ADDITIONAL DATES AND VENUES ANNNOUNCED
FOR THE MAJOR NEW UK TOUR
OF THE WORLDWIDE SMASH HIT MUSICAL
MAMMA MIA!
BEGINNING FROM OCTOBER 2025

The sensational feel-good musical MAMMA MIA! embarks on a new UK tour from 24 October 2025 and today announces additional dates and venues.

The new dates and venues for 2026 are: Swansea Building Society Arena (13 January – 24 January 2026), His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen (27 January – 7 February 2026), Newcastle Theatre Royal (11 – 28 February 2026), Palace Theatre Manchester (3 – 21 March 2026), Curve, Leicester (24 – 29 March 2026).

Previously announced dates are: Mayflower Theatre, Southampton (24 October – 8 November 2025), Bristol Hippodrome (11 – 22 November 2025), New Theatre Oxford (25 November – 6 December 2025), Edinburgh Playhouse (9 December 2025 – 4 January 2026).

Further tour dates and venues are to be announced. For more information and to book the newly announced venues visit mamma-mia.com. Casting for the tour is to be announced.

From West End to global phenomenon, MAMMA MIA! is Judy Craymer’s ingenious vision of staging the story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs with a sunny, funny tale of a mother, a daughter and three possible dads unfolding on a Greek island idyll.

This irresistibly funny show has been thrilling audiences all around the world and now there’s never been a better time to see this unforgettable musical. Whatever age you are, you can’t help but have the time of your life at MAMMA MIA!

Now in its 26th year, MAMMA MIA! has been seen by over 11 million people and has played over 10,000 performances in London’s West End. The MAMMA MIA! International Tour has visited 42 countries in the past 20 years, performed more than 3,750 shows and has been seen by over 7.3 million people. MAMMA MIA! became the 9th longest running show in Broadway history where it played a record-breaking run for 14 years. In 2011, it became the first Western musical ever to be staged in Mandarin in the People’s Republic of China. MAMMA MIA! has been seen live on stage by over 70 million people across the world and turned into two record-breaking movies.

Produced by Judy Craymer, MAMMA MIA! The Movie became the highest grossing live action musical film of all time upon its release in 2008.  A second film, MAMMA MIA! HERE WE GO AGAIN, opened in July 2018 and became the most successful live musical movie sequel of all time. Both films starred Meryl Streep, Christine Baranski, Julie Walters, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgård, Amanda Seyfried and Dominic Cooper, with Lily James, Andy Garcia and Cher joining them in the second film.

With music & lyrics by Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus, MAMMA MIA! is written by Catherine Johnson, directed by Phyllida Lloyd and choreographed by Anthony Van Laast. The production is designed by Mark Thompson, with lighting design by Howard Harrison, sound design by Andrew Bruce & Bobby Aitken, and musical supervision, additional material & arrangements by Martin Koch.

The MAMMA MIA! UK Tour is produced by Judy Craymer, Richard East & Björn Ulvaeus for Littlestar in association with Universal and NGM.

LISTINGS

MAMMA MIA! UK TOUR DATES 2025-2026:

Mayflower Theatre, Southampton                                                       24 October – 8 November 2025

www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-on/mamma-mia-2025

on sale now

Bristol Hippodrome                                                                                   11 – 22 November 2025

www.atgtickets.com/shows/mamma-mia/bristol-hippodrome   

on sale now

New Theatre Oxford                                                                                 25 November – 6 December 2025

www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-theatre-oxford

on sale now

Edinburgh Playhouse                                                                                9 December 2025 – 4 January 2026

www.atgtickets.com/shows/mamma-mia/edinburgh-playhouse

on sale now

Swansea Building Society Arena                                                            13 January – 24 January 2026
www.swanseagrand.co.uk

On sale 26 February

His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen                                                          27 January – 7 February 2026
www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/whats-on

On sale 4 March

Newcastle Theatre Royal                                                                         11 – 28 February 2026
www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on

On sale 4 April

Palace Theatre Manchester                                                                    3 – 21 March 2026

www.atgtickets.com/venues/palace-theatre-manchester

On sale 26 February

Curve, Leicester                                                                                          24 – 28 March 2026www.curveonline.co.uk               

