Bollywood comes to Blackpool in Rifco Theatre’s Surinderella, a vibrant and joyful South Asian reimagining of the traditional Cinderella story.
From the moment the Devi Godmother bursts onto the stage with glamour, sparkle and plenty of personality, it is clear that this is a pantomime ready to involve its audience. The show quickly gets everyone joining in, creating a lively atmosphere that continues throughout the performance.
At the centre of the story is Surinderella herself, a charming and confident heroine who impresses with both her strong vocals and excellent comic timing. Her friendship with the traditional pantomime cow provides some of the show’s funniest moments, with their scenes bringing plenty of warmth and silliness. Importantly, this is a Cinderella who isn’t waiting for a prince to rescue her. Instead, she is looking for someone who will join her on her adventures, giving the familiar story a welcome modern twist.
The larger-than-life Wicked Stepsisters, Lovely and Bubbly, embrace everything we love about pantomime dames. Gloriously nasty, outrageously camp and dressed in wonderfully over-the-top costumes, they bring plenty of laughs whenever they appear. Their big musical number is a particular highlight and had the audience thoroughly entertained.
The whole cast throw themselves into the production, singing and dancing with infectious energy. The Bollywood-inspired music, colourful costumes and vibrant choreography bring a real sense of celebration to the stage and provide a welcome burst of colour and escapism on a dreary autumn night in Blackpool.
There is something here for both children and adults, with plenty of audience participation, comedy, music and traditional pantomime fun, while the South Asian influences give the familiar story its own distinctive identity.
Surinderella is a colourful, energetic and entertaining family pantomime that delivers plenty of laughs, catchy music and feel-good fun. A great choice for a festive theatre trip and a welcome splash of Bollywood sparkle for Blackpool.
TOUR OPENS AT CHURCHILL THEATRE, BROMLEY FROM 28 JANUARY 2027
FOLLOWING A CHRISTMAS SEASON AT SHEFFIELD THEATRES 26 NOVEMBER 2026 – 16 JANUARY 2027
Jonathan Church Theatre Productions and Tilted are delighted to announce casting for the UK and Ireland tour of the Chichester Festival Theatre, Stage Entertainment and Sheffield Theatres smash-hit production of SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN, opening at the Churchill Theatre, Bromley from 28 January – 6 February 2027, including a summer season at Sadler’s Wells from 2 June – 3 July 2027. The tour follows the production’s Christmas season at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield (26 November 2026 – 16 January 2027).
The production stars Natalie Anderson and Karen Hauer, who will share the role of Lina Lamont, Grant Almirall as Don Lockwood, Nicole-Lily Baisden as Kathy Seldon, Matthew Maddison as Cosmo Brown and Wendi Peters as Dora Bailey.
Wendi Peters is scheduled to play the role of Dora Bailey until Saturday 3 July 2027. Further casting for the role to be announced. Casting schedule and listings below. www.singinintherainshow.com
The company is completed by Charlie Bishop, Grace Chan, Ross Chisari, Stan Doughty, Barry Drummond, William Elijah-Lewis, Maria Garrett, Alyn Hawke, Megan Jade-Johnson, Ellis Linford-Pill, Jeremy Lloyd, Brontë Macmillan, Chloe Malek, Greta McKinnon, Melissa Mese, Ben Middleton, Grace May Parry, Roan Pronk, Elly Shaw, Jack Skelton and Catrin Thomas.
Natalie Anderson is best known for her role as Alicia Metcalfe in ITV’s Emmerdale. Her further screen credits include Danielle Silverton in ITV’s Coronation Street, Claire in Netflix’s Fool Me Once, and Stella Davenport in The Royal. On stage, Natalie’s credits include Lauren in the UK tour of Fat Friends the Musical and Nessarose in Wicked at the Apollo Victoria.
Karen Hauer is a professional Latin dance specialist and World Mambo Champion, best known for appearing on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. She was the longest-serving female professional dancer on the show. Her theatre credits include Mavis in the UK tour of Stepping Out, Speakeasy, Firedance, Firedance Reignite and the original Broadway cast and international tours of Burn the Floor.
Grant Almirall is no stranger to the role of Don Lockwood, having previously starred in the show in several international tours. His further theatre credits include the role of Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys, Ken in Dalliances, Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Boys in the Photograph, CATS, Chicago, Hairspray and RENT.
