West End star Kerry Ellis is once again giving the next generation of performers the chance to join her on stage when she returns to City Varieties Music Hall on Thu 29 October 2026.
As part of her forthcoming Rock Anthems tour, Kerry is inviting aspiring young talent to perform a song with her at each tour date, celebrating the iconic rock artists who have inspired her career, from Queen and Meat Loaf to Bonnie Tyler and Aerosmith.
For the second time, she has teamed up with Perform Now to give budding talent the chance to share her spotlight and sing in front of a live audience.
Confident soloists must be aged 11–19, live within 45 minutes of the venue and be available on the performance date.
A passionate champion of emerging talent, Kerry regularly hosts online coaching sessions and is delighted to offer this opportunity again, having previously done so as part of her Queen of the West End tour. She said: “I loved sharing the stage with rising stars on my Queen of the West End tour – there were some very special moments, and the standard of talent was super high. When I was asked if I would do it again on my Rock Anthems tour, it was an easy ‘yes’.”
Perform Now creates exciting training and performance opportunities for young people, supporting their development while building confidence, skills and industry knowledge.
Rachel Crouch and Kyle Tovey, directors of Perform Now, added: “We have seen such success and growth from those who were successful in previous years that we can’t wait to see this year’s applicants.”
AS THE SMASH-HIT MUSICAL CELEBRATES ITS 1,000TH PERFORMANCE IN THE WEST END
JOINING THE LONDON COMPANY FROM 15 SEPTEMBER:
Internationally renowned soprano DANIELLE DE NIESE as PERSEPHONE
Acclaimed film and television actor SHAUN DOOLEY as HADES
West End rising star FAYTH IFIL as EURYDICE
West End leading-lady MALINDA PARRIS as HERMES
Singer-songwriter NATHAN SYKES from chart-topping band The Wanted as ORPHEUS
Producers of the Tony® and Grammy Award-winning musical Hadestown, which will celebrate its 1000th performance at the Lyric Theatre in London’s West End this week, are thrilled to announce an exciting line up of new cast members, with accolades spanning chart-topping pop music, classical opera, film, television and theatre, who will join the company from 15 September 2026:
Danielle de Niese will play Persephone. Internationally acclaimed soprano and broadcaster, de Niese has performed with all the leading opera companies and orchestras around the world. She won the Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Opera earlier this year.
Shaun Dooley will play Hades. Shaun’s extensive television and film credits include Mr Bates Vs The Post Office, Criminal Record, Changing Ends, It’s a Sin, Gentleman Jack, The Stranger, Broadchurch, Misfits and Saltburn alongside an acclaimed body of stage work, includingJez Butterworth’s Hills of California directed by Sam Mendes.
Fayth Ifil will play Eurydice. Ifil first debuted on the West End aged just 10 years old. She has gone on to play leading West End roles in Tina – The Tina Turner Musical, and Just For One Day.
Malinda Parris will play Hermes. A leading West End performer, Parris has starred in The Greatest Showman, Hercules, & Juliet, Little Big Things, Mary Poppins, Matilda, Caroline, or Change, The Light Princess and Parade.
Nathan Sykes will play Orpheus. Earning international success as a member of chart-topping band The Wanted, Sykes has gone on to launch an acclaimed solo music career.
They join Melanie Bright, Spike Maxwell and Lauran Rae as the Fates; Femi Akinfolarin, Michelle Andrews, Gabriela Benedetti,Ollie Bingham and Sebastian Lim-Seet as the Workers, with Juan Jackson, Oisín Nolan-Power, Lindo Shinda,Jasmine Triadi and Milly Willows as Swings.
Hadestown takes you on an unforgettable journey to the underworld and back, intertwining two mythic love stories – that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of King Hades and his wife Persephone. A deeply resonant and defiantly hopeful theatrical experience, Hadestown invites you to imagine how the world could be.
Blending American songwriting traditions, from indie folk, to pop, blues, and New Orleans-inspired jazz, Hadestownhas music, lyrics, and book by acclaimed Tony® and Grammy®-winning singer-songwriter and BBC Radio 2 Folk Award-winner Anaïs Mitchell whooriginated Hadestownas anindie theatre project and acclaimed album, before transforming the show into a genre-defying new musical alongside artistic collaborator and Tony® Award-winning director Rachel Chavkin.
The Hadestown creative team includes David Neumann (Choreography), Rachel Hauck (Scenic Design), Michael Krass (Costume Design), Bradley King (Lighting Design), Nevin Steinberg and Jessica Paz (Sound Design), Liam Robinson (Music Supervision and Vocal Arrangements), Michael Chorney and Todd Sickafoose (Arrangements and Orchestrations), Ken Cerniglia (Dramaturgy), Tarek Merchant (Co-Musical Director & Associate Music Supervisor), George Francis (Co-Musical Director), Maria Crocker (UK Associate Director), Bobby Windebank (Associate Choreographer) and Victoria Gimby (Resident Director). Casting by Jacob Sparrow. Principal Casting by Rob Kelly.
