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Rising Stars Recognised with 2026 Laurence Olivier Bursaries

The Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and the Theatre Development Trust have awarded Laurence Olivier Bursaries to exceptional drama school students, providing them with vital financial support as they enter their final year of training.   

Now in its 39th year, the bursary scheme was established in 1987 to celebrate Laurence Olivier’s 80th birthday and continues to champion the next generation of acting talent. It is awarded to students who demonstrate extraordinary promise but face financial barriers to complete their training.  

In addition to the Theatre Development Trust, this year’s bursaries were made possible by the generous support of the Estate of Sir Peter and Lady Saunders, The Clothworkers’ Foundation, the estate of Carmen Silvera (via Barry Burnett), and The Casting Directors’ Guild.      

Nominees are put forward by drama schools across the UK and invited to audition in central London. Each nominee is also interviewed by a panel of theatre professionals, chaired by SOLT President and Executive Director at Sonia Friedman Productions, Kash Bennett.  

Past recipients include some of the UK’s most celebrated performers, such as Michaela Coel, Denise Gough, Paterson Joseph, Ewan McGregor, and Michael Sheen.  

Bursary recipients: 

Laurence Olivier Bursary

Donated by the Theatre Development Trust 

Bonnie Lowden (Manchester School of Theatre) 

Charlotte Jameson (Bristol Old Vic Theatre School) 

Finley Miller (ArtsEd) 

Jay Gherie (Rose Bruford College) 

The Sir Peter and Lady Saunders Laurence Olivier Bursary  

Donated by the Estate of Sir Peter and Lady Saunders 

Annie McGinn (Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama) 

The Clothworkers’ Laurence Olivier Bursary 

Given in conjunction with the Laurence Olivier Bursary, donated by The Clothworkers’ Foundation 

Jack Wright (The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama) 

Carmen Silvera Bursary   

Given in conjunction with the Laurence Olivier Bursary, donated by the agent Barry Burnett 

Jola Olajide (Guildhall School of Music & Drama) 

Phoebe Douglas (London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art) 

The Casting Directors’ Guild Bursary 

Given in conjunction with the Laurence Olivier Bursary, donated by The Casting Directors’ Guild

Asante Finlay (Urdang) 

Laurence Olivier Bursaries Panel: 

Kash Bennett (Executive Director at Sonia Friedman Productions, SOLT President and Bursary chair)  

Heather Basten (Casting Director and Member of The Casting Directors’ Guild)  

Lee Menzies (Producer and SOLT Member) 

Winnie Imara (Producer & Writer, and SOLT Associate Member)  

MATTHEW BOURNE’S NEW ADVENTURES,

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH FARNHAM MALTINGS,

ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF

DOORSTEP DUETS

BRINGING FREE DANCE PERFORMANCES TO COMMUNITIES

ACROSS SOUTH-EAST ENGLAND

FROM 14 JULY – 8 AUGUST 2026

Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures, in partnership with Farnham Maltings, is delighted to announce the return of Doorstep Duets, bringing free world-class dance performances to communities across the South-East of England this summer.

Now in its sixth year, Doorstep Duets was born in 2021 to combat social isolation by bringing the magic of live performance right to people’s doorsteps. We offer free, world-class dance-theatre experiences in local parks, town squares, and in partnership with local community organisations. By taking our work out of traditional theatres and directly into everyday spaces, we connect intimately with communities, captivate newcomers, and ensure the joy and wonder of dance is accessible to everyone.

This year, a brand-new piece called THE BENCHhas been created by choreographer Glenn Graham and will be performed by stars of Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures, Mark Austin, Benjamin Barlow Bazeley, Rosanna Lindsey, Mami Tomotani and Daisy West. Performances will begin on 14 July at Farnham Maltings, before visiting Surrey, Essex, Suffolk, Faversham, Canterbury, Dover, Margate, Ramsgate and Crawley.

Have you ever sat on a park bench and wondered who came before you, what they were thinking, and what hopes and fears they were hiding? The Bench tells the story of three people whose lives overlap in unexpected ways. It is a poetic and moving exploration of memory, connection, and the quiet moments that shape us. 

Choreographer Glenn Graham said, “Returning to choreograph for Doorstep Duets for a second time is a massive privilege. This project is incredibly close to my heart because it breaks down barriers, bringing high-quality dance theatre directly to communities who might otherwise never experience it. If this initiative had come to my hometown when I was growing up, I would have been introduced to this amazing art form sooner, giving me access to a whole new world.

With The Bench, I wanted to explore the shared histories and growth across different decades. It’s a beautifully relatable piece, and I’m so grateful to apply everything I learned from my first time around to create something that provokes thought, sparks the imagination, and makes everyone feel included in the magic of theatre.”

New Adventures is thrilled to be working with its 2026 partners: Farnham Maltings, The Children’s Trust, Mercury Theatre Colchester, Dance Network Association, Latitude Festival, The Alex in Faversham, Marlowe Theatre Canterbury, Future Foundry, ARK Cliftonville, Creative Crawley and Surrey Libraries.

Created with support from Arts Council England, The Backstage Trust and The Head Family.

Find out more www.new-adventures.net/doorstep-duets 

PERFORMANCE LISTINGS 2026

Farnham Maltings                               14 – 16 July

The Children’s Trust in Surrey                17 July

The Mercury Theatre in Essex               21 – 22, 24 July

Dance Network Association, Essex     23 July

Latitude Festival                                  25 July

The Alex in Faversham                        28 July

Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury          29 July

Future Foundry Dover                          30 July

Ark Cliftonville in Margate                   31 July

Ark Cliftonville in Ramsgate                1 August 

Creative Crawley                                3 – 4 August

Surrey Libraries                                     5 – 8 August

Please check the website for full performance times, including details of public performances: www.new-adventures.net/doorstep-duets

MYRA DUBOIS TO BOARD SHIP OF DREAMS AS RUTH IN OLIVIER AWARD WINNING

STARRING FOR 6 WEEKS FROM 1 SEPTEMBER – 11 OCTOBER

AT CRITERION THEATRE

london.titaniquemusical.com

Producers Eva Price and Michael Harrison are delighted to announce further casting news for their must sea, splash hit, Olivier Award Winning Titanique at the Criterion Theatre. Self-declared South Yorkshire Siren Myra DuBois is set to board the ship of dreams and star as Ruth for 6 weeks from 1 September to 11 October 2026. Prior to that, William Hanson extends his current run to Sunday 26 July due to popular demand and beloved original West End Ruth Stephen Guarino returns for 5 weeks from 28 July to 30 August 2026.

