As part of Original Theatre 20th anniversary season,
Original Theatre and Reading Rep Theatre’s production of Micheál Mac Liammóir’s
The Importance of Being Oscar
starring Alastair Whatley and directed by Michael Fentiman
transfers to Jermyn Street Theatre this Spring
Following the sell-out success of Being Mr Wickham in 2024, Original Theatre returns to Jermyn Street Theatre, joined by co-producers Reading Rep Theatre, for the first London revival in over 25 years of Micheál Mac Liammóir’s renowned play, The Importance of Being Oscar. The production runs from Friday 28 March until Saturday 19 April 2025, as part of the anniversary season celebrating 20 years of Original Theatre.
The Importance of Being Oscar isdirected by Michael Fentiman (Amelie, Jekyll & Hyde, The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe) and stars Original Theatre’s Artistic Director Alastair Whatley. The one-man show’s run at Reading Rep Theatre last summer marked Alastair’s return to the stage, having last performed in 2017 in the New York transfer of Original Theatre’s production of Torben Betts’ Invincible. Alastair’s other acting credits include Birdsong, The Importance of Being Earnest, Three Men in a Boat, See How They Run, Twelfth Night, Vincent in Brixton, Dancing at Lughnasa and Henry V (RSC).
Set and Costume Design are by Madeleine Girling, Lighting Design is by Chris Davey, and Composition and Sound Design are by Barnaby Race.
Oscar Wilde was a dandy of speech, a dandy of manner, a dandy of dress, and a dandy, even, of ideas and intellect. He fell in love with eccentric socialites, travelled to America with nothing to declare except his genius, and found worldwide success as a playwright. This is the story of how his life of fame, glamour, and romance led him to become an imprisoned outcast.
The Importance of Being Oscar immerses audiences in a compelling journey through the loves and losses, successes and struggles of the man. It is a beautiful tribute to an icon of the world of theatre, liberally laced with Wilde’s signature wit and wisdom and featuring excerpts of many of his best-loved works including An Ideal Husband, The Picture of Dorian Gray, The Importance of Being Earnest and The Ballad of Reading of Gaol.
Alastair Whatley, Artistic Director of Original Theatre and star of The Importance of Being Oscar, said: “I am delighted that our show created with Mike Fentiman and the team at Reading Rep last summer gets a new lease of life at the intimate Jermyn Street Theatre in Piccadilly. This London neighborhood in the heart of the modern metropolis will forever be associated with Wilde, who feasted with panthers in close proximity to where the theatre stands today and from where we will stage Micheál Mac Liammóir’s loving, charged and celebrated elegy to the life and works of this legendary figure of the British stage.”
Content warnings: Please be aware this show contains mild haze and blackouts. At one point during the show, there is also a flash of light towards the audience.
Hall for Cornwall, Truro, Cornwall until Saturday 1 March 2025
Reviewed by Kerry Gilbert
5*****
Pamela Raith
‘It’s no surprise this feel good, fabulous production is selling out, with enough glamour and sparkle to light up a room’
A brand-new production of Kinky Boots is at the Hall for Cornwall this week courtesy of Made at Curve. Directed by the Curve’s Artistic Director Nikolai Foster with choreography by Leah Hill and music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper, it is a fine rendition of this extremely popular musical which has already won just about every major Best Musical award.
Based on the 2005 film by Geoff Deane and Tim Firth, Harvey Fierstein’s book tells the story of Charlie Price who, having begrudgingly inherited a failing shoe factory from his father, forms an unlikely partnership with cabaret performer and drag queen, Lola, to produce a line of high-heeled boots and save the business.
It was a sellout show, and from the start the atmosphere was electric, with the anticipation building in the audience, the orchestra soon grasped everybody’s attention with the opening of the show! It is a show that radiates positivity, celebrating individuality and kindness in a way that feels more important than ever.
Once Johannes Radebe walks on stage as Lola, it is hard to focus your attention anywhere else, with his magnetic charm. Fans of Strictly Come Dancing (where Radebe shot to fame) hoping to witness some sparkling choreography are not disappointed. Radebe has a pleasant singing voice, but it is his immense presence and command of the stage which are most exhilarating. He effortlessly transitions from unapologetic high camp to heartbreaking tenderness.
As Charlie, Dan Partridge is an accomplished performer with an attractive voice. His portrayal of a young man’s conflict between following his own wishes and fulfilling the hopes and dreams of his father is convincing and heartfelt.
One of key pivotal moments is when Lola reveals himself as Simon from Clacton, wearing his male clothing and meets Charlie with honesty and bravery. It’s the only moment where Radebe has to peel back the layers and act rather than perform. He rises to the challenge, with quiet authenticity and restraint. His solo/duet with Charlie of ‘I’m Not My Father’s Son’ is extremely moving. The presence of the two talented young actors playing Young Charlie (Joshua Beswick) and Young Lola (Lawrence Ndola-Myers) adds to the emotional impact.
Courtney Bowman as Lauren is an absolute spotlight. Her comedic facial expressions are perfection, and her performance of ‘The History of Wrong Guys’ is a show highlight, packed with incredible vocals and the right mix of awkward charm and hilarity.
It’s no surprise this feel good, fabulous production is selling out, with enough glamour and sparkle to light up a room. Kinky Boots will lift you up and leave you with a big grin on your face. A full standing ovation and cheers from the audience were thoroughly deserved.
WATERMILL THEATRE 2025 AWARD-WINNING NEWBURY VENUE ANNOUNCES FULL 2025 SEASON DETAILS, INCLUDING A REVIVAL OF
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
AS THE SUMMER MUSICAL (24 JUNE – 21 SEPTEMBER)
CHARLEY’S AUNT – ADAPTED BY ROB MADGE (3 OCTOBER – 15 NOVEMBER)
THE LITTLE MERMAID (26 NOVEMBER – 4 JANUARY)
TICKETS ON SALE TO BULRUSH, FERN, WATER LILY & WILLOW MEMBERS 6 MARCH, FRIENDS & REEDS MEMBERS 18 MARCH (MEMBERSHIPS START FROM £35 PER YEAR) EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS 25 MARCH, GENERAL ONSALE 26 MARCH BOOK ONLINE AT WATERMILL.ORG.UK OR VIA THE BOX OFFICE ON 01635 46044
Joint CEOs Artistic Director Paul Hart andExecutive Director Claire Murray, and the whole team at Newbury’s Watermill Theatre are delighted to announce the summer and autumn productions for 2025 at the award-winning venue.
The Watermill’s 2025 summer musical will be a revival of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s extraordinary rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar, directed by Paul Hart, with set and costume design by David Woodhead, choreography by Anjali Mehra, and musical supervision and orchestration by Stuart Morley. Jesus Christ Superstar will play from 24 June – 21 September and is generously supported by Kindred Partners, with production sponsorship by Horsey Lightly.
