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FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED

FOR THE FIRST EVER UK TOUR

OF

OPENING AT THE BRISTOL HIPPODROME
FROM 8 OCTOBER 2026

ROGER BART
EXTEND HIS RUN AS ‘DOC BROWN’

Lead producer Colin Ingram, together with Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale, the creators of the Back To The Future film trilogy, are delighted to announce the full casting for the UK tour of BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical, which opens at the Bristol Hippodrome from Thursday 8 October 2026.

Joining the previously announced Roger Bart and Brian Conley as Doc Brown and Axel Duffy as Marty McFly, will be James Oliver as George McFly, Danielle Rose as Lorraine Baines, Brandon Lee Sears as Goldie Wilson and Marvin Berry, Toby Shellard as Biff Tannen, Tash Bacarese-Hamilton as Jennifer Parker, Rhys Owen as Strickland, Katrina Stenning as Linda McFly, and Blake Jordan as Dave McFly.

The company is completed by Chloe Bell, Nicole Carlisle, Tilly Ducker, Rebecca French, Tia Gyngell, Kai Harris, Katie Hutton, Keir Hylands, Arthur Janes, Stephen Lewis-Johnston, Zachary Miller, George Olney, Trézel Sergeant and Lashane Williams.

At select performances Arthur Janes will play the role of Marty McFly.

Roger Bart will extend his run as Doc Brown, now playing the Liverpool Empire (12 January – 6 February 2027), alongside the previously announced Bristol Hippodrome (8 October – 21 November 2026) and Edinburgh Playhouse (2 December 2026 – 2 January 2027). Brian Conley will play Doc Brown at Milton Keynes Theatre (9 – 27 February 2027). Further casting for the role of Doc Brown is to be announced.

BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical is a global success, with productions currently running in Japan, Germany, and aboard Royal Caribbean Cruises, with a French production to follow. The show recently completed a two-year tour of North America, alongside acclaimed runs in Sydney and on Broadway and has now been seen by over 5.5 million people worldwide, so far. The critically acclaimed Olivier, WhatsOnStage and Broadway World Award-winning Best New Musical played its final performance in London’s West End on Sunday 12 April 2026 after 5 years at the Adelphi Theatre, where it broke box office records and was seen by over 2.3 million people.

Based on the Universal Pictures/Amblin Entertainment film, BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical has a book by Bob Gale and new music and lyrics by Emmy and Grammy Award-winning Alan Silvestri and six-time Grammy Award-winning Glen Ballard, with additional songs from the film including The Power of Love and Johnny B. Goode.

BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical is directed by Tony Award-winning director John Rando (Urinetown, On The Town), alongside the multi Tony and Olivier Award-winning design team of Tim Hatley (set and costume design), Chris Bailey (choreography), Chris Fisher (Illusions), Tim Lutkin and Hugh Vanstone (lighting), Gareth Owen (sound) and Finn Ross (video), with  musical supervision and arrangements by Nick Finlow. Orchestrations are by Ethan Popp and Bryan Crook, with dance arrangements by David Chase. Casting is by David Grindrod CDG for Grindrod Burton Casting.

Back to the Future the movie was released in 1985, starring Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly and Christopher Lloyd as Dr Emmett Brown – last year marked the 40^th anniversary of the film’s release. The film grossed $360.6 million (£279 million) at the box office worldwide and the total box office for all three films in the Back to the Future franchise was $936.6 million (over $1.8 billion in today’s money).

BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical is produced by Colin Ingram, Frankel/Viertel/Baruch/Routh Group, Playing Field, CJ ENM, Universal Theatrical Group, Fin C Gray, Evolution Productions, Nicholson Green Productions, Augury, Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale.

www.BackToTheFutureMusical.com    

BACK TO THE FUTURE THE MUSICAL UK TOUR – 2026/ 2027 LISTINGS

THURSDAY 8 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 21 NOVEMBER 2026
BRISTOL HIPPODROME
https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/bristol-hippodrome/
ON SALE NOW
Starring Roger Bart as ‘Doc Brown’

WEDNESDAY 2 DECEMBER 2026 – SATURDAY 2 JANUARY 2027
EDINBURGH PLAYHOUSE
https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/edinburgh-playhouse/
ON SALE NOW
Starring Roger Bart as ‘Doc Brown’

TUESDAY 12 JANUARY – SATURDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2027
LIVERPOOL EMPIRE
https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/liverpool-empire/
ON SALE NOW
Starring Roger Bart as ‘Doc Brown’

TUESDAY 9 – SATURDAY 27 FEBRUARY 2027
MILTON KEYNES THEATRE
https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/milton-keynes-theatre/
ON SALE NOW
Starring Brian Conley as ‘Doc Brown’
* Brian Conley will not be performing as Doc Brown on Saturday 13 February, 2.30pm and 7.30pm or Sunday 14 February, 2.30pm.

TUESDAY 9 MARCH – SATURDAY 10 APRIL 2027
BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME
https://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/
ON SALE NOW
Casting for the role of ‘Doc Brown’ to be announced

TUESDAY 13 APRIL – SATURDAY 8 MAY 2027
SUNDERLAND EMPIRE
https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/sunderland-empire/
ON SALE NOW
Casting for the role of ‘Doc Brown’ to be announced

TUESDAY 11 MAY – SATURDAY 5 JUNE 2027
ALHAMBRA THEATRE, BRADFORD
https://www.bradford-theatres.co.uk/alhambra-theatre
ON SALE NOW
Casting for the role of ‘Doc Brown’ to be announced

TUESDAY 8 JUNE – SATURDAY 3 JULY 2027
MAYFLOWER THEATRE, SOUTHAMPTON
https://www.mayflower.org.uk/
ON SALE NOW
Casting for the role of ‘Doc Brown’ to be announced

TUESDAY 13 JULY – SATURDAY 21 AUGUST 2027
MANCHESTER OPERA HOUSE
https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/opera-house-manchester/
ON SALE NOW
Casting for the role of ‘Doc Brown’ to be announced