The critically acclaimed hit is currently booking through until January 2027 with tickets on sale at london.titaniquemusical.com.

Myra DuBois is a multi-award-winning comedian, singer and actress. She reached the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent and her screen credits include the feature film Everybody’s Talking About Jamie and ITV1’s Queens For The Night, on which she was the winning mentor. Her theatre work includes Death Drop at the Garrick Theatre, and her solo shows have played everywhere from the Edinburgh Fringe to Sydney Opera House.

Myra DuBois commented:“How thrilled I am to be joining the cast of Titanique in London’s glittering West End! I saw the show a few weeks back and had one of the best nights out in the theatre I’d had in a long time; gales of laughter from start to finish. And Ruth is the role of a lifetime. I can’t wait to sink my teeth into the character and give the part the dramatique gravitas, levity, brevity and integrity that this script is calling out for!”

William Hanson is an etiquette coach and co-host of award-winning podcast ‘Help I Sexted My Boss’, which has over 100 million streams. He is the author of five books, including the Sunday Times bestseller Just Good Manners, and in 2025, he completed his first solo tour, Solitary Refinement.

Stephen Guarino is a three-time Emmy-nominated American actor and comedian. His television credits include Happy Endings, I’m Dying Up Here and EastSiders. He is also the creator of the Off-Broadway cult hit improvised musical The Nuclear Family and a former Director of the CBS Diversity Showcase.

They join shipmates Lewis Francis as The Iceberg, Rose Galbraith as Rose, Astrid Harris as Céline Dion, Freddie King as Jack, Cameron Vear as Cal, Michael Vinsen as Victor Garber / Luigi and Nikki Wheeldon as Molly Brown; with AJ Lewis, Joi Lurrie and Corrine Priest as on-stage background vocalists. Finton Flynn, Josh Lovell and Charlotte Soo complete the cast as offstage understudies.

Further casting for Ruth from 11 October is to be announced. 

★★★★★
The Times, Daily Mail, Sunday Express, Sunday Mirror, Gay Times, London Theatre

 Titaníque is the hysterical musical comedy bursting with nostalgia, non-stop laughs and killer vocals. Featuring all your favourite Céline Dion hits, including My Heart Will Go On, All by Myself and To Love You More, all backed by a sensational live band. 

Celebrated as ‘The West End’s Funniest Musical’ (Smooth Radio), Titaníque is brilliant and bonkers fun. ‘If you love the film Titanic or Celine Dion, you’ll love Titaníque. Hell, if you couldn’t care less about them, you’ll love it’ (Mail on Sunday). 

It’s the musical that’s making hearts go on… and on, so get on board as this ship of dreams is one voyage you simply can’t miss!

Co-written by Tye Blue, Marla Mindelle and Constantine Rousouli, Titanique celebrated its Off-Broadway premiere in June 2022 at Asylum Theater, starring the musical’s co-authors Mindelle and Rousouli as Céline Dion and Jack Dawson. After several sold-out extensions, the musical transferred to the Daryl Roth Theatre on 20 November 2022 where it played until 15 June 2025. As well as New York and London, the musical comedy has had smash hit runs in Paris, Sydney, Montreal and Toronto. Titanique made its Broadway debut at the St. James Theatre in March 2026, receiving four Tony Award Nominations including Best Musical.

Titanique is directed by Tye Blue and choreographed by Ellenore Scott. Music Supervision, Arrangements and Orchestrations are by IRNE Award-Winner Nicholas James Connell,Scenic Design is by Gabriel Hainer Evansohn and Grace Lauchbacher for Iron Bloom Creative Production; Costume Design is by Alejo Vietti; Lighting Design is by Paige Seber; and Sound Design is by Lawrence Schober with casting by Pearson Casting CDG and Richard Johnston (for cast joining from 9 June).

In addition to its 2026 Tony Award Nominations and 2025 Olivier Award for Best New Comedy, Titanique won seven major awards during the 2022/23 theatre season, including three Lucille Lortel Awards, the Off-Broadway Alliance Award for Best New Musical, Las Culturistas Culture Award for Best Indoor Performance and two Dorian Awards.

The London production of Titaniqueis produced by Eva Price and Michael Harrison.

Charlie Brooks & Max Brown

in the world premiere of

The Hidden Dangers of Camping

EastEnders legend, Queen of the Jungle and Strictly Come Dancing Christmas winner Charlie Brooks (The Ocean at the End of the Lane, A Streetcar Named Desire) will star alongside Max Brown (Downton Abbey, The Tudors, The Sister Boniface Mysteries) in the world premiere of The Hidden Dangers of Camping, a new play by Liesl Wilke, directed by Bronagh Lagan (Oliver-nominated Cruise in the West End).

One family. One weekend. Everything changes. When Casey’s life is shaken by her daughter’s choices, she’s pulled back to a childhood camping trip that wasn’t as perfect as it seemed. As past and present collide, long buried truths surface.

The Hidden Dangers of Camping, at Windsor Theatre Royal, 

Friday 17 July – Saturday 25 July, minis a gripping, emotional drama about family, secrets, and growing up too soon. Funny, honest, and quietly heartbreaking.