A global phenomenon that has wowed audiences for decades, Jesus Christ Superstar is a timeless work set against the backdrop of an extraordinary and universally-known series of events, but seen through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. The story, told entirely through song, explores the personal relationships and struggles between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, his disciples, his followers and the Roman Empire.
Spilling out of the theatre into the gardens, be immersed into the heart of this epic 1970s rock score, with an incredible cast of actor-musicians seamlessly fusing these classic roles with iconic music including “Superstar”, “Gethsemane” and “I Don’t Know How to Love Him”.
Premiering at the Watermill, Friday 3 October – Saturday 15 November, Brandon Thomas’ riotous farce Charley’s Aunt is given a glamorous glow-up in a new adaptation by Rob Madge, the award-winning creator of My Son’s a Queer (But what can you do?), directed by Sophie Drake (winner of the 2024 Stage Debut Best Director Award).
Two scheming students, Charley and Jack, must circumnavigate the curmudgeonly Uncle Stephen to declare their feelings to love interests Amy and Kitty. The promised arrival of Charley’s Aunt gives them an opportunity and the best laid plans are set. One delayed arrival, one fortuitous arrival and lots of classic comic confusion later, the champagne is finally poured at a dinner party to remember.
Mistaken identities, new identities and the discovery of true identities; will love – old and new – triumph through it all?
The Watermill are hosting a Come As You Are Night, in partnership with Newbury Pride, on Monday 27 October. Audiences are invited to come as they are, as their most comfortable selves, and gather together for drinks and nibbles from 6pm.
From Wednesday 26 November to Sunday 4 January, the Watermill’s annual festive production is The Little Mermaid, by Lara Barbier, based on the story by Hans Christian Andersen, directed by Elgiva Field, with songs by Amie Parsons of True Foxes. This new Watermill production weaves together salty sea air, folk and sea shanty inspired songs and an ethereal world below the waves for Christmas 2025.
Far out in the ocean, deep beneath the waves, is a colourful kingdom bursting with flowing flowers, glittering shells and flittering fish. The Little Mermaid, daughter of the Sea King, eagerly awaits her birthday – the day she sees the world above the surface for the very first time.
The Little Mermaid discovers a world of twinkling lights, crashing waves, and jolly music. Drawn towards a ship, she rescues a young man with dark eyes and two prop legs, instead of a shimmering tail.
Longing to join him, the Little Mermaid’s thoughts stray to the world above the sea, as she dreams of life on land. Confronted by a deal with the scheming Sea Witch, the Little Mermaid must choose whether she’s willing to risk everything in the pursuit of love.
Paul Hart said, “This summer at the Watermill is going to be bigger than ever with our new production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar. It’s going to be really special for audiences to experience this legendary musical in the intimate setting of the Watermill, with music played live onstage and a semi-immersive staging which will spill out of the theatre into the gardens. We have expanded the run to 100 performances this year to ensure more people than ever have a chance to book for an unforgettable summer musical following our recent sell-out shows.
This is followed by Rob Madge’s new adaptation of Brandon Thomas’ joyous farce, Charley’s Aunt. I’m really excited for us to share a version of this play from a twenty first century perspective, more celebratory than ever of the themes of self-discovery and gender identity.
This Christmas, we have a brilliant creative collaboration for The Little Mermaid with Elgiva Field directing, Lara Barbier writing the adaptation and Amie Parsons of Cornish folk band, True Foxes, writing the songs. This will be the perfect follow up to last year’s Pinocchio.”
Claire Murray added, “We’re excited to offer an iconic musical, a reimagined classic comedy and a much-loved children’s fairytale to complete a thrilling 2025 programme at the Watermill. Working with EM Acoustics we’ve upgraded our sound system over the last month and we’re looking forward to having audiences experience these improvements – particularly on our actor-musician-led productions of Piaf, Jesus Christ Superstar and The Little Mermaid.
We’re also delighted to see The Lord of the Rings, which started its life here in 2023, return to the UK in October with a run in Plymouth before heading on a European tour, and the continuing success of Calamity Jane which is entertaining audiences all over the country.
The support of funders and donors and the commitment of our staff team has been essential to all of the work both in Newbury and beyond and we are indebted to everyone has been part of bringing these shows to life.”
Priority booking opens for Members from Thursday 6 March, with memberships starting at £35 for the year. Email subscribers booking opens on Tuesday 25 March, with general booking opening the following day on Wednesday 26 March. Tickets for the season start at £15 and can be booked online at watermill.org.uk or by calling the box office on 01635 46044.
MARTIN SHAW, TRACY-ANN OBERMAN AND MORE STAR IN RICHMOND THEATRE’S UPCOMING SEASON
MARCH – JUNE 2025
Kicking off March, acclaimed actor Martin Shaw returns to the role of Sir Thomas More in the historical drama A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS (11-15 Mar). Robert Bolt’s award-winning play tells the story of the most powerful and dangerous figures who shaped English history, also starring Gary Wilmot.
Following sold-out seasons in the West End, on tour and at the RSC, the electrifying THE MERCHANT OF VENICE 1936 (8-12 Apr) sees the Shakesperean classic transported to 1930s Britain against the Battle of Cable Street, with Tracy-Ann Oberman starring as the first British actress to play Shylock, and Joseph Millson as Antonio. With the city on the brink of political unrest, fascism sweeping across Europe and Oswald Mosley’s British Union of Fascists threatening a paramilitary march through the Jewish East End, strong-willed single mother Shylock runs a pawnbroking business from her house in Cable Street where Mosley will march. When charismatic, antisemitic aristocrat Antonio comes to her for a loan, a high-stakes deal is struck. Will Shylock take her revenge, and who will pay the ultimate price?
The theatre has two fantastic shows based on well-loved book titles taking to the stage this Spring. Brand new Peter James thriller PICTURE YOU DEAD (18-22 Mar) will star TV favourites Peter Ash, Fiona Wade and George Rainsford, whilst LITTLE WOMEN (3-7 June) will see the enduring journey of the March sisters come to life in this lovingly crafted adaptation.
Looking for something with a few more sequins? THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW (28 Apr – 3 May) returns to Richmond to do the Time Warp again, with guest star Jackie Clune as the Narrator. For those who love old-school comedians, don’t miss THE LAST LAUGH (17-21 June), a brand-new play which reimagines the lives of three of Britain’s greatest comedians: Tommy Cooper, Eric Morecambe and Bob Monkhouse. The venue also has two Fringe hits heading to the Richmond stage: …EARNEST? (12-14 June), which sees this presentation of an Oscar Wilde play bring up an actual audience member to star in the show, and MURDER, SHE DIDN’T WRITE (6 May) will see the audience become the author in this ingenious improvised murder mystery!