TUESDAY 24 AUGUST – SATURDAY 11 SEPTEMBER 2027
THEATRE ROYAL, PLYMOUTH
https://theatreroyal.com/
ON SALE NOW
Casting for the role of ‘Doc Brown’ to be announced

TUESDAY 19 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 13 NOVEMBER 2027
WALES MILLENIUM CENTRE, CARDIFF
https://www.wmc.org.uk/
ON SALE NOW
Casting for the role of ‘Doc Brown’ to be announced

FURTHER VENUES TO BE ANNOUNCED

PREPARE FOR A CATASTROPHE THIS

CHRISTMAS AS WEST END & TOUR

CAST ANNOUNCED

By Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields

Directed by Matt DiCarlo

www.ChristmasCarolGoesWrong.com

7 September 2026 – MISCHIEF, the multi-award winning company behind The Play That Goes Wrong, Peter Pan Goes Wrong and The Comedy About Spies, today sent a warning of who the cast will be performing in Christmas Carol Goes Wrong at London’s Wyndham’s Theatre, a Delfont Mackintosh Theatre in the West End from 18 December 2026 to 23 January 2027 and on the UK tour which starts in Bromley on 27 October 2027, then causes chaos in Norwich, Wolverhampton, Leeds, York, Milton Keynes, Cardiff, Birmingham, Newcastle and Cambridge (where the tour finishes on 7 March). 

The cast crashing around the UK is James Akka as Dennis, Adam Elliott as Chris, original Mischief member Dave Hearn as Max (until 23 January 2027), Matthew Howell as Robert, Jay Olpin as Max for the final 6 tour venues, Luke Pierre as Jonathan, Aein Nasseri as Trevor, Dumile Sibanda as Annie and Ashley Tucker as Sandra.

The understudies offering support are Billie Hamer, Robert Lane, Claire Lee Shenfield, Jay Olpin (until 23 January 2027), Josh Patel-Foster (from 26 January 2027) and Jamie Sandersfield.

Producer Kenny Wax said:  ‘It is with great trepidation that we are about to unleash this talented new cast of actors joining the ranks who are already fighting over who gets to play Scrooge, ignoring script cues and actively sabotaging the set.  We are terrified to be presenting this show throughout the UK on tour, in the West End and internationally, in Los Angeles and Australia.  It has meant that by expanding across multiple global casts, Cornley’s severe miscommunication, and delays to their set, have caused an international safety hazard.’

The cast for Portsmouth and Manchester most of whom arethe original West End cast and original Mischief members,  have already been announced.  They are Matt Cavendish (Max), Allie Dart (Annie), Sasha Frost (Sandra), Henry Lewis (Robert), Chris Leask (Trevor) and Jonathan Sayer (Dennis), Henry Shields (Chris) and Greg Tannahill (Jonathan).  The understudies are Matthew Biddulph,  Siobhan Cha Cha, Orla O’Sullivan and Josh Patel-Foster.

Christmas Carol Goes Wrong brings tidings of chaos and joy as The Cornley Amateur Drama Society return and attempt to tackle the Charles Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol. The Cornley crew battle miscommunication, delays to their set, actors missing in action and a growing feud over who will play the lead. This disastrous take on the much loved classic Christmas story of Ebenezer Scrooge is a festive slice of pure escapism. 

Christmas Carol Goes Wrong played to sell-out houses, when it premiered abd disaster struck at the Apollo Theatre in Shaftesbury Avenue last year.  It is written by original Mischief Members Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields and the production is directed by Matt DiCarlo, who also helmed the award-winning The Comedy About Spies which is on its second mission at London’s Adelphi Theatre where it is running until 26 September 2026.

The creative team joining the authors and director are set designer Libby Todd,  costume designer Roberto Surace,  lighting designer David Howe and sound designer and composer Alexandra Faye Braithwaite.

A 15 minute short documentary is available on YouTube, where you can go behind the mayhem and chaos and discover how this disastrous festive treat has been created by MISCHIEF.

Christmas Carol Goes Wrong in the West End and on tour in the UK  is produced by Kenny Wax and Stage Presence.

BARN THEATRE’S CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED PRODUCTION OF
MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET

TO EMBARK ON MAJOR UK TOUR IN 2027

THE HIT MUSICAL WILL VISIT 23 VENUES ACROSS THE UK FROM JANUARY – JULY 2027 FOLLOWING ITS LONDON SEASON – CURRENTLY PLAYING UNTIL 6 DECEMBER AT THE ARTS AT MARBLE ARCH:POWERED BY TODAYTIX

LONDON SEASON WILL PLAY ACROSS THE 70^TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LEGENDARY 4 DECEMBER 1956 RECORDING SESSIOn THAT INSPIRED THE SHOW

DIRECTED BY JONATHAN O’BOYLE

BOOK BY COLIN ESCOTT AND FLOYD MUTRUX

TOUR OPENS AT WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE, CARDIFF ON 26 JANUARY 2027

TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT SELECTED VENUES, WITH FURTHER VENUES ON SALE SOON

[Monday 7 September, London] Following its critically acclaimed, extended run at the Barn Theatre and as its London season gets underway at The Arts at Marble Arch: powered by TodayTix, Built by Barn and Steve Spiegel for TRW Production today announce that Million Dollar Quartet , directed by Jonathan O’Boyle, with book by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux, will embark on a major UK tour in 2027, led by stage and screen favourite, Darren Day as Sam Phillips, the visionary producer who created the sound of rock ’n’ roll.

On the night of December 4th 1956, four men entered a recording studio in Memphis and made musical history. Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley were brought together by pure chance for a jam session which would go on to shape the trajectory of rock ‘n’ roll. Now, 70 years after that legendary meeting, celebrate the anniversary of the night the Million Dollar Quartet came together and changed music forever.

In the studio, egos collide, promises are broken and dreams take shape. As the men navigate ambition, rivalry and fame they create the soundtrack that will define an era. Experience the classic songs – “Blue Suede Shoes”, “Fever”, “Walk The Line”, “Hound Dog” (and many more) – in the thrilling atmosphere of that once-in-a-lifetime event.

