in Mandarin in the People’s Republic of China. MAMMA MIA! has been seen live on stage by over 70 million people across the world and turned into two record-breaking movies.

Produced by Judy Craymer, MAMMA MIA! The Movie became the highest grossing live action musical film of all time upon its release in 2008.  A second film, MAMMA MIA! HERE WE GO AGAIN, opened in July 2018 and became the most successful live musical movie sequel of all time. Both films starred Meryl Streep, Christine Baranski, Julie Walters, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgård, Amanda Seyfried and Dominic Cooper, with Lily James, Andy Garcia and Cher joining them in the second film.

With music & lyrics by Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus, MAMMA MIA! is written by Catherine Johnson, directed by Phyllida Lloyd and choreographed by Anthony Van Laast. The production is designed by Mark Thompson, with lighting design by Howard Harrison, sound design by Andrew Bruce & Bobby Aitken, and musical supervision, additional material & arrangements by Martin Koch.

The MAMMA MIA! UK Tour is produced by Judy Craymer, Richard East & Björn Ulvaeus for Littlestar in association with Universal and NGM.

LISTINGS

MAMMA MIA! UK TOUR DATES 2025-2026:

Mayflower Theatre, Southampton                                                       24 October – 8 November 2025

www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-on/mamma-mia-2025

on sale now

Bristol Hippodrome                                                                                   11 – 22 November 2025

www.atgtickets.com/shows/mamma-mia/bristol-hippodrome   

on sale now

New Theatre Oxford                                                                                 25 November – 6 December 2025

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

on sale now

Edinburgh Playhouse                                                                                9 December 2025 – 4 January 2026

www.atgtickets.com/shows/mamma-mia/edinburgh-playhouse

on sale now

Swansea Building Society Arena                                                            13 January – 24 January 2026
www.swanseagrand.co.uk

On sale 26 February

His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen                                                          27 January – 7 February 2026
www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/whats-on

On sale 4 March

Newcastle Theatre Royal                                                                         11 – 28 February 2026
www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on

On sale 4 April

Palace Theatre Manchester                                                                    3 – 21 March 2026

www.atgtickets.com/venues/palace-theatre-manchester

On sale 26 February

Curve, Leicester                                                                                          24 – 28 March 2026www.curveonline.co.uk               

On sale soon

www.mamma-mia.com

NEW WEST END COMPANY ANNOUNCED FOR THE OLIVIER NOMINATED INTERNATIONAL MUSICAL SENSATION

THE CHOIR OF MAN

REOPENING AT THE ARTS THEATRE FROM 12 MARCH AND RUNNING UNTIL 31 AUGUST 2025

TICKETS AT THE ARTS THEATRE AVAILABLE TO BOOK HERE

The producers of Olivier-nominated international stage sensation THE CHOIR OF MAN are delighted to reveal details of the new company who will re-open the hit musical at the Arts Theatre from 12 March, following a period of closure for some minor venue redevelopment, and play an extended season through until 31 August.

Welcome to THE JUNGLE, the best pub in the world.

Here, an (extra)ordinary cast of nine guys combine beautiful harmonies and foot-stomping singalongs with first-rate tap dance and poetic meditations on the power of community.

Brimming with hits from artists such as Queen, Luther Vandross, Sia, Paul Simon, Adele, Guns & Roses, Avicii and Katy Perry to name but a few, this is a pub like no other!

An uplifting celebration of community and friendship with something for everyone – including free beer! Enjoy 90 minutes of feel-good, foot-stomping entertainment unlike anything else in the West End.

The new cast is Jason Brock (Thriller Live – lead vocalist, Lyric Theatre and Shaftesbury Theatre) as ‘Romantic’, Benji Lord (Dreamboats and Petticoats: Bringing on Back The Good Times!, world premiere, UK tour, The Ruff Tuff Cream Puff Estate Agency, world premiere, UK tour) as ‘Joker’, David Booth (The Threepenny Opera, Royal Philharmonic Choir, Fiddler On The Roof, Grange Park Opera, BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall) as ‘Pub Bore’, Paul McArthur (Tracks, Union Theatre, Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens, Camden Fringe) as ‘Poet’, Oliver Jacobson (Come From Away, UK tour, Grease, UK tour) as ‘Barman’ and Alex Mallalieu (As You Like It, UK tour, Buddy Holly & The Cricketers, UK tour) and Toby Francis (High Fidelity, Hayes Theatre Co., We Will Rock You, Neil Gooding Productions) as swings.

