Airlock Theatre’s third big queer musical extravaganza is a silly, soft-hearted romp through horror and teen movie tropes.
Count Dykula (Rosanna Suppa) is happy living alone in her gothic castle and terrorising people behind the big Asda but decides that enrolling in Scare University could hone her vampire skills and image.
She is horrified to discover the vamp dean, Scarlett Fang’s (Eleanor Colville) vision for Scare U – co-ed with humans. Scarlett’s curriculum pushes the human ideals of monster stereotypes, and butch Dykula certainly doesn’t fit into the stereotypical image of a lesbian vampire – thanks to James Corden.
Dykula stumbles across a club for misfits and together with her new friends – a Shakespeare-loving zombie, a friendly ghost and a werepug – decide to bring Scarlett down. The jokes come thick and fast, ranging from filthy to dad jokes, with tremendous commitment to a running joke about Dykula’s pronunciation of silent letters. It’s great fun, with a heartfelt message about being yourself amongst the silliness.
The cast of three writer/performers – Eleanor Colville, Rosanna Suppa and Robbie Taylor Hunt – play multiple roles. School announcements filled with groansome jokes cover the scene changes as they dash on and off stage for quick costume changes. Under Robbie Taylor Hunt’s madcap direction, the show digs deep into panto and is funny and frantic. Musician and occasional scenery Meg Narongchai accompanies the musical numbers with a gloriously deadpan air contrasting with the chaos ensuing around her. Colville, Suppa and Taylor Hunt have brilliant chemistry and comic timing – Suppa and Taylor Hunt are a hoot as they try to answer in synch while improvising as a two headed dragon.
Count Dykula is an absolute blast – a spooky spoof that will have you howling with laughter.
Imitating the Dog adapts and brings their latest production, All Blood Runs Red, to Leeds Playhouse and forms part of a UK Tour. All Blood Runs Red is created by Morgan Bailey, Pete Brooks, Simon Wainwright and Andrew Quick and is about the true story of Eugene Bullard. Bullard was one of the first African American military fighter pilots in the first World War and he also had a varied career from being a circus entertainer to a civil rights activist. He worked with Josephine Baker, an iconic French dancer and Duke Ellington, an American jazz legend.
The production is directed by Tyrone Huggins and is co-written and performed by Bailey, whose experiences intertwine with the life story of Bullard. The show begins when Bailey shares how he encountered Brooks and Quick in Paris during a movie publicity and the performer’s experience of film making created the idea for All Blood Runs Red and then delves straight into the life story of Bullard.
Imitating the dog is renowned for its digital and visual creativity for telling stories and how they do this with both theatre and technology with support from Andrew Crofts (lighting) and James Hamilton (music and soundscapes). All Blood Runs Red is no exception, and the production is done so well, and how the stage backdrop projections digitally link to the story’s props Bailey uses in referring to the key events and timelines in Bullard’s life.
Captivating and intriguing story telling runs throughout with its chronological build-up of Bullard’s life, 20th Century important and key events, and related themes such as being an outsider and experiencing prejudices that Bullard faced during his life. The audience is encouraged to think of the story beyond and how the themes raised still resonate today than it did 100 years ago or so.
Bailey gives a well delivered performance and there is incredible and innovative use of digital technology and projection for its storytelling and how they re-imagine it with theatre. All Blood Runs Red is no exception to this
EMMA RICE’S ROMANTICS ANONYMOUS RELEASES LIVE CAST ALBUM
Wise Children and Plush Theatricals are excited to announce the release of the live cast album for the hit musical ROMANTICS ANONYMOUS. The recording, captured during its 2020 run at Bristol Old Vic, is now available on all streaming platforms.
Adapted from the film LES ÉMOTIFS ANONYMES, the musical features direction and book by Emma Rice, with music and lyrics by Michael Kooman and Christopher Dimond. The production was originally set to tour the United States following the Bristol premiere, but the tour was halted due to the pandemic.
“We were all heartbroken when COVID forced us to cancel the American tour,” Emma Rice said. “But this glorious live album is the perfect way to preserve the brilliant performances and pure joy of our beloved Romantics Anonymous. We are delighted to be able to share this tender, delicious and magical musical with the world.”
Funny, tender, and delightfully awkward, ROMANTICS ANONYMOUS is a delicious love story about breaking the mold and finding the courage to be happy. When Angelique, a gifted chocolate maker inhibited by social anxiety, takes a job in Jean-Rene’s struggling chocolate factory, a fragile love affair unfolds.
“We’re thrilled that the live album will allow even more people to discover this piece that we’re so incredibly proud of,” said Kooman and Dimond. “Romantics Anonymous has already touched so many hearts in the UK, and now it can continue to reach new audiences around the world.”
The show was hailed as “A sweetly funny, gorgeously tender musical romcom” by The Guardian, and “Truly delicious” by Time Out London.
The album features Marc Antolin as Jean-René, Carly Bawden as Angélique, Brett Brown as Salesman/Fred, Me’sha Bryan as Suzanne/Mimi, Harry Hepple as Ludo/Remi, Laura Jane Matthewson as Young Woman, Sandra Marvin as Magda/Brigitte/Dr. Maxim, Craig Pinder as Father/Pierre/Receptionist, and Gareth Snook as Mercier/Mumbler/Marini.
The orchestra includes Tom Brady (musical direction & piano), Sarah Bowler (cello), Sophie Creaner (woodwind), and Mike Parkin (percussion), with musical supervision by Nigel Lilley. Orchestrations are by Simon Hale, mixing by Simon Baker, and mastering by Fritz Meyers.
The world premiere of ROMANTICS ANONYMOUS was originally produced by Shakespeare’s Globe for the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse in 2017.
For more information, visit romanticsanonymous.com.
A new production of musical comedy The Ministry of Lesbian Affairswritten by Iman Qureshi and directed by Hannah Hauer-King.
World premiereof electrifying new musical,Coven, exploring the true story of the seventeenth century Pendle Witch Trials, directed by Olivier Award-winning Miranda Cromwell with music and lyrics by Grammy Award-winning Daisy Chute with Rebecca Brewer and book by Rebecca Brewer.