The tour follows the production’s extended summer season at the Barn Theatre in Cirencester and its current London run at The Arts at Marble Arch: powered by TodayTix, where performances began on 4 September and continue until 6 December 2026 – and will be playing on the 70^th anniversary of the legendary recording session that inspired the musical on 4 December 1956.

The production will open at Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff (26—30 January), before touring to Cliffs Pavilion, Southend (3—6 February), Liverpool Playhouse (9—13 February), Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow (15—20 February), Churchill Theatre, Bromley (22—27 February), Ipswich Regent (2—6 March), Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham (8—13 March), Darlington Hippodrome (16—20 March), Alhambra Theatre, Bradford (22—27 March), Theatre Royal Windsor (30 March— 3 April), Derby Theatre (5—10 April), Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne (12—17 April), Wyvern Theatre, Swindon (19—24 April), His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen (4—8 May), Kings Theatre, Portsmouth (10—15 May), BEAM, Hertford (18—22 May), The Sands Centre, Carlisle (24—29 May), Crewe Lyceum (31 May—5 June), Wolverhampton Grand Theatre (8—13 June), Fareham Live (14—19 June), Winter Gardens Blackpool (22—26 June) and Chelmsford Theatre (28 June—3 July) before concluding at Malvern Theatres (12—17 July).

Million Dollar Quartet, with a book by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux, is directed by Jonathan O’Boyle, with choreography by Joanna Goodwin, set and costume design by Libby Watson, lighting design by Alex Musgrave, sound design by Nick Lodge, musical supervision by Lee Freeman and casting direction from Harry Blumenau.

The UK tour marks the latest life for a production developed at the Barn Theatre under its Built by Barn banner, continuing the Cirencester theatre’s growing record of creating work in the Cotswolds for wider audiences. Recent Barn productions to have travelled beyond Cirencester include its 2023 production of I’m Sorry Prime Minister, I Can’t Quite Remember, which enjoyed a West End run and subsequent UK tour, with a UK tour of The King’s Speech also forthcoming in 2027.

Recent critical praise for the Barn production includes:

★★★★ “Under O’Boyle’s assured direction, we get the real people, rather than the legends that they became.” The Stage

★★★★ “The high voltage encore to Jonathan O’Boyle’s production gets the audience to their feet.” Daily Mail

★★★★ “Packed with outstanding musicianship, timeless songs and a cast operating at the top of their game.” West End Best Friend

Iwan Lewis, CEO and Artistic Director of the Barn Theatre, said, “The greatest night in rock ‘n’ roll history is going on the road! From the Barn Theatre to the West End and now across the UK, Million Dollar Quartet’s extraordinary journey continues. Seventy years after four legends made music history, their music is still bringing audiences to their feet. We couldn’t be prouder, and the party is only just getting started!”

Million Dollar Quartet opened on Broadway in 2010, receiving three Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical, and winning Best Featured Actor in a Musical for Levi Kreis’s portrayal of Jerry Lee Lewis. The musical made its West End  premiere at the Noël Coward Theatre in 2011, before returning to London as part of an extensive UK tour in 2016 and 2017. It has since been produced across the United States and internationally, earning a reputation as “a feel-good musical with a soundtrack to die for” (The Independent)

GOLDEN GLOBE-WINNING ACTRESS
TERI HATCHER 
IS THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF RUNWAY,
NOT TO MENTION A LEGEND 

AT THE DOMINION THEATRE 
CURRENTLY PLAYING UNTIL 25 SEPTEMEBER 2027

Bond Girl, Desperate Housewife and TV icon, multi-award-winning Teri Hatcher takes the reins as the legendary Editor-in-Chief from Tuesday 20 October 2026,bringing the next edition of Runway to the West End. This comes following Vanessa Williams‘ final performance on 19 September and Debbie Kurup stepping into Miranda Priestly’s immaculate designer heels, playing the role from Vanessa’s exit until 17 October.

Best known to audiences around the world for her iconic television roles in Desperate Housewives and Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, Teri Hatcher made her musical theatre debut as Sally Bowles in the acclaimed national tour of Sam Mendes’ groundbreaking revival of Cabaret, and more recently winning praise for her portrayal of Morticia Addams in The Addams Family.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to play some pretty formidable women throughout my career, but very few can compare to THE Miranda Priestly. I’m absolutely delighted to be joining The Devil Wears Prada in the West End. Miranda is intelligent, commanding, and has a glorious way of putting you in your place while being funny at the same time. Her dialogue is unforgettable, her confidence is contagious. These are the kinds of roles one loves to play. I can’t wait to embrace Miranda’s sharp wit, fierce ambition, and iconic style, and share her story on a stage with a new audience every night.” 

Teri Hatcher’s final performance is currently scheduled for 6 February 2027.

Packed with high fashion and theatrical flair, The Devil Wears Prada continues to redefine what audiences can expect from a musical spectacular. With Tony Award-winning costume designer Gregg Barnes at the heart of the Runway world. Having designed some of Broadway’s most iconic costumes for productions such as Aladdin, Kinky Boots and Legally Blonde, Barnes’ has brought his eye for glamour and storytelling into world of The Devil Wears Prada, making the fashion of the show a statement in its own right.

The production features iconic designer labels including Dior, Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen and Balmain, alongside expertly sourced vintage and second-hand pieces. Renowned British footwear brand Terry de Havilland has supplied more than 80 pairs of shoes for the show, with the designer known for creating shoes for Elton John. Miranda Priestly and Andy Sachs alone undergo an impressive 11 costume changes throughout the performance, helping bring the fashion world of the story vividly to life. During the curtain call, 680 grams of confetti is used in every performance, amounting to 5.4 kilograms each week, and. on average, the Deputy Stage Manager calls a cue every six seconds. 

Opening in the West End in December 2024, The Devil Wears Prada: The Musical has become the fastest‑selling show in the Dominion Theatre’s history, selling more than 1.3 million tickets to date. The show will also celebrate a major milestone on 23 September, when it reaches its 800th performance.

The groundbreaking musical continues to take the West End by storm having also released its first original cast recording last year, available HERE, which includes two unheard Elton John original demos and charted as the #1 new release on the compilations chart. 

