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KEIRA KNIGHTLEY, STEPHEN DILLANE AND LUKE THOMPSON

TO STAR IN ROBERT ICKE’S ADAPTATION OF

FLORIAN HENCKEL VON DONNERSMARCK’S

MULTI-AWARD-WINNING

THE LIVES OF OTHERS

OVER 25% OF THE TICKETS ARE £35 OR UNDER

Sonia Friedman Productions today announces the world premiere of the stage adaptation of Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck’s Academy Award-winning film The Lives of Others, adapted and directed by Robert Icke. Keira Knightley, Stephen Dillane and Luke Thompson lead the company, with the production opening at the Adelphi Theatre on 29 October, with previews from 14 October, and running until 9 January 2027.

Tickets are now on sale from £25, with over 36,000 seats available across the run at under £35 which is 25% of the seats available. 

The production sees Icke and Friedman renew their creative partnership following their work on productions including Oedipus, Manhunt, Hamlet, The Doctor, Oresteia and 1984; and Knightley and Friedman, following their work together on The Children’s Hour.

Listening changes everything.

1984. East Germany. A writer and an actor are placed under state surveillance. From the attic above their apartment, their Stasi man listens for evidence of subversion. But to observe a life is to risk changing your own.

Starring Academy Award nominee Keira Knightley, Emmy Award winner Stephen Dillane and Olivier Award nominee Luke Thompson, The Lives of Others plays at the Adelphi Theatre for a strictly limited run.

Written and directed by Olivier Award-winner Robert Icke and based on the Oscar-winning 2007 film by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck , this electrifying adaptation explores artistic censorship, state surveillance and the relationship between art and politics.

Designed by Hildegard Bechtler, with lighting design by Jon Clark, sound design by Giles Thomas, and original music by the multi-award-winning composer Max Richter. Casting is by Julia Horan CDG.

Sonia Friedman commented, “I’ve been obsessed with The Lives of Others ever since I first saw it – Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck’s exquisite, haunting, and completely masterful film, and there is no one better than Robert Icke to bring this to life onstage. He has this rare ability to combine huge ideas with real emotional truth, and I know he and the company will find a way to realise it that feels both unexpected and completely thrilling.

“Set in East Berlin in 1984 – a world where nothing is private, every word carries consequence, and the state holds power not just over lives, but over thought, speech and imagination itself, this world premiere is a reminder of how fragile those freedoms are, and of the cost and courage required to hold on to them.

“What I love most about it is that it’s both epic and intimate – incredibly beautiful, sad, and deeply moving – and at its heart, it’s an unlikely story about kindness. A story about connection and compassion in the most unexpected places.

“To have a company led by Keira Knightley, Stephen Dillane and Luke Thompson at the Adelphi Theatre this autumn makes it all the more special.  And in an extraordinary coup, we’re incredibly excited that Max Richter will be composing new music for the production. Max is one of the great composers of our time, and his work has a depth and emotional truth that has the potential to break our hearts.

“I really can’t wait to share it with audiences.”

Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck’s The Lives of Others German language film was released in 2006. It won numerous awards including the Oscar for Best International Film, the BAFTA for Best Film Not in the English Language, the Caesar for Best Foreign Film, the Independent Spirit Award for Best Foreign Film, the New York and LA Critics’ Circle Awards for Best Foreign Film, the British Independent Film Award for Best International Independent Film, and the European and German Film Awards for Best Film.

Full cast will be announced shortly.

www.thelivesofothersplay.com

Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok: @livesofothersplay

Sonia Friedman Productions presents

Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck’s

THE LIVES OF OTHERS

Adapted and directed by Robert Icke

Cast includes: Keira Knightley, Stephen Dillane, Luke Thompson

Set and Costume Designer: Hildegard Bechtler; Lighting Designer: Jon Clark;

Sound Designer: Giles Thomas; Original Music by Max Richter; Casting: Julia Horan CDG

14 October 2026 – 9 January 2027

The Lives of Others will be produced in the West End by Sonia Friedman Productions and Winkler & Smalberg.

Keira Knightley plays Christa-Maria Sieland. Her theatre work includes The Children’s Hour and The Misanthrope – Olivier Award nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Comedy Theatre). Her television work includes Black Doves (Golden Globe and Critics’ Choice Award nominations for Best Actress), Dr Zhivago, Oliver, Coming Home, Treasure Seekers, Mindscape, A Village Affair and Royal Celebration; and for film, The Woman in Cabin 10, Boston Strangler, Silent Night, Charlotte, Misbehaviour, Official Secrets, The Nutcracker and the Four Realms, Berlin I Love You, The Aftermath, Collette, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, Collateral Beauty, Everest, The Imitation Game (Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress), Laggies, Jack Ryan, Begin Again, Anna Karenina, Seeking a Friend for the End of the World, A Dangerous Method, London Boulevard, Last Night, Never Let Me Go, The Duchess, The Edge of Love, Silk, Atonement (BAFTA nomination for Best Actress), Pirates of the Caribbean 2,  Pirates of the Caribbean, Domino, Pride and Prejudice (Academy Award nomination for Best Actress), The Jacket, King Arthur, Love Actually, Pure, Bend It Like Beckham (London Film Critics’ Circle Award for Best Newcomer), Princess of Thieves, The Hole, Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, and Innocent Lies.

Stephen Dillane plays Hauptmann Gerd Wiesler. His theatre work includesHow It Is (Parts One & Two), How It Is (Part Two) (Coronet Theatre, Gare St Lazare Ireland), When We Have Sufficiently Tortured Each Other, An Oak Tree, The Coast of Utopia, Angels in America (Parts 1 & 2), A Long Day’s Journey Into Night, Dancing at Lughnasa (National Theatre), Faith Healer, Endgame, (Donmar Warehouse), The Real Thing –  Evening Standard Award and Tony Award (Donmar Warehouse, West End, Broadway),  The Master Builder (Almeida Theatre), Macbeth (CalArts, Almeida Theatre, Sydney & Adelaide Festival), The Tempest, As You Like It (The Bridge Project 2009/2010), Four Quartets (Aldeburgh, Lincoln Center), One Evening (Aldeburgh, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Lincoln Center), A Thought in Three Parts, Drunk Enough To Say I Love You?, Our Late Night, Hush (Royal Court Theatre), The Coast of Utopia, Angels in America (Parts 1 & 2), Life After George (Guildford, West End), Uncle Vanya (Royal Shakespeare Company), Hurlyburly (The Old Vic Theatre), and  Hamlet (Gielgud Theatre). His television work includes Kaos, Sherwood, Alex Rider, Red Election, Vigil, The Tunnel (International Emmy Best Actor), The Crown, Game of Thrones (as series regular Stannis Baratheon), and The Shooting of Thomas Hurndall (BAFTA Best Actor); and for film, The Outrun, Boxing Day, The Man in the Hat, Outlaw King, Darkest Hour, The Professor and the Madman, Mary Shelley, Zero Dark Thirty, Papadopoulos & Sons, Twenty8k, Paul Greengrass’s The Rage, and Hawksmoor, Welcome to Sarajevo and Luther 3. For radio he won Best Actor for Sea Longing. He is now preparing to appear in Venice in Gare St Lazare’s staging of Samuel Beckett’s novel, How It Is. Previous collaborations with artists include films, Antigone and Event for a Stage with Tacita Dean and Robert Walser’s Snow White with Stanley Schtinter.