Hadestown is produced in London by Mara Isaacs, Dale Franzen, Hunter Arnold, Tom Kirdahy and the National Theatre in association with JAS Theatricals.
Nottingham Royal Concert Hall – until Saturday 11 July 2026
Reviewed by Louise Ford
4****
Starts with a bang … ends with everyone on their feet!
The original film of The Bodyguard came out in 1992, and was Whitney Houston’s acting debut. It was a massive success both financially and musically. It also had an iconic film poster, all grey and dramatic. So I’m not sure if I’ve ever seen the original film, although my theatre buddy had seen it. I felt that I knew the plot: diva, stalker, romance, but there were a couple of surprises and twists in the musical.
The original screenplay was written by Lawrence Kasdan in 1975. It had a couple of false starts before becoming the hit movie starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner. With all of the great songs in the original film and other Houston hits, it was inevitable that the film would become a musical. It took twenty years for the screenplay to be adapted into a musical and it debuted in the West End in 2012. The adaptation was by Alexander Dinelaris, directed by Thea Sharrock, the choreography is by Karen Bruce and the set and costume design is by Tim Hatley. The musical gives centre stage to the songs and energetic dance routines.
So lights, music, pyrotechnics and we are off, with a bang! No spoilers here, but the audience all left their seats in surprise!
The production is visually impressive with lighting by Mark Henderson and video design by Duncan McLean. The use of video and projection helped avoid too many scene changes and provided a cinematic touch to the production.
The star of the show and filling Whitney’s singing boots was Mireia Mambo as Rachel Marron. The role demands not only powerful vocals but also great dancing skills. Mireia has a great stage presence and she was sensational. Opposite Rachel is the titular hero, played by Adam Garcia as Frank Farmer. Farmer is a brooding character who is struggling with a mistake on a previous job. The initial reluctance by Frank to take the job and Rachel’s dislike of having her freedom curtailed leads to romantic feelings, which increases the risk from the stalker. The menacing stalker was ably played by James-Lee Harris.
The role of Rachel’s sister, Nicki Marron, is powerfully played by Sasha Monique. The role of Rachel’s son, Fletcher, is played by Mason Dyett. At only nine years old, he has a great stage presence and is clearly having a fab time. The ensemble adds to the whole show with their energy and great dancing.
Whilst at times the dialogue is a bit clunky and the scenery mechanism seemed to be struggling in the heat, the production moved at quite a pace, and before we knew it we were at the climax, with the iconic ‘I will always love you’ filling the auditorium. It’s a high-energy performance with a fitting finale, ’ I wanna dance with somebody’.
Le Navet Bete throws open the doors of Hotel Krapios once again
extending Oh Zeus! into 2027 by popular demand
A riotous, hilarious ride through Greek mythology
Kings of comedy Le Navet Bete – one of the UK’s most-loved comedy theatre companies and creators of smash-hit family shows Dracula: The Bloody Truth, King Arthur and Treasure Island – along with Olivier Award nominated comedy writer and director John Nicholson (The Time Machine: A Comedy, Peepolykus), have announced an extension of Oh Zeus!, their riotous, all-out hilarious ride through the world of Greek mythology.
When the stability of Olympus is threatened by the marriage of Zeus’ daughter Hebe to a mere mortal, the King of the Gods hatches a plan to derail the wedding. Three actors play nearly 40 characters in this mythical farce through Ancient Greece, the Underworld and back. Expect sensational physical comedy, outrageous jokes, fast paced chaos, and more togas than you can smash a plate at – perfect for lovers of Fawlty Towers, Bottom and The Play That Goes Wrong.
Behind the chaos, lies a costume rail worthy of Olympus itself: the cast of three race through 39 costumes and a staggering 84 costume changes – 63 of which are lightning-fast quick changes – as they hurtle between gods, mortals and monsters at breakneck speed.
Le Navet Bete is comprised of Al Dunn, Nick Bunt and Matt Freeman. Since 2008, Le Navet Bete has been touring the UK and internationally with their unique and chaotic style of physical comedy and have earned the reputation as one of the UK’s leading midscale theatre companies. Proudly based in Exeter, Devon and supported by organisations such as Arts Council England, the Exeter Northcott Theatre and the Exeter Phoenix they have been on a continuous mission to create and tour hilarious, physical and totally accessible comedy theatre using creative and engaging storytelling for absolutely everyone (ages 4 – 104!).
Oh Zeus! 2026-27 tour will visit: Lowry, Salford (28 July-1 Aug); The Dukes Lancaster (15-19 Sept); Lighthouse Poole (25-26 Sept); Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch (6-10 Oct); New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme (15-17 Oct); Mayflower Studios, Southampton (9-13 Feb); Theatre Royal Plymouth (28 Feb); Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford (11-13 March); Salisbury Playhouse (18-20 March); Gulbenkian Arts Centre, Canterbury (2-3 Apr); Newcastle Theatre Royal (9-10 Apr); Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds (13-17 Apr); Theatre by the Lake, Keswick (27 Apr-1 May); Harrogate Theatre (13-15 May); Everyman Theatre, Liverpool (17-19 June) and Mercury Theatre Colchester (16-19 September). Further dates to be announced.