For West London and Surrey families, Richmond Theatre have two productions guaranteed to be hits with your little ones. THE SMARTEST GIANT IN TOWN (2-3 Apr) brings Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s book to life, whilst HORRIBLE HISTORIES: AWFUL EGYPTIANS (8-11 May) and HORRIBLE HISTORIES: TERRIBLE TUDORS (8-10 May) will show keen young historians the gory side of history based on the adores book series and television show.
Richmond Theatre is dedicated to making sure people of all ages and abilities can take part in theatre and the arts, and our Creative Learning department has various classes that are inclusive and fun for all! This currently includes Story-time and Twirling Toddlers sessions for under 5s, as well as regular dance class Step Into Richmond and acting session Class Act, both for those over 50. Richmond Theatre additionally holds monthly Guided Theatre Tours to allow audience members to learn more about the iconic history of this Grade-II listed venue. The department has also recently started a choir – Richmond Sings! – which runs weekly on Tuesdays.
For further information regarding workshops and Creative Learning bookings, please contact [email protected]
THE UK PANTOMIME ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES MAJOR SPONSORSHIP PARTNERSHIP WITH TRAFALGAR ENTERTAINMENT AND ATG ENTERTAINMENT
The UK Pantomime Association is delighted to announce a significant new sponsorship partnership with Trafalgar Entertainment and ATG Entertainment (ATGE). This collaboration will further enhance the UK Pantomime Association’s role as a leading charity supporting the art and tradition of pantomime, which also includes The Pantomime Awards, the prestigious ceremony which takes place annually.
As part of this exciting partnership, Trafalgar Entertainment and ATGE will take turns hosting The Pantomime Awards and provide vital financial support to ensure the continued success and growth of the event. The Pantomime Awards 2025 will take place on Sunday 13th April at the New Victoria Theatre, Woking, marking the first year of this collaborative initiative.
The UK Pantomime Association works year-round to champion the creative and cultural significance of pantomime and aims to recognise outstanding talent and excellence within the industry through events, lectures, talks and The Pantomime Awards. This sponsorship from two of the UK’s most influential theatre organisations further strengthens its mission to promote and celebrate the very best in pantomime.
Simon Sladen, Chair of the UK Pantomime Association said: “We are incredibly excited about this new chapter for the UK Pantomime Association and The Pantomime Awards. This groundbreaking collaboration with Trafalgar Entertainment and ATG Entertainment secures The Pantomime Awards’ future and demonstrates a strong commitment to celebrating and acknowledging the significant role the artform plays in the UK’s cultural landscape. The UK Pantomime Association is looking forward to working with Trafalgar Entertainment and ATGE as, together, we continue to support and champion Britain’s greatest and most-loved artform.”
Chris McGuigan, Group Commercial Director for Trafalgar Entertainment said: “Panto season has long been the lifeblood of regional theatre in this country – for many children a trip to a pantomime is their first experience of live theatre and live entertainment. It’s fitting and appropriate then that both of the UK’s major regional theatre groups are helping to support and sustain The Pantomime Awards in this way. We firmly believe that panto deserves recognition and celebration – the artform itself – and the artists, entertainers, acts, writers, dancers, musicians and producers who bring it to life each year. We’re thrilled and delighted to be lending our support through this unique partnership.”
Claire Dixon, Business Director for ATG Entertainment said: “This new partnership represents a major milestone in securing the future of pantomime as an integral part of the UK’s theatre landscape, ensuring that it continues to thrive and be recognised for its unique contribution to British entertainment. The agreement helps raise the status and profile of what’s by far the country’s most popular type of family theatre.”
Tonight’s review took me to the gorgeous Leeds Grand Theatre to take in the UK tour of “Only Fools and Horses: The Musical and what an absolute joy to behold it was As someone who knew the TV show and had seen bits and bobs but wasn’t an avid viewer I went into this with an air of trepidation that some stuff may go over my head and spoil the viewing experience but boy was I wrong!
Starring the legendary Paul Whitehouse as “Grandad”, Only Fools and Horses: The Musical is a brilliant homage to its forefather, with just the right balance of copying the original and adding its own spin so as not to upset the hardcores, but also not feel like it was a re run on Gold. The set felt like it was ripped straight from the west end, even featuring a certain recognisable three wheeler driving on stage, and the two main locations, The Nags Head and the Trotter family home were the anchors for the various side plots in the show.
Sam Lupton was remarkable as Del Boy. His comedic timing, physical comedy and tone were all exceptional and provided an absolute tour de force of a performance that has to been seen in person to be fully appreciated. Tom Major was good as Rodney, with just the right level of familiarity to the originals yet very much his own seasoning put in there. Paul Whitehouse was great as Grandad, with the clear respect he has for his subject material being on full display, you can really tell just how much this show means to him.
Georgina Hagen was fabulous as Raquel, with velvety vocals to die for. Nicola Munns was brilliant as Marlene/Cassandra, in particular in the role of Marlene with exceptional comedic chops on display. Craig Berry was hilarious as Boycie, with that perfect iconic laugh and just the right air of pompousness. Perhaps my favourite performance in the show however was Lee VG as Trigger. VG had such a brilliant plainness to him that had me rolling around laughing with his classic trigger one liners. The wider cast were all fabulous as well each in their own way, there was not one weak link in this cast and you really could feel the connection between them all when sat in the audience.
The music for the show was just perfect. This show doesn’t pretend to be something that it isn’t and I love that. It is not trying to be Les Miserables with 15 part harmonies and 4 hour ensemble songs. It is a perfect eclectic mix of Chas and Dave, Madness and Me and My Girl all rolled into one little slice of London and it does make me miss my days of living there.
All in all, I could not recommend seeing this show any higher. It is my favourite new show, to me the best show that I have seen in a very long time and I shall be sure to keep an eye for when it is coming back around my way on tour. If I could describe Only Fools and Horses: The Musical in one word it would be… CUSHTEE!
Death on the Throne makes London debut with a royal flush of fun Upstairs at the Gatehouse, 1 North Road, Highgate Village, London N6 4BD Wednesday 26th March – Sunday 13th April 2025
A hilarious new musical, Death on the Throne, will make its London debut this March at Upstairs at the Gatehouse. Featuring a captivating live score from German pop-rock star Tobias Künzel (of Die Prinzen) and British Screenwriter Mark Underwood (Forget Me Not, Quicksilver Pictures) this eccentric comedy musical will cleverly blend wit and surrealism.
A mischievous child, Louise—determined to stay awake—convinces her father to tell her a bedtime story. This simple tale swirls into an unforgettable adventure where four puppets die on the ‘throne’ and find themselves in a purgatory like you’ve never seen before—a celestial lavatory.
