FIRST VENUES ANNOUNCED FOR A NEW MAYFLOWER SOUTHAMPTON TOURING PRODUCTION OF NOËL & GERTIE

Mayflower Southampton are delighted to announce a new production of the feel-good musical Noël & Gertie which will open at Mayflower Studios in September.

Directed by Mayflower’s Associate Artistic Director, Thom Southerland, the show will run at Mayflower Studios, Southampton from 19 – 27 September, before visiting Leicester Curve and The Grand Theatre Blackpool, with further tour venues and casting to be announced.

A heartfelt journey full of wit, warmth, and nostalgia, Noël & Gertie explores the fascinating friendship between two of the 20th century’s most iconic figures—Noël Coward and Gertrude Lawrence. Audiences will be taken to the glamourous era of British theatre, celebrating the special bond between the playwright and the actress.

Through a series of memories, the golden age of the West End is brough to life, where Noël Coward’s wit and panache for life meets Gertrude Lawrence’s elegance and grace. As well as highlighting their collaborative works, Noël & Gertie explores the personal chemistry that sparked their deep affection and fondness for one another.

Noël & Gertie director, Thom Southerland (Titanic The Musical, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Illusionist) said “I am delighted that we can bring Noel and Gertie’s iconic story to the stage. This is a fascinating story about the lasting friendship between two of theatres biggest icons, with beautiful music throughout. I cannot wait to share this brand-new show that celebrates golden era of theatre with Mayflower and further audiences across the UK in our tour.”

Noël & Gertie features numbers from many Noël Coward works including Private Lives and the classic song, Don’t Put your Daughter on the Stage, Mrs Worthington, join one of the most legendary duos in show business history for an evening of style and elegance.

Mayflower’s Chief Executive Michael Ockwell says “We are incredibly proud to be producing Noël & Gertie and are delighted that the show will be visiting Leicester and Blackpool. This production not only celebrates the timeless brilliance of Noël Coward and Gertrude Lawrence, but also reflects our desire to be producing our own work and launching touring shows from Southampton. It will be a joy to bring this elegant and heartwarming story to life for audiences.”

Tickets for Noël & Gertie (Friday 19 – Saturday 27 September 2025) are on sale at mayflower.org.uk or 02380 711811

Billie Trix is back!

Critically acclaimed MUSIK
by Jonathan Harvey and Pet Shop Boys
starring Frances Barber
returns to London!

Wilton’s Music Hall
14th – 25th October

Six years after its sold out critically acclaimed world premiere at the Edinburgh Fringe and London transfer, outrageous MUSIK by writer Jonathan Harvey and Pet Shop Boys Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe is to return to London.

Billie Trix. Icon. Rock star. Screen goddess. Hedonist. Billie has lived a life of excess and shares it all in her one-woman show. Her journey takes us from post-war Berlin to the rock arenas of the world, via the Vietnam war, Andy Warhol’s Factory, and 10 years living in a Soho Square phone box.

A 60-minute, one-woman cabaret starring multi-award-winning actress Frances Barber reprising the role of Billie Trix she first created in the 2001 West End musical, Closer to Heaven, MUSIK will run at Wilton’s Music Hall from 14th – 25th October.

Frances Barber said:
“Of all the characters I’ve ever played, Billie Trix is the closest to my heart. A woman of a certain age (even she doesn’t know) who has lived a life that may or may not be entirely accurate, but what a ride! And she’s still here! Billie was born from the brilliant imagination of Jonathan Harvey & PSB  in Closer To Heaven over 20 years ago . When we embarked on her solo adventures PSB wrote six new songs for each chapter of her extraordinary experiences, woven into the magical narrative of Jonathan. She’s delusional, outrageous, accidentally hilarious and beyond loveable. I’m thrilled my journey with her is coming back.”

Jonathan Harvey said:
“It was such a treat reconnecting and working with Chris and Neil on this, over 20 years after our first foray into musical theatre writing. In MUSIK Billie, dried up, drug addled icon and rock star performs her self-penned self-directed one person art house extravaganza about her life, loves, and – amazingly – how she was present at every important moment in recent – and not so recent – world history. Is she telling the truth? Can she still nail a number after 10 lines of cocaine? Come and decide for yourselves!”

Pet Shop Boys said:
“When we wrote Closer to Heaven over 20 years ago, we loved the compelling outrageousness of the character Billie Trix as written by Jonathan and performed by Frances. We discussed for many years the idea of creating her own one-woman show which would give us the chance to write more songs for her as she looks back on her incredible career. It was thrilling when this show became a sold-out reality in Edinburgh a few years ago and we are delighted that it is returning to London in such a beautiful and historic venue. Frances Barber’s astonishing performance is not to be missed!”

Frances Barber
Frances Barber is an award-winning star of stage, screen and TV. Her extensive credits include the films Prick Up Your Ears, Sammy and Rosie Get Laid, Trick or Treat, King Lear, Hamlet and Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool. Her numerous TV credits include Silk, The Street, Beautiful People, guest starring episodes of Doctor Who as Madame Kovarian, Chelsea Detective and  three seasons of Whitstable Pearl. Frances won WhatsonStage Best Actress in a Musical for Closer to Heaven and An Offie Award for Best Actress for MUSIK.