Whilst Oh Zeus! is suitable for ages 12+, there will be additional ‘no kids allowed’ performances held at many tour venues – expect the same brilliant show but with more adult humour, swearing and added naughtiness.
For more information about Oh Zeus!, visit Le Navet Bete’s website: www.lenavetbete.com.
“Forget Phantom’s chandelier or Miss Saigon’s helicopter: what the DeLorean does in Back to the Future is in a different stratosphere of wonderment.”
Sydney Morning Herald
For the very first time, BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical has released an image of the DeLorean finale, giving people a glimpse of what to expect on the road later this year, with the UK tour opening at the Bristol Hippodrome (8 October – 21 November 2026).
Co-creator of the film trilogy, and book writer for the stage adaption, Bob Gale, said, “The illusions involving the DeLorean are next-level state-of-the-art, and I never get tired of seeing the car in action with an audience. This is truly the definition of stage magic. It’s one of those things you have to see for yourself. One of the highlights for me has been sitting in rehearsal with the cast when they see it from the auditorium for the first time. They absolutely know what they’re about to see and how it’s done, but their jaws still drop!”
Speaking about the creative team’s approach to translating the iconic moments on stage, he adds, “Director John Rando has a management style which I subscribe to: hire the best people you can and get out of their way! These illusions are the product of an amazing confluence of talent: production design, special effects, video effects, lighting, sound and stage management. Every member of the team signed on because they’re all fans of the movie and were willing to give 200% to ensure that what they did would be worthy of being called “Back to the Future.” They succeeded beyond my expectations!”
Following Bristol, the tour will also visit the Edinburgh Playhouse (2 December 2026 – 2 January 2027), Liverpool Empire (12 January – 6 February 2027), Milton Keynes Theatre (9 – 27 February 2027), Birmingham Hippodrome (9 March – 10 April 2027), Sunderland Empire (13 April – 8 May 2027), Alhambra Theatre, Bradford (11 May – 5 June 2027), Mayflower Theatre, Southampton (8 June – 3 July 2027), Manchester Opera House (13 July – 21 August 2027), Theatre Royal, Plymouth (24 August – 11 September 2027) and Wales Millenium Centre, Cardiff (19 October – 13 November 2027). Additional venues are still to be announced.
Australian rising star Axel Duffy will play the role of Marty McFly for the tour. Roger Bart will play the role of Doc Brown at the Bristol Hippodrome and Edinburgh Playhouse. Brian Conley will play the role of Doc Brown at the Milton Keynes Theatre. Further casting for the role of Doc Brown, and the remaining company, is to be announced.
BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical is a global success, with productions currently running in North America, Japan, Royal Caribbean Cruises and Germany, with a French production to follow. The show has been seen by over 5 million people worldwide so far. The critically acclaimed Olivier, WhatsOnStage and Broadway World Award-winning Best New Musical played its final performance in London’s West End on Sunday 12 April 2026 after 5 years at the Adelphi Theatre, where it broke box office records and was seen by over 2.3 million people.
BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical is produced by Colin Ingram, Frankel/Viertel/Baruch/Routh Group, Playing Field, CJ ENM, Universal Theatrical Group, Fin C Gray, Evolution Productions, Nicholson Green Productions, Augury, Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale.
Further 2027 tour dates announced for Just For One Day – The Live Aid Musical
Producers Jamie Wilson Productions (Avenue Q, The Devil Wears Prada, Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York), Mrs Doubtfire) are thrilled to announce further tour dates for Just For One Day – The Live Aid Musical, in association with Curve, Leicester.
Heading out on a major tour, opening at Curve in Leicester in March 2027, before visiting the previously announced Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff; Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury; Opera House, Manchester; New Theatre, Oxford; Playhouse, Edinburgh; Theatre Royal, Plymouth; Empire, Sunderland; Alexandra, Birmingham; New Theatre, Hull; Grand, Leeds; Theatre Royal, Nottingham; King’s Theatre, Glasgow; Empire, Liverpool and Mayflower Theatre, Southampton.
Further venues and dates announced today include Woking Theatre, Bromley Churchill, Milton Keynes Theatre, Belfast Grand Opera House, Southend Cliffs Pavilion, Wolverhampton Grand, Sheffield Lyceum and Newcastle Theatre Royal. For further information, visit theliveaidmusical.com.
41 years ago today on 13 July 1985, music united the world. Now, audiences can discover the behind-the-scenes story of Live Aid in a whole new way. Just For One Day – The Live Aid Musicalis the story behind the greatest concert in music history.
With hit songs by Bob Dylan, David Bowie, The Who, U2, Queen, Madonna, The Police, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Diana Ross and more. Experience classic tracks from the iconic artists who made history at simultaneous charitable concerts in London and Philadelphia in a completely new way.