With four new arrivals but only three spots in the afterlife, St. Peter is barely keeping his head above water. As each soul pleads their case for a second chance on Earth, ‘help’ arrives in the form of the King of Rock and (toilet) Roll, Elvis Presley and, yes, you guessed it, former leader of the German Democratic Republic, Erich Honecker. With further assistance from Queen Elizabeth II, Maggie Thatcher and Mahatma Gandhi.
With a live four-piece rock band and hints of Avenue Q, this toe-tapping romp through the absurdity of bureaucracy, the search for meaning in utter chaos, and the hope that even the most flawed among us can find redemption promises to be anything but bog-standard. With incredible direction and choreography from Blair Anderson (Trompe L’Oeil and Chase, The Other Palace), the production will touch upon highly relevant themes today, and search for new meanings whilst highlighting the power of visceral storytelling and human connection.
Musical Director and Lyricist Tobias Künzel comments, I hope the audience has as much fun as we had when we wrote this. The moment, when actors for the first time bring the characters to life and get a personal relationship to the music is worth all discussions and sleepless nights before. The interaction between actors and puppets is very thrilling. Especially when the puppets start to sing. Mark and I wrote a lot of tunes and Leitmotivs which was good fun. If I play one of the songs to somebody, these guys start to sing along after one minute and laughing when they listen to the words. I think that’s a good sign. It’s not easy to place a new plot into a world of so many existing successful musicals, so I’m very grateful for the trust of our wonderful international production team. It’s great to be back at Upstairs at the Gatehouse – it feels a little like coming home.
Lyricist Mark Underwood comments, I’m thrilled to see Death on the Throne come to life at the Gatehouse, a wonderful venue that gave me my first opportunity as a writer over 25 years ago.
Director and Choreographer Blair Anderson comments, I am super excited to bring this collaboration with the wonderful talent of The Puppet Theatre of Halle to London. Everybody loves puppets, right? Especially when they sing and dance.
SHEFFIELD THEATRES’ ARTISTIC DIRECTOR ELIZABETH NEWMAN ANNOUNCES FIRST SEASON OF PRODUCTIONS SPANNING AUTUMN 2025 – SUMMER 2026
Sheffield Theatres today announce Elizabeth Newman’s inaugural season of shows as Artistic Director, with new productions running from autumn 2025 to summer 2026 in the Crucible Theatre and Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse.
· In the Crucible, Artistic Director, Elizabeth Newman will direct Brian Friel’s multi-award winning drama, DANCING AT LUGHNASA, a powerful and moving exploration of reflection and memory, in a co-production with the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester.
· In the Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse, winner of the Women’s Prize for Playwriting Karis Kelly’s CONSUMED is presented by Sheffield Theatres, Paines Plough, Women’s Prize for Playwriting and Belgrade Theatre. The play will be directed by Katie Posner.
· A brand new adaptation of A CHRISTMAS CAROL by Aisha Khan and directed by Elin Schofield will play in the Crucible.
· In 2026, Sheffield Theatres, Theatre Centre and National Youth Theatre collaborate to present MY BROTHER’S A GENIUS by Debris Stevenson in the Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse.
· Sheffield Theatres and Utopia Theatre present CROWN OF BLOOD – A YORUBA ADAPTATION OF MACBETH in the Crucible, directed by Mojisola Kareem and adapted by Oladipo Agboluaje.
· Brand-new production, THE LADIES FOOTBALL CLUB will be directed by Elizabeth Newman, by Stefano Massini, adapted by Tim Firth in the Crucible.
Award-winning Sheffield playwright, Leo Butler’s drama LIVING about the years of our lives will be directed by Abigail Graham in the Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse.
· Especially adapted for Sheffield, SUMMER HOLIDAY, directed by Elizabeth Newman and Ben Occhipinti will be the 2026 summer musical in the Crucible.
· Looking ahead to 2027, Stephanie Street will adapt Sunjeev Sahota’s award-winning novel THE YEAR OF THE RUNAWAYS for the Crucible stage.
Elizabeth Newman, ArtisticDirectorof Sheffield Theatres, said: “It has been a great privilege to conceive my first season as Sheffield Theatres’ Artistic Director. It’s been an exciting journey to create this year-long programme packed with a mix of new and familiar work, and I really hope there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
We kick off with a beautiful classic drama in the Crucible, arguably one of the greatest plays ever written—Brian Friel’s Dancing at Lughnasa, in collaboration with the Royal Exchange Theatre. Consumed by Karis Kelly, in partnership with Paines Plough and Belgrade Theatre, follows and marks both our becoming the home of the Women’s Prize for Playwriting and the beginning of a season of entirely new work in the Playhouse. The rest of the year sees us producing My Brother’s a Genius by Debris Stevenson, our fifth co-production with Theatre Centre, and now with National Youth Theatre of Great Britain. Into 2026, Living by Sheffield’s own Leo Butler is a moving family drama that spans five decades of life in the City.
Alongside the new work in the Playhouse— in the Crucible, we will debut a brand-new adaptation of A Christmas Carol by Yorkshire’s Aisha Khan. Our version of A Christmas Carol will highlight Sheffield’s long history of singing the city’s unique Christmas carols.
After the festive period, we have two more new works. Crown of Blood, a new version of Macbeth by Oladipo Agboluaje, will be our latest collaboration with Sheffield’s Utopia Theatre, followed by The Ladies Football Club by the brilliant Tim Firth. Based on Stefano Massini’s drama, this new play celebrates the founding of women’s football in Sheffield in a munitions factory in 1917, and tracks the history of the sport, through the period of being banned, to the jubilant heights of the present-day Lionesses.
To wrap up our 2025/2026 programme, we’ll be putting on a fresh version of the 1960s classic musical Summer Holiday. We’re excited to bring this to life, spilling out from the auditorium and into our Square, where audiences can enjoy the Sheffield Theatres Beach! In fact, across the entire season we’ll be hosting a variety of free special events inspired by our programme, including the Lughnasa Dance Festival, the Montgomery Theatre Summer Party, the Sheffield Theatres Candlelit Carol Concert, and even a theatre football tournament. These outdoor celebrations will bring people of all ages together and reflect our commitment to opening up every door and window, inviting everyone into our theatres—and taking theatre to the streets too!
It also felt important that, as a big national organisation and now a family of four theatres, we also share a little bit of news for 2027. We are proud to announce in 2027, we will produce a big new adaptation by Stephanie Street of Sunjeev Sahota’s The Year of the Runaways. This will be with an international partner and will find a home in our Crucible.
We’re incredibly proud to be powered by our amazing city, and can’t wait to welcome everyone into one of our four theatres this year.”