The new members of the cast join pub regulars Rob Godfrey (Choir of Man – Sydney Opera House) as ‘Beast’, Ifan Gwilym-Jones (The Choir of Man, NCL; Australia and Chicago) as ‘Maestro’, George Knapper (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, UK Tour and The Choir of Man NCL; Canada; Australia; Chicago; Florida and West End) as ‘Handyman’ with Bradley Walwyn (We Will Rock You, Royal Caribbean; The Choir Of Man NCL and Australia) as ‘Hardman’.  David Shute (Once: The Musical, Barn and The Choir of Man NCL; Chicago; Tampa; Australia; Edinburgh; Coventry) and Tom Carter-Miles (Frankenstein Illyria; The Choir of Man, NCL and West End) both return as swings.

Nic Doodson said on behalf of the producers, “We are absolutely thrilled to be able to go into our fourth year at the Arts Theatre in the heart of the West End and are delighted that the new cast members will have the chance to appear in front of such passionate and engaged audiences”.

The show kicked off its West End journey at the Arts Theatre in October 2021, and went on to welcome over 280,000 audience members through the doors over 1,000 performances.

THE CHOIR OF MAN previously played three sell-out seasons at the Sydney Opera House and multiple sold-out US and European tours. Following its last run at the Arts Theatre from October 2021 to April 2022, it received an Olivier nomination for Best Entertainment or Comedy Play, and then went on to play in Coventry as part of the City of Culture Assembly Festival season and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The show re-opened at the Arts Theatre in October 2022, and has continued to see many sold-out shows, with loyal audiences returning again and again. In 2023 the show announced partnerships with suicide prevention charity CALM (The Campaign Against Living Miserably), and Big Drop Brewing Co – the world’s first brewer dedicated to alcohol-free beer – as the show’s Official Alcohol-Free Beer Partner.

THE CHOIR OF MAN is created by Nic Doodson and Andrew Kay, directed by Nic Doodson, with Daniel Harnett as associate director and resident director; monologues written by Ben Norris; with musical supervision, vocal arrangements and orchestrations by Jack Blume, with Lee Freeman as resident musical director, and Alistair Higgins as associate musical supervisor; movement direction and choreography by Freddie Huddleston, with Adam Hilton as associate choreographer and movement director; scenic design by Oli Townsend, lighting design by Richard Dinnen, costume design and co-scenic design by Verity Sadler, sound design by Sten Severson, with Liam McDermott as associate sound designer; casting by Debbie O’Brien.

The show is produced by HH Productions Ltd, Nic Doodson, Andrew Kay, Wendy & Andy Barnes, Gavin Kalin and Hunter Arnold.

Website: choirofmanwestend.com

Facebook: @thechoirofman

Twitter & Instagram: @choirofman

The Other Palace (Studio), London – until 9th March 2025

Reviewed by Celia Armand Smith

3***

Mia, Sami, Ren, Prudence, and Veronica are all through to the final rounds of Miss I-Doll, an all rounder televised talent contest. At the centre of the story is Mia, a sweet girl who is just there to have a good time, however her true nature is revealed when a bump to the head in a backstage accident leads to an on air rant about the reality of talent shows, and all is not as it seems. Miss I-Doll is a new satirical musical from writers Tobia Rossi and Oliver Lidert, with music by Simone Manfredini. Taking aim at the ethics, green-washing, image, identity, fame, and the soulless commodification of people and talent at whatever cost, Ruthie Stephens’ production is an interesting take.