Anton Chekhov’sclassic is reimagined for our times by Dipo Baruwa-Etti and Taio Lawsonin a world premiere production ofSeagullswhich they will also co-direct.
Artistic Director Amit Sharma directs world premiere of Please Please Me by Tom Wright, telling the remarkable and untold story of the mastermind behind The Beatles, Brian Epstein.
£5 local ticket introduced for those who live in Brent and Camden, plus offering 1,000 free tickets for local people of all ages who might not otherwise be able to see a Kiln Theatre production.
Kiln Theatre today announces its new 2025/26 season, Amit Sharma’s second as Artistic Director. The programme features three world premieres and a new version of a much-loved hit.
The season will launch with Iman Qureshi’sThe Ministry of Lesbian Affairs, a feel-good musical comedy about community, belonging, and the power of finding your voice. Directed by Hannah Hauer-King (The Swell – Orange Tree Theatre / Associate Director – The Wife of Willesden), and co-produced with Emma Hall for Antic Productions and Kitty Wordsworth for Damsel Productions. The new production runs 13 June – 12 July 2025 (Press Night: Friday 20 June) following a sold-out run at Soho Theatre.
This is followed by the world premiere of new musical, Coven, that reinterrogates the true story of the seventeenth century Pendle Witch Trials. This female led musical, which centres the power of women, has music and lyrics by Grammy Award-winning Daisy Chute with Rebecca Brewer, book by Rebecca Brewer and is directed by Olivier Award winner Miranda Cromwell (Milma’s Tale, Death of a Salesman). Produced in association with Kindred Partners and Eilene Davidson Productions, Coven runs 31 October – 13 December 2025 (Press Night: Tuesday 11 November).
Dipo Baruwa-Etti (The Clinic – Almeida Theatre) and Taio Lawson(formerAssociate Director at Kiln Theatre), co-write and direct Seagulls – a new, Black British retelling of Chekhov’s iconic play. This contemporary reimagining explores art, ambition, and the fractures within family and fame – bringing this classic right up to date for a new generation. Seagulls runs 12 February – 21 March 2026 (Press Night: Thursday 19 February).
Completing the season is the world premiere of Please Please Me by Tom Wright (Associate Artistic Director at Kiln Theatre), directed by AmitSharma. An electrifying and deeply personal story of the troubled life of the ‘Fifth Beatle’, Brian Epstein, his relationship with John Lennon and his contribution to making The Beatles the greatest band on earth. The production runs from 16 April – 23 May 2026 (Press Night: Thursday 23 April).
Full creative teams and casting for all productions to be announced.
Amit Sharma said today, “I’m beyond excited to announce this new season at Kiln Theatre – a season packed with bold storytelling, thrilling music, and reimagined classics. We’re bringing four extraordinary productions to the stage, each one pushing boundaries and sparking conversation.
From the joyous, rebellious heart of The Ministry of Lesbian Affairs to the raw ambition and vulnerability of Brian Epstein in Please Please Me, these are stories that demand to be heard. Coven is a powerhouse new musical about the Pendle Witch Trials – a fierce and timely exploration of womanhood, power, and survival – while Seagulls boldly reimagines a classic, bringing Chekhov’s themes of art and ambition into a fresh, contemporary light.
I can’t wait for all these incredible artists to bring their magic to Kilburn.”
Kiln Theatre expands its commitment to making theatre accessible, with the introduction of a £5 ticket rate for residents of Brent and Camden to all preview performances across the new season. This is in addition to their existing £10 ticket rate for under 26-year-olds. Kiln will also offer 1,000 free tickets to local people of all ages who might not otherwise be able to see a Kiln Theatre production.
Priority booking is open now. General on sale opens Monday 17 February at 10am.
Also Kiln Theatre’s flagship Creative Engagement programme, Minding The Gap, is renamed as Arrive Build Create, to better reflect its continued mission of supporting newly arrived young people and those with experience of migration in developing skills and building community through creative activities. For the past 18 years, the programme has collaborated with English as an Additional Language (EAL) and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) departments in local schools and colleges to deliver drama-based creative sessions – supporting 3,000 people since the programme’s inception. In September, it expanded to include a new group for older adults in partnership with Salusbury World.
In addition to its main house programme, this spring, Kiln Theatre’s production of Ryan Calais Cameron’sRetrograde, directed by Amit Sharma, transfers to the West End produced by 2025 BAFTA and Oscar Award nominee Colman Domingo and Nica Burns. The production opens at the Apollo Theatreon the 19 March, with previews from 8 March, and running until 14 June 2025.
A Kiln Theatre, Antic Productions and Damsel Productions co-production
THE MINISTRY OF LESBIAN AFFAIRS
by Iman Qureshi
directed by Hannah Hauer-King
13 June – 12 July 2025
A feel-good musical comedy
The Ministry of Lesbian Affairs, the only lesbian choir in the country, are trying to win their place on the Pride mainstage. In a run-down church hall with an OWL (Older, Wiser Lesbian) at the helm, the rag tag choir navigate love, loss, and trying to agree on song choices. But despite their best intentions, they find that harmony comes at a price.
Packed with laugh out loud moments and lots of lesbian drama, this heart-warming musical comedy returns following its sold-out premiere at Soho Theatre in 2022.
Iman Qureshi is an award-winning writer for stage and screen. Her break-out play The Funeral Director won the prestigious Papatango New Writing Prize in 2018 and premiered at Southwark Playhouse directed by Hannah Hauer-King. Her next play The Ministry of Lesbian Affairs also directed by Hauer-King, premiered on the Soho Theatre’s main stage in 2022 to great acclaim. She held the position of writer in residence at the National Theatre for a year in 2023 and is now writing a new play under commission. She is also developing new work with the Almeida, English Touring Theatre, Papatango, and the Royal Court and she is developing a new musical. For screen, she completed a two year first look deal with Paramount+ in 2021 and previously her short Home Girl, directed by Poonam Brah was selected by Film London for their London Calling short film slate and was later selected for the 2019 BFI Flare Festival. Her short film The Ceremony (Open Sky) was selected for the Vancouver International Film Festival 2022, and won Best Screenplay at the Artists Forum Festival of the Moving Image.