Pet Shop Boys
Pet Shop Boys have sold more than 50 million records worldwide and are listed as the most successful duo in UK music history by The Guinness Book of Records. Since 1985 they have achieved 42 Top 30 singles, 22 of them Top 10 hits in the UK Singles Chart, including four UK number ones and at the 2009 Brit Awards, they received an award for Outstanding Contribution to Music. They have also written a score for the classic silent film, Battleship Potemkin, a ballet, The Most Incredible Thing, and performed at the BBC Proms their musical work inspired by Alan Turing, A Man From The Future.

Jonathan Harvey
Jonathan Harvey is an acclaimed playwright, novelist and TV writer whose work has earned many awards. His plays include Beautiful Thing, for which he won the prestigious John Whiting Award and Babies (National Theatre Studio/Royal Court Theatre), winner George Devine Award and Evening Standard’s Most Promising Playwright Award. On TV he wrote the cult comedy series Gimme Gimme Gimme, starring Kathy Burke and James Dreyfus, Beautiful People and is a regular script writer on Coronation Street.

LISTINGS INFO

MUSIK
by Jonathan Harvey
& Pet Shop Boys

Songs by Pet Shop Boys

Starring Frances Barber

Wilton’s Music Hall
Graces Alley,
London E1 8JB

Tuesday 14 – Saturday 25 October

Tuesday – Saturday at 7 30pm
Saturday at 2.30pm

Running time:
60 mins (no interval)

Venue Website  
https://wiltons.org.uk/whats-on/musik/

Box Office: 020 7702 2789

Tickets: from £12.50

Age recommendation
16+

Social media

Twitter:
@petshopboys
@cahootstc

Facebook:
petshopboys
cahootstheatreco

website
www.cahootstheatrecompany.com

The Emu War Musical announces a series of concert
performances after smash-hit Fringe success

After a smash-hit Edinburgh Fringe debut, multiple award nominations and 5-star reviews –
Taylor Jay Productions with Pearl Whirl Productions and John C. Murphy are excited to
announce a series of concert performances of The Emu War Musical this summer. The
concert performances will serve as a fundraiser for the future of the production, coming to
London’s Off West-End in late 2026.

Get your tail feathers ready for some dancing birds, catchy tunes and laughter! Inspired by
true events of the Great Emu War of 1932, this 5-star comedy musical follows the
Australian government’s futile attempts to fight some mischievous emus…

The Emu War was one of Edinburgh Fringe 2024’s hottest tickets! It was instantly featured
by Playbill as one of their top international picks for the Fringe and was then followed by
multiple sold-out shows and 5 star reviews! If that and dancing emus can’t convince you to
come along, we don’t know what will…

The mini-tour launches in London on the 23rd June (Phoenix Arts Club), before a
performance in Bristol on the 16th July (Wardrobe Theatre), followed by a short run in
London from the 4th – 6th September (New Wimbledon Theatre). More dates may be
announced in the future.

Full casting and creative team to be announced. Tickets on sale from venue websites on
Monday 19th May at 10am.

Hull New Theatre – until- 17th May 2025

Reviewed by Dawn Bennett

5*****

Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical, presented by Bill Kenwright Ltd. opened with a bang at Hull New Theatre last night. Based on the film of the same name and inspired by Les Liaisons Dangereuses it was created by Jordan Ross, Lindsey Rosin and Roger Kumble.

The show tells the story of Sebastian Valmont (Will Callan) and his stepsister Kathryn Merteuil (Nic Myers) who decide to have a cruel bet with each other. Kathryn tells Sebastain that he has to seduce the new Headmasters daughter Annette Hargrove (Abbie Budden) or he will lose the bet and his classic car amongst other things. Sebastian is used to get his own way with women and at the very exclusive New York High that they all go to, we see the different characters emerge, from Cecile Caldwell (Lucy Carter) the innocent from an all-girls school and Blaine Tuttle (Luke Conner Hall) who is in a secret relationship with football player Greg McConnell (Joe Simmons). But as Sebastian slowly falls for Annette will he or his step sister win the bet?

If you are a fan of ‘90s music, and particularly a good juke production, this is the show for you. The band and the music, under musical director Will Joy, were really, really good. The toe tapping tunes included songs by R.E.M, The Verve, Britney Spears, Boyz II Men and lots more. All the cast were brilliant, singing the easily recognisable songs with ease. They managed to put in a large number of songs into the show and this didn’t distract from the storyline at all, in fact they enhanced it.

This was an excellent production, I really enjoyed it and the cast kept the energy up from the beginning right up to the end

As someone who spent a lot of the ‘90s clubbing I loved it, it had a good storyline, great cast and fabulous music, what more do you need? Well, you need to go and watch it, it really does deserve full houses every night, I really don’t think that you will be disappointed!

Noel Coward Theatre – until 5 September 2025

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

5*****

This hilarious sixties spy spoof is simply spectacular. Packed with clever wordplay, terrible puns, pratfalls and perfectly staged stunts, Mischief have hit the jackpot again.

Writers Henry Lewis and Henry Shields know exactly what diehard Mischief fans want – and dial it up to eleven. With MI6 taken out by a turncoat, KGB and CIA agents close in to intercept the missing plans for Project Midnight. The intel points to a rendezvous in a London hotel so the spies are soon casing the guests, bugging rooms and causing chaos. With a conference and a secret shopper on the premises, manager Albert (Greg Tannahill) has a lot on his hands, but goes the extra mile trying to help baker Bernard (henry Shields) propose to his uninterested girlfriend Rosemary (Adele James). The presence of Douglas Woodbead (Henry Lewis) – no, not the cricketer – running his lines for his James Bond audition creates more nonsense in what becomes a very cleverly staged traditional farce on steroids.