Live Aid was an unprecedented global music event that brought 1.5 billion people together, and they all have a story to tell about ‘the day rock ‘n’ roll changed the world’.
Just For One Day – The Live Aid Musical finished its run in Londonon Saturday 7 February 2026. The West End production opened in May 2025 following a successful North American run at CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre in Torontoand a record-breaking world premiere at London’s The Old Vic theatre where it became the theatre’s fastest selling musical ever.
Celebrating the iconic Live Aid concerts in London and Philadelphia, Just For One Day – The Live Aid Musical will continue to support the work of TheBand Aid Charitable Trust with £1.6million raised to date.
Just For One Day – The Live Aid Musical is written by John O’Farrell and directed by Luke Sheppard, with musical supervision, arrangements and orchestration by Matthew Brind, choreography by Ebony Molina and casting by Stuart Burt CDG.
JUST FOR ONE DAY – The Live Aid Musical was originally presented at The Old Vic theatre, London in January 2024 and was produced in the West End by Jamie Wilson Productions, Kevin McCollum, Sonia Friedman Productions, Gavin Kalin Productions, Kenny Wax, ATG Entertainment, David & Hannah Mirvish, Nederlander Presentations, Stephen C Byrd, Tilted, No Guarantees Productions, Burnt Umber Productions, Willette & Manny Klausner, Nicole Eisenberg, Hornos/Moellenberg and The Old Vic by permission of The Band Aid Charitable Trust.
Arresting chunky pink neon letters light our backdrop aptly spelling out Chunkyz, the Shisha Lounge setting for Mohamed-Zain Dada’s latest Olivier nominated play, Blue Mist. First shown at the Royal Court Upstairs in 2023, it’s touring England and currently playing in the heart of East London for five nights only.
In Chunkyz lounge, three childhood friends ascend from beneath the floorboards, through the mists of time, landing balletically on the bright green sofas of this community space to share a hookah and some gossip. A simple, clean set from designer Tomas Palmer pairs artfully with Elliot Grigg’s ethereal lighting design, enhancing the many unearthly sequences which seem intended to reflect protagonist Jihad’s inner turmoil.
Jihad, played with a light touch by Omar Bynon, is an aspiring journalist on the verge of giving up on his dreams when the opportunity to pitch a documentary idea for a podcast enters his realm. Friends Rashid – a wonderfully physical, funny and moving performance from Azan Ahmed – and Asif, played with great comic timing and physicality by Kashif Ghole, encourage him to be their success story. We’re in ends, West London where opportunities don’t grow on trees. Rash is a baggage handler at Heathrow and Asif has clawed his way up to assistant manager at a car rental firm. But as Jihad goes about finding his angle little do his old friends know that the ambitious reporter is about to exploit their shared and personal stories, told in the sanctity of Chunkyz. Will their friendship survive this gross breach of trust?
Chunky himself is present only through occasional voice over from the legendary Sanjeev Bhaskar but his journey is just as important to the story as the friends speculate on matters such as why Chunkyz is closed on Thursdays.
Milli Bhatia’s precise direction makes strong use of the clownish dynamic between Rash, Sif and Jihad to build in plenty of comic moments and there’s a standout scene where budding fitness trainer Rash delivers a boxing class to some aunties. It’s Asif who gets some of the best lines though with zingers like a date ordering half a chicken at Nando’s being a red flag for wifey material!
A deep affection for the uncles and aunties of the South Asian community represented shines through as Dada (Speed, Bush Theatre) once again unearths uncomfortable truths about the perceptions and reality of migrants living in Britain. This time he’s asking what the price is for gaining a stake in society and questioning the role the media plays in willfully misrepresenting young Muslim men.
Complex issues for complex times but not without a dash of charm and humour.
The season of five new plays, largely set in contemporary America
and exploring globally relevant themes, is directed by Andy Sandberg.
The Mainstage Season launches with three World Premieres:
Affluenza by Andy Sandberg runs 26 September to 21 November 2026
Tickets on sale from 11 am today
Sacrilegious by Academy Award winner Tom Schulman runs 5 December 2026 to 23 January 2027
Expecting by Scott Elmegreen & Drew Fornarola runs 30 January to 27 March 2027
Further productions, casting and creatives to be announced
Tickets from £25. Plus all seats £25 at the first preview of each production
Mainstage Season 26/27, a major season of five new plays directed by Andy Sandberg, will be performed at Riverside Studios from this September, launching with three world premieres. Affluenza, written and directed by Andy Sandberg, runs from 26 September to 21 November 2026 (press night 5 October), with tickets on sale today. Sacrilegious, by Tom Schulman, the Oscar-winning writer of the films Dead Poets Society and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, runs from 5 December 2026 to 23 January 2026 (press night 15 December). Expecting, by Scott Elmegreen & Drew Fornarola, runs from 30 January to 27 March 2027 (press night 9 February). Further productions and casting will be announced soon.