Hannah Hauer-King is an Olivier Award nominated and award winning director and dramaturg. Directing work includes: The Swell (Hightide Festival/Orange Tree Theatre – Oliver Award nominated for Outstanding Achievement in Affiliate Theatre), The Brief Life and Mysterious Death of Boris III, King of Bulgaria (Arcola Theatre/New York), The Ministry of Lesbian Affairs, Fabric, Fury (Soho Theatre), The Funeral Director (Southwark Playhouse/ UK tour), Circle Game (Southwark Playhouse), Call Me Fury (Hope Theatre), The Amber Trap (Theatre503), Grotty, Breathe (Bunker Theatre), Revolt She Said Revolt Again (RCSSD), Clay (Pleasance Theatre)and Dry Land (Jermyn Street Theatre). Associate/Assistant work includes: Fiddler On The Roof (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), The Wife of Willesden (Kiln Theatre, ART Boston and BAM NY), Romeo & Juliet (Shakespeare’s Globe), Daytona (Park Theatre & Theatre Royal Haymarket), Radiant Vermin (Soho Theatre) and Titus Andronicus (Greenwich Theatre). Cabaret works includes: Witt n Camp (Soho Theatre), Siblings (Crazy Coqs) and Lilith (Bunker Theatre). Hannah is the co-founder of Damsel Productions and was Resident Director at the National Theatre Studio.
A Kiln Theatre production in association with Kindred Partners and Eilene Davidson Productions
COVEN
book by Rebecca Brewer
music & lyrics by Rebecca Brewer and Daisy Chute
directed by Miranda Cromwell
31 October – 13 December 2025
A scorching new musical
Based on England’s most notorious witch trials
1612. Pendle, Lancashire. A witch hunt is raging and a 9-year-old Jennet accuses her own family of witchcraft. 21 years later, she finds herself imprisoned, surrounded by the most feared women in town. As the accuser becomes the accused, Jennet must confront a 250-year legacy of witchcraft and the dark secrets of her own past. As she listens to the shocking stories of the women around her, Jennet’s faith begins to crumble.
Olivier Award-winning director Miranda Cromwell joins forces with Grammy award-winning Daisy Chute alongside Rebecca Brewer. A thrilling new musical combining uplifting anthems and powerful melodies in a fresh reinterrogation of the true story of the Pendle Witch Trials. With power in their veins and the earth beneath their feet, 13 women rise above the forces that seek to silence them.
Join the coven. The trial begins.
Rebeca Brewer is an actor, writer and theatre maker. Her credits as a writer include Tales from the Thames with co-writers Vickie Donoghue and folk musician MG Boulter, Foot (finalist for New Perspectives’ Open Pitch in 2018), and The Escape (finalist for In Good Company’s ‘Take Off’ new writing award in 2019). She was a recipient of the prestigious MGC Futures Bursary for 2021, and an Associate Artist at the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch from 2020-2021. She is currently writing The Last Rose of Summer, with Daisy Chute, a new work inspired by Jane Austen’s connection to Southampton for MAST Mayflower Studios, as one of the 2024 Cameron Mackintosh Resident Writers.. She is currently developing a series for television and was one of 12 mentored writers as part of the 2024 Channel 4 Screenwriting Programme. As an actor, Rebecca has worked at the National Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Company, Almeida, Royal Court and the West End as well as on television, film and radio.
Daisy Chute is a Scottish/American singer-songwriter who has found a loyal following through her award-winning songwriting and ‘gorgeous’ vocals (Guy Garvey, Elbow). 2024 brought with it a Grammy Award for her involvement in The Birdsong Project and collaborations with Hollie Rogers, The Dunwells, Ed Blunt, Lady Nade and James Walker. Selling out shows across the UK, Europe and US, Daisy can be spotted with a guitar or banjo at top arts venues and festivals like Black Deer and Glastonbury. Her debut originals album of folk and Americana songs Throne is out in 2025. Recognised as a ‘committed, professional and creative songwriter’ (Sir Ray Davies, The Kinks), Daisy’s music features regularly on BBC Radio and television and is also playlisted across thousands of Tesco and Caffè Nero stores around the world. Her background in classical, jazz and folk music has led Daisy to collaborate and contribute to soundtracks ranging from David Attenborough documentaries to films including Yesterday and Shaun the Sheep, and game soundtracks including The Sims 4. She has also provided backing vocals Radiohead’s A Moon Shaped Pool, and she also has 3 Platinum-selling, Classical Brit-nominated albums with her band All Angels released with Universal Records. She is currently writing The Last Rose of Summer, with Rebecca Brewer, a new work inspired by Jane Austen’s connection to Southampton for MAST Mayflower Studios, as one of the 2024 Cameron Mackintosh Resident Writers.
Miranda Cromwell is an Olivier Award-winning theatre director. Directing credits include: The Little Mermaid (Bristol Old Vic), Milma’s Tale (Kiln Theatre), The Beekeeper of Aleppo (Nottingham Playhouse), Swing Sister Swing (UK Tour), Rockets and Blue Lights (National Theatre, Manchester Royal Exchange/ BBC radio 3) Oncomm Best audio drama award, and breathe… (Almeida Theatre), Half Breed (BBC iplayer, Talawa Theatre/Soho Theatre/Edinburgh Fringe Festival/India tour), Magic Elves, Hey Diddle Diddle, Sense (Bristol Old Vic), Pigeon English (Edinburgh Fringe Festival/Bristol Old Vic), The Rest of Your Life (Bush Theatre) and Death and Treason (Bristol Old Vic/UK tour). Co-director credits include the Olivier Award-winning Death of a Salesman (Young Vic Theatre/West End transfer). As Associate Director her credits include: Company (Gielgud Theatre – Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival, Critics Circle Award for Best Musical), Angels in America (National Theatre/Neil Simon Theatre, Broadway – Olivier and Tony Award for Best Revival), A Monster Calls (Old Vic/ Bristol Old Vic – Olivier Award for Best Entertainment and Family), and Coram Boy (Colston Hall). Miranda is the Artistic Director of Twisted Theatre and became an Associate Director at Chichester Festival Theatre in 2024.