On sale soon

www.mamma-mia.com

NEW WEST END COMPANY ANNOUNCED FOR THE OLIVIER NOMINATED INTERNATIONAL MUSICAL SENSATION

THE CHOIR OF MAN

REOPENING AT THE ARTS THEATRE FROM 12 MARCH AND RUNNING UNTIL 31 AUGUST 2025

TICKETS AT THE ARTS THEATRE AVAILABLE TO BOOK HERE

The producers of Olivier-nominated international stage sensation THE CHOIR OF MAN are delighted to reveal details of the new company who will re-open the hit musical at the Arts Theatre from 12 March, following a period of closure for some minor venue redevelopment, and play an extended season through until 31 August.

Welcome to THE JUNGLE, the best pub in the world.

Here, an (extra)ordinary cast of nine guys combine beautiful harmonies and foot-stomping singalongs with first-rate tap dance and poetic meditations on the power of community.

Brimming with hits from artists such as Queen, Luther Vandross, Sia, Paul Simon, Adele, Guns & Roses, Avicii and Katy Perry to name but a few, this is a pub like no other!

An uplifting celebration of community and friendship with something for everyone – including free beer! Enjoy 90 minutes of feel-good, foot-stomping entertainment unlike anything else in the West End.

The new cast is Jason Brock (Thriller Live – lead vocalist, Lyric Theatre and Shaftesbury Theatre) as ‘Romantic’, Benji Lord (Dreamboats and Petticoats: Bringing on Back The Good Times!, world premiere, UK tour, The Ruff Tuff Cream Puff Estate Agency, world premiere, UK tour) as ‘Joker’, David Booth (The Threepenny Opera, Royal Philharmonic Choir, Fiddler On The Roof, Grange Park Opera, BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall) as ‘Pub Bore’, Paul McArthur (Tracks, Union Theatre, Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens, Camden Fringe) as ‘Poet’, Oliver Jacobson (Come From Away, UK tour, Grease, UK tour) as ‘Barman’ and Alex Mallalieu (As You Like It, UK tour, Buddy Holly & The Cricketers, UK tour) and Toby Francis (High Fidelity, Hayes Theatre Co., We Will Rock You, Neil Gooding Productions) as swings.

The new members of the cast join pub regulars Rob Godfrey (Choir of Man – Sydney Opera House) as ‘Beast’, Ifan Gwilym-Jones (The Choir of Man, NCL; Australia and Chicago) as ‘Maestro’, George Knapper (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, UK Tour and The Choir of Man NCL; Canada; Australia; Chicago; Florida and West End) as ‘Handyman’ with Bradley Walwyn (We Will Rock You, Royal Caribbean; The Choir Of Man NCL and Australia) as ‘Hardman’.  David Shute (Once: The Musical, Barn and The Choir of Man NCL; Chicago; Tampa; Australia; Edinburgh; Coventry) and Tom Carter-Miles (Frankenstein Illyria; The Choir of Man, NCL and West End) both return as swings.

Nic Doodson said on behalf of the producers, “We are absolutely thrilled to be able to go into our fourth year at the Arts Theatre in the heart of the West End and are delighted that the new cast members will have the chance to appear in front of such passionate and engaged audiences”.

The show kicked off its West End journey at the Arts Theatre in October 2021, and went on to welcome over 280,000 audience members through the doors over 1,000 performances.

THE CHOIR OF MAN previously played three sell-out seasons at the Sydney Opera House and multiple sold-out US and European tours. Following its last run at the Arts Theatre from October 2021 to April 2022, it received an Olivier nomination for Best Entertainment or Comedy Play, and then went on to play in Coventry as part of the City of Culture Assembly Festival season and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The show re-opened at the Arts Theatre in October 2022, and has continued to see many sold-out shows, with loyal audiences returning again and again. In 2023 the show announced partnerships with suicide prevention charity CALM (The Campaign Against Living Miserably), and Big Drop Brewing Co – the world’s first brewer dedicated to alcohol-free beer – as the show’s Official Alcohol-Free Beer Partner.