Nicole-Lily Baisden’s theatre credits include the role of Dale Tremont in the UK tour of Top Hat, Peggy Sawyer in 42nd Street at Sadler’s Wells and on tour, Hope Harcourt in Anything Goes at the Barbican, Nabulungi in The Book of Mormon, both in the West End and the UK and International tour, and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Palace Theatre.
Matthew Maddison returns to the role of Cosmo Brown, having toured China with the production. His further theatre credits include Hello, Dolly!, A Christmas Carol and South Pacific.
Wendi Peters is best known for her role as the iconic Cilla Battersby Brown in ITV’s Coronation Street, as well as series regular Cook Jenkins in CBBC’s Hetty Feather. Alongside her screen work, her many stage credits include Mother Superior in the UK and Ireland tour of Sister Act the Musical, Diane in the European premiere of You Are Here at the Southwark Playhouse, Madame Latour in the National Tour of John Cleese’s Bang Bang, Mrs Baskin in the West End premiere of Big The Musical at the Dominion Theatre, and national tours of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, White Christmas, Quartet, Oh, What A Lovely War! and Rutherford & Son.
Journey back to the glamour of Hollywood in the roaring 20’s with high-energy choreography and sumptuous set designs (including over 14,000 litres of water on stage), combined with all the romance and wit of one of the world’s best- loved films.
Beautiful, charismatic, and very much in love (if you believe what you read in the press), Hollywood’s golden couple, Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont have the world at their feet. But when “talkies” start to replace silent movies, and an aspiring actress is drafted in to save the day, life as they know it is turned upside down.
Singin’ in the Rain features the glorious MGM score including Good Morning, Make ‘em Laugh and the legendary Singin’ in the Rain.
SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN is Directed by Jonathan Church with Choreography by Andrew Wright, Additional Choreography by Jayne Elster, Set and Costume Design by Simon Higlett, Lighting Design by Tim Mitchell, Sound Design by Gareth Owen, Video Design by Ian Galloway, Musical Supervision by Robert Scott and Orchestrations by Larry Blank. In addition, the full creative team includes Associate Director Brendan Cull, Associate Choreographer Kelly Ewins, Associate Costume Designer Karen Large, Original Fight Direction by Malcolm Ranson and Casting Director Olivia Laydon for Jill Green casting.
SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN features a screenplay by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, with songs by Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed and is performed by arrangement with Music Theatre International. Based on the classic Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Film, by special arrangement with Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures, Inc. Music Published by EMI, all rights administered by Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC (Original Movie Choreography by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen). Produced by agreement With Maurice Rosenfield, Lois F. Rosenfield and Cindy Pritzker, Inc.
TUESDAY 16 – SATURDAY 20 FEBRUARY 2027 GRAND OPERA HOUSE, BELFAST https://www.goh.co.uk/ The role of Lina Lamont will be played by Karen Hauer.
TUESDAY 23 – SATURDAY 27 FEBRUARY 2027 BORD GÁIS ENERGY THEATRE, DUBLIN https://www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie/ The role of Lina Lamont will be played by Natalie Anderson.
TUESDAY 30 MARCH – SATURDAY 3 APRIL 2027 LEEDS GRAND THEATRE https://leedsheritagetheatres.com/ The role of Lina Lamont will be played by Natalie Anderson.
TUESDAY 11 – SATURDAY 15 MAY 2027 BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME https://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/ The role of Lina Lamont will be played by Natalie Anderson.
TUESDAY 25 – SATURDAY 29 MAY 2027 MAYFLOWER THEATRE, SOUTHAMPTON https://www.mayflower.org.uk/ The role of Lina Lamont will be played by Karen Hauer.
WEDNESDAY 2 JUNE – SATURDAY 3 JULY 2027 SADLER’S WELLS https://www.sadlerswells.com/ The role of Lina Lamont will be played by Karen Hauer.
TUESDAY 6 – SATURDAY 10 JULY 2027 NORWICH THEATRE ROYAL https://norwichtheatre.org/ The role of Lina Lamont will be played by Karen Hauer. Casting for the role of Dora Bailey to be announced.
TUESDAY 13 – SATURDAY 17 JULY 2027 THEATRE ROYAL, PLYMOUTH https://theatreroyal.com/ The role of Lina Lamont will be played by Karen Hauer. Casting for the role of Dora Bailey to be announced.
TUESDAY 20 – SATURDAY 31 JULY 2027 LOWRY, SALFORD https://thelowry.com/ The role of Lina Lamont will be played by Natalie Anderson. Casting for the role of Dora Bailey to be announced.