The cast also features:
Polly Allen (Hetty Feather, BBC)
Alix Dunmore (The Sister Boniface Mysteries, BBC)
Sandra James-Young (Small Island, National Theatre)
Sophie Mensah (The Cage, BBC)
Scarlett Nunes (The Crucible, Shakespeare’s Globe)
Stephen Rahman-Hughes (The King’s Speech, The Watermill Theatre)
Olivia Woolhouse (Noises Off, Stephen Joseph Theatre)
Jess Nesling (The Constant Wife, RSC)

Creative team:
Writer Liesl Wilke
Director Bronagh Lagan
Casting Director Rob Kelly
General Management: Thomas Hopkins Productions
Producer: Thomas Hopkins

Bronagh Lagan – Director
Bronagh Lagan is an award-winning theatre director who has directed across the West End, major UK regional theatres and international opera houses. Bronagh directed the Olivier-nominated Cruise by Jack Holden, the first new play to reopen the West End following the pandemic, at both the Duchess and Apollo Theatres. She later directed the filmed version at Shoreditch Town Hall, which won the ONCOMM Award for Best Recorded Show. She directed the London premiere of Flowers for Mrs Harris starring Olivier Award-winner Jenna Russell, reimagined Rags by Charles Strouse and Stephen Schwartz in collaboration with Schwartz for a new actor-musician production, and directed the world premiere of Umm Kulthum & the Golden Era, the first bilingual English-Arabic musical of its kind, staged at the London Palladium, the National Theatre of Bahrain and Dubai Opera House.

Liesl Wilke – Playwright
Liesl Wilke is a North Carolina-native writer of novels, short stories, screenplays and stage plays. She holds a sociology degree from Princeton University and a law degree from the University of North Carolina. Her work for the stage includes Stalled the Musical (King’s Head Theatre), alongside award-winning novels Circle of Three (Writer’s Digest) and Unfurling Lily (PNWA). Her short fiction – including Ordinary Commerce, Of Crab Traps and Fisherwomen, and Stalled Symphony (winner of the 2011 Raymond Carver Short Story Contest) – has been widely recognised and published in journals such as G.W. Review, Short Story, and Narrative Magazine. Stalled Symphony has also inspired further screen and musical adaptations. She is currently developing a slate of television and film projects including her award-winning short film Lines (writer-producer). Her producing credits include Lines, as well as projects such as The Rebel Girls, One For The Team, and The Gymnast. Alongside her writing, she is an active theatre investor and producer, with credits including Rose, Drag! The Musical, Your Lie in April: The Musical, and Real Women Have Curves, and continues to support the development of new work including Missing Peace (NAMT) and Distant Thunder.

Thomas Hopkins Productions (THP) – Producer
Thomas Hopkins Productions (THP) was founded in 2019 by award winning theatre, film,television and radio producer Thomas Hopkins. Since its inception, THP has worked on hundreds of live theatrical productions, as well as numerous projects created and filmed specifically for platforms including Sky, BBC, Amazon Prime, BroadwayHD, Broadway On Demand, and Digital Theatre Plus.

THP is recognised as an industry leader, specialising in transatlantic partnerships and supporting productions through its full service organisation.

THP’s Broadway credits include Robert Icke’s Oedipus, the new musical Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York), Liberation, KENREX, Data, and Prince Faggot.

In the UK, THP’s work includes the return of the critically acclaimed tour of The Talented Mr Ripley, and Allegra starring Dame Maureen Lipman. In London, THP will produce the UK premiere of The Jonathan Larson Project. In 2025, THP produced This Bitter Earth, directed by Grammy, Emmy and three time Tony Award-winning Billy Porter at Soho Theatre in the West End, alongside the highly regarded Rose, starring Dame Maureen Lipman at the Ambassadors Theatre.

THP is passionate about creating new theatrical experiences and producing ambitious work at the highest level.

Current projects in development include a major new version of Boy George’s autobiographical musical Taboo, with a new book by Boy George and Olivier Award winner Jack Holden, planned for 2027. THP will also produce a major UK revival of Alan Menken and Howard Ashman’s Little Shop of Horrors, directed by Tony nominated Carrie-Anne Ingrouille, opening at Hope Mill Theatre for a 10-week run followed by a six-week run at Liverpool Playhouse.

www.thproductions.co.uk

Thomas Hopkins
presents

THE HIDDEN DANGERS OF CAMPING
by Liesl Wilke

Directed by Bronagh Lagan

Theatre Royal, Windsor
32 Thames Street,
Windsor
SL4 1PS

Friday 17 July – Saturday 25 July

Monday – Saturday
at 7.30pm

Thursday & Saturday
at 2.30pm

Tickets from £15

The first 2 performances
are previews

Box Office
01753 853888

MARK GOLDTHORP WILL PLAY THE ROLE OF ‘BILL’ IN

“MAMMA MIA!” AT THE NOVELLO THEATRE

FROM MONDAY 24 AUGUST 2026

Mark Goldthorp will play the role of Bill from Monday 24 August in the global smash hit musical MAMMA MIA! at London’s Novello Theatre, a Delfont Mackintosh Theatre.  He is replacing Tamlyn Henderson, who leaves to appear in Thelma and Louise at the Young Vic.

Mark Goldthorp is appearing as Bill in the current UK Tour of MAMMA MIA!.  Other theatre credits include A Christmas Carol (Old Vic), Mary Poppins (Prince Edward Theatre), Sunset Boulevard (London Coliseum), Matilda (Cambridge Theatre), Into the Woods (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Avenue Q (Noel Coward and Gielgud Theatres), The Drowsy Chaperone (original London cast, Novello Theatre), The Woman in White (original London cast, Palace Theatre) and Les Misérables (Palace Theatre).

MAMMA MIA! celebrated its 27^th birthday on 6 April 2026 and is the third longest running West End musical of all time.