The Devil Wears Prada has anaward-winning creative team led by Elton John (Billy Elliot: The Musical, The Lion King), new direction & choreography by Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde, Pretty Woman, Hairspray), lyrics by singer-songwriter Shaina Taub (Suffs) and Mark Sonnenblick (Theatre Camp), book by Kate Wetherhead (Ever After, Submissions Only), set design by Tim Hatley (Life of Pi, Back to the Future), costume design by Gregg Barnes (Some Like It Hot, Legally Blonde), lighting design by Bruno Poet (The Tina Turner Musical, Frankenstein), sound design by Gareth Owen (Come From Away, & Juliet) and casting by Jill Green CDG. 

The production opened at Theatre Royal Plymouth prior to arriving in the West End last summer, from 06 July – 17 August 2024.

Fresh out of college, aspiring journalist Andy scores a job at the prestigious Runway magazine working for fashion’s most powerful and terrifying icon — editor-in-chief Miranda Priestly. Sacrificing her personal life to meet Miranda’s impossible demands, Andy finds herself seduced by the glamorous world she once despised. How far will she go to succeed… and will it be worth selling her soul to get what she’s always wanted?

The musical is based on Lauren Weisberger‘s best-selling 2003 novel and the 2006 blockbuster film from Twentieth Century Studios which went on to gross $326 million worldwide and received two Academy Award nominations. The sequel, The Devil Wears Prada 2 was released on 01 May 2026 with its original leading cast, Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci all reprising their roles. 

Hilariously fun and fabulously stylish, The Devil Wears Prada tells an inspiring story about discovering what kind of person you truly want to be. Choose your outfit carefully and get ready for a musical that’s hautter than hell!

The Devil Wears Prada is produced by four-time Tony Award winner Kevin McCollum (Mrs. Doubtfire, In the Heights, Avenue Q and Rent), David Furnish (Billy Elliot: The Musical) and Jamie Wilson (Into The Woods, Mrs Doubtfire, Two Strangers)as a co-production with Theatre Royal Plymouth and presented by special arrangement with Buena Vista Theatrical.

EXCLUSIVE ON-STAGE TICKETS RELEASED AND TYRONE HUNTLEY TO RETURN
FOR THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE RUN

OF

TIM RICE AND ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER’S

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

Following record-breaking sold out summer season
at The London Palladium

Tyrone Huntley will continue to star as Judas
alongside Sam Ryder as Jesus at Theatre Royal Drury Lane from
Friday 16 October 2026 to Saturday 9 January 2027

Over 7,000 exclusive £25 on-stage standing tickets go on pre-sale today 7 September and on general sale 8 September at 11am
london.jesuschristsuperstar.com

Monday 7 September, 10am: Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals has today released on-stage standing tickets and confirmed Tyrone Huntley will return as Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar at Theatre Royal Drury Lane. The smash hit production, starring Sam Ryder as Jesus, concluded its box office breaking sell out summer season at The London Palladium on Saturday 5 September and extends West End performances for 12 weeks at Theatre Royal Drury Lane from Friday 16 October 2026 to Saturday 9 January 2027 ahead of a UK tour from February to October 2027. Tickets are available via london.jesuschristsuperstar.com.

Over 7,000 exclusive £25 on-stage standing tickets for Theatre Royal Drury Lane will go on pre-sale at 11am this morning (Monday 7 September) and on general release 24 hours later at 11am Tuesday 8 September. As with The London Palladium this summer, Theatre Royal Drury Lane audiences will get the opportunity to stand at the heart of the action, immersed in the raw energy, power and spectacle of this legendary rock musical. These on-stage standing tickets place fans inside the story for an electrifying, up-close experience. For full information for standing tickets and to sign up for the pre-sale please visit: london.jesuschristsuperstar.com/onstagestanding

The producers today confirm Tyrone Huntley will continue in his critically acclaimed role of Judas Iscariot for six performances a week with Matty J taking over as alternate Judas, performing the role on Thursdays. Matty J will continue to play Annas for all other performances. Eric Lewis will play the role of Simon at Theatre Royal Drury Lane.

The full cast for Theatre Royal Drury Lane are Sam Ryder as Jesus, Tyrone Huntley* as Judas Iscariot; Desmonda Cathabel as Mary Magdalene; David Thaxton as Pontius Pilate; nine performers sharing the role of King Herod: Matt Bomer (16 – 31 October); Rob Brydon (2 – 7 November); Reece Shearsmith (9 – 14 November); Bob The Drag Queen (16 – 21 November); Michael Ball (23 November – 5 December); Simon Russell Beale (7 – 12 December); Omid Djalili (14 – 19 December); and Layton Williams (21 December 2026 – 2 January 2027) with casting for one final King Herod (4 to 9 January 2027) to be announced. Bob Harms plays Caiaphas; Matty J* plays Annas/Alternate Judas, Phil King plays Peter, Eric Lewis plays Simon and Matthew Harvey is Standby Jesus.

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 and 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 Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production 10 years on to create a unique staging of their Olivier award-winning, worldwide smash-hit production. 

Following the conclusion of these London engagements Jesus Christ Superstar starring Sam Ryder, will tour the UK from 11 February 2027. Further casting for the tour is to be announced. Full details are available at uktour.jesuschristsuperstar.com.

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 an album, Jesus Christ Superstar opened on Broadway in 1971, at the Mark Hellinger Theatre, where it was nominated for five 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. 

Sam Ryder’s recordings of Gethsemane and What’s The Buzz? are available to listen to on all streaming platforms and purchase from Theatre Royal Drury Lane. With lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, the record was produced by music legend Fraser T. Smith (Adele, Raye, Dave) alongside Andrew Lloyd Webber and Sam Ryder, recorded live to tape at British Grove Studios earlier this year. 

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 & 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 which transfers to Broadway in spring 2027, the seven-time Olivier-Award and three-time Tony-Award winning revival of SUNSET BLVD. and the award-winning Starlight Express, which will embark on a World Tour in spring 2027 after recently concluding its London run. They recently produced CATS: The Jellicle Ball on Broadway which opened to huge critical acclaim and three Tony-Award wins; and recently opened a brand-new critically acclaimed production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s global sensation CATS at 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.