Elizabeth joined Chief Executive Tom Bird and Deputy Chief Executive Bookey Oshin to form Sheffield Theatres’ Executive Team in December 2024, and succeeded Artistic Director Robert Hastie who left the organisation last summer. Elizabeth – a multi-award-winning theatre director – joined from Pitlochry Festival Theatre, where she had been Artistic Director since 2018, and previously Octagon Theatre Bolton, Shared Property Theatre Company and Southwark Playhouse London.
Dancing at Lughnasa begins Elizabeth’s season in the Crucible. Directed by Elizabeth herself, Brian Friel’s multi-award-winning drama is a powerful and moving exploration of reflection, memory and how the future will arrive no matter how much we resist. This co-production between Sheffield Theatres and Royal Exchange Theatre plays from Saturday 13 September – Saturday 4 October 2025. The production then moves to the Exchange’s unique, in-the-round space, with performance dates to be announced very soon.
This festive season, Sheffield Theatres produce A Christmas Carol adapted by Aisha Khan and directed by Elin Schofield. Featuring the Sheffield Carols, redemption, heart, and holiday spirit shine in Charles Dickens’ timeless classic. The play runs from Saturday 29 November 2025 – Saturday 10 January 2026
Into the new year, Sheffield Theatres and Utopia Theatre present Crown of Blood – A Yoruba Adaptation of Macbeth, written by Oladipo Agboluaje and directed by Mojisola Kareem. A powerful retelling of Shakespeare’s Macbeth set during the civil wars of the 19th century Yorubaland. From Monday 2 – Saturday 7 February 2026
In spring 2026, brand-new production The Ladies Football Club is by Stefano Massini, adapted by Tim Firth and directed by Elizabeth Newman. This play explores the remarkable origins of war-time women workers making football their own. The play will have its debut Saturday 28 February playing to Saturday28 Mar 2026
Next summer, the iconic 1960s film adapted for Sheffield, Summer Holiday is directed by Elizabeth Newman and Ben Occhipinti. The musical runs from Saturday 20 June to Saturday 18 July 2026.
Coming in 2027, Sunjeev Sahota’s award-winning novel The Year of the Runaways will be adapted by Stephanie Street. Tickets and further details will be announced soon.
In the Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse, Sheffield Theatres, Paines Plough, Women’s Prize for Playwriting and Belgrade Theatre present the winner of the Women’s Prize for Playwriting, Karis Kelly’s Consumed. A pitch-black and twisted tale of dysfunctional family dynamics, generational trauma and national boundaries will be directed by Katie Posner. The play runs from Weds 24 Sep – Sat 11 Oct 2025
Into the new year, Sheffield Theatres, Theatre Centre and National Youth Theatre collaborate presenting My Brother’s A Genius by Debris Stevenson. Playing from Wednesday 28 January to Saturday 14 February 2026.
Award-winning Sheffield playwright Leo Butler’s drama about the funny business of life throughout sixty years of change, Living marks his homecoming to Sheffield Theatres. The play will be directed by Abigail Graham and runs from Saturday14 March – Saturday 4 April 2026.
Alongside the new season of productions, participatory work will overflow from the Crucible onto Tudor Square, where various creative projects and community engagement schemes will find a home during the run of productions. Alongside Summer Holiday, families can enjoy a day at the seaside with the Sheffield Theatres Beach, or during Dancing at Lughnasa, take part in movement themselves in the Lughnasa Dance Festival. Tudor Square will also host the Montgomery Theatre Summer Party, Sheffield Theatres’ Candlelit Carol Concert at Christmas, plus a Theatre Football Tournament to coincide with The Ladies Football Club.
Beyond Sheffield, the stomp-and-holler Western KENREX which brought a true crime podcast to the Playhouse stage, transferred to London’s Southwark Playhouse Borough where it is currently playing. The production was also nominated for Best Studio Production at this year’s WhatsOnStage Awards, alongside Sheffield Theatres’staging of The Crucible, which also received nominations for Best Play Revival and Best Direction from their former Associate Artistic Director, Anthony Lau.
As part of her inaugural season, Elizabeth Newman fronts a new partnership with The Women’s Prize for Playwriting. Produced by Ellie Keel and Paines Plough, Sheffield Theatres joins the scheme as the first ‘Theatre Partner’ for the 2025 Prize, making Sheffield the home for the world premiere of the prize’s winning play, Consumed.
In January 2025, the Montgomery Theatre and Arts Centre joined the Sheffield Theatres family of venues. A leading arts centre for children, families and community groups in Yorkshire, the Montgomery is also home to many of Sheffield Theatres’ participatory strands for children and young people, and will continue to deliver a space for budding creative groups as the theatre joins the Sheffield Theatres complex.
Sheffield Theatres also hosts the best plays, musicals, dance and comedy touring the UK in 2025, and into 2026.
In the Lyceum:
Following a sell-out run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Damian Williams returns to the Lyceum – this time not as Sheffield’s well-loved pantomime dame, but in The Last Laugh, where he stars as Tommy Cooper, alongside Bob Golding as Eric Morecambe and Simon Cartwright as Bob Monkhousefrom Tuesday 1 – Saturday 5 July. Written and directed by Paul Hendy (Snow White and Beauty and the Beast at the Lyceum) The Last Laugh is a new play which re-imagines the lives of three of Britain’s all-time greatest comedy heroes. Filled with great gags, poignant stories and guaranteed to be an unforgettable night out.
Step inside Matthew Bourne’sThe Midnight Bell, set in 1930s London it’s a tavern where one particular lonely-hearts club gather to play out their lovelorn affairs of the heart; bitter comedies of longing, frustration, betrayal and redemption. From Tuesday 23 – Saturday 27 September.
In a fast-paced new production, Buffy Revamped, comedian Brendan Murphy brings the entire 144 episodes of the hit TV show Buffy the Vampire Slayer, as told through the eyes of the one person who knows it inside out… Spike. Funny, satirical and bursting with 90s pop culture references, it is theperfect parody for Buffy aficionados and those who never enrolled at Sunnydale High alike. Playing on Friday 3 October.
The 250th anniversary of the birth of Jane Austen is celebrated in fitting style with a new stage adaptation of Emma, her dazzling comedy of manners, adapted by Ryan Craig. The high-spirited Emma Woodhouse is determined that she will never marry but loves to meddle in her friends’ and neighbours’ relationships. But as the romantic web she weaves becomes ever more entangled, will Emma herself get swept up in true love’s wake? From Tuesday 7 – Saturday 11 October.
The National Theatre’s Olivier Award-winning smash hit Dear England comes to Sheffield, in a highly anticipated national tour. From multi award-winning writer James Graham and director Rupert Goold, this five-star ‘new stage epic’ (Telegraph) tells the uplifting, at times heartbreaking, and ultimately inspiring story of Gareth Southgate’s revolutionary tenure as England manager in a gripping examination of nation and game. A co-production with JAS Theatricals. From Tuesday 21 – Saturday 25 October.