THE CHOIR OF MAN is created by Nic Doodson and Andrew Kay, directed by Nic Doodson, with Daniel Harnett as associate director and resident director; monologues written by Ben Norris; with musical supervision, vocal arrangements and orchestrations by Jack Blume, with Lee Freeman as resident musical director, and Alistair Higgins as associate musical supervisor; movement direction and choreography by Freddie Huddleston, with Adam Hilton as associate choreographer and movement director; scenic design by Oli Townsend, lighting design by Richard Dinnen, costume design and co-scenic design by Verity Sadler, sound design by Sten Severson, with Liam McDermott as associate sound designer; casting by Debbie O’Brien.

The show is produced by HH Productions Ltd, Nic Doodson, Andrew Kay, Wendy & Andy Barnes, Gavin Kalin and Hunter Arnold.

Website: choirofmanwestend.com

Facebook: @thechoirofman

Twitter & Instagram: @choirofman

The Other Palace (Studio), London – until 9th March 2025

Reviewed by Celia Armand Smith

3***

Mia, Sami, Ren, Prudence, and Veronica are all through to the final rounds of Miss I-Doll, an all rounder televised talent contest. At the centre of the story is Mia, a sweet girl who is just there to have a good time, however her true nature is revealed when a bump to the head in a backstage accident leads to an on air rant about the reality of talent shows, and all is not as it seems. Miss I-Doll is a new satirical musical from writers Tobia Rossi and Oliver Lidert, with music by Simone Manfredini. Taking aim at the ethics, green-washing, image, identity, fame, and the soulless commodification of people and talent at whatever cost, Ruthie Stephens’ production is an interesting take.

The action alternates between on air scenes and backstage drama. Daisy Steere is an undeniably excellent performer who makes light work of playing every character, giving each a distinctly different accent whether it’s Geordie, Scouse, Irish, or Italian with very different characteristics. She powers through the songs and there is never any confusion as to which character is present. There is a producer called Maria who is juggling contestants, sponsors, and ratings, and ultimately her own place within the talent machine, and a villainous CEO of a conglomerate who own every aspect of the show including every sponsor – Fanny-Fresh Spoon Cup, Commune Kombucha, and LoCal Fem Water. One of my favourite of the characters is Anita Johnson, the ever smiling presenter of Miss I-Doll who has to balance the on stage tension, being upbeat, and advertising the insane products that sponsor the show. Steere also plays various characters in pre-recorded Gogglebox style videos of viewers commentating on the show as it goes out “live”. Although Steere is fantastic playing every role, Natalie Casey is a great addition in the role of the ‘Big Sis’, a mix of booming X Factor announcements and the voice of the Big Brother diary room, adding another dynamic to the show.

In this feminist-ish slant on how women are perceived and how they navigate the world, the jokes come thick and fast, taking aim at common talent show tropes, people in the public eye, advertising, and other reality shows. There are a lot of swipes at low hanging fruit, and the humour and the jabs are at times obvious and a bit predictable. In trying to create a full picture of the talent show machine – multiple contestants, backstage/on stage, advertisers, audience, societal expectations etc – the story is unable to scratch the surface and go deeper. However, there is no denying that there are some excellent gags, and the songs are very catchy and the singing is impeccable in this fun new show.

The Mill at Sonning – until 12 April 2025

Reviewed by Marcia Spiers

4****

In these challenging times with dreary weather boot, it was great to watch an evening of comedy at which I laughed a lot. A true farce according to an early definition is “a comic dramatic work using buffoonery and horseplay, typically involving ludicrously improbable situations.” This lived up to all expectations in this regard.

Written by Ray Cooney and directed by Ron Aldridge, the story is set in 1992 in the Doctors Common Room of a London hospital. It was fabulous to see accomplished actors, Mill regulars and new talent in this play. The simple but effective set meant no scene changes and clever use of a window with a view and a ledge gave the stage depth.

Dr. David Mortimore (Stephen Pinder) is preparing to deliver a keynote address to a group of neurologists. His main aim being to impress his audience and Sir Willoughby Drake (Eric Carter) with the prospect of achieving greater things. He has been practising, and his wife Rosemary Mortimore (Rachel Fielding) is there to support him.