A Kiln Theatre production
SEAGULLS
Written and directed by Dipo Baruwa-Etti and Taio Lawson
12 February – 21 March 2026
The classic, recharged.
Konstantin is desperate to prove his talent as a writer. Irina, once a star, is desperate to keep her own flailing acting career afloat. At a performance of his new play, Konstantin’s reunion with his mother reopens old wounds, bringing repressed emotions to the surface. Can their relationship survive new flames and past traumas?
Dipo Baruwa-Etti and Taio Lawson bring Chekov’s classic comedy-drama to a new generation in this sharp and contemporary Black British retelling.
Dipo Baruwa-Etti is a playwright, screenwriter, and director. As a playwright, his work includes The Sun, the Moon, and theStars (Stratford East), An Unfinished Man (The Yard Theatre), Half-Empty Glasses (Paines Plough) and The Clinic (Almeida Theatre), all published by Faber. He has been shortlisted for the Evening Standard Theatre Award for Most Promising Playwright, The George Devine, JMK and Alfred Fagon Awards and sits on the board of Shakespeare’s Globe. As writer-director, his short films include the award-winning The Last Days (BFI Network/BBC/Tannahill Productions) starring Adjoa Andoh and Amarah-Jae St. Aubyn. Artist development programmes Dipo has been on include: Edinburgh International Film Festival Talent Lab, BBC TV Drama Writers Programme, 4Screenwriting, Channel 4 Playwrights, and BFI NETWORK@LFF.
Taio Lawson is currently the Genesis Fellow / Associate Director at the Young Vic. Prior to this position he was the Associate Director of Kiln Theatre. Selected Director credits include: Hamilton (Resident Director – West End), An Unfinished Man (The Yard Theatre), NW Stories (Kiln Theatre), HOME Digital (Young Vic Theatre), Macbeth (Royal Conservatoire of Scotland), Hang (The Crucible), White Devil (East 15 Acting School) and Home – Installation (Young Vic Theatre). Taio is also a trustee for PiPA (Parents and Carers in the Performing Arts). Parents and carers are fundamentally disadvantaged and systematically overlooked in the industry. PiPA aims to be a thought and change leader, amplifying the voices of everyone with caring responsibilities in the performing arts, to change mindsets and working practices alike.
A Kiln Theatre production
PLEASE PLEASE ME
by Tom Wright
directed by Amit Sharma
16 April – 23 May 2026
Brian Epstein and The Beatles. Their rise. His fall.
When Brian Epstein steps into the Cavern Club, he finds more than just a band – he finds his life’s calling. Captivated by four rugged boys from Liverpool, he sets out to transform them into the most famous group on earth.
But as the world begins to worship his Fab Four, Brian wrestles with secrets, longing, and love – especially for his charismatic frontman, John Lennon.
Please Please Me is the electrifying story of The Beatles’ meteoric rise and the hidden struggles of their beloved manager – the unsung, gay legend and ‘Fifth Beatle’, Brian Epstein.
Tom Wright is a writer, director and dramaturg for theatre and film. He is currently the Associate Artistic Director at Kiln Theatre. Previously Head of Artist Development at The Old Vic. His two back-to-back debut plays achieved acclaim with seven Off West End Award nominations, including Best New Play and Most Promising Playwright. Writing credits include: I Ain’t Dumb (Belgrade Theatre), Very Special Guest Star (Omnibus Theatre), Undetectable (King’s Head Theatre), My Dad’s Gap Year (Park Theatre) and Rebel Song (The Other Palace). Writing and directing credits include: Sirens and White Lies (ArtsEd). Directing credits include: Blowhole (Soho Theatre and Pleasance Theatre), Dumbledore Is So Gay (Southwark Playhouse, Pleasance Theatre and Vault Festival, Origins Award) and Tumble Tuck (King’s Head Theatre and Underbelly Edinburgh). Associate credits include: The Invisible Hand (Kiln Theatre), Legendary Children (Theatre De Meervaart), The Method (ALRA) and 2.1 (Rich Mix, Camden People’s Theatre). Film credits include: Sent To Cov (Sky Arts), Stockholm (BFI Flare) and Kweenship (ArtsEd Films).
Amit Sharma is Artistic Director of Kiln Theatre where he directed Pins and Needles and The Purists. Before joining the Kiln Theatre as Associate Director, he was previously Deputy Artistic Director of Birmingham Rep, Associate Artistic Director at the Royal Exchange, Manchester, and Associate Director at Graeae Theatre Company where his journey into theatre began. Sharma directed the critically acclaimed and sell-out run of Retrograde at the Kiln, transferring to the West End’s Apollo Theatre in March; and has also directed two productions at the National Theatre – The Solid Life of Sugar Water (Graeae Theatre Company/Theatre Royal Plymouth co-production) and The Boy With Two Hearts (also Wales Millennium Centre). He also co-directed Prometheus Awakes, one of the largest outdoor productions featuring Deaf and disabled artists as part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad (Graeae Theatre Company/ Greenwich+Docklands International Festival/ Stockton International Riverside Festival/La Fura Dels Baus); and Aruna and The Raging Sun in Chennai, India as part of UK/INDIA Year of Culture 2017. He is an international award-winning director of theatre and television. Sharma is a BAFTA nominated director, for his two films which were part of the Criptales season on BBC and BBC AMERICA. He also co-directed the award-winning BBC and NETFLIX television drama Then Barbara Met Alan (Best Single Drama, 2023 Broadcast Awards). He began his training at Graeae Theatre Company with Missing Piece 1. His other theatre credits include One Under (Graeae Theatre Company/Theatre Royal Plymouth), Cosmic Scallies (Graeae Theatre Company/Royal Exchange Theatre), and Iron Man (Graeae Theatre Company/international tour). His other television work includes Hamish, and Thunderbox.