The writing is top-notch, with tongue twisters and verbal misunderstandings that the Two Ronnies would be proud of, running jokes that never lose impact, and a gag-filled plot full of visual and physical comedy that will make your face ache. Matt DiCarlo slick direction feels cinematic, with wonderful sight gags as chases along hotel corridors and through streets never let the pace lag between set pieces. David Farley’s set design is brilliant, and the technical wonders that happen on the two floors of bedrooms are breathtakingly funny and clever. Johanna Town’s lighting, Jon Fiber’s (for JollyGoodTunes) sound and Deborah Andrew’s costume design add to the sixties film atmosphere.

The cast is made up of Mischief originators and regulars, and they are all at the top of their game. Dave Hearn is wonderfully earnest as CIA agent Lance Buchanan, joined on this mission by his mother, Janet (fantastically domineering Nancy Zamit), while Charlie Russell is hilariously on edge as KGB agent Elena Popov, trying to cope with her hapless partner Sergei (the brilliant Chris Leask) and his obsession with their covers’ backstories. Greg Tannahill is manically cheerful as he tries to please the increasingly unhinged guests. Douglas Woodbead is a pompous ham, so of course Henry Lewis is playing him! Lewis’s skill with this type of character is a joy to watch, and his every groan of despair brings gales of laughter from the audience. Adele James is the perfect frustrated straight woman as madness ensues around her, and Henry Shields is gloriously confused as he gets roped in by both sets of spies to find Project Midnight. His baking curse words get spicier as Bernard gets more out of his depth.

The cast’s chemistry and physicality are sublime (Shelley Maxwell’s movement direction creates epically silly fight sequences), and this quick-paced comedy has a few juicy twists that create fantastic payoffs – the spy plot never gets lost amongst the chaos.

God tier comedy.

LEADING DUO MOLLY LYNCH AND DAVID SEADON-YOUNG TO MAKE TRIUMPHANT RETURN TO CURVE IN

THE SOUND OF MUSIC

Directed by Nikolai Foster

Molly Lynch as Maria David Seadon-Young as Captain Georg von Trapp

Running at Curve Sat 22 Nov 2025 – Sun 11 Jan 2026

Leicester’s Curve theatre has announced initial casting for its Made at Curve Christmas production of THE SOUND OF MUSIC, with triumphant returns for MY FAIR LADY leading performers Molly Lynch and David Seadon-Young.

THE SOUND OF MUSIC, directed by Curve’s Artistic Director Nikolai Foster (MY FAIR LADY, KINKY BOOTS, A CHORUS LINE), will run at the theatre from Saturday 22 November 2025 to Sunday 11 January 2026.

Molly Lynch’s performance as Eliza Doolittle in the Made at Curve production of MY FAIR LADY was heralded by critics and audiences alike, with The Daily Telegraph declaring ‘A star is born’. Lynch will lead this production of THE SOUND OF MUSIC as the free-spirited novice nun Maria.

David Seadon-Young’s performance as Professor Henry Higgins in MY FAIR LADY was described as ‘sublime’ by The Times, he will join THE SOUND OF MUSIC as the draconian Captain Georg von Trapp.

Alongside Director Nikolai Foster, Curve’s production of THE SOUND OF MUSIC will be brought together by a creative team including Musical Supervisor and Orchestrations Adapter George Dyer (KINKY BOOTS, UK, Ireland and European tour), Choreographer Ebony Molina (Associate Choreographer of Curve’s THE WIZARD OF OZ, Choreographer of JUST FOR ONE DAY, Old Vic), Set and Costume Designer Michael Taylor (MY FAIR LADY, Curve), Lighting Designer Mark Henderson (MY FAIR LADY, Curve) , Sound Designer Nick Lodge (SPEND SPEND SPEND, Manchester Royal Exchange), Props Supervisor Ryan O’Connor (MY FAIR LADY, Curve), Associate Director Ollie Khurshid (KINKY BOOTS, UK, Ireland and European tour) and Casting Director Olivia Laydon for Jill Green Casting (A CHORUS LINE, Curve, UK tour and Japan).

Further casting and creative team members will be announced in due course.

Speaking about the announcement, Curve’s Chief Executive Chris Stafford and Nikolai Foster said:

“Molly Lynch and David Seadon-Young created pure theatrical magic when they breathed new life into MY FAIR LADY at Curve last year. These were virtuosic performances, filled with beauty, courage and originality, that none of us who had the privilege of seeing, will ever forget. It’s an honour to see these magnificent, once in a generation talents returning to Leicester, where they promise to give everything to these magnificent characters and this important landmark of musical theatre.”

The Made at Curve production of THE SOUND OF MUSIC will be complemented by wraparound learning and engagement activity delivered by Curve’s Creative Programmes team, including a free digital Education Pack and bespoke workshops for school groups, as well as a Theatre Day on Thursday 4 December, where audience members of all ages will be able to learn more about the creation of the production and behind the scenes insights from the show’s team.

A variety of accessible performances are also available across the run, including British Sign Language interpreted (Friday 5 December, 7:15pm), Captioned (Saturday 13 December, 7:15pm and 18 December, 2pm), Dementia Friendly (Tuesday 16 December, 2pm), Audio Described and Touch Tours (Saturday 20 December, 2pm and Tuesday 6 January, 7:15pm) and Relaxed (Thursday 8 January, 2pm).