It is the arrival of Jane Tate (Natasha Gray), an ex-nurse at the hospital minutes before the event where things start to unravel. She has an 18-year-old son, Leslie (Francis Redfern) who has found out who his father is and wants to meet him. Naturally, the doctor wants to keep this revelation from his wife at all costs and assumes the role of a vicar. Queue (James Bradshaw) David’s colleague Dr. Hubert Bonney who somehow gets hoodwinked into the role much to Leslie’s excitement and Jane’s shock.

Add to the mix, Dr. Mike Connolly (Oscar Cleaver) who is running rehearsals for the hospital panto. Little does he know that he will be playing matron (Elizabeth Elvin) along with duplicate matrons following the real matron’s fall from the window and rescue, after an appropriately placed injection of sedative. The unfortunate Police Sergeant (Titus Rowe) sent to investigate the situation, cannot establish what is going on, at which he declares the place a madhouse. The equally mad Bill Leslie (Iain Stuart Robertson), an eccentric hospital patient, identified as Jane’s ex-husband or one of them despite the fact Jane has never been married to anyone, is very enthralled with Jane, his new room and refuses to leave. This contributes to the mayhem.

All the actors gave very credible performances. A particular mention must go to James Bradshaw who for me provided brilliant comic timing in multi guises (so funny), Elizabeth Elvin as Matron especially when under the influence of sedative and to Francis Redfern’s portrayal of a confused, angry young man desperate to know his father, the one serious point of this play.

There was so much going on it is difficult to cover it all, but it is well worth seeing if you are seeking a right good laugh and of course the Mill is lovely setting together with the new food arrangements. We had a great evening.

Petersfield Festival Hall – until 22nd February 2025

Reviewed by Lucy Hitchcock

4****

Stage One Youth Theatre invite you to cut loose and kick off your Sunday shoes with a performance of Footloose this half term!

This incredibly talented cast of performers have hit the nail on the head of this show. we follow Ren (Arthur Westmorland) as he navigates a move to Bomont, a town with officials who have outlawed dancing following a car crash-headed up by Reverend Shaw (Joshua Witt). Together with Rev.Shaw’s daughter-who likes to break the rules-Ariel (Emma Moignard) Ren manages to persuade the officials to look within themselves and the town finally gets to see the beauty of dance!

This show is a triumph, the talent and energy this group had was infectious-I was engrossed with every scene as they sang, danced and acted perfectly. The vocals from Westmoreland and Witt were astounding, I found it hard to believe these are young people-they had the gravitas and stage presence of professionals! Caitlin Biddlecombe as Reverend Shaws wife Vi was incredible. Her rendition of ‘Can you find it in your heart?’ was breathtaking-she told the story beautifully with such a tender tone that nearly had me in tears. Another stand out was Ella Burgos as Rusty, along with her crew Jessica, Urleen and Wendy-Jo (Tori Clark, Tayla Fallon, Lucy Mengham). This quartet were fabulous, with some really difficult harmonies executed with ease and in perfect pitch. Burgos is definitely one to watch-I am so excited to see where she goes, she is superb at what she does.

It was hard to find anything I would change with this production, it was truly brilliant. My one note, is I would have loved to see the cast slow their dialogue a little and really relish in their characters, savouring the moments on stage. There were a few lighting issues, with some of the cast not being fully illuminated during their solos-but I don’t believe this caused too much of a problem for the overall production.

This is a perfect way to spend your half term, enjoy the vocals, tap your toes….everybody, Footloose!!

Images are released today of the new cast of the UK and Ireland tour of the multi award-winning HAMILTON, in Bradford until Saturday 15 March before playing Southampton,Liverpool, Sunderland, Plymouth, Norwich and Glasgow.

The production stars Marley Fenton as Alexander Hamilton and Billy Nevers as Aaron Burr, alongside Roshani Abbey as Eliza Hamilton, KM Drew Boateng as Hercules Mulligan/James Madison, Chasity Crisp as Angelica Schuyler, Ashley J. Daniels as Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson, Shak Mancel James as John Laurens/Philip Hamilton, Naomi Katiyo as Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds, Akmed Junior Khemalai as George Washington and Louis Maskell as King George.