Luke Thompson plays Georg Dreyman. His theatre work includesAn Oak Tree (Young Vic), Love’s Labour’s Lost (RSC), A Little Life (Olivier Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Play – Harold Pinter Theatre and Savoy Theatre), King Lear (Duke of York’s Theatre), Hamlet (Almeida Theatre and Harold Pinter Theatre), Oresteia (Almeida Theatre and Trafalgar Studios), and Julius Caesar, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Evening Standard Award nomination for Best Newcomer and Ian Charleson Award shortlist – Shakespeare’s Globe). His television work includes Bridgerton (as series regular Benedict Bridgerton – SAG Award nomination for Best Ensemble), The Read: The Picture of Dorian Gray and Transatlantic; and for film, Elsinore, Misbehaviour, Making Noise Quietly, Dunkirk. His audio work includes The Brothers Karamazov (Audible UK), Pride and Prejudice, Northanger Abbey, and Henry IV Part 1 and 2 (BBC).  

Robert Icke is an award-winning writer and director, working in theatre and on screen. His recent work includes Romeo & Juliet (Harold Pinter Theatre), Manhunt (Royal Court Theatre) and Player Kings, which ran in the West End, starring Ian McKellen as Sir John Falstaff. As the inaugural Ibsen Artist in Residence at Internationaal Theater Amsterdam, his productions included Judas, Children of Nora, Oedipus and his play The Doctor, which has also played in the West End, in New York, and in numerous new productions around the world. His adaptation of Enemy of the People starred Ann Dowd and opened, socially-distanced, at Park Avenue Armory. In six years at the Almeida Theatre, he made eight productions: five transferred to the West End, and four to New York. These included his adaptations of The Wild Duck, Mary Stuart (also West End), Uncle Vanya, Oresteia (also West End; Schauspiel Stuttgart; Park Avenue Armory), and 1984 (co-created with Duncan Macmillan, also Broadway; West End; national and international tours). As a director, his Almeida productions included Hamlet starring Andrew Scott (also West End; and broadcast on BBC2); The Fever and Mr Burns. He has won multiple Olivier, Evening Standard and Critics’ Circle Awards, the Kurt Hübner Award, and the 2025 Classical Association Prize. He is the youngest ever winner of the Olivier for Best Director.

LEEDS PLAYHOUSE ANNOUNCES
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
TOM WRIGHT’S FIRST SEASON OF PRODUCTIONS
AUTUMN 2026 – SUMMER 2027

Leeds Playhouse today announces Tom Wright’s inaugural season of shows as Artistic Director, with new productions running from autumn 2026 to summer 2027 in the Quarry theatre and Courtyard theatre.

• In the Courtyard, August Wilson’s landmark play, FENCES, returns in a vital new production directed by award-winning Daniel Bailey in a co-production with Headlong, Lyric Hammersmith Theatre and HOME Manchester.
• In the Courtyard, PEANUT BUTTER & BLUEBERRIES, based on the Kiln Theatre production.  The play is written by Leeds playwright Suhaiymah Manzoor-Khan and will be directed by Sameena Hussain.
• Following its Broadway success, a brand-new UK production, directed by the Playhouse’s Artistic Director Tom Wright, DR. SEUSS’S HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL will play in the Quarry theatre.
• In 2027, Leeds Playhouse will present a fresh production of William Shakespeare’s ROMEO & JULIET in the Quarry theatre.
• SIRENS, a new play written and directed by Tom Wright will debut in the Courtyard theatre, produced in association with Belgrade Theatre.
• A new adaptation of a beloved classic THE SECRET GARDEN in co-production with Theatr Clwyd, written by Linda Marshall Griffiths, inspired by the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, and directed by Amy Leach, will play in the Courtyard theatre.
• A Gripping adaptation of Mary Shelley’s FRANKENSTEIN, with Leeds-born adaptor and director Jeff James making his Quarry theatre debut in this co-production with Rose Theatre Kingston.
• Leeds Playhouse Associate Artistic Director, Jamie Sophia Fletcher directs her first Playhouse-produced work in the Quarry with the musical LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS produced in association with Oxford Playhouse.

Tom Wright, Artistic Director of Leeds Playhouse, said:“My first season begins with a simple idea – that theatre should entertain and challenge in equal measure, and speak directly to the world we’re living in. Across the programme are four new works – including two original stories and two bold adaptations – alongside landmark plays, reimagined classics and large-scale theatrical spectacle.

“This season brings together artists with deep connections to Leeds and the Playhouse, alongside acclaimed voices joining us for the first time – reflecting our ambition to celebrate the extraordinary talent rooted in this city while welcoming some of the most exciting theatre-makers working across the country. I’m proud that it will also see four directors making their first Playhouse-produced work in the Quarry, introducing audiences to artists helping to shape the future of British theatre.

“Our Courtyard will be home to contemporary voices and compelling stories of now, while the Quarry presents epic theatrical events and reinventions of major titles. Meanwhile, the Bramall Rock Void will host a year-round programme for emerging artists and visiting companies – creating space for experimentation, discovery and new creative voices. Through a wide range of partnerships with theatres and organisations across the country, we’re building a collaborative model of producing that allows ambition, scale and creativity to thrive.

“Ultimately, our ambition is for Leeds Playhouse to be a theatre where everyone feels welcome, and where some of the most exciting conversations in British theatre are happening right here in Leeds.”

Shawab Iqbal, Chief Executive of Leeds Playhouse, said: “Leeds Playhouse is one of the UK’s leading producing theatres – operating at scale, rooted in its city, and playing a central role in shaping the future of theatre nationally.

“We are focused on delivering work with real impact, bringing together ambitious new work, major titles and large-scale productions – underpinned by a collaborative producing model across the commercial and subsidised sectors.

“For over 55 years, the Playhouse has been a people’s theatre – created by and for the people of Leeds, rooted in the belief that ‘a city without a theatre is a city without a heart’. That founding principle continues to shape our work as we enter a new phase of development – one that is confident, outward-looking and ambitious, championing bold stories, shared humanity and theatre that entertains, challenges and connects across three spaces, one city and many voices.

“Leeds is one of the UK’s largest and fastest-growing cities, and we are making work that reflects its scale, its diversity and its ambition – reaching audiences far beyond our stages and contributing to the national conversations about culture, place and the future of the UK.