Michael Harrison, in association with Cameron Mackintosh, is delighted to announce new dates for a major UK tour of MISS SAIGON, following huge public demand as Boublil and Schönberg’s legendary musical is reborn. Opening at Newcastle’s Theatre Royal where it plays from Saturday 4 – Saturday 25 October 2025, the exciting new production today confirms the addition of seven new venues on its UK 2025 /26 tour.
The newly added dates now ensure audiences across the UK have the chance to experience the new production of this legendary musical. New dates include: Venue Cymru, Llandudno (Tuesday 6 January – Saturday 10 January, 2026); Hull New Theatre (Tuesday 20 January – Saturday 24 January, 2026); Mayflower Theatre, Southampton (Tuesday 27 January – Saturday 7 February, 2026); Theatre Royal, Plymouth (Tuesday 17 February – Saturday 28 February, 2026); His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen (Tuesday 3 March – Saturday 7 March, 2026); Grand Opera House, Belfast (Tuesday 10 March – Saturday 21 March, 2026); Nottingham, Theatre Royal (Tuesday 24 March – Saturday 4 April, 2026). Please see Listings below for on sale dates. Irish dates to be announced.
The 2025 / 26 tour of MISS SAIGON will see the show visit Llandudno and Hull for the first time.
The tour previously announced its 2025 dates and Christmas season which are already breaking box-office records and include: Theatre Royal, Newcastle (Saturday 4 – Saturday 25 October 2025); Playhouse Theatre, Edinburgh (Tuesday 28 October – Saturday 1 November 2025); Palace Theatre, Manchester (Tuesday 4 – Saturday 15 November 2025); The Alexandra, Birmingham (Tuesday 18 – Saturday 29 November 2025); Grand Theatre,Leeds (Tuesday 2 – Saturday 13 December 2025) and New Theatre, Oxford (Tuesday 16 December 2025 – Saturday 3 January 2026).
Full casting is to be announced.Sign-up for news and access to priority booking at miss-saigon.com.
MISS SAIGON has music by Claude-Michel Schönberg with lyrics by Richard Maltby Jr. and Alain Boublil, adapted from original French text by Alain Boublil, with additional lyrics by Michael Mahler and Orchestrations by William David Brohn.
Jean-Pierre van der Spuy whose recent credits include co-direction of Oliver! at the Gielgud Theatre and Les Misérables: The Arena Spectacular, is the production’s Director.Chrissie Cartwright (Associate Director and Choreographer for CATS Worldwide and choreographic recreation of Phantom of the Opera, West End and North American tour), and Carrie-Anne Ingrouille (SIX The Musical) are Co-Choreographers. Andrew Edwards is Set and Costume Designer (Tartuffe, Theatre Royal Haymarket and numerous productions at The Globe);Olivier Award-winner Bruno Poet is the production’s Lighting Designer (Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, Frankenstein at the National Theatre); Sound Design is by Olivier Award winner Adam Fisher (Oliver! Gielgud & Chichester Festival Theatre; Sunset Boulevard Savoy & Broadway); and Video Design is by George Reeve (Disney’s Hercules, Oliver! Chichester Festival Theatre and West End and Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends, Gielgud); Graham Hurman is the Musical Supervisor and Sarah Leung CDG,Casting Director. This new production of MISS SAIGON is overseen by Cameron Mackintosh.
In the last days of the Vietnam War, 17-year-old Kim is forced to work in a Saigon bar run by a notorious character known as The Engineer. There she meets and falls in love with an American GI named Chris, but they are torn apart by the fall of Saigon. For 3 years Kim goes on an epic journey of survival to find her way back to Chris, who has no idea he’s fathered a son.
Since its London premiere in 1989, Cameron Mackintosh’s original production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s epic musical MISS SAIGON became one of the most successful musicals in history. The original Broadway production of MISS SAIGON opened on April 11, 1991, and played for nearly ten years with its 4,097 performances attended by more than 6.3 million people. Cameron’s latest London production of MISS SAIGON opened in London in May 2014 to record-breaking advance sales and critical acclaim, followed by a UK tour in 2017. During this run, in 2016, the spectacular 25th Anniversary Gala Performance of this timeless musical, featuring appearances by the original cast, including Jonathan Pryce and Lea Salonga, took place and was filmed for television and cinema and continues to be shown around the world.
The soaring musical score features the hits songs; The Heat is On in Saigon, The Movie in My Mind, Last Night of the World and The American Dream. September 2024 marked 35 years since the show’s opening in the West End.
MISS SAIGON has been performed in 33 countries, 378 cities in 15 different languages, has won 75 major awards including 2 Olivier Awards, 3 Tony Awards, and 4 Drama Desk Awards and has been seen by over 38 million people worldwide.
A BEAUTY OF A PANTO OPENS THIS WEEKEND AT ST HELENS THEATRE ROYAL
Beauty and the Beast promises brilliant panto fun for all the family this February
Timeless classic fairytale Beauty and the Beast is set to swirl into St Helens this weekend for to entertain February half term audiences.
The Regal Entertainments production of the much-loved, magical tale is packed with colourful costumes, stunning sets, rib-tickling comedy and a wonderful soundtrack of songs, and promises to be an unmissable family friendly treat.
The beautiful Belle falls in love with the most unexpected of princes, one who has been cursed to live as a hideous beast. But can the Beast learn how to love and be loved in return? And will love conquer all, and the dastardly spell be broken in time for a happily ever after?
Beauty and the Beast runs at St Helens Theatre Royal from 15-23 February 2025 with tickets from £18.
The fantastic fairytale cast includes Lauren McCrory as Belle, Lewis Burrage as the Beast, Conor Barrie as Gaston, Lewis Devine as French Frank, Rachel Wood as Madam Botox, Chantelle Morgan as Fairy Rose and Richard Aucott as Potty Polly.
The show is written by Liam Mellor and directed by Chantelle Nolan. Nazene Langfield is choreographer, and Callum Clarke is music supervisor.
Lauren McCrory plays Belle. A graduate of the Performers College, Lauren has previously appeared as Belle in Regal Entertainments’ Beauty and the Beast both at St Helens Theatre Royal and Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre. Other credits include Wendy in Peter Pan, also for Regal Entertainments, and the title role in Cinderella which was screened in Odeon Cinemas.