Casey Al-Shaqsy will play Eliza Hamilton from Wednesday 26 March.

The UK and Ireland tour of the Olivier, Tony and Grammy and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical opened at the Manchester Palace Theatre on Saturday 11 November 2023 and has continued to play to packed houses and critical acclaim in Edinburgh, Bristol, Birmingham, Dublin and Cardiff. The production continues to break records at the Victoria Palace Theatre in London, where it is currently booking until 29 March 2025, and on Broadway at the Richard Rodgers Theatre.

HAMILTON is the story of America then, told by America now.  Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, HAMILTON has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre—a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education. 

With book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, HAMILTON is based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography.  The HAMILTON creative team previously collaborated on the Tony Award®-Winning Best Musical In the Heights.

HAMILTON features scenic design by David Korins, costume design by Paul Tazewell, lighting design by Howell Binkley, sound design by Nevin Steinberg and hair and wig design by Charles G. LaPointe.

HAMILTON is produced in the UK by Jeffrey Seller, Sander Jacobs, Jill Furman, The Public Theater and Cameron Mackintosh.

Hull New Theatre – 20th February 2025

Reviewed by Anne Walker

5*****

“Romeo and Juliet,” a ballet interpretation of Shakespeare’s iconic play, graced the stage at the Hull New Theatre, courtesy of the esteemed Varna International Ballet and Orchestra. 

While traditional dialogue is absent, the dancers’ expressive movements vividly narrate the passionate and tragic love story of the star-crossed lovers perfectly.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of Renaissance Verona, Prokofiev’s evocative score breathes life into this tale of intense emotion and enduring sorrow. Sergei Bobrovs choreography, infused with deep emotion, perfectly complements the narrative, showcasing the exceptional talent of Varna International Ballet under the guidance of Daniela Dimova and Peter Tuleshkov. Their award-winning soloists and impressive corps de ballet truly embody the spirit of this timeless narrative.

This ballet adaptation draws directly from Shakespeare’s original work, focusing on the immediate and intense attraction between Romeo and Juliet while streamlining the plot by sidelining some supporting characters. This approach allows the audience to appreciate the technical prowess of the dancers without getting lost in the complexities of the storyline.

The first act unfolds with the meeting of Romeo and Juliet at a grand ball, where their instant connection leads to a series of secretive exchanges. The narrative then transitions to the darker second act, highlighting the tragic consequences of Romeo’s impulsive actions, including the death of Tybalt, yet Juliet remains steadfast in her belief in his love, culminating in the well-known tragic conclusion. The stark contrast between the light-hearted moments in the first act and the somber themes of the latter encourages the audience to ponder the cruel twists of fate.

This seemed to be a young and vibrant company of performers who showcased remarkable ballet technique, excelling in both ensemble pieces and the standout solos of the lead characters. Mercutio, in particular, brought a playful and humorous energy to the performance, providing a refreshing contrast to the tragedy. Romeo’s character was portrayed with depth, revealing his loyalty, courage, and youthful innocence as he navigated the festivities to catch a glimpse of Juliet, who also stole our hearts with her beautiful performance.

The production also introduced some surprising elements. Alongside traditional ballet, modern dance influences were evident, especially during the conflict scenes between the feuding families. This blend of styles enriched the storytelling experience. The costumes, curtesy of Dmitry Tcherbadzhi, were used in a very surprising way. Dresses that were taken off and stood on their own, striking black and white ‘Death Herald’ outfits and the effectiveness of putting the two families in different colours.

Overall this production, with its unique blend of classic and contemporary style, gave us a compelling retelling of this well known tale and left the audience giving a rapturous applause.

STORYHOUSE, CHESTER – UNTIL SUNDAY 2ND MARCH 2025

REVIEWED BY MIA BOWEN

5*****

As a child, who wouldn’t have fantasised about swapping their parents for rich, energetic, laid back and famous ones? Last night, I caught a glimpse of that fantasy turning into reality. David Baddiel, renowned among adults for his stand-up comedy, is also an accomplished children’s author. His bestselling book, The Parent Agency, was first published in 2014 and went on to win the Laugh Out Loud Award. This production marks the 10th anniversary of Baddiel’s book, which has now been transformed into a hilarious new family musical, adapted by Baddiel himself.