Maria, a free-spirited novice nun, is sent to look after the rowdy von Trapp children. Defying Captain von Trapp’s strict orders, Maria captures the children’s hearts using creativity and music to educate, inspire and bring order into their lives. Soon the entire family is under the spell of Maria’s unquenchable zest for life and even the Captain’s steely heart begins to soften, as they fall in love. But when Captain von Trapp is commanded to report for duty in the German navy, their Austrian idyl is shattered, as they must flee the Nazis and embark on the most important and dangerous journey of their lives.

This heart-warming tale of family, romance and rebellion features a timeless score including “Do-Re-Mi,” “My Favorite Things,” “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” and of course, its soaring title number, “The Sound of Music.”

The Made at Curve production of THE SOUND OF MUSIC will run Saturday 22 November 2025 to Sunday 11 January 2026. Tickets are on-sale now. To find out more and book, visit www.curveonline.co.uk, call 0116 242 3595 or visit Curve’s Box Office in-person.

THE SOUND OF MUSIC

Music by RICHARD RODGERS

Lyrics by OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN II

Book by HOWARD LINDSAY and RUSSEL CROUSE

Suggested by “The Trapp Family Singers” by Maria Augusta Trapp

THE SOUND OF MUSIC is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk

T I N A – T H E   T I N A   T U R N E R   M U S I C A L

TO CLOSE IN THE WEST END

AFTER 7 TRIUMPHANT YEARS

BOOKING AT THE ALDWYCH THEATRE

UNTIL SATURDAY 13 SEPTEMBER 2025

The producers of the hit West End production TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL, based on the life of legendary artist Tina Turner and produced in association with Tina Turner herself, are announcing the musical’s closure in the West End at the Aldwych Theatre on Saturday 13 September 2025. The musical has been running in the West End for over 7 years, making it the longest running show ever to play at the Aldwych Theatre where it has broken all box office records, and it is in the top 10 longest-running musicals performing in the West End.

Stage Entertainment Producer Tali Pelman said ““The decision to close our West End production has been extremely difficult. Celebrating and sharing Tina’s legacy has meant so much to all of us who have been working on this show over the last decade. We are proud to have fulfilled Tina’s dream for the musical, which was to serve not only as a reminder of her work but as the beating heart of her empowering message – courage, indomitable spirit, and an eternal optimism in what is possible.

We are grateful to our exceptional authors and creatives, to the many extraordinary women who have played this phenomenal role on the Aldwych stage, to the casts, musicians, production and backstage teams and to the countless others who have dedicated themselves to the London production over the past ten years.

We are delighted that the show is selling out on Tour across the UK and Ireland and continues to elate audiences in productions across North America, Europe and around the world. In London this will be a summer of celebration, led by our glorious duo of Karis Anderson and Fleur East in our final West End cast.”

Developed by Stage Entertainment in London together with Tina Turner, the critically acclaimed production received its world premiere in the West End in April 2018 and has subsequently broken all Box Office records at the Aldwych Theatre. Since its opening, 10 first-class productions have opened worldwide on Broadway, across North America, in Germany, Spain, the Netherlands and Australia. The first UK and Ireland Tour opened in March 2025, the Brazilian production is opening in February 2026, and further European and world-wide productions are forthcoming.

From 24 June Karis Anderson and Fleur East will alternate the role of Tina.

From her humble beginnings in Nutbush Tennessee to becoming the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Tina Turner’s journey is nothing short of legendary. TINA – The Tina Turner Musical brings her inspiring story to life through electrifying, world-class performances set to the pulse-pounding soundtrack of her iconic hits. Featuring unforgettable anthems such as River Deep, Mountain High, We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome), Proud Mary, The Best, What’s Love Got To Do With It and the timeless Proud Mary, this show is an exhilarating celebration of the artist we all know and love.

TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL opened at the Aldwych Theatre in London’s West End in 2018 before a global roll-out that brought the show to sold-out audiences across the world. The musical has been seen by over 8 million people worldwide.

In North America, the Broadway production opened in November 2019 and was nominated for 12 Tony Awards including Best Musical. The North American tour continues to run in its third year and can currently be seen across North American cities. TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL recently finished touring across Australia, where it broke historic box office records at the Princess Theatre in Melbourne and enjoyed sell out seasons at Theatre Royal, Sydney; Astor Theatre, Perth; and Lyric Theatre, Brisbane. In Europe, TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL has had productions at Stage Operettenhaus in Hamburg, Germany; the Apollo Theater in Stuttgart, Germany; the Beatrix Theater in Utrecht, Netherlands, and at the Teatro Coliseum in Madrid, Spain. In February 2026, the musical will open in Sao Paulo in Brazil marking its 11^th worldwide first-class production.

Directed by Phyllida Lloyd and written by Pulitzer Prize-winner Katori Hall with Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins, TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is choreographed by Anthony van Laast, with set and costume designs by Mark Thompson, musical supervision by Nicholas Skilbeck, lighting by Bruno Poet,sound by Nevin Steinberg, projection design by Jeff Sugg, orchestrations by Ethan Popp, wigs, hair and makeup design by Campbell Young Associates, casting by Richard Johnston for Pippa Ailion and Natalie Gallacher casting and fight direction by Kate Waters.

TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is produced in the West End by Stage Entertainment, Joop van den Ende and Tali Pelman, in association with Tina Turner.