A chilling mystery unfolds in Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts. ITV’s long-running Inspector Morse, has been hailed by Radio Times as ‘the greatest British crime series of all time’. House of Ghosts marks the first-ever stage adaptation of the iconic detective. Starring Tom Chambers (Father Brown, Strictly Come Dancing), this original story written for the stage is a must-see for fans of compelling detective stories and thrilling mysteries. From Tuesday 28 October – Saturday 1 November.
Discover how the world’s most famous sorcerer mastered his powers in an epic adventure with Northern Ballet’s Merlin. Don’t miss spectacular sets and costumes, mind-boggling special effects and Northern Ballet’s signature blend of world-class dance and storytelling. From Tuesday 4 – Saturday 8 November.
STOS Theatre Company present The Band from Tuesday 11 – Saturday 15 November. In 1992, for five 16 year-old girls, ‘The Band’ is everything. 25 years later, the girls, once inseparable, reunite to see their heartthrobs one last time. Featuring the music of Take That, including Never Forget, Back For Good, Relight My Fire, Shine and Rule The World. This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International.
Happiness is only a heartbeat away with hilarious and heart-warming new musical Here & Now: The Steps Musical, based on the songs of pop phenomenon Steps. Welcome to seaside superstore Better Best Bargains, where it’s Friday night, the vibe is right and everyone’s dancing in the aisles. With Caz and her friends around, who knows what love has in store… Here & Now is produced by Steps themselves, ROYO, and music legend Pete Waterman, and features many of Steps’ iconic hits, including Stomp, 5,6,7,8, and Last Thing On My Mind. From Tuesday 18 – Saturday 22 November.
DCI Barnaby and Sergeant Troy uncover a world of hidden passions, long-buried secrets and deadly rivalries in Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift. With eccentric villagers, shocking twists and an unforgettable reveal, this classic whodunnit brings to life the wit, charm and chilling suspense of the beloved TV series and original series of books. Spend an evening in England’s deadliest county… From Tuesday 25 – Saturday 29 November.
Into 2026:
Aaron Sorkin’s riveting, award-winning stage adaptation of the seminal American novel To Kill A Mockingbird became a Broadway and West End sensation. Now, this thrilling courtroom drama comes to the Lyceum from Tuesday 27 January – Saturday 7 February. Successful lawyer, Atticus Finch, encourages kindness and empathy in his children, but is pushed to the limits of these qualities himself when he resolves to uncover the truth in a town that seems determined to hide it.
The award-winning, smash-hit musical The Bodyguard is back, from Tuesday 10 – Saturday 14 February. Former Secret Service agent-turned-bodyguard, Frank Farmer, is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge – what they don’t expect is to fall in love. A ‘brilliant’ (The Times), breathtakingly romantic thriller, The Bodyguard features a whole host of irresistible classics including I Wanna Dance With Somebody and, of course, the legendary I Will Always Love You.
Chris McCausland presents Yonks! You might have seen him on Strictly Come Dancing, Would I Lie to You, Have I Got News for You and more. Chris McCausland is hitting the road again with another masterclass in stand-up comedy that has, literally, been yonks in the making. He’s been called an “overnight success”, even though he’s been doing this for bloody yonks! For one night only on Tuesday 17 February.
Uncanny: Fear of the Dark follows from the sell-out Uncanny: I Know What I Saw. Danny Robins and his team of experts are back on Wednesday 18 February with even more terrifying real-life stories and witness. Using a unique mix of sound, projection, stagecraft and recollections of events that seem to defy logical explanation, this is story-telling and paranormal investigation at its peak. Whether you are team sceptic, team believer or somewhere in between, everyone is welcome. The only question to ask before you come is; do you have a fear of the dark?
The Tiger Who Came To Tea returns for another cup from Thursday 19 – Saturday 21 February. The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be? What they certainly don’t expect to see at the door is a big, stripy tiger! Join the tea-guzzling tiger in this delightful family show; packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos! A stunning stage adaptation of the classic tale of teatime mayhem, based on the book by Judith Kerr OBE and directed by David Wood OBE, produced by Nicoll Entertainment.
Visiting the Crucible this year:
The World Seniors Snooker Championship returns for 2025 where Jimmy White and Ken Doherty will head a stellar field with Igor Figueiredo from Brazil as the defending Champion. From Wednesday 7 – Sunday 11 May.
… Earnest? is a twist on a classic, from Tuesday 20 – Wednesday 21 May. When a production of Oscar Wilde’s playgets underway, everything seems to be going to plan, that is, until the lead actor fails to arrive on cue and an actual audience member is chosen to star in the show. This one-of-a-kind comedy sensation is completely different, completely chaotic, and completely Wilde every single night.
Showstopper! The Improvised Musical makes a return to Sheffield from Friday 6 – Saturday 7 June. The Olivier Award-winning musical comedy that’s made up on the spot from audience suggestions, with hilarious results. The Showstopper cast and band weave a brand new musical in front of the eyes of the audience, complete with comical characters, fabulous dance routines, beautiful songs, epic story lines, all sprinkled with the pzazz of a Broadway show.
Bluebelle runs from Wednesday 11 – Thursday 12 June. Opening in an empty theatre with just a ‘ghost light’ on stage, the ghosts of former actors emerge. They are ready to play. Weaving together plots and characters from ancient folktales, Bluebelle reminds us that life is shaped by the stories we tell and leave behind.
Then, across a number of Sheffield’s most iconic venues, Crossed Wires Festival returns to the city from Friday 4 – Sunday 6 July. See crossedwires.live for more information
Tuesday 15 July sees An Evening Without Kate Bush. She’s not there – but you are. Whether you’ve been a fan for decades or recently joined the shoal via the ‘Stranger Things’ phenomenon, there has never been a better time to release your inner Bush and celebrate at this joyful, unique and mind-blowing show. Sarah-Louise Young and co-creator Russell Lucas pay glorious homage to the music, fans, and mythology of one of the most influential voices in British music.
Deafinitely Theatre presents The Vagina Monologues;V’s (formerly Eve Ensler) collection of funny, lively and emotional monologues of the untold experiences of women in a powerful theatrical experience, for the first time in a BSL and spoken English. An unmissable celebration of womanhood and sexuality, on Thursday 17 July.
Black Is The Color Of My Voice is Apphia Campbell’s acclaimed play inspired by the life of Nina Simone. Apphia reflects on Simone’s journey that took her from a young piano prodigy destined for a life in the service of the church, to a renowned jazz vocalist at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement. Featuring many of Simone’s most iconic songs, performed live on Friday 17 October.
Jen Brister is reactive – or so she’s been told. Apparently you don’t have to respond to every little thing around you. Finding herself in a constant state of exacerbation at the state of the world and people in general, Brister has been told she needs to chill the hell out. Can Jen find her zen? It seems unlikely to be honest… Jen Brister performs Reactive on Thursday 23 October.