“We are not just presenting theatre – we are a national cultural institution, and we are leading from Leeds.

“We are grateful to our audiences, funders and partners – including Arts Council England, Leeds City Council and the Liz and Terry Bramall Foundation – whose support makes this work possible.”

Tom is a writer, director, producer and dramaturg originally from Coventry, with over a decade’s track record of developing new and innovative work with some of the UK’s most dynamic theatre artists at Kiln Theatre where he was Associate Artistic Director and as Head of Artist Development at The Old Vic.

Shawab has over 15 years’ experience across theatre and dance and was previously Executive Director and Chief Executive of the Gate Theatre, and Executive Producer of Eclipse Theatre Company. He has also held various roles at Theatre Royal Stratford East, Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures, the Bush Theatre and Boy Blue. He is a member of Arts Council England’s London Area Council, a Mayor of London appointment, and sits on the board of UK Theatre. He is a former Vice Chair of Tamasha.

              
August Wilson’s Fences opens Tom’s season in the Courtyard theatre. This much-loved classic by one of America’s most influential 20^th century writers is a story of ambition for our time. Set in the 1950s and directed by award-winning Daniel Bailey (Red Pitch, West End), this co-production between Leeds Playhouse, Headlong, Lyric Hammersmith Theatre and HOME Manchester plays from 11 – 26 September 2026 (press performance Wednesday 16 September) ahead of its UK tour.

Building on the sell-out success of its 2024 world premiere, playwright, poet, educator and former Leeds Playhouse Writer-in-Residence Suhaiymah Manzoor-Khan’s Peanut Butter & Blueberries invites us to explore how to love when the weight of the world is on your shoulders. Based on the Kiln Theatre production and directed by Sameena Hussain it will play from 22 October – 7 November 2026 (press performance Friday 23 October).

This festive season, Leeds Playhouse in association with Running Subway produce Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical, directed by Leeds Playhouse’s Artistic Director Tom Wright, with book and Lyrics by Timothy Mason, music by Mel Marvin. This brand-new UK production is packed full of Seussian charm and humour. The musical runs from 19 November 2026 – 16 January 2027 (press performanceThursday 26 November).

Into the new year, Leeds Playhouse will present a fresh production of William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet in the Quarry theatre. The play will run from 3 – 20 March 2027 (press performanceThursday 4 March).

Sirens is a hilariously witty, intimate new piece of work written and directed by Leeds Playhouse’s Artistic Director, Tom Wright. A warm, tense and deeply human story in which ordinary people are bound together by unexpected danger, this new play in association with Belgrade Theatre will debut in the Courtyard theatre playing from 15 March – 3 April 2027 (press performance Thursday 18 March).

In spring 2027, Leeds Playhouse will stage a co-production of a much‑loved classic by Frances Hodgson Burnett, reimagined by acclaimed writer Linda Marshall Griffiths, The Secret Garden. Directed by the Olivier Award nominee and UK Theatre Award winner for her production of Animal Farm, director Amy Leach, this co-production with Theatr Clwyd will play in the Courtyard from 23 April – 15 May 2027 (press performance Thursday 29 April).

Leeds Playhouse and Rose Theatre Kingston present an adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, adapted and directed by Leeds-born Jeff James. Interrogating AI, creation and the role of humanity in shaping technology, this new version will play in the Quarry from 12 – 29 May 2027 (press performanceThursday 13 May).

Leeds Playhouse Associate Artistic Director, Jamie Sophia Fletcher directs her first Playhouse produced work in the Quarry with the musical Little Shop of Horrors, marking an exciting new chapter in her work with the theatre. With book and lyrics by Howard Ashman and music by Alan Menken, the musical will play from 23 June– 17 July 2027 (press performanceTuesday 29 June).

Alongside its new season of productions, Leeds Playhouse is launching a refreshed programme of creative engagement through Playhouse Connect, opening the theatre more widely to audiences, communities and artists across Leeds and Yorkshire. Delivered through three strands–People’s Playhouse, Playhouse Ensembles and Furnace –the programme will deepen audience engagement, create opportunities for communities to perform and celebrate their voices on Playhouse stages, and nurture the next generation of theatre-makers. Through wrap-around events, civic partnerships, performance ensembles and artist support, the Playhouse will continue to strengthen its role as a creative home for the city.

As part of Tom Wright’s inaugural season, Leeds Playhouse is expanding its Furnace artist development programme, strengthening pathways for artists at every stage of their careers. New initiatives include an entry-level writing scheme for those discovering playwriting for the very first time, alongside a dedicated emerging writers’ programme supporting Leeds-based artists to develop their first full-length play. Together, these programmes mark the beginning of a long-term commitment to building a sustainable ecosystem of writers and original stories rooted in Leeds, alongside a broader year-round programme of opportunities for directors, makers and theatre professionals developing their craft.

CAST ANNOUNCED FOR REGIONAL PREMIERE OF FUN HOME AT THE ROYAL EXCHANGE THEATRE

JEANINE TESORI’S TONY-AWARD WINNING MUSICAL IS THE THEATRE’S FOURTH PRODUCTION FOR ITS 50th ANNIVERSARY PROGRAMME, A HOMECOMING

A Royal Exchange Theatre Production

Regional Premiere

FUN HOME 

Music by Jeanine Tesori   
Book and Lyrics by Lisa Kron   
Based on the Graphic Novel by Alison Bechdel   

Director: Sarah Frankcom

3 July – 1 August 2026

The Royal Exchange Theatre today announces the cast for the regional premiere of the Tony-Award winning musical FUN HOME, featuring music by Jeanine Tesori and book and lyrics by Lisa Kron. The musical’s Northern debut, which marks the 20th anniversary of Alison Bechdel’s iconic graphic novel, is directed by former Royal Exchange Artistic Director Sarah Frankcom who is making her ‘Homecoming’ to the theatre in its 50th anniversary season of the same name.

FUN HOME is an exhilarating and heartbreaking musical about coming out and coming of age. Cartoonist Alison Bechdel, played by Jodie McNee, takes audiences on a journey into her childhood memories remembering what it’s like to grow up in a funeral home, undergo a sexual awakening in college, and try to make sense of the secrets at the heart of her family, including her dad Bruce Bechdel played by Olivier-award winning stage and screen actor Nigel Harman. 

This groundbreaking modern masterpiece is a tale of grief and love, queer tragedy and queer joy, told through soaring, revelatory songs and runs in in the Exchange’s iconic round from 3 July to 1 August 2026.

Returning to the Royal Exchange after performances in NORA: A DOLL’S HOUSE, THE NIGHT WATCH, HAMLET, ORPHEUS DESCENDING, and A TASTE OF HONEY, Jodie McNee (KING LEAR, Globe Theatre; Orlando, Garrick Theatre; ANATOMY OF A SUICIDE, Royal Court Theatre) will be portraying Alison Bechdel opposite award-winning actor Nigel Harman (SHREK, Theatre Royal Drury Lane; GUYS AND DOLLS, Picadilly Theatre; EASTENDERS, BBC; DOWNTOWN ABBEY, ITV) who is joining the production as Bruce Bechdel. 

