MISCHIEF TO DEBUT THEIR FIRST
MUSICAL COMEDY
THESPIANS
LIMITED TOUR FROM MAY 2026 BEGINNING AT MERCURY THEATRE COLCHESTER
“If you thought something funny happened on the way to the forum, wait until you hear what happened enroute to the amphitheatre!”
‘WE ALL NEED A BIT OF MISCHIEF IN OUR LIVES’
Dominic Cavendish, The Telegraph
‘MISCHIEF ARE THE HILARIOUS GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING’
WhatsOnStage
HOME Manchester, Mercury Theatre Colchester, and JPT Productions present the world premiere of the Mischief production of THESPIANS. The brand-new musical comedy which rewrites ancient history will have a limited 9-week tour, beginning May 2026.
534 BC. Greece’s smallest island is battling to avoid defeat in a nationwide prayer competition set up by a thin-skinned tyrant – where the loser is put to death. All is going dreadfully until Thespis accidentally invents acting, leading to the world’s first play and the origins of theatre as we know it!
Step into the amphitheatre, leave your troubles in the foyer, and escape into Ancient Greece as it bursts into song, with a thrilling plot, a love story worthy of Aphrodite, and enough laughter to fill the Acropolis. THESPIANS is an uplifting, hilarious, and timely reminder of the power of empathy and stepping into someone else’s sandals.
Written by Jonathan Sayer (co-writer of The Play That Goes Wrong, Peter Pan Goes Wrong and The Comedy About A Bank Robbery) and Ed Zanders (musical director Mischief Movie Night), do not miss this ancient prescription for modern day laughter packed with comedy, chaos and choreography that will have every mortal in your household aching with laughter.
Jonathan Sayer says, “I’m absolutely delighted that Thespians will be touring the UK next year. I’ve always loved musicals and it’s been a total joy to co-write one, especially with such a skilled composer as Ed. I think the show is full of heart, great songs plus the laughter and mayhem that you’d expect in a Mischief show! We can’t wait to share it with audiences next year.”
THESPIANS will make its world premiere at Mercury Theatre Colchester from 9-23 May, followed by runs at Theatre Royal Bath from 26-30 May, Wyvern Theatre, Swindon from 2-6 June, The Yvonne Arnaud, Guildford from 9-13 June, Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham from 16-20 June, New Theatre, Cardiff from 23-27 June and HOME Manchester from 7–18 July.
Casting will be announced at a later date.
More information can be found at ThespiansMusical.com.