As seen and heard on Taskmaster, Live at the Apollo, The Great British Sewing Bee and more, Sara Pascoe presents I Am A Strange Gloop on Wednesday 29 October. Have you ever been awake in the middle of the night and thought something so smart and astute that you couldn’t wait for the world to wake up so you could tell them? This show is that thought – in that it doesn’t make much sense and is a bit weird on reflection.
In the Playhouse, touring productions include:
Theatre by the Lake presents STEEL from Tuesday 13 – Wednesday 14 May. Two lads. Twelve hours. One million pounds. On the wet West Cumbrian coast, James and Kamran have been mates for more than a decade. At seventeen, the world should be theirs, but Workington’s a ghost town. When James discovers he is heir to a single mile of the British railway system, the lads are forced on a town-wide treasure hunt, painting the town technicolour. A play about first loves, forging identities and the wild, wild hearts of teenage boys.
A Tale Of Us on Thursday 29 May a funny, frank and magical journey through their first year of life with a little one. Ivy’s just had a baby. She’s never felt so full of love – or so alone. But she’s working it out. Blending drama and multi-sensory playtime, this is a celebration of the wonder, joys and challenges of becoming a new parent. After the performance is a guided Stay and Play session, made for parents with children ages 0-18 months.
The Mountain Witch, an adventurous tale from Speedwell Dance plays on Saturday 31 May. An enchanting production inspired by timeless themes of folklore and the human experience. Through dance, music and song, this adventurous tale tells the story of an ancient and powerful witch, seasons gone awry, and the determination of children to put things right.
Get ready for an unforgettable experience as Justin Moorhouse performs The Greatest Performance Of My Life on Tuesday 10 June. Covering pantomimes to dreams, how to behave in hospitals, small talk, realising your Mum is a northern version of Columbo, and how being a smart-mouthed kid saves you from a life of continually being beaten up. Funny and interesting, and perhaps a little bit to warm the soul too.
Meet Danny, plastering since he was a kid, he’s not scared of anything, he’s RUM. Danny’s been up all night and now he’s rushing to finish a job before he has to give the speech of his life. RUM is a darkly humorous and powerful new play by Joe Mallalieu that wrestles with masculinity, mental health and addiction. On Thursday 12 June.
A story about the son of the god of the sun, from Wright&Grainge.HELIOS transplants an ancient Greek tale into a modern-day myth, wound round the winding roads of rural England and into the everyday living of a towering city. On Saturday 14 June.
Fidget Theatre presents Robyn Hood from Friday 25 – Saturday 26 July. Robyn is a little girl who lives in a big city. She likes to play outside in her magical den, until one day, developers arrive and Robyn’s den is under threat. An original take on the classic folktale, Robyn Hood is a playful and musical new show for children and their grown-ups, featuring playful storytelling, original live music, friendly audience participation and integrated audio description.
Gwenda’s Garage, in association with Sheffield Theatres,makes a triumphant return from Wednesday 15 – Saturday 25 October. 1980s Sheffield, Thatcher’s Britain: politics, passion, protest, where anything might happen … and usually does. Three women mechanics set up their own garage in a run-down area of the city, naming it after Gwenda Stewart, a pioneering racing driver. Gwenda’s Garage is a fabulous new musical – an exuberant call to arms, fired by fun, feminism, friendship, and above all an affirming belief in the power of collective action. Dismantling the patriarchy one spark plug at a time.
Alongside home-grown productions and dazzling tours, opportunities to get involved and develop creativity are available with a dynamic range of activities and events at Sheffield Theatres:
Together Festival returns to Sheffield Theatres for 2025; a lively and welcoming free festival celebrating theatre and arts created with community groups across Sheffield. Embrace the wonder of live performance, music, dance and creativity at the heart of the Crucible. Drop by for free events and fun for all ages from Thursday 31 July – Saturday 2 August.
Launchpad is a group for adults aged 18 plus with learning disabilities and/or Autism. This year, they present their first Launchpad Festival fromThursday 10 – Saturday 12 July. A warm and welcoming free event that celebrates theatre and arts created by and with Learning Disabled people in Sheffield and beyond. Drop by for free music, puppetry and performances for everyone in a relaxed and accessible atmosphere.
New productions will go on sale to Centre Stage Members at 10am Saturday 1 March and on general sale at 10am Saturday 8 March. Accessible performances are available on the majority of productions. Tickets can be booked through the Box Office in person, over the phone on 0114 249 6000 or at sheffieldtheatres.co.uk.
“The heart wrenching true story of Morpurgo’s uncle.”
CEO and Artistic Director Iwan Lewis, Executive Director and Producer Liam McMullan and the whole Barn Theatre team are delighted to announce the full cast and creative team for the Built By Barn world premiere of In the Mouth of the Wolf by Michael Morpurgo, adapted for stage by Simon Reade.In the Mouth of the Wolf will open onFriday 28 March and run until Saturday 10 May.
World War II brought about an avalanche of tragedy, heartbreak and division, but what happens when that division is within your own family? Brothers, Francis and Pieter are in disagreement. Living in turbulent times as one bloody war has ended and another stirs in the near future, tensions are high, and they can both feel it. Francis is a dedicated pacifist, committed to peace and determined not to go backwards to a violent world. Pieter believes that peace can only be achieved by signing up to fight. The event that occurs after this is one that will change Francis’ life forever.
In the Mouth of the Wolf is based on the heart wrenching true story of Sir Michael Morpurgo’s uncles and stunningly adapted by Simon Reade (adaptation of Private Peaceful) with sensitivity and theatrical flair.
A story that will remain on your mind and heart long after you have left the theatre.
John Hastings (To Kill A Mockingbird with Sonia Friedman Productions, Corpse! at Park Theatre, Season’s Greetings at Manor Pavilion Theatre) will play ‘Francis’; Shaun McCourt (UK Tour of The Mousetrap, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe with Elliott & Harper Productions/Jonathan Church Theatre Productions, The Windsors: Endgame at Prince of Wales Theatre with Runaway Productions as ‘Pieter’; Helena Antoniou (Hound of the Baskervilles with Theatre By The Lake, Love Them To Death as part of SFTW for The Edinburgh Fringe, The Snow Queen at The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre) in the role of ‘Nan’.
Originally written by Sir Michael Morpurgo and adapted for stage by Simon Reade, the Built By Barn production of In the Mouth of the Wolf will be directed by Philip Wilson with designer Yoav Segal, lighting design from Ryan Day, composition and sound design by Ella Wahlström, casting by Anthony Houghton and accent and dialect coaching by Jan Haydn Rowles and Zoe Littleton.