The Mainstage Season 26/27 at Riverside Studios will feature five original plays, each running for limited eight-week engagements between September 2026 and July of 2027. Andy Sandberg, Artistic Director of the Hermitage Artist Retreat in the U.S., serves as Season Artistic Director for the Mainstage and will be directing each production. It is expected that each play in the season will be a world premiere or a UK premiere; the final two plays in the season will be announced in the coming months. The plays are largely set in America while exploring globally relevant themes. A mix of comedies and dramas, the plays in the season are all intended to keep the conversation going long after the curtain falls.
The Mainstage at Riverside Studios is a 400-seat theatre in West London. In recent years, it has been home to Ulster American (starring Woody Harrelson & Andy Serkis), Second Best (starring Asa Butterfield), and Operation Mincemeat, among others.
Mainstage Season Artistic Director Andy Sandberg said today, ‘New writing has always been my passion, and there is nothing more exciting than discovering and nurturing a brilliant original play. Our hope is that each of these stories will resonate with audiences and become part of the theatrical canon for years to come. These are all timely and thought-provoking scripts designed to entertain while also inviting audiences to engage more deeply. I absolutely love working in the UK, and I am honoured to be working alongside a brilliant team of UK colleagues to bring this season to life. The experiences I have had directing in London have been some of the most gratifying of my career, and I can’t wait to launch these new productions at Riverside Studios.’
The Mainstage Season at Riverside Studios is presented by ABS Productions, Whitney Edwards, Flora Major, Judith Manocherian, Sondra Biller, and Berman-Cohen Productions. DEM Productions serves as General Manager.
World Premiere
Affluenza
Written and Directed by Andy Sandberg
26 September – 21 November 2026
Monday – Saturday at 7.30 pm
Thursday and Saturday matinees at 2.30 pm
(No performance, 1 October. Extra performance 4 October at 7.30 pm)
Captioned performance – 7th Nov at 2.30 pm
Privilege is inherited. So are the consequences.
When a teen’s drunken car ride ends in devastation, the verdict comes down to one question – is it possible to be too affluent to know the difference between right and wrong? Inspired by true events surrounding a shocking legal defence, Affluenza explores the ripple effects of power and privilege.
Set against the ultra-wealthy social haven of the Hamptons, Affluenza raises thought-provoking questions about moral accountability, family legacy, and the American justice system. Do any of us truly understand the cost and generational impact of privilege and opulence?
The world premiere of Affluenza is the first of five plays launching the Mainstage 26/27 season at Riverside Studios, each for a limited eight-week run. This biting and darkly funny new play is written and directed by Andy Sandberg.
Andy Sandberg (Director / Mainstage Season Artistic Director) is a New York-based director, writer, and Tony Award-winning producer. He is currently Artistic Director and CEO of the Hermitage Artist Retreat, a leading national arts incubator in the United States. Sandberg’s theatrical work has been represented in New York, London, and throughout the U.S. He directed the UK premieres of Alan Brody’s Operation Epsilon and Jeannette Bayardelle’s Shida, earning multiple Off-West End Award nominations, including Best Director and Best Musical. Additional world premieres as director in New York include Straight (NY Times Critics’ Pick); Application Pending (also co-author; BroadwayWorld Award: Best Off-Broadway Play, Drama Desk nom: Outstanding Solo Show, Winner: Book Pipeline Prize); Shida (Ars Nova and A.R.T., four AUDELCO noms., including Best Director, Best Musical), Craving for Travel (also co-author); and the Off-Broadway musicals The Last Smoker in America and Neurosis, among others. In New York, London, and at the Hermitage, he has directed dozens of workshops and readings of new plays and musicals, including works by Pulitzer Prize, Tony Award, Olivier Award, and Academy Award winners and nominees. He has also written the feature-length screenplays for the films Five More Minutes and Haul Out the Holly, two of Hallmark’s most highly rated Christmas movies. In 2009, at the age of 25, Sandberg became the youngest producer to win a Tony Award. Broadway and West End producing credits include the hit revival of Hair (2009 Tony Award, also West End); the Broadway revival of Gore Vidal’s The Best Man, starring James Earl Jones and Angela Lansbury (2012 Tony nom.); and Will Eno’s The Realistic Joneses, starring Toni Collette, Michael C. Hall, Tracy Letts, and Marisa Tomei. In his role as Artistic Director and CEO of the Hermitage, Sandberg has established the organisation as one of the preeminent new works incubators in the United States, celebrating and elevating the voices of diverse and accomplished artists spanning theatre, music, visual art, dance, film, literature, and more. He recently directed a workshop of Chris Bush’s Hermitage-commissioned play Orlando (FL) at London’s National Theatre. Sandberg is a graduate of Yale University, where he managed and performed with the Whiffenpoofs, the Dramat, and the Yale Alley Cats. He is a member of the Stage Directors & Choreographers Society (SDC), Actors Equity Association (AEA), and the Writers Guild of America (WGA).