PERFORMANCES NOW RUN THROUGH 29^TH MAY 2027

“It’s not just the best musical I’ve ever seen; it’s the most rewarding theatrical experience I’ve ever had”
Taffy Brodesser-Akner, The New York Times

“A little show with a very big future”
 David Benedict, Variety

“One of British theatre’s great success stories and is packing out theatres in the West End and on Broadway… both spiffingly funny, in a Monty Python-esque fashion, and really quite moving”
Hugh Montgomery, Metro

“The West End hit is still the perfect mix of ingenious, silly and moving…With a new cast, the Olivier Award-winning musical about the wartime operation is as terrific as ever” ★★★★★
Marianka Swain, The Telegraph

“A miraculous musical that tells the entire story in a kind of accelerated farce that is part Mel Brooks, part SIX, part Hamilton with a side order of One Man, Two Guvnors.” ★★★★★
Neil Norman, The Daily Mirror

“The Brits have made the year’s funniest musical…Against the odds, the “Operation Mincemeat” gang has found its way to the big time.”
Peter Marks, The Washington Post

181 ★★★★★ reviews and counting

7^th September – It was announced today, that the Tony® and double Olivier Award®-winning musical Operation Mincemeat has extended for the 19^th time at the West End’s Fortune Theatre, with performances now running until 29^th May 2027, taking the production into its fifth year in the West End.

West End Extension tickets are available on General sale on Friday 25^th September at 10am from the Official Box Office here and tickets via the ballot are available on Thursday 24^th September

Alongside its West End run, Operation Mincemeat is now playing simultaneously on its world tour, with the UK leg underway and the North American leg about to launch, while on Broadway the production has confirmed its ninth extension at the John Golden Theatre with performances now booking through 14^th February 2027 marking two years since its first preview. Earlier this year on 27th February, the show sold its 1 millionth ticket. To celebrate the occasion, 5 Golden Tickets were given out to lucky winners on both sides of the Atlantic, awarding them free, unlimited access to Operation Mincemeat, anytime, anywhere in the world, for life.

Operation Mincemeat began as a tiny (and tiny-budgeted) production at the London Fringe New Diorama Theatre in 2019. The show quickly gained a devoted following, spurring sold-out runs at venues including Southwark Playhouse and Riverside Studios. It finally premiered in the West End on 9th May 2023 at the Fortune Theatre, where it won the Olivier and WhatsOnstage Awards® for ‘Best New Musical’, alongside garnering 181 five-star reviews and counting, and has become the ‘Best reviewed show in West End history.’

The year is 1943 and we’re losing the war. Luckily, we’re about to gamble all our futures on a stolen corpse. Operation Mincemeat is the fast-paced, hilarious and unbelievable true story of the twisted secret mission that won the Allies World War II. The question is, how did a well dressed corpse wrong-foot Hitler?

The production is directed by Deputy Artistic Director at the National Theatre Olivier Award nominated Rob Hastie (Standing at the Sky’s Edge, National Theatre – 2023 Best New Musical Olivier Award winner), following providing directorial support for the Riverside Studios run, while Olivier Award nominated Jenny Arnold (Jerry Springer: The Opera, National Theatre) continues as Choreographer. Also from Standing at the Sky’s Edge at the National Theatre on the creative team are: 2023 Olivier Award nominated Ben Stones (Sylvia, The Old Vic) as Set and Costume Designer, Tony Award, six-time Olivier Award and Bafta Award winning Mark Henderson (Girl From the North Country, Broadway & Noël Coward Theatre) as Lighting Designer and Olivier Award winning Mike Walker (Jerry Springer: The Opera, National Theatre) as Sound Designer.  Grammy Award winning and Tony, Emmy & 2024 ‘Outstanding Musical Contribution’ Olivier Award nominated Steve Sidwell (Beautiful: The Musical, Broadway & Aldwych Theatre) is Orchestrator and Vocal Arranger, while 2024 ‘Outstanding Musical Contribution’ Olivier Award nominated Joe Bunker is Musical Supervisor and Ben Cox is Musical Director. Amy Milburn is Associate Director and Paul Isaiah Isles is Associate Choreographer. Casting is by Pearson Casting. The extraordinary debut is written and composed by SpitLip – David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson and Zoë Roberts.

Since premiering at the 77-seater New Diorama Theatre in London in 2019, Operation Mincemeat has been nominated for 68 awards and won 24, including four for Best Musical from the Olivier Awards®, WhatsOnStage Awards, BroadwayWorld Theater Fans’ Choice Awards, and off-West End Awards. The Broadway production was nominated for four Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, and won Best Featured Actor in a Musical.

Operation Mincemeat is produced in the West End, on tour, and on Broadway by Avalon (in association with SpitLip). The show was commissioned by New Diorama Theatre, co-commissioned by The Lowry, and also supported by the Rhinebeck Writers Retreat.

New Cast Announced

for

THE HUNGER GAMES:

ON STAGE

Based on Suzanne Collins’s Acclaimed Book

& Lionsgate’s Blockbuster Film

NEW CAST BEGIN FRIDAY 23 OCTOBER 2026, 2.30PM

www.thehungergamesonstage.com

Producers of the first-ever stage adaptation of Suzanne Collins’internationally acclaimed book “The Hunger Games” and Lionsgate’s hit motion picture of the same name are delighted to announce a new cast as the show enters its second year at Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre.

From Friday 23 October 2026, 2.30pm, The Hunger Games: On Stage will be led by Elizabeth Anderson as Katniss Everdeen with Vinnie Copeland as Peeta Mellark, Nathan Stokes as Gale Hawthorne, Daisy Statham as Prim, Alix Dunmore as Mrs. Everdeen, Isabel Della-Porta as Effie Trinket and Theo Ogundipe as Cinna.

British television and stage actors Neil McDermott (EastEnders) and Daniel Brocklebank (Coronation Street) will play Haymitch Abernathy and Caesar Flickerman respectively. Hollywood legend John Malkovich continues in his role as President Snow on screen.