Produced by Stage Entertainment and Ghostlight Records and featuring the original London cast, TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL: Original Cast Recording is available worldwide on CD, both online and in stores. The CD features a 20-page booklet, which includes liner notes, synopsis, and production and studio photography. The album was recorded in February 2019 at Angel Studios and RAK Studios, produced by the show’s Music Supervisor Nicholas Skilbeck and Kurt Deutsch, and co-produced by Tom Kelly. To download or stream the album, or order the CD please visit www.ghostlightrecords.lnk.to/riverdeep-tinaturnermusical

TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is dedicated to the memory of Tina Turner, who sadly passed away in May 2023.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Theatre:                           Aldwych Theatre, Aldwych, London WC2B 4DF

Dates:                              Now booking to 13 September 2025

Performances 2024:            Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 7pm, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm, Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm.         

Box Office:                        0845 200 7981

Website:                           www.tinathemusical.com

Facebook:                         TinaTheMusical

Twitter:                            TinaTheMusical

Instagram:                        TinaTheMusical

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

AND

UNITED KINGDOM

AND

AUSTRALIA

AND

CANADA

AND

CHINA

AND

MEXICO

AND

NEW ZEALAND

BEGINNING IN 2026

“A little show with a very big future.”
Variety

New York, NY (May 13, 2025) – It was announced today at the entrance to the United Nations in New York City that the Olivier Award®-winning and Tony Award® nominated Best Musical, Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical is launching a globe-spanning World Tour.

The world tour begins on February 16, 2026, at The Lowry in Manchester, UK—the venue that first encouraged the Olivier Award-winning and Tony-nominated writing team to create their debut musical, co-commissioned the production, and supported its early development, including hosting its first-ever scratch performance in 2017.

This announcement comes after the production’s third Broadway extension through February 15, 2026, and its fifteenth West End extension through February 28, 2026.

In Operation Mincemeat, it’s 1943, and the Allied Forces are on the ropes. Luckily, they’ve got a trick up their sleeve. Well, not up their sleeve, per se, but rather inside the pocket of a stolen corpse. Equal parts farce, thriller, and Ian Fleming-style spy caper (with an assist from Mr. Fleming himself), Operation Mincemeat tells the wildly improbable and hilarious true story of the covert operation that turned the tide of WWII.

SpitLip, the musical’s writers and composers, commented:
“Broadway opened the literal world to us, and we couldn’t be more grateful for every unpredictable twist of this astonishing journey. Most of all, we wish to thank the audiences who continue to carry this show with love and enthusiasm. Operation Mincemeat reminds us that in uncertain times, the bonds between allies are more important than ever – and that message feels especially relevant as we consider all the great nations in which our show will now have the opportunity to play. This show continues to be the adventure of a lifetime, and we’re wildly excited about what’s to come.”

Tickets for the UK leg go on pre-sale June 5 at 10am BST, with general sale starting June 6 at 10am BST. For full details and tickets, visit operationmincemeat.com. The tour will travel across the U.K. for 40 weeks.

Tour dates for other territories and casting details will be announced. Fans can sign up to the mailing list to be the first to hear when the show lands in a city near them. Watch this space for news on new countries and continents.

Directed by Robert Hastie, Operation Mincemeat began performances on Broadway on February 15 and is now playing at the historic Golden Theatre (252 West 45th Street).

Starring in Operation Mincemeat are David Cumming, Claire-Marie Hall, Natasha Hodgson, Olivier Award-winner Jak Malone, and Zoë Roberts, who have reprised their original, acclaimed performances for the musical’s Broadway (American) premiere.

The decision to write the musical was the last roll of the dice from the quartet of young British creatives after years of performing sketch shows at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and echoes the journey of Beyond the Fringe from the world-famous quartet Alan Bennett, Peter Cook, Jonathan Miller, and Dudley Moore, which premiered at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 1960 before moving to the Fortune Theatre and later to the Golden in 1962.

Operation Mincemeat began as a tiny (and tiny-budgeted) production at London’s New Diorama Theatre. The show quickly gained a devoted following, spurring sold-out runs at venues including Southwark Playhouse and Riverside Studios. It finally premiered in the West End on May 9, 2023, at the Fortune Theatre, where it has since received 74 five-star reviews and counting, becoming ‘the Best Reviewed Show in West End History.’ Now in its third sold-out year, the show continues to play to standing-room-only crowds and has built one of London’s most passionate fanbases, affectionately known as the “Mincefluencers.”

Operation Mincemeat has been nominated for 64 awards since opening at the 77-seat New Diorama Theatre in 2019, winning 13, including Best Musical 3 times, from the Olivier Awards®, WhatsOnStage Awards, and Off-West End Awards. On Broadway, the show is nominated for 4 Tony Awards® in 2025, including Best Musical and Best Featured Actor in a Musical for Malone, who previously won the Olivier Award® in the same category. The production has also received nominations for Outstanding Production of a Musical at the Drama League Awards, Outstanding New Broadway Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards, Best Musical at the BroadwayWorld Theater Fans’ Choice Awards, and Favourite New Musical at the Broadway.com Audience Choice Awards.

SpitLip – Cumming, Felix Hagan, Hodgson, and Roberts –are nominated for Best Book and Best Score at the Tony Awards®, Outer Critics Circle Awards, and BroadwayWorld Theater Fans’ Choice Awards. They have also received Drama Desk Award nominations for Outstanding Book of a Musical and Outstanding Lyrics. The Broadway cast has been nominated for Best Ensemble at the BroadwayWorld Theater Fans’ Choice Awards. Malone is additionally nominated for a Drama Desk Award, an Outer Critics Circle Award, and a Drama League Award, and recently won a Theatre World Award for Outstanding Broadway Debut. Cumming, Hodgson, Roberts, and Hall have each received nominations at the BroadwayWorld Theater Fans’ Choice Awards, with Cumming also recognised with two Broadway.com Audience Choice Award nominations.