World Premiere
Sacrilegious
A New Comedy by Tom Schulman
Directed by Andy Sandberg
5 December 2026 – 23 January 2027
Who says money can’t buy morality?
On the holiest day of the year, an idealistic young rabbi does the one thing nobody saw coming – he dares to challenge the billionaire president of his congregation, questions a multi-million-dollar donation, and ignites a battle for the hearts and minds of the entire community.
What follows is a razor-sharp contest between principle and power. As reputations unravel and loyalties are tested, the community congregation must decide whether morality can survive when there’s $30 million on the table.
Sacrilegiousis a smart, funny, and provocative new comedy that raises questions about what money can or can’t buy. Power, promiscuity, charity, and true love… it’s going to be one hell of a High Holy Days!
This world premiere, directed by Andy Sandberg, is written by Tom Schulman, the Academy Award-winning author of Dead Poets Society, What About Bob?, and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. Sacrilegious is the first original play from this Oscar-winning writer, who previously adapted his Dead Poets Society screenplay for the stage.
Playwright Tom Schulman wrote Dead Poets Society, for which he received an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. He subsequently adapted the film as a play, and the stage version premiered at Classic Stage Company in New York. He has written the screenplays to What About Bob?, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, Medicine Man, and Holy Man. He wrote and directed Eight Heads in a Duffle Bag, and he was an executive producer on Indecent Proposal and Me, Myself & Irene. He was the writer/producer of Welcome to Mooseport. With J.J. Abrams and Rafael Yglesias, he co-wrote and co-produced The Anatomy of Hope, a pilot for HBO. He wrote and directed Double Down South, a gambling thriller available on Amazon Prime. Most recently, he co-wrote and co-produced the upcoming podcast series One Lane Road with Callie Khouri, Trae Crowder, and T Bone Burnett. Schulman graduated from Vanderbilt University with a B.A. in Philosophy. He studied theatre and film with Jack Garfein at the Actors and Directors Lab, Los Angeles, and with director Joan Darling; he also directed the Actors’ Studio’s first West Coast production, Harold Pinter’s The Caretaker. Schulman has served on the board of directors and as Vice President of the Writers Guild of America; he is on the board of the Writers Guild Foundation, where he is a past President.
World Premiere
Expecting
By Scott Elmegreen & Drew Fornarola
Directed by Andy Sandberg
30 January – 27 March 2027
“Baby, we need to talk…”
Zoey and Ethan are deciding whether or not to have a baby. The rest of their lives are figured out, but there’s nothing sexier than family planning, right? Meanwhile, Zoey’s younger sister Trish already has her hands full with two kids – or three if you count her new boyfriend Matt.
Amidst falling birthrates and the ever-present chaos of adulthood, two couples who were once convinced they can ‘have it all’ find themselves asking what they truly want… and if there’s ever an opportunity to reframe. Career ambitions, brunch plans, and the fate of humanity hang in the balance – not to mention the daunting considerations of legacy, parenting, and ‘expectations.’ Is it ever really the right time?
Directed by Andy Sandberg, Expecting is a new play by Scott Elmegreen & Drew Fornarola that explores why couples are waiting longer to have kids… or debating whether to have them at all.
Playwright Scott Elmegreen is a writer and composer based in Brooklyn and Chicago. He teaches playwriting, musical theatre writing, and songwriting at the University of Chicago. His work has premiered on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and around the world, and has been adapted to film for theatrical release, HBO, and streaming on Hulu and Disney+. Scott’s plays and musicals include Straight, Tiananmen, Thucydides, Ghost of John McCain, Hip Hop Cinderella, Ivy+Bean, and The Magic School Bus.
Playwright Drew Fornarola has written for DreamWorks’ Shrek and VeggieTale franchises and is the founding artistic director of Starring Buffalo. He has written eight Off-Broadway shows, including Straight (NY Times Critics’ Pick) and Tilly the Trickster (with SNL’s Molly Shannon), and several films, including VeggieTales: Noah’s Ark, starring Wayne Brady (Netflix). He is the recipient of a 2026 NYSCA Support for Artists Grant, a Biller Social Impact Grant, the 2024 Artie Award for Best New Play, and 10 MAC Award Nominations for songwriting.
BILLY NEVERS ‘COLLINS’, LAZY VIOLET ‘MAUREEN’, DANIELLE FIAMANYA ‘JOANNE’,
JEEVAN BRAICH ‘ANGEL’ AND JOAQUIN PEDRO VALDES ‘BENNY’
JOINING THE PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED
GATEN MATARAZZO AS ‘MARK’
AT LONDON’S DUKE OF YORK’S THEATRE
FROM 26 SEPTEMBER 2026
DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND
BOOKING NOW EXTENDED UNTIL 27 MARCH 2027
Chris Harper Productions and Sonia Friedman Productions in association with Hope Mill Theatre are delighted to announce principal casting for the new production of Jonathan Larson’s Tony Award® and Pulitzer Prize winning musical RENT, directed by Olivier Award winner Luke Sheppard.