Since premiering in London’s West End in 1999, the exhilarating smash-hit has become a global phenomenon, with over 70 million people having seen it worldwide. The musical returned to Broadway, at the musical’s original home, the Winter Garden Theatre, on 2 August 2025 for a highly successful limited six-month run until 1 February 2026.  Originally opening in New York in 2001, the production played for a record-breaking 14 years at the Winter Garden and then at the Broadhurst Theatre, making it Broadway’s ninth longest-running show of all time.  A new UK Tour began on 24 October 2025 and will run through to 30 January 2027.

The sunny, funny tale of a mother, a daughter and three possible dads on a Greek island idyll, all unfolding to the magic of ABBA’s timeless pop masterpieces, has been seen in over 50 productions in 16 different languages, grossing more than £4.5 billion at the box office, and turned into two record-breaking movies – MAMMA MIA! The Movie and MAMMA MIA! Here We Go Again.

The London cast stars Sara Poyzer as Donna, Kate Graham as Tanya, Nicky Swift as Rosie, Richard Standing as Sam, Daniel Crowder as Harry, Tamlyn Henderson as Bill, Ellie Kingdon as Sophie, George Maddison as Sky, Chloe Gentles as Ali, Foxy Valentine as Lisa, Joshua de La-Garde as Eddie and Benjamin Dawson as Pepper, with Emma Odell playing Donna at certain performances.  Also in the cast are Franky Attard, Matthew Barrow, Ella Beaumont, Jack Bromage, Maddy Cameron, Dennis Cousins, Joseph Craig, Josh Crowther, Andrew Gallo, Lawrence Guntert, George Hinson, Genevieve Jameson, Laura Jayne-Hardie, Deena Kapadia, Matthew Mori, Tom Parsons, Meghan Peploe-Williams, Emily Squibb, Ria Turner and Maisie Waller. 

MAMMA MIA! originally opened in London at the Prince Edward Theatre on 6 April 1999, before transferring to the Prince of Wales Theatre in 2004, and then to the Novello Theatre in 2012.  The London production of MAMMA MIA! has been seen by over 11 million people, played over 10,000 performances and has broken box office records in all three of its London homes.  In February 2024, it set a new record for the highest ever weekly gross in the musical’s London history and, on 28 December 2024, achieved the production’s highest ever grossing performance.  As part of MAMMA MIA!’s 25^th year celebrations, Judy Craymer was Executive Producer of ITV’s MAMMA MIA! I Have a Dream, which searched for new young talent to join the stage musical.  One of the finalists, Maisie Waller, joined the London company in 2024 and has now been promoted to first cover for Sophie.

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

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

MAMMA MIA! is produced by Judy Craymer, Richard East & Björn Ulvaeus for Littlestar in association with Universal Music Group.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Novello Theatre

Aldwych

London WC2B 4LD

Ticket Prices: from £17.50*

*Tickets priced £50 and under will include a £2.50 booking fee and tickets over £50 will include a £3.50 booking fee, with all ticket prices including a £1.90 restoration levy.

Early Bird Pricing – anyone booking 12 weeks or more in advance of the performance they are attending (Monday to Thursday performances only) will save £20 on Band B, Band A and Premium tickets, but only through Delfont Mackintosh Theatres, either online or by calling the Novello Theatre Box Office.

Family Ticket Rate – £199 for a group of four on Band B or Band A tickets (up to a saving of £151), OR £99 for a group of four on Band D and Band C tickets (up to a saving of £111), for Monday to Thursday performances, excluding peak performances, but only through Delfont Mackintosh Theatres, either online or by calling the Novello Theatre Box Office.

Seniors Ticket Rate – people aged 60 and above can purchase tickets up to £98.50 each reduced to £37.50 (including booking fee) for valid Thursday matinees.  Exclusions: 30 March – 11 April, 25-30 May, 20 July – 31 August and 26-31 October 2026, 21 December 2026 – 2 January 2027 and 15-20 February 2027.

Group Rate for groups of 10+: Band A £80, Band A £95, Band B £65, Band B £75, Band C £50, Band C £60 (Stalls, Dress Circle and Gand Circle) all priced at £42.50 each, valid on Monday to Friday performances.  Exclusions apply.

Group Rate for groups of 20+: Band A £80, Band A £95, Band B £65, Band B £75, Band C £50, Band C £60 (Stalls, Dress Circle and Gand Circle) all priced at £39.50 each, valid on Monday to Friday performances.  Exclusions apply.

Performance Times:

Monday – Saturday 7.30pm

Matinees – Thursdays & Saturdays 3.00pm*

*Extra Tuesday 3.00pm matinees on 7 April, 30 June, 11 August, 27 October 2026 and 16 February 2027.

Captioned performance (StageText): 3.00pm, 16 January 2027

Audio described performance (and touch tour) (VocalEyes): 3.00pm, 23 January 2027

Christmas 2026/27 Performance Schedule

Monday 21 December                                3.00pm and 7.30pm

Tuesday 22 December                               7.30pm

Wednesday 23 December                         3.00pm and 7.30pm

Thursday 24 December                              NO PERFORMANCE

Friday 25 December                                   NO PERFORMANCE

Saturday 26 December                              7.30pm

Sunday 27 December                                 3.00pm and 7.30pm

Monday 28 December                                NO PERFORMANCE

Tuesday 29 December                               3.00pm and 7.30pm

Wednesday 30 December                         3.00pm and 7.30pm

Thursday 31 December                             2.00pm

Friday 1 January 2027                               3.00pm and 7.30pm

Saturday 2 January                                    3.00pm and 7.30pm

Sunday 3 January                                      NO PERFORMANCE

Booking to 13 March 2027

The performance lasts 2 hours and 35 minutes (including a 15-minute interval)

Box Office: 0344 482 5151

http://www.mamma-mia.com/

Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/MammaMiaMusical

@MammaMiaMusical 

X:

https://twitter.com/mammamiamusical

@MammaMiaMusical 

TikTok: 

https://www.tiktok.com/@mammamiaworldwide

@mammamiaworldwide

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/mammamiamusical

@MammaMiaMusical 

#MammaMiaMusical

#MammaMiaLondon 

CLUB NVRLND

THE IMMERSIVE NIGHTCLUB MUSICAL

TO TRANSFER TO

THE VAULTS, WATERLOO

FROM 14 NOVEMBER 2026 – 31 JANUARY 2027

Book by Jack Holden

Conceived & directed by Steven Kunis

Featuring music from Britney Spears, Rihanna, P!nk, Outkast, Coldplay and many more

Following last year’s sold-out Edinburgh Festival run, producers David Adkin, RJG Productions, and Midnight Theatricals in association with NewYorkRep are delighted to announce that Club NVRLND, the immersive nightclub phenomenon, will transfer to The Vaults, Waterloo from Saturday 14 November 2026 until Saturday 31 January 2027.