The company is completed by returning cast members Aiya Agustin (Rue), Geo Bailey (Tippet), Alexandra Barredo (Fossa), Jessica Daugirda (Offstage Swing), Luca Moscardini (Offstage Swing) and new cast members Jason Battersby (Cato), Jesse Chidera (Offstage Swing), Elliot Copeland (Offstage Swing), Myla Carmen (Clove),  Archie Durrant (Stele), Xanthe Gibson (Offstage Swing & Alternate Katniss), Maria Goodman (Offstage Swing), Joseph Lukehurst (Onstage Swing), Montel Morrison (Thresh), Jhanaica van Mook (Glimmer), Lewis Renninson (Drove), Florence Russell (Offstage Swing), Jake Scott Newton (Marvel), Emma Shannon (Onstage Swing), Hamish Skeoch (Fila) and Rhodri Watkins (Offstage Swing).

The final performance for the current cast will be Monday 18 October 2026.

Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre, the 1,200-seat purpose-built, dynamic theatre-in-the-round venue designed specifically to host this production, is situated right in the heart of London’s vibrant Canary Wharf.

Conor McPherson (The Weir, Girl from the North Country, The Seafarer) has adapted the first book from Suzanne Collins’ epic series and the first film from Lionsgate’s iconic film franchise for this live theatrical production. The production is helmed by renowned director Matthew Dunster (2:22 – A Ghost Story, Hangmen, The Pillowman, Hedda and John Niven’s The Battle), with a world-class creative team who bring the show to breathtaking life.

The creative team also includes: Miriam Buether (Set Designer), Charlotte Broom (Choreographer), Lucy Carter (Lighting Designer), Ian Dickinson for Autograph (Sound Designer), Tal Rosner (Video Designer), Chris Fisher (Illusions), Kev McCurdy (Fight Director), John Maddox (Performer Flying and Special Effects), James Maloney (Arranger, Musical Director and Additional Compositions), Amy Ball CDG (Casting Director), James Robert Moore (Associate Director), Robyn Grant (Creative Assistant Director), Mary Halliday (Props Supervisor), JJ Wigs (Wigs, Hair and Make-up), Tom Silverwood (Costume Designer), Runaway Entertainment (General Management), Jenefer Brown (Creative Consultant), Lloyd Thomas (Technical Director), Josh Collins (Production Manager), Liz Flint (Voice Coach) and Aundrea Fudge (Dialect Coach).

Spring 2026 saw the official opening of Songbird Restaurant & Bar, situated within the theatre, as a standalone dining destination. It has launched a dedicated à la carte offering for lunch and dinner service for non-theatregoers joining the already popular pre-theatre menu. The 125-cover restaurant brings together seasonal British cooking, creative cocktails, design-led interiors and waterfront views and caters to corporate and social occasions with two private rooms and a semi-private area for group gatherings.

The Hunger Games encompasses five critically acclaimed novels that have sold over 100 million copies worldwide and been translated into 52 languages as well as a blockbuster film franchise that has grossed more than $3.4 billion at the global box office. Lionsgate and Fathom Entertainment also re-released all five existing films in The Hunger Games franchise to cinemas across North America in early September. Each screening revealed exclusive first-look footage from the eagerly anticipated The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, which

arrives in cinemas this November.

In a dystopian future, The Hunger Games ignite a thrilling battle for survival, where 24 young tributes are pitted against each other in an arena to fight to the death. Katniss Everdeen, a fearless and resourceful heroine, emerges as a symbol of rebellion as she fights not only for her life but for the hope of a nation oppressed by a ruthless Capitol.

The Hunger Games: On Stage is produced by Tristan Baker and Charlie Parsons for Runaway Entertainment, Oliver Royds for BOS Productions, Isobel David, Timothy Laczynski and Umeda Arts Theater.

Social Media:

Instagram @TheHungerGamesOnStage

YouTube    The Hunger Games On Stage

TikTok        @TheHungerGamesOnStage

X                 @THGOnStage

Threads     @TheHungerGamesOnStage

Tumblr       @TheHungerGamesOnStage

Reddit         @hungergamesonstage

LISTINGS

Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre

11 Water St,

Canary Wharf Estate,

London E14 5GX

Booking until 14 February 2027

www.thehungergamesonstage.com

Performances: Tuesday – Thursday 7:30pm, Friday – Saturday 2:30pm & 7.30pm, Sunday 2:30pm.*

*From November onwards, Sunday performances will be at 3pm.

Christmas 2026/27 Performance Schedule

Tuesday 22 December                                2:30pm & 7.30pm

Wednesday 23 December                          2:30pm & 7.30pm

Thursday 24 December                               NO PERFORMANCE

Friday 25 December                                    NO PERFORMANCE

Saturday 26 December                               NO PERFORMANCE

Sunday 27 December                                  2:30pm & 7.30pm

Monday 28 December                                2:30pm & 7.30pm

Tuesday 29 December                                2:30pm

Wednesday 30 December                          2:30pm & 7.30pm

Thursday 31 December                               2.30pm

Friday 1 January 2027                                 NO PERFORMANCE

Saturday 2 January                                      2:30pm & 7.30pm

Sunday 3 January                                         3pm 

FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED

FOR THE UK AND IRELAND TOUR AND LIMITED WEST END SEASON

OF THE ORIGINAL AWARD-WINNING PRODUCTION OF

ANNETTE McLAUGHLIN TO PLAY ‘MRS WILKINSON’,

DEKA WALMSLEY ‘DAD’, JACK BANDEIRA ‘TONY’

AND LESLEY JOSEPH ‘GRANDMA’

FURTHER VENUES ALSO ANNOUNCED FOR TOUR

WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE, CARDIFF

BORD GAIS ENERGY THEATRE, DUBLIN,

BRISTOL HIPPODROME AND ALHAMBRA, BRADFORD

Universal Theatrical Group and Working Title Filmsare delighted to announce full casting for the UK and Ireland tour and limited West End season of the original award-winning production of BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL. Annette McLaughlin will play ‘Mrs Wilkinson’, Deka Walmsley ‘Dad’, Jack Bandeira ‘Tony’ and Lesley Joseph ‘Grandma’.