TUESDAY 3 – SATURDAY 7 AUGUST 2027 CONGRESS THEATRE, EASTBOURNE https://www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk/congress-theatre The role of Lina Lamont will be played by Karen Hauer. Casting for the role of Dora Bailey to be announced.
TUESDAY 10 – SATURDAY 14 AUGUST 2027 NOTTINGHAM THEATRE ROYAL https://trch.co.uk/ The role of Lina Lamont will be played by Natalie Anderson. Casting for the role of Dora Bailey to be announced.
TUESDAY 24 AUGUST – SATURDAY 4 SEPTEMBER 2027 NEW THEATRE, CARDIFF https://trafalgartickets.com/new-theatre-cardiff/en-GB The role of Lina Lamont will be played by Natalie Anderson. Casting for the role of Dora Bailey to be announced.
WOLVERHAMPTON GRAND THEATRE JOINS REGIONAL INDEPENDENT THEATRE ALLIANCE
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre becomes sixth member of RITA as alliance strengthens voice of independent regional theatres
Wolverhampton, UK, 22 September 2026 — Wolverhampton Grand Theatre has joined the Regional Independent Theatre Alliance (RITA), becoming its sixth member and strengthening the network of independent, large-scale regional theatres the alliance represents across the UK. The Grand joins RITA’s five founding members: Birmingham Hippodrome, Leeds Heritage Theatres, Norwich Theatre, Newcastle Theatre Royal and the Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury.
RITA was launched in June 2026 to champion the distinctive “third way” model within the theatre sector: charitable, not-for-profit organisations that operate as growth engines without day-to-day public subsidy, while reinvesting their surpluses into artistic programmes, audiences and their communities.
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre is a historic, independent performing arts venue located at the heart of the city’s cultural life since 1894. The Grand combines a major programme of touring productions and its own produced work with community and creative engagement activity, while operating at commercial scale and generating the income required to sustain its work.
Its membership strengthens RITA’s representation across the country and comes as the alliance continues to advocate for greater recognition of the contribution independent regional theatres make to economic growth, employment, skills and communities.
“We are delighted to welcome our sixth member of RITA. Wolverhampton Grand Theatre embodies the values that bring our alliance together: a mission-driven, financially self-reliant theatre with deep roots in its community and a clear ambition to create lasting impact,” said a RITA spokesperson.
“Joining RITA is a natural step for Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. As an independent venue deeply rooted in our community, we operate at scale, sustaining our work through commercial success while reinvesting in local culture. Together with our alliance partners, we look forward to ensuring the immense economic, social and cultural value of independent regional theatre is fully recognised in national policy,” said Karen Smallwood, Chief Executive Officer at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.
The alliance is calling on the Government to formally recognise the independent theatre “third way” operating model in policy and funding decisions; establish a regular data-sharing relationship with DCMS so that the sector’s economic and social contribution can be properly understood; and champion a national co-investment strategy treating independent theatres as partners in regional growth.
HACKNEY EMPIRE, WOOD STREET WALLS AND HACKNEY WOMEN’S FOOTBALL CLUB UNVEIL NEW FOOTBALL KIT CELEBRATING 125 YEARS OF HACKNEY EMPIRE AND 40 YEARS OF THE CLUB
WINNING DESIGN BY LONDON COLLEGE OF FASHION STUDENT DAPHNE SCOTTO DI CARLO DRAWS ON HISTORIC HACKNEY EMPIRE PLAYBILLS, TICKETS AND PERFORMERS
PAID STUDENT DESIGN COMPETITION CREATED IN COLLABORATION WITH WOOD STREET WALLS CIC AND LONDON COLLEGE OF FASHION
HACKNEY EMPIRE YOUNG PRODUCERS ART DIRECT CAMPAIGN SHOOT FEATURING HACKNEY WOMEN’S FC PLAYERS AND HACKNEY EMPIRE YOUNG ARTISTS
Hackney Empire, Wood Street Walls and Hackney Women’s Football Club today unveil a specially commissioned football kit celebrating two landmark anniversaries in the borough: 125 years of Hackney Empire and 40 years of Hackney Women’s FC.
Designed by London College of Fashion student Daphne Scotto Di Carlo, the kit brings together archive material from Hackney Empire’s history with the identity and heritage of Hackney Women’s FC, Europe’s longest-running LGBTQIA+ football team.