Conceived and directed by Steven Kunis (Hir, Straight White Men), with a book by Olivier Award-winning Jack Holden (Cruise, KENREX), Club NVRLND is a high-energy immersive musical, transforming The Vaults into Peter Pan’s underground nightclub, where audiences become part of the party revelling in nostalgia, exhilaration and youthful abandon. Set to the biggest 2000s anthems by legends including Britney Spears, Rihanna, P!nk, Outkast, Coldplay and many more, audiences are invited to leave their worries at the door and lose themselves on the dancefloor!

Casting to be announced.

Welcome to NVRLND, where the party goes straight on till morning.

When runaway bride Wendy Darling stumbles back into Peter’s world, she’s forced to question everything she thought she wanted. Offered the chance to rewrite her story, Wendy’s thrown back into a world of intoxicating fun and reckless adventure.

Club NVRLND premiered at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where it sold out every performance. This nightclub musical event is an irreverent, high-energy, immersive party where fairy dust is in the air, the drinks flow, and the night is always young.

The productionhas choreography by Ashley Nottingham, executive music production and arrangements by Hugo Dunn-Vereker, set and costume design by Suzu Sakai, lighting design by Oliver Award-nominee Robbie Butler, sound design by Sound Quiet Time, casting direction by Lucy Casson, music production & arrangements by Liam James, Kieran Smith & Gregor Philp post-production & mastering by Robin Sutherland and vocal arrangements by Simon Nathan, music supervision by Colm O’Regan with Aida Rocci as creative producer.

Club NVRLND is produced by David Adkin, RJG Productions, and Midnight Theatricals in association with NewYorkRep and is presented by arrangement with Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity and Concord Theatricals Ltd.

Website: ClubNVRLND.com

Instagram/TikTok/YouTube: @ClubNVRLND

Facebook: @CLUB-NVRLND

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Club NVRLND

14 November 2026 – 31 January 2027

The Vaults

Leake Street

SE1 7NN

Box Office: 0207 401 9603

www.clubnvrlnd.com
Tickets: from £30

Performance times: 

November to December 2026

Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday – 20:00

Thursday – 18:30 & 22:00

Saturday – 16:30 & 20:00

Sunday – 16:30

January to March 2027

Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday – 20:00

Friday – 18:30 & 22:00

Saturday – 16:30 & 20:00

Sunday – 16:30

Age guidance: 16+

Running time: Approximately 100 minutes. The nightclub opens before the performance begins and continues after the show ends, allowing audiences to party in NVRLND late into the evening.

NEW YORK, PLEASE LOOK AFTER THIS BEAR.

“★★★★★ IT WILL FILL YOU WITH JOY AND MELT YOUR HEART.” – Guardian

THE OLIVIER AWARD-WINNING, RECORD-BREAKING SENSATION

WILL OPEN ON BROADWAY IN SPRING 2027

Performances Begin Tuesday, March 30, 2027

Officially Opens Sunday, April 18, 2027

At Broadway’s Al Hirschfeld Theatre

Tickets Now On Sale at www.PaddingtonTheMusical.com

“★★★★★ THE MOST WONDERFUL THEATRICAL CREATION IN YEARS.” – The Standard

“★★★★★ A MARMALADE-FLAVORED MASTERPIECE.” – The Daily Mail

“★★★★★ A TRIUMPH. A LOVE LETTER TO KINDNESS, INCLUSION AND FAMILY.” – Daily Express

Sonia Friedman Productions, STUDIOCANAL and Eliza Lumley Productions on behalf of Universal Music UK are thrilled to announce that the record-breaking, smash hit, seven-time Olivier Award-winning Best New Musical PADDINGTON The Musical will begin performances Tuesday, March 30, 2027 and officially open Sunday, April 18, 2027 at Broadway’s Al Hirschfeld Theatre (302 West 45^th Street). Tickets start at $69 and are now on sale at www.PaddingtonTheMusical.com.

Based on the beloved “A Bear Called Paddington”written by Michael Bond and the award-winning film ‘PADDINGTON,’ by special arrangement with STUDIOCANAL, PADDINGTON The Musical features music and lyrics by Olivier Award winner Tom Fletcher, a book by Olivier Award winner Jessica Swale anddirection by Olivier Award winner Luke Sheppard.

PADDINGTON The Musical is the most awarded new musical in the history of London’s West End. The show won seven 2026 Olivier Awards, tying the record for the most the number of wins for any musical in Olivier Award history – including winning Best New Musical, Best Director for Luke Sheppard, Best Set Design for Tom Pye and Ash J Woodward, and Best Costume Design for Gabriella Slade and Tahra Zafar – the latter, who designed the bear. The production also received a record nine WhatsOnStage Awards – the most for any new musical – including winning Best New Musical, Best Direction for Luke Sheppard, Best Set Design for Tom Pye, Best Costume Design for Gabriella Slade and Tahra Zafar, Best Sound Design for Gareth Owen, Best Wigs, Hair and Make-Up Design for Campbell Young Associates; Best Musical Supervision/Direction for Matt Brind and Best Casting Direction for Natalie Gallacher, for Pippa Ailion & Natalie Gallacher Casting, Nick Hockaday and Annabelle Davis. The production also recently won the Critics’ Circle Award for Best New Musical.

