ACCLAIMED WEST END STAR

JOEL HARPER-JACKSON

TO PLAY FRANK SINATRA IN

SINATRA THE MUSICAL

WITH ANA VILLAFAÑE AS AVA GARDNER

& PHOEBE PANARETOS AS NANCY SINATRA

TICKETS ON SALE WEDNESDAY 4 FEBRUARY 2026

PERFORMANCES BEGIN WEDNESDAY 3 JUNE 2026

ALDWYCH THEATRE, LONDON

www.sinatramusical.com

(Tuesday 3 February 2026) It was announced today that Joel Harper-Jackson will play Frank Sinatra in Sinatra TheMusical –the West End premiere of the new musical based on the life and career of the legendary artist and cultural icon.

He is joined by Ana Villafañe as the movie goddess Ava Gardner and Phoebe Panaretos as Frank’s first wife, Nancy Sinatra. 

Joel Harper-Jackson said: ‘Stepping into the shoes of Frank Sinatra is a privilege I don’t take lightly. There is only one Frank, and I’m committed to honouring his legacy with truth, respect and integrity. To collaborate with Kathleen Marshall, Joe DiPietro, Gareth Valentine, Universal Music and, of course, Tina Sinatra is an honour beyond words. Returning to the Aldwych Theatre, where I made my West End debut eleven years ago, feels like coming home. Frank was my grandad’s hero, so this role is deeply personal. Preparation has begun, and I’m so excited to start this journey.’

Director Kathleen Marshall commented: ‘Joel Harper-Jackson, Phoebe Panaretos and Ana Villafañe are the ideal actors to play Frank Sinatra, Nancy Sinatra and Ava Gardner. They are all amazingly talented, triple-threat performers who possess the charm, magnetism and passion to embody these three charismatic and fascinating people.’

Tina Sinatra added: ‘I was a baby when the events of this show happened. For years, I lived with the effects but never fully understood the cause until I saw these magical actors embody the roles of my dad, my mom and Ava. Amazingly, Joel, Phoebe and Ana illuminate these three people who were very dear to me, and I can’t wait for West End audiences to embrace these remarkable performers as strongly as I have.’

Sinatra The Musical, which features over 20 timeless hits including That’s Life, One For My Baby, The Best Is Yet To Come & Come Fly With Me, is to begin performances at Aldwych Theatre, London on Wednesday 3 June 2026. Tickets are on sale from Wednesday 4 February 2026 from www.sinatramusical.com

Joel Harper-Jackson is an acclaimed stage and screen actor, most recently seen playing the title role in Daniel’s Husband at the Marylebone Theatre and playing Harry in the National Theatre’s production of Standing at the Sky’s Edge in the West End.  Joel is perhaps best known for his co-lead performance as ‘M’ in Cock at the Ambassadors Theatre, opposite Jonathan Bailey, which received widespread critical praise.  His extensive theatre credits include the lead role of ‘Charlie Price’ in Kinky Boots the Musical (UK Tour), ‘Tom Price’ in Pieces of String (Mercury Theatre), ‘Orpheus’ in Myth: The Rise and Fall of Orpheus (The Other Palace), and ‘Mr Thompson’ and Movement Captain in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (UK Tour). Other notable stage work includes ‘Simon’ in Jesus Christ Superstar (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), ‘Che’ in Evita (Ljubljana Festival, Slovenia), ‘John Brooke’ in Little Women (Hope Mill Theatre), ‘American Admiral’ in Pacific Overtures (Union Theatre), and appearances in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Aldwych Theatre), Picture Perfect (St James Theatre), Rent (UK Tour) and West End Women (UK Tour).  Alongside his theatre work, Joel has built a strong and growing screen profile. He also appears in Prime Video’s The Devil’s Hour (season two), directed by Johnny Allan, and as ‘Hodge’ in the second season of BBC’s Daddy Issues, directed by Damon Beesley.

Ana Villafañe is a Broadway star best known for her debut originating the role of ‘Gloria Estefan’ in On Your Feet! directed by Jerry Mitchell (Theatre World Award, Drama League Award, Outer Critics Circle Nom). 