The new kit is the result of a collaboration between Hackney Empire, Wood Street Walls CIC and London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London, which invited students to respond creatively to the history and legacy of both organisations through a paid design competition.
Three London College of Fashion students were selected to develop designs for the kit, responding to key themes from Hackney Empire’s history and visiting Hackney Archives to explore historical material and artefacts that could inform their work.
A panel made up of representatives from London College of Fashion, Wood Street Walls and Hackney Empire, alongside Hackney Women’s FC players, selected Daphne Scotto Di Carlo’s design as the winning kit.
Scotto Di Carlo’s design draws directly on Hackney Empire’s archive, using the typography and print styles of historic playbills and tickets, alongside references to the theatre’s distinctive red seating. The design makes a playful connection between football and theatre as shared spaces where communities come together to watch a performance, while the words “Playing with Pride Since 1986” celebrate Hackney Women’s FC’s history and identity.
The collaboration continued beyond the design of the kit. Following its production, a team of Hackney Empire Young Producers worked with Wood Street Walls’ Mark Clack and photographer Jake Green to art direct and deliver a campaign photoshoot, featuring Hackney Women’s FC players alongside Hackney Empire young artists.
The project forms part of Hackney Empire’s 125th anniversary year, celebrating not only the generations of artists, audiences and communities who have shaped the theatre since it opened in 1901, but also the young people, creatives and communities continuing to shape Hackney today.
Chris Sudworth, CEO of Hackney Empire, said: “This project brings together so many of the things we want our 125th anniversary to represent: celebrating Hackney Empire’s extraordinary history while creating opportunities for the next generation of artists and creatives, and working in partnership with the communities around us.
“It has been brilliant to see the students respond so imaginatively to our archive, and for our Young Producers to then take that work forward through the campaign shoot. Hackney Women’s FC has its own remarkable history in the borough, so this feels like a fitting celebration of two organisations that have community and inclusion at their heart.”
Daphne Scotto Di Carlo said: “Inspired by the typography and imagery found in the Hackney Empire archives, as well as Hackney itself-from corner shops and football pitches to everyday street details-the kit aims to embody the character of the area. As a female footballer, I also considered colourways and graphics as a way to give players confidence on the pitch.”
Molly Redmond, General Secretary, Hackney Women’s FC said: “This project is a really exciting moment for Hackney Women’s FC, particularly as we celebrate our 40th year. It feels especially fitting that it lands alongside Hackney Empire’s 125th anniversary, two proud parts of Hackney’s history coming together. To have our training kit created in collaboration with such an iconic venue is so special, and we’re incredibly proud to wear it. It means a lot to see our club’s LGBTQIA+ history represented through this collaboration, as we reflect on everything that’s shaped and made us who we are today. We’re incredibly grateful to Wood Street Walls for their support and for bringing the project to life.”
Mark Clack of Wood Street Walls said: “Having been speaking to Hackney Women for a number of years on how we can help promote the club’s amazing work and history, I am delighted to be involved bringing three very important London institutions together for this project, and showcasing some amazing emerging creative talent. The context, locality and personal story of a club matters in a project like this. Hackney Empire’s place in London’s history celebrating their anniversary, along with Hackney Women’s own 40th celebration brings together people and place, with a shared time to celebrate both their achievements with London College of Fashion’s stellar students. We are honoured to be involved in such a beautifully shot and such a thoughtful and well-designed kit.”
Founded in 1986, Hackney Women’s Football Club is Europe’s longest-running LGBTQIA+ football team. The club is dedicated to making football more accessible for women and non-binary players across London, with weekly training and matches catering for a range of abilities from advanced to amateur. Off the pitch, the club maintains a strong social community, reflecting its belief that football is about much more than the game itself. Hackney Women’s FC is proudly gay and trans inclusive, welcoming everyone both on and off the pitch.
The project was funded and produced by Wood Street Walls CIC, made possible by the North London Waste Alliance and in partnership with London College of Fashion.
The Hackney Women x Hackney Empire collections designed by LCF Student Daphne Scotto Di Carlo can be pre-ordered on the Wood Street Walls website:
SHEDINBURGH AND FRANCESCA MOODY PRODUCTIONS CELEBRATE OPENING WEEKEND OF LONDON RESIDENCY AT YOUNG VIC THEATRE
New arts venue Shedinburgh celebrated the official launch of its first-ever London Residency over the weekend, bringing together critically acclaimed artists and creatives to perform in a one-of-a-kind bespoke space at the Young Vic Theatre in Southwark.