Lewis Burrage appears as the Beast. Lewis returns to St Helens after appearing as the Prince in Sleeping Beauty last autumn. He studied on a scholarship at the prestigious Italia Conti where he was also head boy. Stage roles include Benny in Abbalutely Fabulous, Jack in We’ll Meet Again and Prince Charming in Cinderella, as well as performing in the 50th anniversary concert of Godspell and travelling the world as a member of the Fred Olsen Cruise Lines onboard theatre company.
Conor Barrie is Gaston. Liverpool Theatre School graduate Conor has previously appeared at St Helens as Baron von Vippermall in Goldilocks and the Three Bears and Dmitri in The Salon – the Sequel! Other stage credits include Aladdin, Jack and the Beanstalk and Beauty and the Beast at the Gladstone Theatre in Port Sunlight.
Lewis Devine is French Frank. Lewis returns to the role of French Frank which he previously played to acclaim at Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre in 2021 and here at St Helens in 2023, while his other roles for Regal Entertainments include Muddles in Snow White, Chester the Jester in Sleeping Beauty and Buttons in Cinderella. Coming from a talented performing family, Lewis won the first ever Kids Stars in Their Eyes as Donny Osmond and is part of a comedy show band called Schooner with his father Terry. Away from the stage, he runs The Devine Theatre Company to develop Merseyside youngsters in the entertainment industry.
Rachel Wood plays Madam Botox. The LIPA-trained actor and singing coach’s stage credits include the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella at St Helens, Diva in Mam! I’m Ere! at Liverpool’s Royal Court, Hannah in The Chaplin Story, Snow White, and the title role in The Rise and Fall of Little Voice. She also played Carabosse in Sleeping Beauty at Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre in 2023 and St Helens Theatre Royal last autumn.
Chantelle Morgan follows her triumph in the role of Snow White at Christmas by returning to St Helens, this time to playis Fairy Rose. Chantelle trained in Musical Theatre at The Urdang and Emil Dale Academy and has been very fortunate to share the stage with some very well-known artists including Welsh star Luke Evans on BBC’s Luke Evans Show Time. Other credits include Jill in Jack and the Beanstalk (2023), Maid Marion in Robin Hood (2022), Cinderella (2021), Kylar in Bring It On: The Musical (2021), Sister Mary Roberts in Sister Act (2018), and performing alongside Gareth Malone at the opening of Soho House.
And Richard Aucott plays Potty Polly. A much-loved and experienced dame, his many panto credits include Queen Hermione and Nanny Nora in Sleeping Beauty, Dame Trott in Jack and the Beanstalk, Sarah the Cook in Dick Whittington and Widow Twankey in Aladdin, along with an Ugly Sister in Cinderella and Nurse Nelly in Snow White – both at St Helens. Other theatre credits include Mr Woodhouse and Mr Elton in Emma, Flute in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Malvolio in Twelfth Night.
Theatre Manager and the show’s director Chantelle Nolan says: “Beauty and the Beast is one of our best-loved pantos, a magical delight, packed with excitement, spectacle and fun, so I’m absolutely thrilled we’re bringing it back to the stage for our family audiences at St Helens this February.
“I’m also delighted we’ve got such a wonderful cast of panto favourites. Add in lavish costumes and sets, brilliant choreography and a great soundtrack, and Beauty and the Beast has all the ingredients to make it an unmissable half term treat.”
Tickets can be booked over the phoneor in person at the box office between 10am and 5pm, from Monday to Friday.Tickets can also be purchased online. For more information please visit www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com
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Regal Entertainments Ltd Presents: Beauty and the Beast
Dates: Saturday 15 February – Sunday 23 February 2025
Tickets: From £18* Group rates available.
*All prices are inclusive of a £1 per seat booking fee. Online bookings are subject to an additional 50p per seat online processing fee.
THEATRE ROYAL BOOKING DETAILS
Book in person at the Theatre Royal Box Office, Corporation Street, St. Helens, Merseyside WA10 1LQ (Mon – Fri 10am – 5pm). Alternatively, call 01744 756 000 or log on to: www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com.
It was announced today that Jena Pandya and Ashley Day will play the iconic lovers Simran and Rog (Roger) in Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical, the new musical comedy based on one of the biggest blockbuster films in the history of Indian cinema, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ).
The show makes its UK premiere at Manchester Opera House on Thursday 29 May 2025 and runs until Saturday21 June 2025.
Jena Pandya(Bhangra Nation, Mamma Mia) said: ‘I’m so thrilled to be playing Simran in Come Fall In Love – The DDLJ Musical. It is amazing to be part of telling a story that means so much to so many people. The original film has become a part of the cultural fabric of India, and to get to bring this story to life on stage in Manchester is such a joy.’
Ashley Day (An American in Paris, Dynasty) added: ‘Come Fall In Love – The DDLJ Musical is a true romantic comedy. The script is incredibly funny and full of heart and what l love most is how it shows two cultures, each staying true to their roots while embracing something bigger than themselves. The music has this unbelievable mix of musical theatre and Punjabi pop-something l’ve never seen done on stage. The show is about Family, Love, empathy and fighting for what truly matters. TRUE HONEST LOVE! Especially in today’s world, that message feels more relevant than ever. It’s a timeless story, and I’m thrilled to be bringing Rog to life on stage.’
Jena Pandya recently played the lead in the new musical Bhangra Nation at Birmingham Rep to incredible reviews. Prior to this, Jena played Sophie in Mamma Mia. Jena has worked with screen and stage director Andy Fickman multiple times, including playing Arlene in 13 Going on 30.
Ashley Day is an actor, singer, and dancer known for his leading performances in both the UK and the USA. On screen, Ashley can be seen as a recurring character, Colin McNaughton, in the hit series Dynasty (Netflix).