Last night, I was fortunate enough to attend the Gala Night of The Parent Agency at the Storyhouse in Chester. It was a magnificent evening, marking the world premiere of the family musical, with David Baddiel in attendance. He signed copies of his bestselling book and interacted with his enthusiastic young fans!

Based on the book, the musical follows the story of a boy named Barry Bennett, who finds himself in an alternate world where children can choose their own parents. Frustrated with his own parents, whom he considers poor, always tired, overly strict and boring, Barry blames them for his uninspiring name. In his desire for better parental figures, he makes a wish and is suddenly transported to the Parent Agency, a place where kids can select their ideal parents. For Barry, this appears to be a dream come true. However, as he will soon find out, selecting new parents is not as straightforward as it seems…

This production boasts an outstanding cast. Rebecca McKinnis and Rakesh Boury deliver hilarious and incredibly talented performances as Barry’s parents, Susan and Geoff, as well as portraying the other parenting couples in the alternate world. They seamlessly transition between their various roles, ensuring the audience is treated to a laugh-a-minute experience. Their performances consistently stand out as a highlight. Among the standout characters are the exceedingly posh and flamboyant Lord and Lady Rador-Wellorff.

During last night’s performance, Max Bispham delivered a remarkable portrayal of Barry. He captivated the audience for the entire two-hour show, which is an impressive achievement for any performer, particularly someone of his age. His acting, singing, dancing and comedy timing were all exceptional.

The supporting cast also delivers impressive performances, with special recognition given to the captivating Elliot Broadfoot, who masterfully plays multiple roles as amusing characters, stealing nearly every scene—particularly as Peevish.

The production includes several catchy musical numbers by the renowned songwriter Dan Gillespie Sells, who is not only the lead singer of The Feeling but also the composer of the hit musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. Notably, the songs The Rador-Wellorffs and Gonna Make You Sweat are delightfully whimsical, enhanced by an exceptional creative team that brings together stunning set designs, choreography, and costumes. And let’s not overlook the fabulous wigs and makeup!

The Parent Agency is an immensely entertaining and enchanting new family musical that is brimming with heart and promises to captivate and ignite the imagination of audiences of all ages!

NATIONAL THEATRE’S CELEBRATED FAMILY HIT RETURNS TO THE OLIVIER THEATRE IN WINTER 2025

BALLET SHOES ANNOUNCED AS PART OF INCOMING DIRECTOR AND CO-CEO INDHU RUBASINGHAM’S INAUGURAL SEASON

Ahead of the last performance on Saturday, the National Theatre is delighted to announce that Kendall Feaver’scelebrated and acclaimed adaptation of Noel Streatfeild’s best-selling book Ballet Shoes will return for the festive season.  Ballet Shoes’ return forms part of incoming Director and Co-CEO Indhu Rubasingham’s inaugural season and will run in the Olivier theatre from winter 2025. Further programming to be announced soon.

Directed by Katy Rudd, this ‘playful, graceful adaptation’ (★★★★★ Financial Times) ‘never puts a foot wrong’ (★★★★★ London Standard). Delighting audiences both old and young, the production ‘springs from page to stage with panache’ (★★★★★ WhatsonStage).

Speaking about the return of Ballet Shoes, incoming Director and Co-Chief Executive of the National Theatre Indhu Rubasingham, said:

“I am proud that Ballet Shoes will be returning to the Olivier this Christmas. It is a celebration of what the NT does best – when all the teams, departments and the widest range of expertise come together to create a family show for all audiences full of theatrical magic. I want more people to see this beautiful show made by wonderful artists, developed and built by this brilliant organisation.”

In a crumbling house full of dinosaur bones and fossils, three adopted sisters – Pauline, Petrova and Posy – are learning who they are and what they want to be. Under the watchful eyes and guidance of their guardian Sylvia, Nana, and some unlikely lodgers, they fight to pursue their individual passions. But in a world that wasn’t built for women with big ambitions, can they forge a future, keep their family together, and even learn a dance or two along the way?