Writer Simon Reade said, “I am thrilled to be continuing my collaboration with Michael at the Barn. Iwan’s enlightened artistic direction, commissioning new productions of the innovative war stories (including Private Peaceful, An Elephant in the Garden, and Waiting for Anya), now has us interpreting a true World War Two drama told from an adult’s perspective. Do you stand up to tyranny, even it means compromising your ideals? Or do you stay stubbornly true to yourself while the world around you explodes? ‘In the Mouth of the Wolf’ is the Italian expression for ‘Good Luck’ on the opening night at the theatre, like ‘Break a Leg’: ‘In bocca al lupo’ – ‘You’re heading into the mouth of the wolf, good luck to you!’ ‘Crepi il Lupo!’ is the response: ‘Death to the Wolf!’ Overcome your fears; confront your voracious enemy. Compelling storytelling for our own dangerous times.”
Chief Executive and Artistic Director Iwan Lewis and Executive Director and Producer Liam McMullan said, “The Barn Theatre has a long-standing relationship with Sir Michael Morpurgo, we consider him part of the Barn family. In the Mouth of the Wolf is Michael’s most personal story, recounting the extraordinary bravery of his uncle, Francis Cammaerts who, amazingly, was also a relative of Jim Broadbent. We hold the privilege of bringing this story to the stage with great responsibility, and there is no one better to adapt it than our long-time collaborator, Simon Reade. We are also thrilled to welcome director Philip Wilson to the project.
‘In bocca al lupo’ an Italian idiom meaning ‘into the wolf’s mouth’ is a traditional good luck wish in opera and theatre. It feels particularly fitting as we embark on this powerful and deeply personal production.”
In the Mouth of the Wolf is a Built by Barn production.
Since launching in 2018, the Barn Theatre has gained national recognition having produced over 20 Built by Barn shows and being awarded The Stage Awards’ Best Fringe Theatre of the Year Award 2019. In 2023, the theatre celebrated its fifth anniversary with a season that included world premieres of Simon Reade’s adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s Waiting For Anya, Jonathan Lynn’s final instalment of his classic series I’m Sorry Prime Minister, I Can’t Quite Remember, as well as a reimagined revival production of the musical Once and the world premiere of a musical adaptation of Treasure Island. 2024 saw Sherlock Holmes and the Whitechapel Fiend, Constellations, Midsummer, Stones in His Pockets, Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em, Room 13 and The Three Musketeers: Trois. 2025 started with A Role To Die For and are looking forward to In the Mouth of the Wolf, Educating Rita, Friends! The Musical Parody, Haywire, The Last Five Years before finishing the year with A Christmas Carol.
Cloudburst Productions Ltd, in association with Southwark Playhouse, today announces the world premiere of Nancy Netherwood’s Radiant Boy which debuts at Southwark Playhouse Borough – following its inclusion in the RSC’s 37 Plays competition in 2023. Júlia Levai directs Stuart Thompson and Renée Lamb in this brand-new play with music about faith, shame and queerness.
Radiant Boy opens at Southwark Playhouse Borough on 21 May and runs until 14 June.
Full cast to be announced shortly.
Nancy Netherwood said today, “I’m beyond thrilled to be bringing Radiant Boy to life at Southwark Playhouse with such an incredible team both onstage and off. The intimate space of ‘The Little’ auditorium is perfect for an intense, claustrophobic exorcism story – we can really crank up the tension and eeriness, but hopefully you’ll also feel part of Russell’s journey of queer self-acceptance. I can’t wait to fill the space with North East folk music and 80s New Wave!”.
With support from Arts Council England, the production will also recruit two trainee producers, offer shadowing opportunities for ten industry newcomers and host a series of wrap-around events, including captioned performances. More information on this will be released shortly.
Cloudburst Productions Ltd,in association with Southwark Playhouse, present
RADIANT BOY
By Nancy Netherwood
Cast includes Stuart Thompson, Renée Lamb
Director: Júlia Levai; Set and Costume Design: Tomás Palmer; Lighting Design: Lucia Sanchez Roldan; Sound Design: Patch Middleton
21 May – 14 June 2025
North-East England, 1983. As a snowstorm rages outside, trainee singer Russell and his mother Maud await the arrival of a young priest who believes Russell is a victim of possession.
Winner of the RSC’s 37 plays competition, Radiant Boy is a new play about faith, shame and queerness and finding connection through art.
Stuart Thompson plays Russell. His theatre credits include Three Sisters (Shakespeare’s Globe), Ghosts (Sam Wanamaker Playhouse), The Narcissist (Chichester Festival Theatre), Spring Awakening (Almeida Theatre), Living Newspaper (Royal Court Theatre), Did I Wake You? (Young Vic) and A Taste of Honey (National Theatre). His television credits include SAS Rogue Heroes, Starstruck, The Witcher and Unprecedented: Viral. In 2022, Stuart won The Jack Tinker Award for Most Promising Newcomer at the Critics’ Circle Theatre Awards.
Renée Lamb plays Steph/The Voice. Her theatre credits at Southwark Playhouse include Ain’t Misbehavin’. Other theatre credits include Passing Strange (Young Vic), Cake (Lyric Theatre, The Other Palace), Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World, Malory Towers (UK tours) Be More Chill (The Other Place, Shaftesbury Theatre), Little Shop of Horrors (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre) and SIX (Arts Theatre). Her television credits include This Town and Still so Awkward; and for film, This is the Night Mail.
Nancy Netherwood is a playwright and screenwriter. Her playwriting credits at Southwark Playhouse include Warm Lonely Planet. Other playwriting credits include Goodnight, Mr Spindrift (Old Red Lion Theatre) and Just Like the Films (Royal Court Theatre); and for screenwriting, Kill Joy Jukebox. Netherwood was a writer in residence at the North Wall for their Catalyst Festival in 2019 and is currently part of the London Library Emerging Writers Programme.
Júlia Levai directs. Her directing credits at Southwark Playhouse include Smoke. Other directing credits include We’ll Be Who We Are (VAULT Festival), Northern Girls (Pilot Theatre),Did I Wake You? (Young Vic as part of ‘Five Plays’), The Prince of Homburg (The Space) and There Has Possibly Been an Incident (Blue Elephant Theatre). Her assistant and associate directing credits includeCoriolanus, Dear Octopus (National Theatre), Hope Has a Happy Meal (Royal Court Theatre), All’s Well That Ends Well (RSC), L’Illusion Comique (National Theatre in Belgrade, Serbia) and Nora: A Doll’s House (Young Vic). Levai is an MGCFutures bursary recipient and was previously Director in Residence at the National Theatre in Belgrade, Serbia. She is a script reader for NT Studio, Papatango Prize, The Bruntwood Prize and The Women’s Prize for Playwriting.
RADIANT BOY
LISTINGS
Southwark Playhouse Borough 77-85 Newington Causeway London SE1 6BD