Ashley’s theatre career includes leading roles such as: Bob Wallace in White Christmas (5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle); Robert Martin in The Drowsy Chaperone (Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, Pittsburgh); Nick Arnstein in Funny Girl (Théâtre Marigny, Paris); Billy Lawlor in 42nd Street (Theatre Royal Drury Lane, West End); Jerry Mulligan in An American in Paris (Dominion Theatre, West End); Jimmy Smith in Thoroughly Modern Millie (Kilworth House Theatre); Bill Calhoun/Lucentio in Kiss Me, Kate (National Tour); Troy Bolton in High School Musical (National Tour); and Curly in Oklahoma (National Tour), for which he received a nomination for Best Performer in a Musical at the UK Theatre Awards.
Other stage credits include: Freddie Falls in Freddie Falls in Love (Joyce Theater, New York); The Book of Mormon (Prince of Wales Theatre, West End); The Wizard of Oz (London Palladium, West End); Babes in Arms (Chichester Festival Theatre); On The Town (English National Opera); Evita (Adelphi Theatre, West End); Mary Poppins (Prince Edward Theatre, West End); and Matthew Bourne’s The Nutcracker (National Tour).
Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical is set in the UK and India and directed by Aditya Chopra, the original director of the record-breaking, award-sweeping Hindi-language film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, also known as DDLJ. DDLJ is the longest-running title in Indian cinema, playing continuously in Mumbai since its release in 1995.
Cultures will collide in the stage musical adaptation of the beloved hit romantic-comedy film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, set to the exuberant beat of 18 all-new English songs created for the production.
The award-winning creative team for Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical includes Book and Lyrics by Nell Benjamin (Mean Girls with Tina Fey, Olivier Award winner for Legally Blonde with Laurence O’Keefe), Music by Vishal Dadlani and Sheykhar Ravjiani (popularly called Vishal & Shekhar in India), Choreography by Rob Ashford (Tony, Olivier and Emmy Award winner whose credits include Frozen, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying on Broadway), Co-Choreography – Indian Dances by Shruti Merchant (Ladies vs. Ricky Bahl, Taj Express), Scenic Design by Derek McLane (two-time Tony Award winner whose credits include MJ the Musical and Moulin Rouge! The Musical on Broadway and West End), Casting is by David Grindrod CDG for Grindrod Burton Casting, Lighting Design by Japhy Weideman, Sound Design by Tony Gayle, Video Design by Akhila Krishnan, the Musical Supervisor and Arranger is Ted Arthur and Musical Direction is by Ben Holder.
Further casting information will be announced at a later date.
The World Premiere of Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical was produced in 2022 at The Old Globe, San Diego, California.
Barry Edelstein, Erna Finci Viterbi Artistic Director.
Timothy J. Shields, Audrey S. Geisel Managing Director.
London Theatre Company have today released production photos of Richard II. Starring Jonathan Bailey and directed by Nicholas Hytner,this fresh take on Shakespeare’s subtle, caustic and powerful play is currently playing the Bridge Theatre until 10 May 2025.
Joining Jonathan Bailey (Wicked, Bridgerton, Company) as Richard II, is Royce Pierreson (The Witcher, Judy, Line of Duty) as Henry Bullingbrook, Christopher Osikanlu Colquhoun (Absentia, The Doctor – Duke of York’s Theatre, Comedy of Errors – RSC) as Earl of Northumberland, Olivia Popica (The Wheel of Time, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, The Tattooist of Auschwitz) as Queen Isabel, Amanda Root (Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Macbeth – RSC, Persuasion) as Alice Green and the Duchess of York, Phoenix Di Sebastiani (The Great, Top Boy, Anne Boleyn) as Thomas Mowbray and Groom, and Clive Wood (London’s Burning, The Tempest – Theatre Royal Haymarket, Antony and Cleopatra – Shakespeare’s Globe) as John of Gaunt. Returning to the Bridge Theatre is Michael Simkins (Guys & Dolls – Bridge Theatre, The Crown, Silent Witness) as the Duke of York.
The cast is completed by Adam Best (Peaky Blinders, The Crown, Twelfth Night – National Theatre) as Sir John Bagot, Seamus Dillane (Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, The Invention of Love – Hampstead Theatre) as Lord Surrey, Vinnie Heaven (Cowbois – RSC, A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Shakespeare’s Globe, Cuckoo – Soho Theatre) as Aumerle, Jordan Kouamé (Wolf Hall 2, The Mirror and the Light – RSC) as Sir John Bushy and Harry Percy, Gerard Monaco (A Small Family Business, Children of the Sun, The Kitchen – National Theatre, A View from the Bridge – Duke of York’s Theatre) as Sir Stephen Scroop and Keeper, George Taylor (The Lady In The Van, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows) as Lord Fitzwater, and Badria Timimi (Our Girl, My Brilliant Friend – National Theatre) as Abbess of Carlisle. Understudies are Emma Bown (Romeo and Juliet – Original Shakespeare Co, Sex Education), Martin Carroll (Twelfth Night, Richard III – The Apollo, The Royal Hunt of the Sun – National Theatre) and Stephan Boyce (Aladdin – Lyric Hammersmith, The Coloured Valentino – Arcola Theatre).
Richard II is charismatic, eloquent, and flamboyantly witty. And a disastrous King – dishonest, dangerous, and politically incompetent. Echoing down the centuries is the perennial problem: how to deal with a ruler who has a rock-solid right to rule but is set on wrecking the country he leads. Shakespeare’s subtle, caustic, and powerful play revolves round two startlingly modern figures: Richard, an autocrat who believes he is divinely sanctioned, and Henry Bullingbrook, a hard-headed pragmatist who has genuine authority.