Directed by Katy Rudd with set designer Frankie Bradshaw, costume designer Samuel Wyer, choreographer Ellen Kane, composer Asaf Zohar, dance arrangements and orchestrations Gavin Sutherland, lighting designer Paule Constable, sound designer Ian Dickinson for Autograph, video designer Ash J Woodward, illusions Chris Fisher, casting director Bryony Jarvis-Taylor, dialect coach Penny Dyer and voice coach Cathleen McCarron.

Ballet Shoes will play in the Olivier theatre this winter 2025. Recommended for ages 7 to 107!

Casting and dates to be announced.

Tickets are on general sale from 20 March 2025,  nationaltheatre.org.uk.

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR THE WORLD PREMIÈRE OF

(THIS IS NOT A) HAPPY ROOM

AT KING’S HEAD THEATRE
Andrea Valls and Jonny Weldon join the previously announced
Amanda Abbington and Rosie Day

Katy Galloway Productions today announces the full cast for the world première of (This is not a) Happy Room at King’s Head Theatre, written by Rosie Day. Joining the previously announced Amanda Abbington and Rosie Day are Andrea Valls and Jonny Weldon, with the company completed by Jazz Jenkins, Tom Kanji and Alison Liney.

Directed by Hannah Price, (This is not a) Happy Roomopens at King’s Head Theatre on 31 March, with previews from 26 March and runs until 27 April.

Katy Galloway said today, “I’m thrilled to be announcing the incredible cast that we have for ‘(This is not a) Happy Room’. As a producer I love to bring incredible new writing to the stage, and I am very excited for audiences to get to enjoy this deviously dark comedy.”

Katy Galloway Productionspresents

The world première of

(THIS IS NOT A) HAPPY ROOM

By Rosie Day

Cast: Amanda Abbington (Esther), Rosie Day (Elle), Alison Liney (Agatha), Jazz Jenkins (Hayley),

Tom Kanji (Charles), Andrea Valls (Laura) and Jonny Weldon (Simon)

Director Hannah Price; Sound Design: Adrienne Quartly; Lighting Design: Rory Beaton;
Set and Costume Design: Georgia de Grey

26 March – 27 April 2025

Meet the Hendersons, a happily dysfunctional family, reuniting for their dad’s third (or fourth?) wedding. Nobody expects the death of his bachelorhood to become an actual funeral… but it would be a waste of the buffet not to repurpose it, right?

Following the West-End run of her critically acclaimed Instructions for a Teenage Armageddon, and hailed as Saltburn meets Schitt’s Creek, Rosie Day’s new searingly sharp dark comedy premieres at the King’s Head in March 2025.

Amanda Abbington plays Esther. Her theatre credits include When it Happens to You (Park Theatre),

The Unfriend (Criterion Theatre), The Son (Kiln Theatre, Duke of York’s Theatre), The Little Princess (Royal Festival Hall), The God of Carnage, Abigail’s Party (Theatre Royal Bath), God Bless the Child (Royal Court Theatre) and Love Me Tonight (Hampstead Theatre). Her television credits include Desperate Measures, Wolfe, The Net, Sherlock, I Hate Suzie, Mr. Selfridge (as series regular Miss Mardle), Cuffs, The Queen and I, Unsaid Stories, Safe, Married Single Other and After You’ve Gone; and for film, The Lost King, Three Pints and a Rabbi, Decrypted, The Six Days of Sistine, Crooked House, Another Mother’s Son and Ghost.

Playwright Rosie Day also plays Elle. As a writer, her debut play Instructions for a Teenage Armageddon opened in the West End in Spring 2024 and is now being produced for television by BBC3 and Emma Thompson. Her theatre credits include When It Happens to You (Park Theatre), The Fellowship (Hampstead Theatre), Instructions for a Teenage Armageddon (Southwark Playhouse), Again, The Girl who Fell (Trafalgar Studios), Spur of the Moment (Royal Court Theatre), Velocity (Finborough Theatre), A Winter’s Tale, Playboy of the Western World and Summerfolk (National Theatre). Her television credits include Outlander, Living the Dream, Good Omens, Urban Myths, The Sandman and Prime Suspect 1973; and for film, All Roads Lead to Rome, Down a Dark Hall, The Seasoning House, Good Night and Butterfly Kisses.