West End Extension tickets are available from OperationMincemeat.com and Broadway tickets OperationBroadway.com

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

UK

16th – 28th February 2026 – Lowry, Salford

2nd – 14th March 2026 – Theatre Royal Bath, Bath

17th – 21st March 2026 – Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton

23rd – 28th March 2026 – Fareham Live, Fareham

31st March – 4th April 2026 – New Theatre, Oxford

6th – 11th April 2026 – Alhambra Theatre, Bradford

13th – 25th April 2026 – Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield

27th April – 2nd May 2026 – Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent

4th – 9th May 2026 – Storyhouse, Chester

11th – 16th May 2026 – The Alexandra, Birmingham

19th – 23rd May 2026 – Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury

25th – 30th May 2026 – Theatre Royal Brighton, Brighton

1st – 6th June 2026 – Grand Opera House, York

8th – 13th June 2026 – Milton Keynes Theatre, Milton Keynes

15th – 20th June 2026 – New Victoria Theatre, Woking

22nd – 27th June 2026 – Newcastle Theatre Royal, Newcastle

29th June – 4th July 2026 – Theatre Royal Plymouth, Plymouth

6th – 11th July 2026 – Hull New Theatre, Kingston upon Hull

13th – 18th July 2026 – Royal & Derngate, Northampton

20th July – 1st August 2026 – Theatre Royal Nottingham, Nottingham

3rd – 8th August 2026 – Congress Theatre, Eastbourne

11th – 15th August 2026 – His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen

31st August – 5th September 2026 – Cliffs Pavilion, Southend-on-Sea

7th – 12th September 2026 – Grand Theatre, Leeds

15th – 19th September 2026 – New Theatre, Cardiff

21st – 26th September 2026 – Swansea Grand Theatre, Swansea

28th September – 3rd October 2026 – Wycombe Swan Theatre, High Wycombe

5th – 10th October 2026 – Norwich Theatre Royal, Norwich

12th – 17th October 2026 – Orchard Theatre, Dartford

26th – 31st October 2026 – Victoria Theatre, Halifax

2nd – 7th November 2026 – Capital Theatres, Edinburgh

10th – 14th November 2026 – Theatre Royal Glasgow, Glasgow

17th – 21st November 2026 – Mayflower Theatre, Southampton

23rd – 28th November 2026 – The Hawth, Crawley

INTERNATIONAL

2026 – US, Canada and Mexico – announcement soon

2027 – China – announcement soon

2027 – Australia and New Zealand – announcement soon

BRAND-NEW PRODUCTION OF

LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL

TO TOUR THE UK AND IRELAND

OPENING AT

CURVE, LEICESTER FROM

7 FEBRUARY 2026

Producers ROYO and Curve are delighted to announce a brand-new Made at Curve production of the West End and Broadway smash-hit musical comedy LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL. The musical will tour the UK and Ireland in 2026, opening at Leicester’s Curve theatre on 7 February and touring until 7 January 2027.

Based on the novel LEGALLY BLONDE by Amanda Browning and the iconic 2001 film of the same name starring Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Coolidge, the multi-award winning LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL features a book by Heather Hach and original music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin.

LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL will be directed by Curve’s Artistic Director Nikolai Foster (Kinky Boots, The Wizard of Oz, A Chorus Line) and comes hot off the heels of the sell-out tour of KINKY BOOTS, also directed by Foster and co-produced by Curve and ROYO.

Casting and further creatives to be announced.

Curve’s Chief Executive Chris Stafford and Artistic Director Nikolai Foster said: “LEGALLY BLONDE is firmly established in the musical theatre repertoire as a contemporary classic and it’s a pleasure to be reunited with “Little Miss Woods – comma – Elle” in the 2020s. Laurence O’Keefe, Nell Benjamin and Heather Hach’s electrifying musical about empowerment, equality and the folly of judging a book by its cover remains pitch perfect and as relevant as ever. We have assembled a “mad props” creative team and together we are looking forward to creating a fresh, fun and sunny SoCal production of this great musical. And following the incredible success of KINKY BOOTS, it’s a thrill to collaborate again with our friends at ROYO. We can’t wait to share the show with audiences across the UK and Europe after Elle takes over Curve early 2026.”

“Whoever said orange is the new pink was seriously disturbed”

This ultimate feel-good rom-com, based on the award-winning film starring Reese Witherspoon, follows Elle Woods on her transformation from ‘It Girl’ fashionista to legal ace at Harvard Law School, all in the name of love. Elle must prove she is more than blonde ambition, swap the changing rooms for the courtroom and learn that ‘being true to yourself never goes out of style.’

LEGALLY BLONDE is produced by ROYO and CURVE.