Joining the previously announced Gaten Matarazzo as Mark, will be Travis Ross as Roger, Bella Brown as Mimi, Billy Nevers as Collins, Lazy Violet as Maureen, Olivier Award nominee Danielle Fiamanya as Joanne, Jeevan Braich as Angel and Joaquin Pedro Valdes as Benny. Further casting to be announced soon.
It was also announced today that due to popular demand, booking for the show has now been extended until Saturday 27 March 2027.
Celebrating 30 years since the musical premiered on Broadway, RENT will begin performances at the Duke of York’s Theatre (soon to be renamed The Tom Stoppard Theatre) on 26 September 2026 with an opening night on 8 October 2026.
Producers Chris Harper and Sonia Friedman said, “One of the greatest privileges of producing theatre is discovering and championing exceptional new talent, and that’s exactly what this extraordinary young company represents. This remarkable group of actors embodies everything that has made Jonathan Larson’s RENT so enduring: individuality, honesty, fearlessness and generosity of spirit.
Nearly thirty years after it first changed the landscape of musical theatre, RENT remains as vital, urgent and life-affirming as ever. Its story of love, friendship, community and resilience continues to speak powerfully to every new generation, which is why it felt so important that this production should be led by the voices, vitality and authenticity of the artists performing it today. We can’t wait for audiences to discover these exceptional performers and experience the thrilling chemistry they’ve created together as they honour Jonathan Larson’s extraordinary legacy.”
Travis Ross’ (Roger) theatre credits include the role of Bobby in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, Cake: The Marie Antoinette Playlist, 42 Balloons and West Side Story. On screen, Travis is due to appear in the upcoming Apple TV series The Wanted Man.
Bella Brown (Mimi) most recently starred as Rapunzel in Into The Woods at the Bridge Theatre. Her previous theatre credits include Mistress/Alternate Evita in Jamie Lloyd’s Evita at the London Palladium, for which she received a WhatsOnStage Award nomination for Best Supporting Performer in a Musical, Fate in Hadestown at the Lyric Theatre, and Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends at the Gielgud Theatre.
Billy Nevers (Collins) is currently playing the role of Simon/Alternate Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar at the London Palladium, having previously starred in the production at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. His further theatre credits include the roles of Aaron Burr and Lafayette/Jefferson for the first UK and Ireland tour of Hamilton, Fred in Groundhog Day at The Old Vic, Francois in &Juliet at the Shaftesbury Theatre, and Legally Blonde at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.
Lazy Violet (Maureen) is no stranger to the role, having previously starred as Maureen in Landmark Theatre’s production of RENT. Their other credits include Katherine Howard in SIX The Musical for Norwegian Cruise Line, the UK tour and at the Arts Theatre, and Laura in Public the Musical at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Danielle Fiamanya (Joanne) recently starred as Fiona MacLaren in Brigadoon at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, for which she received an Olivier Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical. Her other stage credits include Lily in Otherland at the Almeida Theatre, Second Witch in the UK tour of Macbeth alongside Ralph Fiennes and Indira Varma, May in The Secret Life of Bees at the Almeida Theatre, Winnie Mandela in Mandela at the Young Vic, the original West End cast of Frozen at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, the original West End cast of &Juliet at the Shaftesbury Theatre and Nettie in the Curve Theatre production of The Color Purple, for which she won the Stage Debut Award for Best Actress in a Musical.
Jeevan Braich (Angel) won the WhatsOnStage Award for Best Professional Debut and the Stage Debut Award for Best Performer in a Musical for his performance as Rusty in Starlight Express at the Troubadour Wembley, as well as being nominated for a Black British Theatre Award.
Joaquin Pedro Valdes’ (Benny) theatre credits include Herakles in The Frogs at Southwark Playhouse, Borough, Alfred Hitchcock Presents at the Theatre Royal Bath, The Lightning Thief at The Other Palace, The Baker’s Wife and Pacific Overtures both at the Menier Chocolate Factory, Death Note at the London Palladium and Lyric Theatre and the UK and Ireland tour of The Lion King.
Gaten Matarazzo (Mark) gained international recognition for playing Dustin Henderson in the Netflix drama series Stranger Things, winning a Screen Actors Guild Award for his performance. On stage he most recently appeared as Tobias in the critically acclaimed production of Sweeney Todd at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on Broadway. His other Broadway credits include Jared Kleinman in Dear Evan Hansen at the Music Box Theatre, Jesus in Godspell at Circle in the Square and Frankie Epps in Parade at New York City Center. He also appeared as Jack in Into the Woods at the Hollywood Bowl.
Set in New York’s East Village, RENT follows a group of young artists, musicians and friends, navigating love, ambition and creativity while trying to build lives on their own terms. Inspired by Puccini’s La Bohème, this iconic musical captures the joy, uncertainty and resilience of a generation determined to make every moment count. Featuring an unforgettable score and a story that continues to resonate, RENT is a powerful celebration of community, connection and a call to live every minute as if it were your last. No day but today.