Andrea Valls makes her professional stage debut as Laura. Her television credits include Bridgerton, Grantchester, Cheaters, The Death of Bunny Monroe, Toads, The Mallorca Flies, Spent, Flaps, East Mode with Nigel NgWaffle the Wonderdog, Valentine Nights and The Midnight Beast Present Valentine’s Day; and for film, Red White and Royal Blue.

Jonny Weldon plays Simon. His theatre credits include 101 Dalmatians (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), The Witches (West Yorkshire Playhouse), Happy to Help (Park Theatre), A Mad World My Masters (RSC, Barbican Theatre and UK tour), Titus Andronicus, and The Snow Queen (Royal & Derngate). His television credits include One Day, Brassic, Breeders, House of the Dragon, Sneakerhead, Sister Boniface, Stath Lets Flats and Shakespeare and Hathaway; and for film, The People We Hate at the Wedding, Christmas on Mistletoe Farm, American Road Trip, Kiss on the Danube and High Hopes.

Jazz Jenkins plays Hayley. Her theatre credits include Fabulous Creatures (ArcolaTheatre).Jenkins graduated from LAMDA in 2023.

Tom Kanji plays Charles. His theatre credits include Twelfth Night (Orange Tree Theatre), The Spy Who Came in From the Cold, The Country Wife (Chichester Festival Theatre), Richard, My Richard (Shakespeare North and Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds), Julius Caesar, The Box of Delights (RSC), Pinocchio (Unicorn Theatre), Private Peaceful (Nottingham Playhouse), Home, I’m Darling (UK tour), The Taming of the Shrew (US tour), Shoe Lady (Royal Court Theatre), Love’s Labour’s Lost, The Winter’s Tale, Pericles, Romeo and Juliet, Julius Caesar, Doctor Scroggy’s War, Eternal Love (Shakespeare’s Globe), Yes, Prime Minister (Theatre Clwyd),  Romeo and Juliet, Antony and Cleopatra, Much Ado About Nothing (Barbican Theatre), Fiddler on the Roof, Romeo and Juliet, The Story Giant, The Sum (Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse); and for television, Tyrant, Supacell, Silent Witness, Hustle and Midnight Man.

Making her professional debut at the age of 84, Alison Liney plays Agatha. She has performed with amateur groups in North London since the mid-sixties.

Hannah Price directs. Her directing credits include The Girl Who Fell, Boa, Again (Trafalgar Studios), End of the Pier, The Dead Monkey (Park Theatre), Down and Out Live (Stone Nest, London/La Generale, Paris), Permanence (Tarragon Theatre, Toronto), Escape the Scaffold (Theatre503/ The Other Room), Run the Beast Down (Marlowe Theatre/Finborough Theatre), 1984 Live (Senate House), Rainbow Class (Bush Theatre/Assembly Rooms), TEST (Scala Theatre, Basel),  Cello/Fragile (Yard Theatre), Bud Take the Wheel, I Feel a Song Coming On (Shaw Theatre/Underbelly), That Moment (King‘s Head Theatre & UK tour).

For Theatre Uncut her credits include Refugee (Teater Grob, Copenhagen), In Opposition (Paines Plough Roundabout), Knowledge is Power: Knowledge is Change (Traverse & tour), Referendum Plays (Traverse), TU Istanbul: Power and Protest (Dot Tiyatro/Istanbul International Theatre Festival/Traverse), TU 2013: The Rise of the Right (Young Vic), The Cuts Plays (Southwark Playhouse/ Soho/Latitude/Traverse).

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(This is not a) Happy Room

LISTINGS

King’s Head Theatre

116p Upper St, London N1 1QP

Box Office: 0207 226 8561

www.kingsheadtheatre.com/whats-on/this-is-not-a-happy-room

26 March – 27 April 2025

Ticket from £10