Website: www.legallyblondeshow.com

Instagram, Bluesky, TikTok, Facebook: @legallyblondeshow

X: @legallyshow

2026 TOUR SCHEDULE

7 – 21 February                                 Leicester, Curve                                      0116 242 3595

                                                           curveonline.co.uk                                     

24 – 28 February                               Southampton, Mayflower Theatre          02380 711 811

                                                           mayflower.org.uk                                       on sale 16 May

3 – 7 March                                        Sheffield, Lyceum                                    0114 249 6000

                                                           sheffieldtheatres.co.uk                              on sale soon

10 – 14 March                                    Milton Keynes Theatre

                                                           atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes                     on sale 16 May

16 – 21 March                                    Southend, Cliffs Pavillion                         0343 310 0030

                                                           thecliffspavilion.co.uk                                on sale soon

24 – 28 March                                    Canterbury, Marlowe                               01227 787787

                                                           marlowetheatre.com                                  on sale soon

31 March – 4 April                             Birmingham, The Alexandra

                                                           atgtickets.com/Birmingham                       on sale soon

6 – 11 April                                         Glasgow, King’s Theatre

                                                           atgtickets.com/Glasgow                            on sale soon

13 – 18 April                                       Liverpool, Empire Theatre

                                                           atgtickets.com/liverpool                             on sale soon

21 – 25 April                                       York, Grand Opera House

                                                           atgtickets.com/York                                   on sale soon

4 – 9 May                                           Truro, Hall for Cornwall                            01872 262 466

                                                           hallforcornwall.co.uk                                  on sale soon

12 – 17 May                                       Newcastle, Theatre Royal                       0191 232 7010

                                                           theatreroyal.co.uk                                      on sale 22 May

19 – 23 May                                       Nottingham, Theatre Royal                     0115 989 5555

                                                           trch.co.uk                                                   on sale 22 May

26 – 30 May                                       Oxford, New Theatre

                                                           atgtickets.com/oxford

1 – 6 June                                          Plymouth, Theatre Royal                         01752 267222

                                                           theatreroyal.com

8 – 13 June                                        Leeds, Grand Theatre                              0113 243 0808

                                                           leedsheritagetheatres.com                        on sale 23 May

16 – 20 June                                      Cardiff, Wales Millennium Centre

                                                           wmc.org.uk                                                on sale soon

22 – 27 June                                      Aberdeen, His Majesty’s Theatre

                                                           aberdeenperformingarts.com                    on sale soon

30 June – 4 July                                Bristol, Hippodrome                                

                                                           atgtickets.com/venues/Bristol                    on sale 16 May

6 – 18 July                                         Dublin, Bord Gais Energy Theatre            0818719377 (ROI)

                                                           bordgaisenergytheatre.ie                          08442485101 (UK)

                                                                                                                             on sale soon

21 – 25 July                                       Belfast, Grand Opera House

                                                           goh.co.uk                                                   on sale soon

21 – 26 September                            Norwich, Theatre Royal                           01603 630 000

                                                          norwichtheatre.org                                    on sale soon

28 September – 3 October                Edinburgh Playhouse

                                                           atgtickets.com/edinburgh                          on sale soon

6 – 10 October                                   Aylesbury, Waterside

                                                           atgtickets.com/Aylesbury                          on sale soon

13 – 17 October                                 Wolverhampton, Grand Theatre

                                                           grandtheatre.co.uk                                   

19 – 24 October                                 Wimbledon, New Theatre

                                                           atgtickets.com/Wimbledon                        on sale soon

27 – 31 October                                 Hull, New Theatre                                    01482 300 306

                                                           hulltheatres.co.uk                                      on sale soon

3 – 14 November                               Manchester, Opera House

                                                           atgtickets.com/Manchester                       on sale 21 May

17 – 21 November                             Stoke, Regents Theatre

                                                           atgtickets.com/stoke                                  on sale 21 May

23 – 28 November                             Woking, New Victoria Theatre

                                                           atgtickets.com/new-victoria-theatre           on 21 May

30 November – 5 December             Sunderland, Empire

                                                           atgtickets.com/sunderland-empire            on sale soon

14 December – 2 January 2027        Brighton, Theatre Royal

                                                           atgtickets.com/brighton                             on sale soon

CYNTHIA ERIVO MARKS RETURN TO THE STAGE

IN UK’S WEST END PREMIERE OF SYDNEY THEATRE COMPANY’S Acclaimed DRACULA

Three-time Oscar Nominee and Tony, Emmy and Grammy winner

Cynthia Erivo to play 23 characters in innovative, one-actor adaptation of Bram Stoker’s renowned novel

Directed by Tony Award® nominee Kip Williams in his highly anticipated West End return

Performances begin February 2026 | Noël Coward Theatre

http://www.draculawestend.com

Producers Michael Cassel and Adam Kenwright today announced that Sydney Theatre Company’s acclaimed production of DRACULA, adapted and directed by visionary theatre-maker Kip Williams, will premiere at London’s prestigious Noël Coward Theatre in February 2026.

Celebrated Tony®, Grammy® and Emmy® Award-winner and three-time Oscar nominee Cynthia Erivo will return to the stage for the first time in nearly a decade for the production, starring in this bold, one-actor reimagining of Bram Stoker’s classic gothic novel.

DRACULA will begin performances on Wednesday 4 February 2026. Tickets for DRACULA will go on sale later in the year, with details and waitlist available at www.draculawestend.com.

Following the global release of Wicked: For Good this November — one of the most eagerly anticipated cinematic events of the decade — Erivo’s next move will be into rehearsals for DRACULA. Her return to the stage marks a landmark moment in contemporary theatre: a rare opportunity for West End audiences to witness one of the world’s most extraordinary talents at the height of her powers, in a daring and intimate performance unlike anything she has undertaken before.