Composer Tom Fletcher said: “It has been the greatest adventure of my career to be entrusted with bringing Paddington’s story to life on stage alongside my brilliant creative collaborators Jessica, Luke and our producers Sonia and Eliza. The response from West End audiences of all ages has been unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. It’s a great privilege to welcome New York audiences into Paddington’s world of curiosity and I am absolutely thrilled at the opportunity for this very rare and special bear to be on Broadway.”

Book Writer Jessica Swale said, “I couldn’t be more excited to bring Paddington to New York. As a city that breathes theatre, storytelling and imagination, Broadway is the perfect place to celebrate this exuberant and heart-filled story. I can’t wait. Let’s just hope Paddington loves Big Apples as much as he loves oranges.”

Director Luke Sheppard said, “Paddington approaches life with curiosity, kindness and an unwavering sense of adventure, and what an adventure Broadway will be. It’s a dream come true to be bringing this joyful show to New York and I can’t wait for audiences to meet this very special bear that we all hold so close to our hearts.”

Producers Sonia Friedman and Eliza Lumley said, “Producing Paddington The Musical with our extraordinary writing and creative team has been an immense privilege. Paddington Bear has endured for generations because he reminds us of the best of ourselves: kindness, curiosity, empathy and the belief that everyone deserves to belong. Wrapped inside a joyful theatrical adventure, with Tom Fletcher’s exceptional score at its heart, is a story about finding home, family and community in unexpected places. We have been genuinely blown away by the response to the production so far and are thrilled to be bringing it to Broadway. As the home of so many of the world’s great musicals, there is no more exciting place to produce new work than New York, and we cannot wait to share Paddington’s world with Broadway audiences.”

Anna Marsh, CEO of STUDIOCANAL, Chief Content Officer of CANAL+, expands “It is an immeasurable privilege to bring Paddington the Musical to Broadway with Sonia, Eliza and the exceptional team they have assembled. To witness their collective gift in bringing Paddington to life on stage has been a masterclass in production. Over the past 12 years we have put such genuine care into honoring Michael Bond’s legacy with our films, series and as proud owners of the IP. We cannot wait for a new audience to delight in the heart, humor, wonder and magic of Paddington’s Broadway debut.”

★★★★★

“PADDINGTON THE MUSICAL WILL CONQUER THE WORLD.” – The I

★★★★★

“ABSOLUTE PERFECTION.” – Sunday Mirror & Sunday Express

★★★★★

“IS IT POSSIBLE TO GIVE A SHOW SIX STARS?” – Metro

PADDINGTON The Musical features musical supervision, orchestrations and arrangements by Olivier Award nominee Matt Brind; choreography by Tony and Olivier Award nominee Ellen Kane; scenic design by Olivier Award winner and Tony Award nominee Tom Pye; costume design by Tony and Olivier Award winner Gabriella Slade; Paddington and puppet design by Olivier Award winner Tahra Zafar; lighting design by Tony and Olivier Award winner Neil Austin; sound design by Tony and Olivier Award winner Gareth Owen; video design and animation by Olivier Award winner Ash J Woodward; hair, wig and makeup design by Campbell Young Associates; casting by Jim Carnahan Casting, Jim Carnahan, CSA. and Jason Thinger, CSA; and Paddington Casting Consultant Annabelle Davis.

The most award-winning new musical in West End history is playing to sold-out audiences and capturing the hearts of all ages. Now, Paddington is packing his suitcase and preparing for his next adventure: Broadway.

In PADDINGTON The Musical, a small, lost bear from Peru arrives in London in search of a place to call home. A chance encounter with the Browns leads him into an unexpected world of adventure, where kindness has the power to change lives and strangers can become family.

But London isn’t all afternoon tea and friendly faces—and even the seemingly happiest of families can have cracks beneath the surface. So, when a mysterious and vengeful villain sets her sights on Paddington, the Browns embark on a thrilling rescue mission, realizing they need this special bear as much as he needs them.

Filled with laughter, wonder, spectacular songs, dazzling choreography, and generous helping of marmalade, PADDINGTON The Musical is based on Michael Bond’s beloved characters, with a story inspired by the award-winning films developed and produced by STUDIOCANAL with Heyday films and distributed by STUDIOCANAL worldwide. It features original music and lyrics by Tom Fletcher, a book by Jessica Swale, and direction by Luke Sheppard.

New York, please look after this bear.

‘PADDINGTON The Musical – Original Cast Recording’, written by Tom Fletcher and produced by Matt Brind, is out now on Decca Records and available to stream here. The album is the fastest-selling physical West End Original Cast Recording of the 21^st Century in the UK. Less than 6 months since PADDINGTON The Musical opened in the West End, the Paddington album, recently released on vinyl, CD, cassette and Yoto, topped the Official UK Compilation Chart. Not since the 1990s has a recording of original music for a brand-new stage production reached this level of popularity so quickly. Passers-by stopped in their tracks when Paddington was spotted on the famous Abbey Road Studios crossing. This led to him gracing the cover of Rolling Stone UK Magazine, in another first for the unassuming bear.

Michael Bond’s “A Bear Called Paddington” was published in 1958 by Collins, later Harper Collins – the first of 29 Paddington books he wrote, with the final one “Paddington at St. Paul’s,” published posthumously in 2018. The books have sold over 35 million copies worldwide.