Opening weekend shows included critically acclaimed Jessie Cave: Sunrise, Kirsty Mann: Corpse, Javaad Alipoor: America’s Kingdoms, Songs From Across The Sueniverse and Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee for Best Newcomer, Dom McGovern: Prize Hog, followed by an evening drinks with Taskmaster star Chloe Petts in attendance. The residency continues until 10th October 2026, taking over the Young Vic’s Maria Theatre with new shows six days a week.
The Olivier Award-winning producers behind Fleabag and Baby Reindeer, Francesca Moody Productions, have brought Shedinburgh to London for the first time with a three-week season presented in association with the Young Vic Theatre.
Bringing together theatre, comedy, music, live art and new writing, the inaugural London season will feature more than 40 performances, including world renowned artists and critically acclaimed cult-hit revivals as they’ve never been seen before, in Shedinburgh’s intimate, bijoux, stripped-back setting.
Following its acclaimed 2026 Edinburgh Festival Fringe season, the purpose-built shed venue has been reconstructed inside the Maria Theatre for its London residency.
PETER HUNTLEY AND CALLUM RUNCIMAN FOR SMART ENTERTAINMENT, HEATHER SHIELDS FOR RIGOR + RUCKUS, AND RECENT CUTBACKS, IN ASSOCIATION WITH 2ND ROW COMEDY PROUDLY ANNOUNCE
FRINGE SMASH HIT FLY, YOU FOOLS!TO MAKE LONDON DEBUT
SOUTHWARK PLAYHOUSE BOROUGH 25 NOVEMBER 2026 – 16 JANUARY 2027
“If I had a sixth star at my disposal, I’d gladly add it to the rating… Genius, sheer genius’” *****The Times
Following two hugely successful seasons at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Recent Cutbacks brings Fly, You Fools! to Southwark Playhouse Borough in London, playing from Wednesday 25 November to Saturday 16 January 2027. Following its London run, Fly, You Fools! heads to Birmingham Rep for five performances from Wednesday 20 January – Saturday 23 January.
Created by the team behind Hold on to Your Butts, Fly, You Fools! is a live, shot-for-shot parody of the first film in the most iconic fantasy franchise ever made. Four performers take on an epic adventure, using physical comedy, live sound effects, character impersonations, mime and theatrical ingenuity to recreate Middle-earth live on stage.
Compressing the beloved novel and epic 178-minute film into a riotous 60-minute theatrical experience, Fly, You Fools! celebrates the source material in a show for Tolkien obsessives and newcomers alike — a lovingly crafted celebration of fandom, film and live theatre.
The London run comes in the 25th anniversary year of The Lord of The Rings: The Fellowship of the Ringfilm release, following the show’s sell-out Edinburgh seasons and the success of Recent Cutbacks’ Hold on to Your Butts, which won over UK audiences in 2024 and 2025.
Director, producer and co-founder of Recent Cutbacks Kristin McCarthy Parker said:
“We’ve been dreaming about bringing Fly, You Fools! to London for years, and I’m over the moon that it’s finally happening in the film’s 25th anniversary year. Watching UK audiences fall for Hold On To Your Butts in 2024 and 2025, and then for Fools at the Fringe these past two summers, convinced me this show belongs here. I really think we have a holiday hit on our hands, for Tolkien nerds and the whole family.”
Producer, Peter Huntley said:
“When we saw Fly, You Fools! at the Edinburgh Fringe last year, we knew we had to find a way to bring this extraordinary show to London. I’m delighted that are announcing this production on Hobbit Day, the very same day that Bilbo celebrates his eleventy-first birthday at the start of our tale.”
Presenting Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment as a 90-minute adaptation is an ambitious undertaking, but Jack Jacobs has risen to the challenge with style for Off By Heart.
Jacobs has condensed Dostoevsky’s novel into an atmospheric and claustrophobic chamber piece with a cast of three playing the main protagonists. Jacobs plays Raskolnikov, the alienated student living off his mother’s meagre handouts. Festering in his tiny room and convinced of his own status as extraordinary and therefore above moral laws, Raskolnikov plots the murder of the pawnbroker he often visits – deciding that her death would benefit the community.