Alice Audrey O’Hanlon (BILLY ELLIOT, Victoria Palace; MAMMA MIA!, Novello Theatre) will take on the role of Medium Alison, while Small Alison will be played alternately by Lillie Babb (TILL THE STARS COME DOWN, National Theatre; MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET, HOME Manchester; LES MISERABLES, UK Tour), Felicity L.J. Moore (LOVE LIFE, Leeds Grand Theatre; A MIDSUMMER NIGHTS DREAM, Regional Tour/Leeds Grand Theatre; LES MISÉRABLES, Leeds Grand Theatre) and Harriet O’Shea (MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET, HOME Theatre; HOLLYOAKS, Channel 4).

Returning to the Royal Exchange following her performance in INTO THE WOODS in 2015, Natasha Cottriall(HENRY VIII, Globe Theatre; THE WELKIN, National Theatre) steps into the role of Joan, while What’s On Stage Award nominee Alex Young (STANDING AT THE SKY’S EDGE, Sheffield Crucible/National Theatre; STRANGER THINGS, Phoenix Theatre) joins the cast as Helen Bechdel, and Lucca Chadwick-Patel (MEAN GIRLS, Savoy Theatre; MAMMA MIA!, Novello Theatre; LEGALLY BLONDE Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre) joins as Roy / Bobby / Mark / Pete. 

Reggie Kempson (LES MISÉRABLES, World Tour; BLUE PETER, CBBC), Finley Litchfield and Reuben Shepherdboth making their professional stage debut at the Royal Exchange will be playing the role of John at alternate performances, similarly to Arthur Lyons (PETER PAN, PHA), Morris McKinley making his professional debut and Theo Wake (MACBETH, Harold Pinter Theatre; LES MISÉRABLES, Sondheim Theatre; OLIVER!, Leeds Playhouse) who will be playing Christian. 

The cast is completed by Jennifer Caldwell (PINOCCHIO, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre;

SIX THE MUSICAL, UK, Ireland & Korea Tour/Arts Theatre/Vaudeville Theatre; MAMMA MIA!, Prince of Wales Theatre/Novello Theatre) as Offstage cover for Alison, Medium Alison, Helen & Joan, and Alfie Richards (THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE, UK Tour; TREASON, London Palladium/UK Tour) as Offstage cover for Bruce and Roy / Bobby / Pete / Mark.

The creative team includes Choreographer & Intimacy Director Jenni Jackson; Music Supervisor Matthew Malone,who makes a welcome return to the Royal Exchange following SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN; Designer Peter Butler, who returns to the Royal Exchange following his productions of A TASTE OF HONEY and ABIGAIL’S PARTY; Lighting Designer Bethany Gupwell; Sound Designer Tony Gayle; Associate Director Emma Baggott;and Casting Director Natalie Gallacher CDG (for Pippa Ailion and Natalie Gallacher Casting).  

LISTINGS

ROYAL EXCHANGE THEATRE  
St Ann’s Square, Manchester, M2 7DH  
Box Office: 0161 833 9833 / royalexchange.co.uk     

A HOMECOMING  
2026 – 2027 
Tickets from £12 

A Royal Exchange Theatre Production   

Regional Premiere

FUN HOME

Music – Jeanine Tesori    
Book and Lyrics – Lisa Kron    
Based on the Graphic Novel by Alison Bechdel    

Director – Sarah Frankcom

Choreographer & Intimacy Director – Jenni Jackson 

Music Supervisor – Matthew Malone

Designer – Peter Butler

Lighting Designer – Bethany Gupwell

Sound Designer – Tony Gale

Casting Director – Natalie Gallacher CDG

Associate Director – Emma Baggott

Cast – Alex Young, Nigel Harman, Jodie McNee, Alice Audrey O’Hanlon, Natasha Cottriall, Lucca Chadwick Patel, Jennifer Caldwell, Alfie Richards, Felicity Moore, Lillie Babb, Harriet O’Shea, Morris McKinley, Theo Wake, Arthur Lyons, Finley Litchfield, Reuben Shepherd, Reggie Kempson

Tickets from £12  
3 July – 1 August 2026 

Access Performances  
Captioned (C) Performances: 25 July, 2.30pm and 7.30pm

Sensory Adapted (SA) Performance: 28 July, 6pm  
Audio Described (AD) Performance: 25 July, 2.30pm  

BSL-Interpreted (BSL) Performances: TBC

Box Office: 0161 833 9833  
Online: www.royalexchange.co.uk 

Birmingham Rep – until Sunday 24th May 2026

Reviewed by Nadia Dodd

4****

The Birmingham Rep’s riotously inventive A Midsummer Night’s Dream, co-directed by Joe Murphy and Madeleine Kludje, feels less like a polite stroll through Shakespeare and more like being swept into a neon-lit fever dream you never quite want to wake up from. Touted as the first professional theatre production to stage the play entirely in modern dress, this version leans gleefully into its contemporary setting—and the result is chaotic, colourful, and very, very funny.

Gone is the traditional moonlit forest; in its place is a glowing urban playground splashed with neon lights that pulse and flicker as if the entire stage is in on the joke. Lovers don’t so much wander as collide, text, and spiral, while the fairies seem like they’ve just stumbled out of the world’s strangest underground club. It’s bold, a little bonkers, and exactly the right kind of energy for a play built on confusion and mischief.

At the centre of it all is Adam Carver’s scene-stealing Puck, who doesn’t just enter the stage—they practically owns it. Dressed in a series of vibrant, eye-popping costumes that look like they were designed during a particularly inspired sugar rush, Carver’s Puck is pure theatrical mischief. Like a hyperactive master of ceremonies who’s having far too much fun stirring the pot. Comic timing is razor-sharp. It’s a performance that sparkles as brightly as the set itself.

Not to be outdone, Omar Malik delivers a comedy masterclass as Bottom. Leaning fully into the character’s glorious absurdity, Malik’s Bottom is a wonderfully overconfident performer who treats every line as if it’s the most important speech ever written. Malik has that rare ability to make even the smallest moment hilarious, whether it’s a perfectly timed pause or an exaggerated flourish that goes just a bit too far—in the best way possible.

The rest of the cast matches this playful tone with gusto. The young lovers are suitably dramatic and delightfully ridiculous, capturing the emotional whiplash of falling in and out of love at high speed. Hermia played by Isabel Adomakoh Young and Lysandra played by Evie Ward-Drummond plus Helena played by Charlotte Wallis and Demetrius played by Qasim Mahmood.