Richard II is designed by Bob Crowley (for the Bridge Theatre: Straight Line Crazy; The Book of Dust – La Belle Sauvage; in the West End: Olivier Award-winning An American in Paris) with Lighting Design by Bruno Poet (for the Bridge Theatre: Julius Caesar; A Midsummer Night’s Dream; in the West End: Tina – The Tina Turner Musical) and Sound Design by Carolyn Downing (Olivier Award-winning: Chimerica, Summer and Smoke and Life of Pi). Grant Olding (For the Bridge Theatre: The Book of Dust – La Belle Sauvage, A Christmas Carol; Two Ladies; A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Alys, Always and Young Marx) is the Composer. Jeannette Nelson is the Voice and Text Coach.James Cousins (for the Bridge Theatre: The Book of Dust – La Belle Sauvage; Olivier Award-winning Guys & Dolls) is the Movement Director and Kate Waters (for the Bridge Theatre: Guys & Dolls; A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Julius Caesar) is the Fight Director. The Casting Director is Robert Sterne (for the Bridge Theatre: Straight Line Crazy; The Southbury Child; for screen: Game of Thrones; The Crown) with Christopher Worrall as Casting Associate. Lily Dyble is Associate Director, Jaimie Todd is Associate Designer, Max Narula is Associate Lighting Designer, Charlie Smith is Associate Sound Designer.Eleanor Dolan is the Costume Supervisor and Lily Mollgaard is the Props Supervisor.
Jonathan Bailey shot to global fame as Lord Anthony in the popular period drama Bridgerton. He has recently starred in the critically acclaimed Showtime series Fellow Travelers and as lead love interest, Fiyero in the global hit film adaptation of Wicked. Bailey has recently wrapped production on Jurassic World, leading the film alongside Scarlett Johansson. His prolific and acclaimed stage career includes playing Edgar in Ian McKellen’s King Lear and winning an Olivier Award for his portrayal of Jamie in Company.
For the Bridge Theatre, Nicholas Hytner has directed Young Marx; Julius Caesar; Allelujah!; Alys, Always; A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Two Ladies; Beat the Devil; The Shrine; Bed Among the Lentils; A Christmas Carol; Bach & Sons; The Book of Dust – La Belle Sauvage; Straight Line Crazy; The Southbury Child; John Gabriel Borkman; and Guys & Dolls. Previously he was Director of the National Theatre from 2003 to 2015.
Richard II will play the Bridge Theatre until 10 May 2025 having started preview performances on 10 February.
“All animals are equal. But some animals are more equal than others.” As George Orwell’s iconic fable turns 80, this bold and energetic new staging swaps the original’s critique of Stalinism for a wider study of societal inequalities that lays bare the best and worst of human nature. Though the content may be focused on imbalances of power and participation, this production has skilfully integrated British Sign Language and audio description into the show, ensuring no audience member’s experience is less equal than others. Award-winning playwright Tatty Hennessy’s adaptation doesn’t shy away from unsettling scenes of violence and despair but also injects warmth, humour and intimacy.
Particular highlights are pigeon Milo (Em Prendergast) scootering in to bring us up to date with local gossip and some great animal puns; Farshid Rokey’s laddish and hilarious portrayal of Minty the sheep; Shakeel Kimotho as Molly the prized horse who refuses to dispense with her ribbons.
Working with the National Youth Theatre, director Amy Leach’s vision strives to ensure modern resonance by lingering on how the circumstances we are born into are never our choice yet impact massively on our ability to thrive or not. A cast of varying regional accents, ages, ethnicities and disabilities all labouring as animals with little hope of reward reinforces this point. It’s also beautifully illustrated in Gabriel Paul’s raw and captivating performance as Boxer the horse with his unwavering desire to die knowing he built something. Brydie Service’s Clara, the tragic mother hen who must surrender her young, is just as charged while Tianah Hodding as Clover, the ever-loving yet gullible horse, earns our affection and sympathy and anchors us to the story throughout.
Hayley Grindle’s clever set and costume design draws on industrial farming, employing large mesh cages for the animals to painstakingly move around the stage in demonstration of their toil. Split level staging positions the comfortable living room of nemesis Farmer Jones (Kaya Ulasli) in a glass box above the exposed, grim barn and farmyard below. A constant reminder of the glaring inequality.
What really shines through is the brutality of farm labour and the relentlessness of a life lived with no autonomy. Indeed Benjamin the donkey (David Nellist), aptly dressed in adonkey jacket, glumly states that if you’re at the bottom of the pile, the daily grind never lets up regardless of who’s in charge. So after the animals revolt and when Snowball the pig (Robin Morrissey) is every bit the political idealist) and brother Napoleon (the very watchable Tachia Newall) vie for leadership, it’s safe to say the heady days of full rations, democratic decrees and joyous singing of ‘Beasts of England’ don’t last long. as Squealer plays the part of the sly pig with relish and Joshua-Alexander WIlliams makes a ferocious yet loyal Blue the dog. We may be watching humans play animals but human nature is there to be exposed in all of its facets: greed, grief, loyalty, anger, love, revenge.
A gripping and thought-provoking rendition of the much studied novella, full of youthful energy and ripe to cause sparks in the 21st Century
‘Oh My God You Guys!’ York Light Opera Company once again grace the stage of the York Theatre Royal, this time with their adaption of Legally Blonde, the musical.
Based on the smash hit film of the same name Legally Blonde focuses on Elle Woods played by Emma Swainston. After a difficult break up from the man she hoped to marry, Warner (Zander Flick) Elle decides she must become more serious if she wants to win him back. She knuckles down and gets herself accepted to Harvard Law school to join Warner in Professor Callahan’s class. Elle soon learns it’s not going to be easy and she will need to at least open a law book if she wants to remain in the class. With the help of Emmett (Zander Fick) she works her way to the top of the class and earns one of Professor Callahan’s prestigious internships, resulting in working on the case of fellow Delta Nu alum Brooke ‘Pippa Elmes’ who has accused of murdering her husband. Elle soon learns that helping clients while keeping her integrity in tact is what she wants to do and she doesn’t need a man by her side.
This production is a fun feel good musical which will soon have you laughing and singing along. Fans of the film won’t be disappointed as the musical version sticks closely to the original story. York Light have produced a fantastic musical to a very high standard, some of the cast namely Neil Wood as Professor Callahan and Zander Fick as Emmett wouldn’t be out of place on a west end stage. The music is fun and catchy with great songs including ‘Omigod You Guys‘ and ‘Legally Blonde‘ and the humorous ‘Gay or European‘. If you get a change to see this fabulous show be sure to take it and you won’t regret it