Paddington has been adapted for television several times – first by the BBC in 1976, voiced by Michael Hordern; and most recently by STUDIOCANAL who developed and produced three series of Emmy & Annie award-winning “The Adventures of Paddington” with Heyday Films, Simon Quinn and Karen Davidson. Paddington has enjoyed three successful big-screen outings released in cinemas to critical and commercial acclaim, developed and produced by STUDIOCANAL with Heyday films and distributed by STUDIOCANAL worldwide. A fourth feature film is in development with Armando Iannucci attached to the write the script with his co-writer Simon Blackwell. Also in development is a new animated Paddington feature film which will introduce Paddington to a new younger generation across all geographies and with an exciting new look for Paddington. As proud owners of the Paddington IP, STUDIOCANAL has grown Paddington into a globally recognized brand over the past 12 years. The Paddington films are the highest-grossing independent family franchise of all time, with over $800 million in box office worldwide, including Paddington in Peru, released through Sony Pictures in the US. 

★★★★★

“AN ABSOLUTE TRIUMPH THAT YOU NEED TO SEE.” – Digital Spy

★★★★

“A FUNNY, FEEL-GOOD SENSATION.” – The Telegraph

“IRRESISTABLY JOYFUL.” – Observer

Follow PADDINGTON The Musical on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok at @PaddingtonOnBway.

For tickets and more information visit www.PaddingtonTheMusical.com.

#            #            #

Sonia Friedman Productions, STUDIOCANAL and Eliza Lumley Productions on behalf of Universal Music UK present

PADDINGTON THE MUSICAL

Music and Lyrics by Tom Fletcher Book by Jessica Swale

Directed by Luke Sheppard

Based on “A Bear Called Paddington” written by Michael Bond and the film ‘Paddington’, by special arrangement with STUDIOCANAL

SHAFTESBURY THEATRE 
IN WEST END TO BE RENAMED  
JUDI DENCH THEATRE

The Shaftesbury Theatre, the largest independent theatre in the West End,today announces the theatre will be renamed the Judi Dench Theatre in honour of Dame Judi Dench. The renaming, set to take place in February 2027, celebrates Dame Judi’s unparalleled contribution to British theatre and the performing arts, marking a historic moment for one of the West End’s most iconic stages.

This tribute to one of the greatest actors of our time, will ensure Dame Judi’s legacy continues to inspire future generations of performers and audiences alike.

Dame Judi Dench was a founding member of the Theatre of Comedy, a collective of actors and authors who had part shares in the Shaftesbury Theatre. The Theatre of Comedy helped ensure the continuance of the theatre in the ‘80s and early ‘90s, through the producing of comedies, starring many members of the Theatre of Comedy Company. Furthermore, her role in As Time Goes By, which ran for nine series, cemented her links to the Taffner family, whose company produced the show, and also own the theatre. Throughout her life Dame Judi has given lasting commitment to live performance, alongside being one of the most known figures in the film and TV industries. Her huge talent on stage ranges from Shakespeare to comedy to musical theatre – echoing the Shaftesbury’s own programming over the years.

Dame Judi Dench said, “The Shaftesbury Theatre has always held a special place in my heart. My relationship to the Theatre of Comedy and to the Taffner family goes back many years and to have this beautiful theatre renamed after me is truly overwhelming. Live theatre continues to be so important as a way of telling stories and entertaining audiences, something I have aimed to do all my working life.” 

Chairman Donald Taffner Jnr. said “Dame Judi has been a close friend of the DLT family for so long, particularly from her involvement with As Time Goes By, and we will always treasure the time she made in her busy schedule to make the programme. We have such fond memories of Judi at the Shaftesbury from the meetings for the Theatre of Comedy members to when her husband was performing in a number of the Theatre of Comedy productions. Aside from business, my parents would often talk about how much they enjoyed spending time with Judi and Michael in both NY and London. We are therefore delighted to recognise her extraordinary talent and extensive contribution to many in the renaming of our theatre. ” 

Chief Executive Eleanor Lang said,“We are so excited to rename the Shaftesbury Theatre in honour of Dame Judi. Not only does she play an important role in our history, but she is an iconic figure of the stage and screen landscape. We don’t celebrate brilliant women enough in our West End theatre names, so we are delighted that her name will be forever in lights above our doorway.”

A grade II listed building, built in 1911 and originally named New Prince’s Theatre, it was the first steel frame theatre in the West End and is the only London theatre with a dome which opens. In 1962 the theatre was renamed Shaftesbury Theatre due to the original Shaftesbury Theatre (further along Shaftesbury Avenue) being destroyed in the Blitz.

This next phrase of the renovation will include restoration of the dome in the auditorium where a specially commissioned painting will take inspiration from the original,  renewal of some of the decorative designs alongside the next phase of auditorium redecoration and recarpeting. This period will also see other improvement works in the theatre including enhancing backstage areas.

Avenue Q currently is booking until 3 January 2027. Recent productions also include & Juliet, Mrs Doubtfire and Just For One Day – The Live Aid Musical.

Scheduled refurbishment which has already begun will continue to early 2027. The theatre remains open during this period performing to two levels whilst the work is carried out.

Shaftesbury Theatre is owned by DLT Entertainment.

www.shaftesburytheatre.com

LISTINGS

Shaftesbury Theatre
210 Shaftesbury Ave, London, WC2H 8DP

Box Office: 020 7379 5399

www.shaftesburytheatre.com
Instagram: shaftesbury_theatre
Facebook: Shaftesbury Theatre

Realities in Motion

Various Sheffield Venues – until Monday 15th June 2026

Reviewed by Claire Moore

5*****

Founded in 1993, Sheffield DocFest has grown from a two-day event into the UK’s biggest documentary festival and the third largest in the world. This year, with 23 venues spread across the city, it transformed Sheffield into a hub of creativity, conversation and storytelling.

This was my first experience of DocFest and, having spent several days moving between venues across the city, I quickly found myself caught up in the atmosphere it creates.

For anyone who hasn’t been before, DocFest is much more than film screenings. Alongside documentaries from around the world, there are Q&As with filmmakers, panel discussions, industry talks, round tables, immersive and virtual reality experiences, exhibitions, networking events, parties and awards ceremonies. There are also opportunities to be among the first people to see new releases before they reach a wider audience. The programme is so extensive that seeing everything would be impossible, but with a bit of planning it’s possible to experience an impressive variety of events.