She was last onstage starring as ‘Lola’ in Damn Yankees directed by Sergio Trujillo (Arena Stage) and in the world premiere of N/A at opposite Holland Taylor, directed by Diane Paulus (Lincoln Center). ‘Nina’ in the Kennedy Center’s 2018 production of In the Heights. Earned her second Drama League Award in 2019 for MCC’s critically acclaimed Collective Rage: A Play in Five Betties by Jen Silverman. Re-opened Chicago on Broadway in 2021 as the 25th anniversary ‘Roxie Hart’ (Ambassador Theatre).  TV Credits include: Eva 8 on WondLA (AppleTV+), KT on Younger (Netflix/Paramount+), Dr. Valentina Castro on New Amsterdam (NBC/Netflix), and Diana Barea on Sunnyside (NBC/Hulu).  Film Credits include: The title role in upcoming feature film Castro’s Daughter opposite James Franco (2026)

Phoebe Panaretos made international headlines after being handpicked by Baz Luhrmann to play the lead role of ‘Fran’in the world premiere musical adaptation of Strictly Ballroom, directed by Luhrmann. She was nominated for both a Helpmann and Green Room Award for Best Female in a Musical for the role.

Theatre credits include: Sinatra the Musical (Birmingham Rep Theatre); Strictly Baz Luhrmann: The Concert (Sydney Opera House); Silence! The Musical (Turbine Theatre/Edinburgh Underbelly); Fantastic Mr. Fox (Sydney Theatre Company); Zorro (Charing Cross Theatre); Cake (MT Fest); Strictly Ballroom (World Premier); Lazarus (The Production Company); Singin’ in the Rain (The Production Company); American Idiot (Shake and Stir – Helpmann Award Nomination for Best Supporting Female in a Musical); Dream Lover (Gordon Frost Organisation).

Television and Film credits include: Greatest Days (Pathe Productions); Mr & Mrs Murder (Fremantle Media).

It is New Year’s Eve, 1942, and a skinny 27-year-old Italian American singer is about to step onto the stage of New York’s Paramount Theatre and give a performance that will change music history. As Frank Sinatra’s career suddenly skyrockets, he struggles with balancing the love of his wife, Nancy, against the demands and temptations of being the most popular singer in America. But when he begins a torrid affair with movie goddess Ava Gardner, his records stop selling and the press turns against him, sending his career into a tailspin. Driven by his devotion to his family, Sinatra employs his peerless artistry and dogged determination to stage the greatest comeback in showbiz history.

Sinatra The Musical is written by the two-time Tony award-winning writer Joe DiPietro (Memphis the Musical, What’s New Pussycat?), directed and choreographed by three-time Tony Award-winning Kathleen Marshall (Top Hat, Anything Goes) and the set is designed by Olivier Award-winning Peter McKintosh (Top Hat, When We Are Married).  The orchestra of seventeen musicians will be supervised byGareth Valentine (My Fair Lady, 42^nd Street).  They are joined by Jon Morrell (Costume Designer), Bruno Poet (Lighting Designer), Jonathan Deans (Sound Designer), Akhila Krishnan (Video Designer), Campbell Young Associates (Wigs, Hair and Make-up Designer), Larry Blank (Orchestrator), Ian Eisendrath & Gareth Valentine (Arrangements),   David Chase (Dance Arrangements), David Grindrod, CDG for Grindrod Burton Casting (Casting Director), Jim Carnahan (US Casting Director), Jason Thinger (US Casting (Carnahan), and Carol Lee Meadows (Associate Director/Choreographer).

Joe DiPietro has won two Tony Awards, a Drama Desk Award and three Outer Critics Circle Awards. His work has had thousands of productions around the world. His shows include Memphis (2010 Tony Award for Best Musical); Nice Work If You Can Get It (which received 10 Tony nominations,) All Shook Up (featuring the songs of Elvis Presley,) Diana (which can be seen on Netflix); The Toxic Avenger (OCC Award – Best off-Broadway Musical); Ernest Shackleton Loves Me (Off-Broadway Alliance Award – Best Musical) I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (the longest-running musical revue in off-Broadway history,) as well as the much-produced comedies Clever Little Lies, Over the River and Through the Woods and The Last Romance. His comic thrillers include “The Art of Murder” (Edgar Award – Best Mystery) and his latest, “An Old-Fashioned Family Murder.” His adaptation of Sinclair Lewis’ novel “Babbitt” recently debuted at La Jolla Playhouse & DC’s Shakespeare Theatre Company and starred Matthew Broderick. He has two new musicals preparing for Broadway: 3 Summers of Lincoln (which recently debuted at La Jolla Playhouse) and What’s New, Pussycat? featuring the music of Sir Tom Jones (which recently debuted at Birmingham Rep.)