Murphy and Kludje’s direction keeps everything moving at a brisk, energetic pace, never letting the madness tip into confusion. There’s a real sense of joy running through the production, as if everyone involved is in on a shared joke. Even the more tender moments sneak in gently between the laughs, giving just enough heart to balance the hilarity.

Ultimately, this Midsummer Night’s Dream is a bright, buzzing celebration of comedy, creativity, and controlled chaos. With neon lights blazing, costumes popping, and standout performances from Adam Carver and Omar Malik, it’s a production that doesn’t take itself too seriously—and is all the better for it.

Cambridge Arts Theatre – until Saturday 2nd May 2026

Reviewed by Steph Lott

4****

Imitating the Dog’s adaptation of H.G. Wells’ War of the Worlds is unlike anything I’ve seen on a stage before. The conceit is brilliant: rather than trying to stage an alien invasion in a theatre, the company films the whole thing live, right in front of you. Props, miniatures, clever camera angles — all the tricks of a film set are laid bare, and what appears on the screens above and around the stage looks for all the world like a graphic novel brought to life. Dark, inky, stylised. It’s a ingenious solution to the problem of how you put an epic, world-destroying story into a room that seats a few hundred people. But actually the story of War of the Worlds is used to talk about something else entirely.

Bonnie Baddoo, Morgan Bailey, and Amy Dunn are remarkable. They switch between acting and operating cameras with a fluency that makes you forget how extraordinarily difficult what they’re doing actually is. The coordination required must be immense, and they carry it off without a single visible seam. Gareth Cassidy, meanwhile, gives a strong central performance as Will Travers, the story’s lead — grounded and believable even as the world collapses around him.

The creative team — Simon Wainwright, Pete Brooks, and Andrew Quick — have assembled something that is, by any measure, technically extraordinary. The lighting is sinister. The sound design is deeply unsettling. There are cutaway techniques and camera tricks whose proper names I don’t know but whose effect I absolutely felt. This production is slick, clever, and clearly the work of people who have thought very hard about every single detail.

And yet.

For all its brilliance, I found myself a little adrift as an audience member. At times I genuinely didn’t know where to look. Parts of the physical stage are clearly designed to be seen only through a lens — intimate little scenes built for close-up — while other things sit in plain view, seemingly not meant for naked eyes at all. It created a slightly disorienting experience. I felt occasionally like an accidental bystander on a film set rather than a proper participant in a piece of theatre.

The production also uses the alien invasion less as spectacle and more as a device — a framework for exploring something more human and disturbing underneath. I won’t spoil what, but it’s a more thoughtful piece than the title might suggest. The suspense builds well, and there are moments of genuine dread.

My honest feeling is that is a production I admired far more than I enjoyed. The expertise on show is undeniable — extraordinary, even — but I left the theatre impressed rather than moved. Not every piece of theatre needs to be comfortable entertainment, and I suspect this one knows exactly what it’s doing. I’m just not sure it’s for everyone.

Worth seeing, without question. Just go prepared to work a bit.

London Palladium – 30^th April 2026

Reviewed by Heather Chalkley

5*****

Show Director Gareth Walker and his team have created a warm and joyful production, blending the superb talent of Tom Seals and his Big Band with the seamless dance performance of Aljaz and Janette. After over 10 years of touring, Aljaz and Janette are hanging up their dancing shoes for a while, throwing all their energy into this last tour. Uniquely different from previous projects, this is a celebration of all the writers, composers and producers that have created the music and dance we love.

The approach to the show is wholesome and holistic, with the music every bit as much the focus as the dance. The symbiosis between Aljaz and Janette is beautiful to watch. The humour they bring to the audience is familiar and personal. They have built a stunning team of artists and technicians around them for our benefit. 

Tom Seals and his incredibly talented Big Band take on with ease a wide range of music from The Great American Songbook to modern classics. Supremely complemented by the stunning vocals of Jill Marie Cooper, who takes on Whitney Houston to Micheal Jackson effortlessly.  The gentle banter between Tom, Aljaz and Janette gives the show a human warmth that draws the audience in. 

The outstanding dance team of Kiera Brunton, Natasha Mould, Tonyé Scott-Obené and Lochie McDougall takes the show to another level. They capture the art of movement with elegance, energy and effortlessly. The solo performance of Lochie McDougall is a standout moment; a masterclass in how the body can evoke human emotion. 

We love to see a well crafted set and stunning costumes. The creative team does not disappoint!

There is something for everyone in this show – take your dad or daughter, go with a group of friends – time will stand still and you will all come away feeling the joy and warmth!

MCFLY’S

HARRY JUDD

TO STAR IN

LONDON TRANSFER OF

DISNEY’S HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL

OPENING AT

TROUBADOUR WEMBLEY PARK THEATRE

FROM 12 OCTOBER 2026

Hope Mill Theatre and Chris Harper Productions are delighted to announce that the highly anticipated first UK non-replica production of Disney’s HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL will transfer to London’sTroubadour Wembley Park Theatre. The London production will star McFly band member Harry Judd asCoach Bolton and will run from 12 October 2026 – 3 January 2027 with press night on 20 October 2026. It follows a summer season at Lowry, Salford from 22 August 2026 until Saturday 19 September 2026.

Priority Booking on sale 20 May

Tickets on general sale 22 May

Sign up for priority booking at www.HighSchoolMusicalOnStage.com

Juddwill take over from Jason Donovan** who will play Coach Bolton at Lowry, Salford.

Continuing with the show will be current cast members Tobias Turley, Leonor Correia, Caitlin Tipping, Luke Bayer andrecently announced Disney star KayCee Stroh as Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay, Ryan and Ms Darbus respectively.

Further casting to be revealed in due course.

Harry Judd is most widely known for being a member of the hugely successful band McFly. Spanning a 23-year career, McFly have had seven top 10 albums with 10-million albums sold worldwide and were the first band since The Beatles to be the youngest to achieve a number 1 debut album. In 2025, they completed a major UK arena tour alongside long-time rivals Busted.

In 2011 Harry won BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. He went on to star in dance show Rip It Up (Garrick Theatre) and appeared in The Christmasaurus Live for his band-member Tom Fletcher. After a successful run on The One Show presenting with Alex Jones, Harry is currently back in the presenting seat, co-hosting Magic Breakfast on Fridays with Harriet Scott.  He recently reported live into BBC Sport whilst running the London Marathon and released hit mental health / fitness book Get Fit, Get Happy. In 2023 Harry and his mum Emma stole the nations hearts as they raced from Africa to the Arctic in BBC’s BAFTA-winning show Celebrity Race Across the World. Harry is also a patron of The Children’s Trust, the UK’s leading charity for children with brain injuries. 

On joining the production Harry said “I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining this incredible new production of High School Musical. It’s such an iconic film that meant so much to me growing up and now getting to share that same excitement with my own family— makes this even more special. As a dad, it’s been amazing to revisit this story through my children’s eyes and see just how timeless it really is—the music, the energy, the message about believing in yourself—it all still resonates so strongly across generations.