The action alternates between on air scenes and backstage drama. Daisy Steere is an undeniably excellent performer who makes light work of playing every character, giving each a distinctly different accent whether it’s Geordie, Scouse, Irish, or Italian with very different characteristics. She powers through the songs and there is never any confusion as to which character is present. There is a producer called Maria who is juggling contestants, sponsors, and ratings, and ultimately her own place within the talent machine, and a villainous CEO of a conglomerate who own every aspect of the show including every sponsor – Fanny-Fresh Spoon Cup, Commune Kombucha, and LoCal Fem Water. One of my favourite of the characters is Anita Johnson, the ever smiling presenter of Miss I-Doll who has to balance the on stage tension, being upbeat, and advertising the insane products that sponsor the show. Steere also plays various characters in pre-recorded Gogglebox style videos of viewers commentating on the show as it goes out “live”. Although Steere is fantastic playing every role, Natalie Casey is a great addition in the role of the ‘Big Sis’, a mix of booming X Factor announcements and the voice of the Big Brother diary room, adding another dynamic to the show.

In this feminist-ish slant on how women are perceived and how they navigate the world, the jokes come thick and fast, taking aim at common talent show tropes, people in the public eye, advertising, and other reality shows. There are a lot of swipes at low hanging fruit, and the humour and the jabs are at times obvious and a bit predictable. In trying to create a full picture of the talent show machine – multiple contestants, backstage/on stage, advertisers, audience, societal expectations etc – the story is unable to scratch the surface and go deeper. However, there is no denying that there are some excellent gags, and the songs are very catchy and the singing is impeccable in this fun new show.

The Mill at Sonning – until 12 April 2025

Reviewed by Marcia Spiers

4****

In these challenging times with dreary weather boot, it was great to watch an evening of comedy at which I laughed a lot. A true farce according to an early definition is “a comic dramatic work using buffoonery and horseplay, typically involving ludicrously improbable situations.” This lived up to all expectations in this regard.

Written by Ray Cooney and directed by Ron Aldridge, the story is set in 1992 in the Doctors Common Room of a London hospital. It was fabulous to see accomplished actors, Mill regulars and new talent in this play. The simple but effective set meant no scene changes and clever use of a window with a view and a ledge gave the stage depth.

Dr. David Mortimore (Stephen Pinder) is preparing to deliver a keynote address to a group of neurologists. His main aim being to impress his audience and Sir Willoughby Drake (Eric Carter) with the prospect of achieving greater things. He has been practising, and his wife Rosemary Mortimore (Rachel Fielding) is there to support him.

It is the arrival of Jane Tate (Natasha Gray), an ex-nurse at the hospital minutes before the event where things start to unravel. She has an 18-year-old son, Leslie (Francis Redfern) who has found out who his father is and wants to meet him. Naturally, the doctor wants to keep this revelation from his wife at all costs and assumes the role of a vicar. Queue (James Bradshaw) David’s colleague Dr. Hubert Bonney who somehow gets hoodwinked into the role much to Leslie’s excitement and Jane’s shock.

Add to the mix, Dr. Mike Connolly (Oscar Cleaver) who is running rehearsals for the hospital panto. Little does he know that he will be playing matron (Elizabeth Elvin) along with duplicate matrons following the real matron’s fall from the window and rescue, after an appropriately placed injection of sedative. The unfortunate Police Sergeant (Titus Rowe) sent to investigate the situation, cannot establish what is going on, at which he declares the place a madhouse. The equally mad Bill Leslie (Iain Stuart Robertson), an eccentric hospital patient, identified as Jane’s ex-husband or one of them despite the fact Jane has never been married to anyone, is very enthralled with Jane, his new room and refuses to leave. This contributes to the mayhem.

All the actors gave very credible performances. A particular mention must go to James Bradshaw who for me provided brilliant comic timing in multi guises (so funny), Elizabeth Elvin as Matron especially when under the influence of sedative and to Francis Redfern’s portrayal of a confused, angry young man desperate to know his father, the one serious point of this play.

There was so much going on it is difficult to cover it all, but it is well worth seeing if you are seeking a right good laugh and of course the Mill is lovely setting together with the new food arrangements. We had a great evening.