The piteous and destitute life surrounding him is illustrated through the drunkard Marmeladov (Andrew Callaghan) who drinks away all the money earned by his daughter Sonya (Faye Bishop) as she prostitutes herself each day. The pawnbroker is depicted in a grotesque mask and a cartoonish voice speaking in Russian – projecting the lowly animalistic view of her harboured by Raskolnikov. After the murder, and the unplanned killing of the pawnbroker’s sister who arrived home early, Raskolnikov’s confidence about his actions begins to ebb and the investigation by Porfiry (Andrew Callaghan) makes him question everything.
By necessity, Jacobs has written a lot of exposition, but in his role as director he ensures that the emotional depths of each character are portrayed. Migle Dulevicius’s lighting design and the unsettling sound design create an increasingly intense atmosphere as Raskolnikov’s ideas and ego crumble.
Jacobs never makes Raskolnikov likeable – even when he seems to have found redemption there is always the hint of self-serving survival rather than the honourable sacrifices made by Sonya. The nervous energy and boiling inner conflict as guilt overwhelms him is palpable in Jacobs’ impressive performance. Faye Bishop is a saintly and slightly stern Sonya – a wonderful contrast to Raskolnikov but equally conflicted. Andrew Callaghan is hawkish and wild-eyed as Porfiry, giving the investigator an almost vicious enjoyment of his cat and mouse games with Raskolnikov, casting doubt over his heartfelt appeals for the truth and at the end of their encounter.
This production is charged with disquieting energy and psychological depth. Jacobs has succeeded in distilling the themes of Dostoevsky’s novel into an effective and compelling play.
ROYO, Revolution Studios, Wendy Federman, Phil Kenny and executive producer Jennifer Garner are delighted to announce that Lucie Jones will return to the role of Jenna Rink in the North American premiere of the WhatsOnStage Award-winning smash-hit musical 13 GOING ON 30 – THE MUSICAL. This acclaimed feel-good musical arrives in Toronto for a strictly limited Christmas season at the Princess of Wales Theatre as part of the 26/27 Mirvish season from December 2026. Tickets are on sale now.
Lucie Jones originated the role of Jenna Rink at Manchester Opera House. Her West End credits include Fantine in Les Misérables (also World Arena Tour), Elphaba in Wicked, Jenna in Waitress (also UK tour), Austenland, Pippin, Ghost In Concert, A Christmas Carol. Her other theatre credits include The Baker’s Wife (Menier Chocolate Factory), Title of Show (London Coliseum), Elle Woods in Legally Blonde (Leicester Curve, UK tour, South Korea), Rent (Other Palace, UK tour), Ghost (Int’l tour), American Psycho (Almeida), We Will Rock You (Int’l tour), The Wedding Singer (UK tour). Lucie’s television credits include Midsomer Murders, The Sarah Jane Adventures, Bro’s In Control, X Factor (finalist, 2009) and Eurovision (finalist, 2017). Lucie has performed sold-out solo concerts across the UK and in 2025, she became the first ever musical theatre artist to headline a stage at Glastonbury Festival. She hosts a weekly radio show on Magic FM.
Joining Lucie will be DomSimpson (Moulin Rouge, Piccadilly Theatre, The Book of Mormon, Prince of Wales Theatre) as Matt Flamhaff, Grace Mouat (Death Note: The Musical, Barbican Centre; Mean Girls, Savoy Theatre)as Lucy Wyman, Caleb Roberts (TINA: The Tina Turner Musical, Aldwych Theatre, Cinderella, Gillian Lynne Theatre) as Richard, Andrew Berlin (Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812, Donmar Warehouse; Oklahoma!, Wyndham’s Theatre) as Kyle Grandy, Morgan Scott (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, UK Tour; Rock of Ages, UK Tour) as Wayne, Katharine Pearson (Freaky Friday, Manchester HOME; Heathers, The Other Palace) as Bev and Iván Fernández González (The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals, Apollo Theatre, Heathers, The Other Palace) as Darius Mark.