Stepping into the role of Coach Bolton and leading such a first-class cast in London at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre is something I’m incredibly proud of. I can’t wait to ‘Get My Head in the Game’ and bring this story to life on stage—sharing all the energy, heart and nostalgia of High School Musical with fans old and new.”

Celebrating the 20^th anniversary of the iconic film HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL has a book by David Simpatico with music adapted, arranged and produced by Bryan Louiselle and is co-directed by Hope Mill founders Joseph Houston and William Whelton. Featuring classic songs such as: Breaking Free, We’re All In This Together, Get’cha Head in the Game, Stick to the Status Quo and many more.

Based on the hit Disney Channel Original movie, that inspired a generation, HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL had its world premiere production at Stagedoor Manor Summer Theatre Camp in 2006. It then went to The Theatre of Stars in Atlanta, Georgia for its first professional staging before Disney Theatrical Group staged a national tour in 2007. The musical has enjoyed significant success in regional theatres around the world and had its London premiere at the Hammersmith Apollo Theatre in January 2008.

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL will be co-directed by Joseph Houston & William Whelton with choreography by Aaron Renfree, set design by Andrew Exeter, sound design by Matt Peploe, video design by George Reeve,lighting design by Rory Beaton, costume design by Sophia Pardon, musical supervision by Katy Richardson, musical direction by Audra Cramer, casting by Pearson Casting and production management by Ammonite Studios. General management by Chris Harper Productions.

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL is produced by Hope Mill Theatre and Chris Harper Productions.

Website:  HighSchoolMusicalOnStage.com

Instagram: @highschoolmusicalonstage

**Jason will performance at Lowry, Salford up until Friday 18 September

LISTINGS INFORMATION

SALFORD

22 August 2026 – 19 September 2026

Lowry

Pier 8, The Quays

Salford

M50 3AZ

Performances:

22 August – 6 September: Wednesday – Sunday 2pm & 7pm

Please note there will be an additional performance on Tuesday 25 August at 7pm. There will be no 7pm performance on Sunday 23 August and no 2pm performance on Friday 28 August.

8 – 19 September: Tuesday – Saturday 7pm, Saturday – Sunday 2pm

Please note there will be matinees on Wednesday 9 September & Thursday 17 September at 2pm

Tickets from: from £26

Box Office: 0161 876 2000

HighSchoolMusicalOnStage.com

LONDON

12 October 2026 – 3 January 2027

Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre

3 Fulton Road

Wembley Park

Wembley

HA9 0SP

GEORGE BLAGDEN, COURTNEY STAPLETON

AND MAZZ MURRAY

TO JOIN

JAMIE MUSCATO & CELINDE SCHOENMAKER IN

AWARD-WINNING CONCERT PRODUCTION OF

LOVE NEVER DIES

AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM

Producers Darren Bell and Cuffe & Taylor for Live Nation are delighted to announce that George Blagden, Courtney Stapleton and Mazz Murray join the cast for the WhatsOnStage Award-winning concert production of Love Never Diesat the London Palladium. The concert run at 7.30pm on 16 October and 2.30pm and 7.30pm on 17 & 18 October.

George Blagden (The Kiss of the Spider Woman, Curve Leicester; Company, West End; Versailles, BBC) will play Raoul, Courtney Stapleton (Pride, National Theatre; Dear Evan Hansen, West End; Les Misérables, West End) will play Meg, and Mazz Murray (MAMMA MIA!, West End; We Will Rock You, West End; Sunset Boulevard, Royal Albert Hall) will play Giry.

They join the previously announced Jamie Muscato as Phantom and Celinde Schoenmaker who returns to the role of Christine with further casting to be announced.

The concert will be directed by Shaun Kerrison with set and costume design by Rebecca Brower, choreography by Joanna Goodwin, lighting design by Tim Deiling, sound design by Paul Gatehouse, music supervision by Simon Lee, casting by Sarah Jane Price, production management by Pete Kramer and general management by Sam Quested for QUBE Theatricals.

The concert forms part of the celebrations for the 40^th anniversary of Phantom of the Opera.

Love Never Dies – Phantom of the Opera’s spectacular sequel – returns to the story 10 years after the Phantom’s disappearance from the Paris Opera House. Escaped to a new life in New York, he has finally found a place for his music to soar. All that is missing is Christine Daaé – the young soprano whose sensational talent enchanted the Phantom and saw him fall deeply and dangerously in love.

In a final bid to win her back, the Phantom lures Christine, her husband, and their young son Gustave to America to perform one final time. As old wounds are reopened and forgotten memories unlocked, the Phantom sets out to prove that, indeed, Love Never Dies. 

This concert production comes as Cameron Mackintosh’s production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera celebrates its 40th year in London’s West End, marking four extraordinary decades at His Majesty’s Theatre. Phantom of the Opera is widely considered one of the world’s most beautiful and spectacular musicals. Since 1986, the global phenomenon has played to over 160 million people in 217 cities, 58 territories and 23 languages. 

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Love Never Dies in Concert

16, 17 & 18 October 2026 at 7:30pm

17 & 18 October 2026 at 2:30pm

The London Palladium

8 Argyll Street

London

W1F 7TF

lwtheatres.co.uk/theatres/the-london-palladium/

Box Office: 020 3925 2998

Website: LoveNeverDiesConcert.co.uk

Instagram:

@darrenbellproductions

@cuffeandtaylor

@livenationuk

@LoveNeverDies

@PhantomoftheOpera

@ALWMusicals

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED

FOR THE FINAL EXTENSION OF

HERCULES

AT THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE

Disney Theatrical Group today announces the full company for the final extension of Hercules as it completes its run at Theatre Royal Drury Lane on 5 September.

Joining the previously announced Bradley Gibson in the title role are, as the Muses Leslie Beehann (Terpschiore), Kimmy Edwards (Clio), Candace Furbert (Thalia), Malinda Parris (Calliope), Paige Peddie (Melpomene), Mae Ann Jorolan (Meg), Emile Ruddock (Phil), Stephen Carlile (Hades), Craig Gallivan (Bob), Matt Overfield (Charles), Felipe Bejarano (Standby Hercules), Psalms-Nissi Myers-Reid and Francessca Daniella-Baker (Standby Muses), with Lana Antoniou, Daisy Barnett, Sarah Benbelaid, Courtenay Brady, Jack Butcher, Grace Chan, Jonathan Cordin, Sophie Cullen, Marie Finlayson, Nathan Louis Fernand, Ryesha Higgs, Barney Hudson, DeAngelo Jones, Joshua Lear, Serina Mathew, Lamoi Leon, Liam Marcellino,  Harriet Millier, Ellie Mitchell, Saffi Needham, Ingrid Olivia, Patrick Robinson, Stephen Rolley, Ope Sowande, and Blake Tuke.The new company members’ first performance will be on 29 June.