For six days Sheffield felt alive with conversation. Everywhere I went there were people discussing films, sharing ideas and connecting over stories from around the world, and there was a real buzz across the city.

One of the things I enjoyed most was seeing so many of Sheffield’s fantastic venues being used as part of the festival. From independent cinemas and theatres to some of the city’s most recognisable buildings, each brought its own character to proceedings. It reminded me just how much Sheffield has to offer culturally, and how lucky we are to have such a diverse range of spaces right on our doorstep.

I was struck by how welcoming and accessible the festival felt. Whether you were an industry professional, documentary enthusiast or simply someone curious to try something new, there seemed to be something for everyone. With such a huge schedule I couldn’t help but admire the amount of planning and organisation that must go into bringing an event of this scale to life each year.

What DocFest does brilliantly is use documentary film as a starting point for bigger conversations. The screenings, talks and events encourage you to think differently, learn something new and perhaps see the world through someone else’s eyes. At a time when it can feel easier to stay within our own bubbles, that feels more important than ever.

By the end of the festival, what stayed with me wasn’t any single moment but the cumulative effect of it all — the sense of a city turning outward and inviting the world in. More than anything, I left feeling proud that an event of this scale and quality takes place in Sheffield. It brought energy, visitors and conversation into the city, showcased some incredible venues, and created the kind of positive atmosphere that lingers long after the final screening has ended.

“SAVAGE”

A NEW PLAY BY JONATHAN HARVEY

INSPIRED BY THE LIFE OF PAUL O’GRADY

TO HAVE WORLD PREMIERE

STARRING DANNY BEARD

FROM 13 FEBRUARY 2027

Producers ROYO, Curve, Hope Mill Theatre and Eilene Davidson are delighted to announce the world premiere of SAVAGE, a brand-new comedy and drag extravaganza, about the Blonde Bombsite herself, Lily Savage, written by multi-award-winning Jonathan Harvey (Gimme Gimme Gimme, Coronation Street, Beautiful Thing) and starring RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner Danny Beard in the title role. The world premiere production will be directed by Curve Artistic Director Nikolai Foster (Kinky Boots, West End/UK & Ireland Tour; Legally Blonde, UK & Ireland Tour; The Sound of Music, Curve).

Inspired by the life of Paul O’Grady, and created with his blessing, SAVAGE is a bold and deeply moving new play drawing on both Paul’s extraordinary life and his autobiographies to tell the story behind the creation of Lily Savage. The production will make its world premiere on 13 February 2027 at Curve Leicester, prior to London’s West End.

Speaking during the initial development of SAVAGE, before his passing, Paul said “I’m delighted Jonathan (Harvey) has agreed to write the script, I really am as he’s perfect for this and he’s such a great writer.”

Before the spotlight, there was a working-class boy from Birkenhead with a sharp tongue, thick skin, and something to say.

The show follows Paul’s journey from the streets of Merseyside to the heart of London’s club scene, where, armed with little more than his wits and a wig, he began carving out a place for himself. From humble roots and an unassuming start emerged Lily Savage: the fearless, foul-mouthed alter ego who would defy convention and win the hearts of millions.

SAVAGE combines razor-sharp wit, unexpected tenderness, and plenty of peroxide, in an intimate portrait of a singular talent and the world that made him.

Funny, raw, and full of heart, this is the story of how Paul became Lily and how Lily became a British icon. 

Jonathan Harvey said “I was so thrilled when Paul gave me the opportunity to turn his life story into a stage show. I first saw Lily in a scuzzy gay bar in West London in the late 80s and laughed ‘til I hurt, so it’s an honour indeed to bring his story and the colourful escapades of the blonde bombsite herself to life. This is one of those few shows that I’m involved in where I can go ‘You need to come. It’s really good’… because the zinging one-liners are all his. It’s so sad he’s not here to see it, but hopefully this will be a fitting testament to everything he achieved, and a cracking night out full of humour and heart.”

Curve’s Chief Executive Chris Stafford and Artistic Director Nikolai Foster, Director of Savage said: “Paul was a generational talent, and we are honoured to have the opportunity to work on this hilarious, heartfelt and electrifying new play by the mighty Jonathan Harvey, which celebrates Paul’s life, legacy and Lily.

Jonathan is one of our finest writers and alongside Paul’s husband André, manager Joan and our co-producers, we are indebted to them all for trusting us to tell this story.

From the streets of Liverpool to the sharp tongue and stiletto heels of Lily Savage, Paul’s is a remarkable and utterly unique story. We know our audiences in Leicester will laugh loudly, be deeply moved and reminded why Paul O’Grady remains one of the most beloved and revered entertainers this country will ever produce.”

Further casting and creatives to be announced.

SAVAGE is a co-production between ROYO, Curve, Hope Mill Theatre and Eilene Davidson.

Website: Savagetheplay.com

Instagram: @Savagetheplay

TikTok: @Savagetheplay

YouTube: @Savagetheplay

Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61590807926933#

TOUR LISTINGS

13 February – 6 March           Leicester, Curve                                                        0116 242 3595

                                                curveonline.co.uk                                                        on 23 June

16 – 20 March                         Liverpool Playhouse

                                                everymanplayhouse.com                                           on sale 17 June

23 – 27 March                         Lowry, Salford                                                            0161 876 2000                                                            

                                                thelowry.com                                                               on sale 16 June

30 March – 3 April                  Canterbury Marlowe Theatre                                     01227 787787

                                                marlowetheatre.com                                                   on sale soon

6 – 10 April                              Theatre Royal Bath

                                                theatreroyal.org.uk                                                      on sale 24 June

13 – 17 April                            Norwich Theatre Royal                                              01603 630 000

                                                norwichtheatre.org                                                      on sale 26 June

20 – 24 April                            Birmingham Hippodrome                                          0844 338 5000

                                                birminghamhippodrome.com                                      on sale 22 June