The cast is completed by: Takaiyah Bailey (The Greatest Showman, Bristol Hippodrome; Moulin Rouge, Piccadilly Theatre), Jordan Calloway (Bliss, Edinburgh Fringe; Saturday Night Fever, International Tour), Peter Camilleri (Ancient Grease, The Vaults; Bat Out Of Hell, UK Tour), Amara Campbell (The Greatest Showman, Bristol Hippodrome; Stranger Things: The First Shadow, Phoenix Theatre), Henry Lawes (Cluedo 2 – The Next Chapter, UK Tour; Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, UK Tour), Sunny Lee (Paddington, Savoy Theatre; CAKE: The Marie Antoinette Playlist, The Other Palace), Kerri Norville (Hamilton, Victoria Palace & Juliet, Shaftesbury Theatre), Rose Mary O’Reilly (Paddington The Musical, Savoy Theatre; Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical, Secret Cinema), Sam Jeffrey Parkes (Matilda, Cambridge Theatre; Moulin Rouge, Australia), Kelly Sweeney (Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch, The Other Palace; Heathers, The Other Palace & UK Tour), Alex Tranter (Moulin Rouge, Piccadilly Theatre, Hamilton, Victoria Palace Theatre), Zaya Tserenbat (Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical, Secret Cinema; Nezha, The Shaw Theatre), Aidan Watson (Singin’ in the Rain, China Tour) and Amy Webb (Wicked, Apollo Victoria, MAMMA MIA, Novello Theatre).
The cast will also feature a Young Company including: Harper Rae Asch as Young Jenna, John Beer-Principe as Ensemble, Cash Bickell as Young Kyle, Jack Bischoff as Young Kyle, Emma Chun as Ensemble, Devyn Cooper as Ensemble, Glee Dango as Ensemble, Addison Everett Stephenson as Swing, Athan Giazitzidis as Young Matt, Shazdeh Kapadia as Lulu, Nendia Lewars as Ensemble, Eytan Marcus-Wolpert as Young Matt, Victoria Martins as Becky, Markeda McKay as Ensemble, Maya Misaljevic as Ensemble, Ashayla Nation-Williams as Ensemble, Sofia Otta as Swing, Sienna Rader as Becky, Scarlett Sze-Wan Lau as Lulu, Natalie Waters as Young Jenna, Zoë Wheatley as Ensemble and Oliver Woon as Ensemble.
Jenna Rink is an adorably awkward 13-year-old girl who wishes she could skip over the misery of high school. When her birthday wish comes true, Jenna magically wakes up as an adult to find herself “thirty, flirty and thriving”. She’s the editor of a fashion magazine with a seemingly perfect life. But as she begins to unravel the mystery of who she has become, Jenna is taken on a journey to discover what, and who, really matters.
Based on the beloved 2004 film starring Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo, with the film’s original star Jennifer Garner now acting as Executive Producer of this new stage adaptation, 13 GOING ON 30 – THE MUSICAL is a hilarious and heart-warming celebration of the choices we make, the friends we choose, and the joy of never losing your sparkle. The story you love, now with incredible original songs, 13 GOING ON 30 – THE MUSICAL is a feel-great reminder that being yourself never gets old.
13 GOING ON 30 – THE MUSICAL made its world premiere at Manchester Opera House in September 2025 where it played to sold-out houses.
13 GOING ON 30 – THE MUSICAL is written by the film writers Josh Goldsmith and Cathy Yuspa with songs by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner (First Date, Broadway; High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, Disney+). It is directed by the award-winning Andy Fickman (Heathers, She’s The Man) with choreography by Jennifer Weber (& Juliet West End, Broadway and UK and Ireland & North American tour).
13 GOING ON 30 – THE MUSICAL is produced by ROYO, Revolution Studios, Wendy Federman and Phil Kenny with Todd Garner, Marla Levine and Dean Stolber, and is executive produced by Jennifer Garner.
ANNOUNCES PRODUCTION EXTENSION THROUGH TO NOVEMBER 2027
Mamma Mia! The Party London, the flagship production at The O2, announces today that booking has extended until November 2027, with over 120,000 tickets now on sale.
The current cast includes X Factor winner Sam Bailey as Debbie until April 2027.
Since opening in August 2019, Mamma Mia! The Party London has welcomed over 800,000 guests, delivered over 1500 performances, and has been visited by guests from 110 countries for a full evening of dancing, dining and singing to some of ABBA’s greatest hits.
21 September 2026, London:Björn Ulvaeus’ Mamma Mia! The Party today announces that over 120,000 tickets have been released for the flagship production at The O2, London, for performances through to 28 November 2027.
Mamma Mia! The Party is London’s premier theatrical dining experience, bringing ABBA’s hits to life more vividly than ever before. As the sun sets in Skopelos, guests take their seats at Nikos’ family-run taverna where they enjoy a delicious four-course Greek feast, while a romantic and heartwarming story unfolds all around them. Following the performance, which is filled with timeless ABBA anthems such as Mamma Mia, Dancing Queen and Waterloo, guests are encouraged to sing and dance the night away at a glittering ABBA disco.