With music by Alan Menken and lyrics by David Zippel, and book by Robert Horn and Kwame Kwei-Armah, Casey Nicholaw’s production of Hercules, co-choreographed with Tanisha Scott, is inspired by the 1997 animated film of the same name from Walt Disney Studios. The feature film, directed by The Little Mermaid filmmakers John Musker and Ron Clements, and written by Clements, Musker, Donald McEnery, Bob Shaw and Irene Mecchi, won Best Animation Feature at the Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards and was nominated for the Academy Award® for Best Original Song for Go the Distance.

DISNEY’S

HERCULES

Music by Alan Menken

Lyrics by David Zippel

Book by Robert Horn and Kwame Kwei-Armah

Director and Choreographer: Casey Nicholaw; Co-Choreographer: Tanisha Scott;

Scenic and Additional Video Design: Dane Laffrey; Costume Design: Gregg Barnes, Sky Switser;

Lighting Design: Jeff Croiter; Sound Design: Adam Fisher; Video Design: George Reeve;

Special Effects Design: Jeremy Chernick; Dance Music Arrangements: David Chase;

Hair and Wig Design: Mia M. Neal; Make-Up Design: Kirk Cambridge-Del Pesche;

Music supervisor and Arranger: Michael Kosarin; Orchestrations: Danny Troob and Joseph Joubert;

Dance Arrangements: David Chase; Casting: Natalie Gallacher CDG for Pippa Ailion and Natalie Gallacher Casting

The musical, inspired by the animated film, based on the ancient myth.

It’s what classical civilisation would have wanted.

Ancient Greece. A time of gods, mortals… and Hercules, who isn’t quite either. But if he’s not a god, how can he possibly save the world from Hades? It’s one thing flexing those pecs, but going from zero to hero requires a different kind of strength. 

Get ready for a wise-cracking, column-shaking, underworld-rocking ride of adventure, self-discovery, and love. In tunics. 

The cast album is currently available for digital download, as well as on CD and vinyl.

Bradley Gibson plays Hercules. His theatre credits include Hercules (Paper Mill Playhouse), Fremont Ave. (Arena Stage and South Coast Rep), The Lion King, A Bronx Tale, Rocky (Broadway), Love’s Labour’s Lost (NY Public Theatre), and The School for Scandal (Red Bull Theater). For television, his work includes Mid-Century Modern, The Lion King at the Hollywood Bowl, Disney 100th at Royal Variety, Partner Track, Power Book II: GHOST, Kung Fu (CW), and Mozart in the Jungle; and for film, Fire Island.

Leslie Beehann plays Terpschiore. Her theatre credits include Disney’s Hercules (Stage Theater Neue Flora, Hamburg, Germany), The Lion King (Théâtre Mogador, Paris, France), The Jungle Book (Théâtre des Variétés/Theâtre de Paris, Paris, France), Ghost (Théâtre Mogador, Paris, France), Mickey and the Magician (Disneyland Paris), Frozen: Sing along (Disneyland Paris), and Dirty Dancing (Palais des Sports/Palais des Congrès, Paris and on French tour). Her film credits include dubbing work for Minecraft, Wicked, Matilda the Musical and Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey.

Kimmy Edwards plays Clio. Her theatre credits include A Christmas Carol (Old Vic Theatre), The Odyssey (Unicorn Theatre), One Night of Tina (European tour), Sylvia (The Old Vic), Get Up Stand Up (Lyric Theatre), Kiss Me Kate (The Watermill Theatre), Dreamgirls (Savoy Theatre), In the Heights (King’s Cross Theatre), Memphis (Shaftesbury Theatre), Ghost The Musical (UK tour), Hairspray (Germany), Tommy (English Frankfurt Theatre and German tour), and Legally Blonde (Savoy Theatre)

Candace Furbert plays Thalia. For theatre, her credits include The Book of Mormon (Prince of Wales Theatre), Shrek the Musical (UK tour), The Color Purple (Ruth Seaton James Theatre), Dreamgirls (Savoy Theatre), Tina: The Tina Turner Musical (Aldwych Theatre), and Once Upon a Time – The Lyrics of Robert Gould (Union Theatre).

Malinda Parris plays Calliope. Her theatre credits include The Greatest Showman (Bristol Hippodrome), The Enormous Crocodile (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), The Little Big Things (sohoplace), & Juliet (Shaftesbury Theatre), Mary Poppins (Prince Edward Theatre), Matilda (Cambridge Theatre, RSC), Aladdin (Lyric Hammersmith Theatre), Caroline, Or Change, The Light Princess (National Theatre), Anansi Trades Places (Shaw Theatre), Little Shop Of Horrors (New Wolsey Theatre) and Parade (Donmar Warehouse). Her film credits include Wicked and Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.

Paige Peddie plays Melpomene. Her theatre credits include I’m Every Woman – The Chaka Khan Musical (Hackney Empire), The Book of Mormon (Prince of Wales Theatre), Becoming Nancy (Birmingham Rep Theatre), Oklahoma! (Wyndham’s Theatre), Dreamgirls and Disney’s The Lion King (UK tours). She also received the Disney Theatrical Productions Scholarship to study at the Royal Academy of Music in 2019.

Mae Ann Jorolan plays Meg, having created the role for the London production after originating the part in Hamburg. Her other international theatre credits include Disney’s Aladdin (Stage Theater Neue Flora, Hamburg), and Hamilton (Stage Operettenhaus, Hamburg).

Emile Ruddock plays Phil. His theatre work includes The Greatest Showman (Bristol Hippodrome), Exe Men (Exeter Northcott Theatre), A Knight’s Tale (Opera House Manchester), Hamilton (Victoria Palace Theatre), Me and My Girl (Chichester Festival Theatre), Five Guys Named Moe (Marble Arch Theatre), Crazy for You (The Watermill Theatre), Kiss Me, Kate (UK tour), The Scottsboro Boys (Garrick Theatre), and 42nd Street (Rugby Theatre). His television work includes The 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony and Got to Dance.

Stephen Carlile plays Hades. For theatre, his work includes The Lion King (Minskoff Theatre, New York, European tour), The Go Between (Apollo Theatre), Peter Pan 360, Evita (International tours), My Fair Lady (National Theatre), Twelfth Night (UK tour), The Wizard of Oz (New Vic Theatre), Next Door’s Baby, The Pirates of Penzance (Orange Tree Theatre), Park Avenue (Sadler’s Wells Theatre), By Jeeves (UK tour), The Producers (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), The Importance of Being Earnest (Jermyn Street Theatre), The Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesty’s Theatre) and Noël (National Opera House). His television credits include Girls5eva; and for film, Perfectly Good Moment, The Invisible Atomic Monsters from Mars and Brideshead Revisited.