In this radical interpretation, Erivo will embody all twenty-three characters in Stoker’s iconic tale — from the naïve solicitor Jonathan Harker and his fiancée Mina Murray to confidante Lucy Westenra, her suitors, and the formidable vampire hunter Van Helsing — as well as the infamous Count Dracula themself.

Erivo most recently drew international acclaim for her performance as Elphaba in Universal Pictures’ Wicked, her work recognised with a series of major award nominations, including an Academy Award® nomination for Best Actress, a Golden Globe® nomination, a BAFTA® nomination, and recognition from the Screen Actors Guild Awards® and Critics’ Choice Awards. She recently announced her second studio album, ‘I Forgive You’, and is currently in production on Gina Prince-Bythewood’s Children of Blood and Bone with Viola Davis, Idris Elba and Amandla Stenberg. This spring, she will be seen in the hit Peacock series Poker Face.  Erivo’s return to the stage marks the next thrilling chapter in an extraordinary period of career success.

DRACULA represents the final and most ambitious production in Tony Award® nominated director Kip Williams’ gothic trilogy, whose productions have redefined the canon on both Broadway and the West End. The production follows on from his genre-defining adaptations of the 6-time Tony Award® nominated The Picture of Dorian Gray (which enjoyed triumphant seasons in both the West End and on Broadway) and the award-winning Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

In his adaptation, Williams delves into the enduring metaphorical power of DRACULA, crafting a bold retelling that reorients the narrative around a psychological battle between fear and desire. Through a transformative solo performance, the production blurs the boundaries between self and other, suggesting that the monster is perhaps not external, but something that stirs within. First staged by Sydney Theatre Company in 2024, DRACULA captivated audiences with its startingly original reimagining of Stoker’s iconic vampire tale, offering a haunting meditation on the aspects of ourselves we fear, desire, and deny.

The production reunites Williams with his award-winning creative team, including Olivier Award-winning designer Marg Horwell, lighting designer Nick Schlieper, composer Clemence Williams and joined by sound designer Jessica Dunn, video designer Craig Wilkinson and dramaturg Zahra Newman.Fusing live video, pre-recorded film, and virtuosic live performance, DRACULA continues Williams’ ground-breaking exploration of ‘cine-theatre’, a hybrid form reshaping the theatrical landscape.

Cynthia Erivo said:
“Returning to the stage feels like a homecoming, one that I’ve been craving for a long time. To do so with a story as rich, complex, and haunting as DRACULA offers a beautiful opportunity to delve into character, into myth, and into the heart of what makes us human. From the moment I was asked, I could not get the role out of my mind. Kip’s vision is thrilling, terrifying, and deeply resonant, offering a chance to sit with not only the darkness in the world, but also the light we fight to hold onto. It’s a rare gift for an actor to inhabit so many voices and perspectives in one piece, and I’m honoured to do it for West End audiences in this extraordinary production. The prospect of doing this show scares me and I know it will be a huge challenge. This show will ask everything of me — and I’m ready to give it.”

Kip Williams, Director and Adapter, said:
“I am thrilled to be returning to the West End to direct my adaptation of Bram Stoker’s DRACULA and to collaborate with the extraordinary Cynthia Erivo, as she brings to life the many iconic characters of this much-adored tale. Our production expands upon Stoker’s exploration of the tension between fear and desire, offering a contemporary perspective on the vampire as a monster that lurks not beyond, but within. I am excited to reunite with many of my Dorian Gray collaborators on this project, and it is an immense privilege to have such a singularly gifted artist as Cynthia at the heart of it. I can’t wait to share this piece with London audiences, especially in the West End, a place where Bram spent so much of his creative life.”

Michael Cassel, Producer of the West End season, said:
“It is an incredible privilege to bring Kip Williams’ visionary production of DRACULA to the West End, led by the incomparable Cynthia Erivo. Cynthia is an artist of extraordinary power and presence, and Kip’s bold approach to this iconic story will offer audiences something truly unforgettable. I am so excited for London audiences to experience the thrilling synergy between Cynthia’s extraordinary flair and Kip’s ground-breaking storytelling. This production represents everything we love about theatre: daring artistry, breathtaking performance, and a deep connection with audiences.”

Adam Kenwright, Producer, said:
“The West End has long been home to some of the world’s most exhilarating storytelling, and I am so proud to help bring DRACULA and this remarkable team to London. Cynthia Erivo is a once-in-a-generation talent, and Kip Williams has reimagined this classic story with innovation and emotional depth. Cynthia’s return to the stage is a theatrical event in itself, and this unflinching, beautiful production promises an unparalleled experience for theatre lovers.”

Anne Dunn, Sydney Theatre Company Executive Director and co-CEO, said:
“Sydney Theatre Company is thrilled, as originating producer of former Artistic Director Kip Williams’ groundbreaking cine-theatre adaptation of DRACULA, to collaborate with Michael Cassel Group once again to take this STC production to the West End. We are immensely proud that the innovative work of our team here in Sydney – who first brought DRACULA to life starring Zahra Newman in 2024 and before that, The Picture of Dorian Gray starring Eryn Jean Norvill in 2020 – is being recognised on the world stage. With the incredible Cynthia Erivo at the helm, the exquisite work of STC’s award-winning, all-Australian creative team and led by Kip’s singular, ambitious vision, this spectacular interpretation of Bram Stoker’s gothic classic will be another unmissable theatrical experience for London audiences.”

DRACULA’s London premiere season continues a landmark collaboration between Sydney Theatre Company and Michael Cassel Group, created to bring STC’s innovative works to international audiences.