The current cast includes X-Factor winner Sam Bailey in the role of Debbie, alongside Kelly Aaron as Sue/Swing, Constantine Andronikou as Robin/Swing, Oscar Balmaseda as Nikos, Marianne Benedict as Kate(at certain performances), AJ Bentley as Adam, Claudia Bradley as Tia/Swing, Inês Fernandez as Konstantina, Tom Fothergill as Carlos/Swing, Elena Gibson as Bella (at certain performances), Deschenes Graham as Joyce/Swing, Allie Ho Chee as Bella (at certain performances), Sophie Holdsworth as Loretta/Swing, Gabriella-Rose Merchant as Nina (Maternity Cover), James Mark McLoughlin as Ruben/Swing, Kimberly Powell as Kate (at certain performances), Andy Rose as Host/Fernando, Dawn Spence as Grandma, and Rebecca Stenhouse as Nina (at certain performances).
Mamma Mia! The Party is executive produced by Björn Ulvaeus and Pophouse. Tickets can be booked here.
Cameron Mackintosh is delighted to announce that the West End production of Boublil and Schönberg’s musical sensation Les Misérables will further extend at the Sondheim Theatre, through its record-breaking 42nd year. Tickets for performances until 2 October 2027 can now be purchased at london.lesmis.com.
The current cast includes Ian McIntosh as ‘Jean Valjean’, Oliver Savile as ‘Javert’, Stefanie Jones as ‘Fantine’, Harry Hepple as ‘Thénardier’, Mina Anwar as ‘Madame Thénardier’, Jess Folley as ‘Éponine’, Thiago Phillip Felizardo as ‘Marius’, Joe Griffiths-Brown as Enjolras ‘ and Lucia McLaughlin as ‘Cosette’.
The company is completed by Joanna Adaran, Madeline Banbury, Nicholas Carter, Tom Carter-Miles, Fergus Dale, Matthew Dale, Lily De-La-Haye, Zak Devlin, Sophie-May Feek, Lyndsey Gardiner, Pablo Gómez Jones, Simi Jolaoso, Seán Keany, Chris Kiely, Sarah Lark, Sarah-Marie Maxwell, Ben Nicholas, William Pennington, Lukin Simmonds, Jak Skelly, Rosie Strobel, Georgia Tapp, Genevieve Taylor, Lee V G, Isobel Vaughan-Palmer, Danny Whelan, and Joey Zerpa-Falcon.
Les Misérables, which celebrated its 40th Birthday in the West End last October, has been seen by over 150 million people worldwide in 57 countries, and has been translated into 22 languages. It has won over 275 major awards around the world, among which 5 Olivier Awards (including a special recognition award in April 2025), 8 Tony Awards, 5 Helpmann Awards, and more recently Best West End Show at the 2026 WhatsOnStage Awards, with the movie winning 3 Oscars.
Les Misérables: The Arena Concert Spectacular concluded its phenomenal world tour this summer with a cast and orchestra of 65 and having sold over 1.3 million tickets across 35 cities, globally. The Spanish-language production Los Miserables continues to play to audience and critical acclaim at the Teatro Apolo in Madrid, having recently won four awards: Best Musical, Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Musical Direction at the national Talia Awards.
On 29 May 2026, First Night Records released Les Misérables: The 40th Anniversary All-Star Cast – the ultimate and complete recording of Cameron Mackintosh’s production of Boublil & Schönberg’s legendary musical – available now through streaming and digital platforms and as a double CD.
Les Misérables is the longest running and indisputably one of the most popular musicals in the world.
Cameron Mackintosh’s production of Les Misérables is written by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg and is based on the novel by Victor Hugo. It has music by Claude-Michel Schönberg, lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer and original French text by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel, additional material by James Fenton and adaptation by Trevor Nunn and John Caird. Orchestrations are by Stephen Metcalfe, Christopher Jahnke and Stephen Brooker with original orchestrations by John Cameron. The production is directed by Laurence Connor and James Powell, designed by Matt Kinley inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo with original costume design by Andreane Neofitou, additional costume design by Christine Rowland and Paul Wills, lighting by Paule Constable, sound by Mick Potter, projections realised by Finn Ross & 59 Studio, musical staging by Geoffrey Garratt, and music supervision by Stephen Brooker and Alfonso Casado Trigo.
LISTINGS : LES MISÉRABLES (LONDON)
Sondheim Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1D 6BA