RENT has music, lyrics and book by Jonathan Larson. Itis directed by Luke Sheppard with choreography by Tom Jackson Greaves. Set design is by David Woodhead, costume design by Gabriella Slade, lighting design by Howard Hudson, audio production and sound design by Paul Gatehouse, video design and cinematography by George Reeve and Nathan Amzi, make-up and hair design by Jackie Saundercock, UK Casting by Pearson Casting CSA, CDG, CDA and US Casting by Jim Carnahan CSA. The musical supervisor is Bill Sherman and the musical director and associate musical supervisor is Katy Richardson, the intimacy director is Asha Jennings-Grant, the associate director is Priya Patel Appleby and the dialect coach is Joe Trill.
This production of RENT will be produced in the West End by Chris Harper Productions, Sonia Friedman Productions, Winkler & Smalberg and Julie Larson in association with the Hope Mill Theatre.
RENT was originally produced on Broadway by Jeffrey Seller, Kevin McCollum, Allan S. Gordon, and the New York Theatre Workshop.
STAGE AND SCREEN STAR BRIAN CONLEY TO RETURN AS ‘DOC BROWN’
FOR THE FIRST EVER UK TOUR
OF
PLAYING MILTON KEYNES THEATRE TUESDAY 9 – SATURDAY 27 FEBRUARY 2027
Lead producer Colin Ingram, together with Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale, the creators of the Back To The Future film trilogy, are delighted to announce that stage and screen star Brian Conley will join the UK tour of BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical when the show plays Milton Keynes Theatre (9 – 27 February 2027), returning to the role of Doc Brown, a role he previously played to great acclaim in the West End. He stars alongside Australian talent Axel Duffy as Marty McFly.
Brian Conley said, “There’s something incredibly special about taking this production on the road and sharing the magic, and I’m looking forward to bringing it to Milton Keynes Theatre – it’s always wonderful to perform there. Whether you’re seeing BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical for the first time or returning for another ride, I promise you’re in for 1.21 gigawatts of fun. Great Scott! I can’t wait to fire up the DeLorean again!”
Brian Conley is no stranger to the role, having starred as Doc Brown in BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical at the Adelphi Theatre. His many other West End credits include Franklin Hart in 9 to 5 The Musical at the Savoy Theatre, Edna Turnblad in Hairspray at the Shaftesbury Theatre, Caractacus Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the London Palladium, the title role in Jolsonat the Victoria Palace, for which he was nominated for an Olivier Award, and Bill in Me and My Girl at the Adelphi Theatre. His touring credits include the title role in Barnum and Fagin in Oliver!. Brian’s TV credits include An Audience with Brian Conley, The Grimleys and The Brian Conley Show, as well as appearing a record eight times on The Royal Variety Performance. Most recently he was on screen as Tom ‘Rocky’ Cotton in BBC’s EastEnders.
Brian Conley will not be performing on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 February 2027.
Roger Bart will play the role of Doc Brown at the Bristol Hippodrome (8 October – 21 November 2026) and Edinburgh Playhouse (2 December 2026 – 2 January 2027). Further casting for the role of Doc Brown, and the remaining company, is to be announced.
BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical is a global success, with productions currently running in North America, Japan, Royal Caribbean Cruises and Germany, with a French production to follow. The show has been seen by over 5 million people worldwide so far. The critically acclaimed Olivier, WhatsOnStage and Broadway World Award-winning Best New Musical played its final performance in London’s West End on Sunday 12 April 2026 after 5 years at the Adelphi Theatre, where it broke box office records and was seen by over 2.3 million people.
Based on the Universal Pictures/Amblin Entertainment film, BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical has a book by Bob Gale and new music and lyrics by Emmy and Grammy Award-winning Alan Silvestri and six-time Grammy Award-winning Glen Ballard, with additional songs from the film including The Power of Love and Johnny B. Goode.
BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical is directed by Tony Award-winning director John Rando (Urinetown, On The Town), alongside the multi Tony and Olivier Award-winning design team of Tim Hatley (set and costume design), Chris Bailey (choreography), Chris Fisher (Illusions), Tim Lutkin and Hugh Vanstone (lighting), Gareth Owen (sound) and Finn Ross (video), with musical supervision and arrangements by Nick Finlow. Orchestrations are by Ethan Popp and Bryan Crook, with dance arrangements by David Chase. Casting is by David Grindrod CDG for Grindrod Burton Casting.
Back to the Future the movie was released in 1985, starring Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly and Christopher Lloyd as Dr Emmett Brown – last year marked the 40th anniversary of the film’s release. The film grossed $360.6 million (£279 million) at the box office worldwide and the total box office for all three films in the Back to the Future franchise was $936.6 million (over $1.8 billion in today’s money).
BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musicalis produced by Colin Ingram, Frankel/Viertel/Baruch/Routh Group, Playing Field, CJ ENM, Universal Theatrical Group, Fin C Gray, Evolution Productions, Nicholson Green Productions, Augury, Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale.