Craig Gallivan plays Bob. His theatre credit includes Frozen (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), School of Rock (New London Theatre), Billy Elliot (Victoria Palace Theatre), Crime and Punishment (National Theatre), Days of Significance (RSC), The Long, The Short and The Tall (Sheffield Theatres), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Oliver! (UK tours). For television, his work includes Stella (as series regular Luke), Torchwood, Footballer’s Wives (as series regular Callum Watson) and Care; and for film, The Edge of Love.

Matt Overfield plays Charles. His theatre credits include Mrs Doubtfire (Shaftesbury Theatre), Hello Dolly! (London Palladium), Mrs Doubtfire (Manchester Opera House), 9 to 5 The Musical (Savoy Theatre/UK tour), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Kilworth House Theatre), Motown the Musical (Shaftesbury Theatre), and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Tommy, and Boogie Nights (UK tours). His television work includes Hollyoaks, The Tracey Ullman Show and The Michael McIntyre Show; and for film, Wonka, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

Felipe Bejarano is Standby Hercules/Swing. His theatre credits include Wicked (Apollo Victoria), Death Note: The Musical (London Palladium), Matilda The Musical (Cambridge Theatre), The Prince of Egypt (Dominion Theatre), Evita (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Guys and Dolls (The Mill at Sonning), Legally Blonde (UK tour), Mamma Mia! (Novello Theatre), Peter Pan (Wimbledon Theatre) and Snow White (Yvonne Arnaud Theatre). His television credits include McDonald and Dodds, It’s a Sin and The Liberator; and for film, Snow White, Bohemian Rhapsody and Wicked: For Good.

Psalms-Nissi Myers-Reid is Standby Muse. Her theatre credits include Midnight (Sadlers Wells), & Juliet (UK tour), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), Matilda the Musical (RSC) and Disney’s The Lion King (Lyceum Theatre).

Francessca Daniella-Baker is Standby Muse. Her theatre credits include Hadestown (Lyric Theatre), Disney’s The Lion King (International tour), My Fair Lady (London Coliseum, UK tour), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (London Palladium), Robin Hood (New Victoria Theatre), Snow White, Cinderella (Glasgow SEC) and Disney’s The Lion King in Concert (Royal Albert Hall). Her television credits include His Dark Materials and All Star Musicals.

Facebook /HerculesOnStage

Instagram @herculesonstage

www.herculesthemusical.co.uk  

LISTINGS

HERCULES

Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Catherine Street, Covent Garden, London WC2B 5JF

www.herculesthemusical.co.uk  

From £29.50

Group rates and education rates are available – please see the website

PERFORMANCES UNTIL 5 SEPTEMBER:

Monday to Saturday 7:30pm

Thursday and Saturday matinees 2:30pm

On the following dates the 7:30pm performance will be replaced with a 2:30pm performance:

• Tuesday 26 May
• Tuesday 21 July
• Tuesday 28 July
• Tuesday 4 August
• Tuesday 11 August
• Tuesday 18 August
• Tuesday 25 August

ACCESS PERFORMANCES: 020 3925 2998 or access@lwtheatres.co.uk

Audio Described                              7.30pm on 15 May

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED

FOR THE LONDON PALLADIUM SUMMER SEASON

OF

TIM RICE AND ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER’S

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

COMPANY TO BE BACKED BY 19-PIECE ORCHESTRA

PERFORMANCES BEGIN SATURDAY 20 JUNE | london.jesuschristsuperstar.com

Thursday 30 April 2026, 10am: Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals is today thrilled to confirm the complete cast for Jesus Christ Superstar at The London Palladium this summer. Led by Sam Ryder, the company will also be backed by a sensational 19-piece orchestra.

Jesus Christ Superstar will play from Saturday 20 June to Saturday 5 September 2026, with a press night scheduled for Tuesday 7 July 2026. Tickets are on sale at london.jesuschristsuperstar.com.

Joining the previously-announced Sam Ryder as Jesus in his stage debut, Tyrone Huntley* who returns to his critically-acclaimed Olivier Award-nominated role of Judas Iscariot; Desmonda Cathabel as Mary Magdalene; David Thaxton as Pontius Pilate and six performers sharing the role of King Herod: Jesse Tyler Ferguson (20 Jun – 11 Jul); Simon Russell Beale (13 – 25 Jul); Richard Armitage (27 Jul – 1 Aug); Boy George (3 – 15 Aug, except 8 Aug); Layton Williams (17 – 29 Aug); and Julian Clary (31 Aug – 5 Sep 2026); are Bob Harms (Pretty Woman) as Caiaphas; Matty J (Britain’s Got Talent) as Annas; Billy Nevers* (Hamilton) as Simon/Alternate Judas; and Phil King (Jane Eyre) as Peter.

The company is completed by: Koko Alexandra, Jasmine Jules Andrews, Courtney Arango, Amy Barker, Alistair Beattie, Daniel Bowskill, Jahlil M Burke, Martha Burton, Marcelo Cervone, Sarah Freer, Sebastian Goffin, Alexander Kranz, Owen Lloyd, Milo McCarthy, Dan Moore, Cherece Richards, Kyle Richardson, Olivia Saunders, Toyan Thomas-Browne, Charley Warburton, Lillie-Pearl Wildman.

Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic global phenomenon is directed by Tim Sheader with choreography by Olivier Award-winner Drew McOnie and design by Tony and Olivier Award-winner Tom Scutt, reuniting the creative team of the 2016 production 10 years on to create a unique staging of their Olivier award-winning, worldwide smash-hit production. The production which was originally created and produced at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, will play a limited 11-week season at The London Palladium.

Jesus Christ Superstar follows the events of the last days of the life of Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’, ‘Gethsemane’ and the iconic title number ‘Superstar’.

Originally released as a concept album, Jesus Christ Superstar opened on Broadway in 1971, at the Mark Hellinger Theatre, where it was nominated for 5 Tony Awards including Best Original Score. The original London production ran for over eight years. By the time it closed, after 3,358 performances, it had become the longest-running musical in West End history at that time. 

Joining director Tim Sheader, choreographer Drew McOnie and designer Tom Scutt on the creative team are musical supervisor Tom Deering,lighting designer Lee Curran, sound designer Adam Fisher, wigs, hair and makeup designers Sam Cox and Maria Johal, fight director Kate Waters and casting directors Grindrod Burton Casting.

Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals’ recent productions include the smash hit double Olivier-Award winning Evita at The London Palladium last Summer, the seven-time Olivier-Award and three-time Tony-Award winning revival of SUNSET BLVD., and Starlight Express, which will embark on a World Tour in spring 2027 after concluding its London run. They have also just opened CATS: The Jellicle Ball on Broadway to critical acclaim; and this summer bring a brand-new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s global sensation CATS to Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre ahead of a major UK Tour.

Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals presents the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production by arrangement with LW Entertainment.