Annette McLaughlin is no stranger to the role of Mrs Wilkinson having played the part in the last UK and Ireland tour of Billy Elliot. Her many West End theatre credits include Marya Dmitriyevna in Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, Warwick in Player Kings, Mrs Wormwood in Matilda The Musical, Dolores Umbridge in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Olivia in Twelfth Night, Velma Kelly in Chicago and Erma in Anything Goes. 

Deka Walmsley returns to the role of Dad having played the part to great acclaim in both the West End production and on screen in Billy Elliot the Musical Live. His other theatre credits include Porter in Macbeth and George Brown in The Pitmen Painters. Further on screen credits include Steve in Netflix’s The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself, and Tony Hutchinson in The Thief, His Wife and the Canoe and Gary Mincham in Vera, both for ITV.

 Jack Bandeira’s numerous screen credits include Amazon’s Blade Runner 2099, BBC3’s Smoggie Queens, Disney+’s Andor, Netflix’s Black Mirror, Lockwood & Co, The Witcher, and BBC’s Happy Valley. 

Lesley Joseph is best known for playing Dorien Green in the hugely successful sitcom Birds of a Feather, alongside Pauline Quirke and Linda Robson. Her many theatre credits include Grandma in The Addams Family, Miss Hannigan in Annie and her Olivier Award nominated performance as Frau Blucher in Young Frankenstein. Her other theatre credits include Sister Act The Musical and Calendar Girls. She has been seen on screen in BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Masterchef, Channel 4’s Celebrity Coach Trip and ITV’s Night and Day.

The company also includes Tanesha Aba, Marc Akinfolarin, Natasha J Barnes, Robbie Boyle, Lydia Bradd, Jack Bromage, Jennifer Caldwell, Alex Christian, Adam Crossley, Natalie Durkin, Nathan Elwick, Ian Gareth-Jones, Shirley Jameson, Jenny Legg, Jay Luca Allan, Charlie R Miller, Lewis Mortier, Perry O’Dea, Matt Overfield, Mark Pearce, Aidan Stuart and Lucy Warway.

Alternating the role of Billy’s best friend ‘Michael’ will be Harper Etienne (10 years old from Derbyshire), Dalton Jones (9 years old from South Yorkshire), Theo Kamande (12 years old from London) and Oisin-Luca Pegg (13 years old from Birmingham). Joining them will be Lola Cant (10 years old from Durham), Paige Cook (10 years old from Durham) and Scarlett Gardener (9 years old from Sunderland) who all alternate the role of ‘Debbie’.

Playing the Ballet Girls will be Vivien Abreu, Ivy-Rae Battams, Chloe Boyle, Mikeila Buljan-Bakotic, Rose Butler, Ella Collins, Willow Crabtree, Amari Dumbuya, Ava Evans, Daisy-Mae Ford, Kyla Fowles, Lux Hardy, Marian Nguema Ndjondjo, Zizha Nguema Ndjondjo, Jessica Pipe, Eva Ramtohul, Mia Raggio and Anabelle Tran.

They join the previously announced Noah Mannion (13 years old from Stockport), Rafferty Smale (12 years old from Leigh-on-Sea), Spencer Collins (13 years old from California) and William Gurney (13 years old from Berkshire) who share the role of ‘Billy’ and Liam Mower who will play ‘Older Billy.’

BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL will open at Sunderland Empire on 4 November 2026 where it will run until 28 November 2026. It will then visit Palace Theatre Manchester (2 December 2026 – 9 January 2027) and Edinburgh Playhouse (19 January – 6 February 2027) ahead of its first return to the West End in over 10 years, playing a limited West End season at the Adelphi Theatre from 12 February – 31 July 2027. New venues announced today are Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff (10 – 28 August 2027), Bord Gais Energy Theatre, Dublin (14 September – 9 October 2027) Alhambra, Bradford (19 October – 6 November 2027) and Bristol Hippodrome (1 – 26 February 2028). On sale details below with further touring dates to be announced soon. billyelliotthemusical.com

Based on the highly successful multi BAFTA award-winning and Academy Award nominated film, the show is set in a northern mining town against the background of the 1984/’85 miners’ strike and follows Billy’s journey from the boxing ring to the ballet class where he discovers a passion for dance that inspires his family and whole community and changes his life forever.

Acclaimed by audiences and critics alike, BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL has been seen by just over 12 million people across five continents and is the recipient of over 85 awards internationally, including ten Tony Awards and five Olivier Awards. In 2006, Liam Mower, James Lomas and George Maguire, the first three boys to play the title role, became the youngest performers ever to have won the Olivier Award for Best Actor with the show also picking up the Best Musical prize. In total, over 125 boys have now played the iconic title role on stage worldwide.

BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL is brought to life by the multiple award-winning creative team behind the film including writer Lee Hall (book and lyrics), director Stephen Daldry and choreographer, Peter Darling, joined by Elton John who composed the show’s score. The production features scenic design by Ian MacNeil, costume design is by Nicky Gillibrand, lighting design by Rick Fisher, sound design by Paul Arditti and hair, wig and make up design by Campbell Young. Musical supervision and orchestrations are by Martin Koch. The tour director is Simon Pollard and the associate choreographer is Jeroen Luiten. Adult casting is by Natalie Gallacher CDG for Pippa Ailion and Natalie Gallacher Casting and children’s casting is by Nick Hockaday CDG for Jessica Ronane Casting.

BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL is presented by Universal Theatrical Group and Working Title Films and is based on the Universal Pictures/Studio Canal film. The show is produced by Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Jon Finn and Sally Greene. Executive producers are David Furnish, Angela Morrison and Rebecca Quigley for Working Title Films.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL

billyelliotthemusical.com

Instagram – billyelliotuk

TikTok – billyelliotuk

Facebook – Billy Elliot the Musical

YouTube – BillyElliotMusicalUK

4 – 28 NOVEMBER 2026

SUNDERLAND EMPIRE

atgtickets.com/sunderland

2 DECEMBER 2026 – 9 JANUARY 2027

PALACE THEATRE MANCHESTER

atgtickets.com/manchester

19 JANUARY – 6 FEBRUARY 2027

EDINBURGH PLAYHOUSE

atgtickets.com/edinburgh

12 FEBRUARY – 31 JULY 2027

ADELPHI THEATRE, LONDON
lwtickets.co.uk

10 – 28 AUGUST 2027
WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE, CARDIFF
wmc.org.uk
ON SALE 9 OCTOBER 2026

14 SEPTEMBER – 9 OCTOBER 2027

BORD GAIS ENERGY THEATRE, DUBLIN
bordgaisenergytheatre.ie
ON SALE 11 SEPTEMBER 2026

19 OCTOBER – 6 NOVEMBER 2027
ALHAMBRA, BRADFORD
bradford-theatres.co.uk
ON SALE 14 SEPTEMBER 20

1 – 26 FEBRUARY 2028
BRISTOL HIPPODROME
atgtickets.com/bristol   
ON SALE 22 SEPTEMBER 2026

Jack Studio Theatre / Bridge House Theatre 4 – 5 September

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

4****

Roger’s mother is getting married and she wants him and his uncle to give the speech. A simple and loving request, but Roger is determined to use the speech to publicly ambush and expose her new husband.

Beginning with Roger (Joseph Ryan-Hughes) imagining and acting out his speech, he seems to be a boy seething with jealousy of his mum’s new relationship, but the family dynamics and past hurts that are gradually revealed draw a much more nuanced character. David (Paul T. Willcocks), the divorced gay uncle is written in much broader strokes, but again writer Tristan Simpson expertly reveals the pain behind the bravado.

With secret missions from his sister to bond with and check up on Roger, and his own outside of the box methods for creating the perfect speech, David inadvertently opens up past wounds in Roger’s and his own life creating a few major bumps on the metaphorical road to the wedding. Roger’s imagined speeches become more vindictive but all the mishaps allow Roger to build a clearer picture of his mother and see beyond his ideas of the breakdown of her first marriage. Joseph Ryan-Hughes is wonderful as Roger – capturing the infuriating and bloody-minded certainty of youth and a sensitive glimpse at the lonely and vulnerable boy beneath. Paul T. Willcocks chews the scenery brilliantly in David’s more flamboyant displays but also excels in the quiet moments as David grieves for his own marriage.

As the generation gap and lifestyle clashes rage, Simpson’s writing repeatedly teases family reconciliation before one of the pair throws a spanner in the works and they have to start again, but the bond grows until they finally have the finished speech. However, with emotions and alcohol intake run high, will they stick to the script?

This could have been as cheesy as the worst wedding speeches, but Tristan Simpson’s writing explores the complicated emotions, grudges and hopes of the pair with a light touch, never negating the depth of feeling, but throwing in inappropriate jokes to change the mood – just as real families do. The audience is taken on a fantastic ride as there is no way to predict what these characters will do next, and the actors’ chemistry and energy are so dynamic that mothers and sisters in the audience may want to slap one or both of them at certain points.

Thoughtfully and cleverly written and performed with passion and skill, this funny and heartwarming exploration of family fracture and healing is a delight.

Sheffield Lyceum – until Saturday 19th September 2026

Reviewed by Claire Moore

4****

I’ll start with a confession: Shakespeare isn’t my specialist subject, and I haven’t read King Lear since my GCSEs. So, after a quiet August away from the theatre, this Sheffield Theatres production certainly threw me straight back in at the deep end.

For anyone else whose Shakespeare knowledge might be a little rusty, King Lear begins with the ageing king deciding to divide his kingdom between his three daughters. There’s just one catch: they must first tell him how much they love him first.

Olivier and Tony Award-winning actor Ian McDiarmid takes on the title role. While his two eldest daughters are happy to give their father the grand declarations he wants to hear, his youngest, Cordelia (Bebe Sanders), refuses to play along and is banished. It’s a decision Lear soon comes to regret. With his kingdom handed over and his authority gone, those declarations of love quickly disappear, setting in motion a story of betrayal, power and a man’s descent into madness.

The staging is dark, bleak and stripped back. The floor of the Crucible is covered in dirt, with little more than an indented circle at its centre, the simplicity works particularly well in the round. Props are kept to a minimum just a set of stocks and the occasional weapon, leaving the cast and Shakespeare’s words to do the work.

It’s no surprise that McDiarmid delivers an excellent performance as Lear. He begins as an egotistical king who expects obedience and adoration from everyone around him but gradually becomes almost unrecognisable. As his power, dignity and sanity are stripped away, the imposing king becomes an increasingly frail, vulnerable and at times almost childlike old man. It’s quite a transformation to watch.

The costumes are perhaps one of the biggest surprises. Corseted gowns sit alongside Adidas trainers, while more traditional pieces are mixed with leather coats and modern clothing. On paper it sounds like it shouldn’t really work but I actually liked the mix.

The strength of the cast goes far beyond McDiarmid. Katie Wimpenny as Goneril and Justina Kehinde as Regan are both commanding, with Kehinde particularly chilling as Regan. There’s something quite unsettling about the enjoyment she seems to take from her growing power and the cruelty that comes with it.

A special mention has to go to Max Revell as the Fool, who brings a very modern twist to the role through street dance. I know — but trust me, it really works. His relationship with Lear feels incredibly believable and, as Lear begins to unravel, moving.

Revell uses movement to express as much as he does words, at times seeming almost weightless as he moves around the stage. This is particularly effective during the storm, when Lear and the Fool battle against the elements and Revell appears to be physically blown around the space. It’s a brilliant piece of physical performance.

With so little scenery and so few props, the lighting and sound have an even bigger job to do. Emma Laxton’s sound effects and Ryan Day’s lighting design helps transform the otherwise bare space, particularly during the battle scene, where the combination of light and sound creates a real sense of chaos and danger.

At two hours and 55 minutes, including an interval, King Lear isn’t a quick night at the theatre — so get comfy. The performance received a standing ovation from a clearly impressed audience. But you don’t need to be a Shakespeare expert to appreciate great theatre — and this production proves that.