Kathleen Marshall is a nine-time Tony Award nominee, winning three times for Best Choreography for the Broadway revivals of Wonderful Town, The Pajama Game and Anything Goes. She has worked on more than twenty Broadway shows and she is the first woman to have directed a play, directed a musical and choreographed a musical on Broadway. She received an Olivier Award for her choreography of the West End production of Anything Goes. Other UK credits include Top Hat (Chichester Festival Theatre and current UK tour) and Sinatra The Musical (Birmingham Rep). Off-Broadway and regional credits include the New York Shakespeare Festival, Second Stage, Transport Group, Williamstown Theatre Festival, The Old Globe, Long Wharf, Paper Mill,Hollywood Bowl, Boston Pops, Signature Theatre and St. Louis MUNY. Kathleen served as the Artistic Director for City Center Encores!for four seasons, during which time Encores! received a special Tony Award for Excellence in Theatre.

Her film and television credits include My Week with Marilyn (choreographer), Once Upon a Mattress, The Music Man (choreographer) and “2 Broke Girls”. She has received three Drama Desk Awards, three Outer Critics Circle Awards, an Emmy nomination, the Astaire Award, the George Abbott Award, the Smith College Medal (her alma mater), the Pennsylvania Governor’s Award for the Arts and she has been named a Distinguished Daughter of Pennsylvania.

She was recently inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame.

Further casting for Sinatra The Musical will be announced at a later date.

Sinatra The Musical was originally produced at The Birmingham Rep in 2023 – with Phoebe Panaretos and Ana Villafañe playing the roles of Nancy Sinatra and Ava Gardner.

Sinatra The Musical is presented by Michele Anthony and Bruce Resnikoff for Universal Music Group Theatrical, Tina Sinatra and Charles Pignone for Frank Sinatra Enterprises, Executive Producer Scott Landis, Executive Producer Chris Harper and UK General Management by Short Street Productions Ltd. Co-Producers are Stephen Byrd,Richard Batchelder, Julie Boardman, Wendy Federman & Lisa Wolofsky, Simon Hunt, Willette and Manny Klausner, Victoria Lang, Larry Magid, Carl Moellenberg, Tom Perakos, Mark Rubinstein and Ken & Janet Schur.

Sinatra The Musical is developed by Frank Sinatra Enterprises in partnership with Universal Music Group, the world leader in music-based entertainment.

Star-studdedtrailer released alongside further guest and performer details 

for the groundbreaking new twelve-part podcast

Loving You: The Untold Sondheim 

by Stephen Sondheim’s close friends Martin Milnes and Peter E. Jones 

On general release March 2026

Stephen Sondheim’s close friends Martin Milnes and Peter E. Jones today released the trailer for their forthcoming podcast Loving You: The Untold Sondheim (listen: Apple, Spotify and Amazon). The unprecedented personal tribute is an intimate, affectionate and candid portrait of the man behind the myth; each episode exploring different aspects of Sondheim’s life, personality and private passions. 

The trailer features podcast guests Dame Julie Andrews, Mia Farrow, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ronan Farrow, Patti LuPone and Maria Friedman. Also featured is BAFTA-winning actor Alistair McGowan, portraying Sondheim in his personal emails to Martin Milnes.

In addition, the series features the previously announced Jamie Bernstein, Dame Judi Dench, Adam Guettel, John Kander, James Lapine, Maltby & Shire, Bernadette Peters, Jonathan Tunick, John Weidman and Maury Yeston. Family memories are recalled by Stephen’s half-brother, Walter E. Sondheim. 

Today, newly announced guests are original Sondheim cast members Christine Baranski(Sunday In The Park With George and Assassins workshops); Len Cariou (Tony Winner, Sweeney Todd); Laurence Guittard (Tony Nominee, A Little Night Music); Donna McKechnie(Company); Julia McKenzie (Olivier Award Winner, Sweeney Todd); Millicent Martin (Tony Nominee Side By Side By Sondheim); Ann Morrison(Merrily We Roll Along) and Kurt Peterson(Follies andProducer of Sondheim: A Musical Tribute).

Alongside Alistair McGowan as Sondheim, Young Steve is played by Daniel Cane(Come From Away) and Young Peter Jones by Eddie Andrews(Titanic The Musical). Sondheim’s encounters with prickly next-door-neighbor Katharine Hepburn are immortalized by Charlotte Page(Follies, Opéra de Toulon). 

Further guests and details are yet to be announced. 

Loving You: The Untold Sondheim is written, devised, directed and co-produced by Martin Milnes. Co-producer Peter E. Jones composed the podcast’s original score. Executive Producer is Jason Caffreyof Creative Kin Ltd.  

The first two podcast episodes will be released on Thursday 5 March 2026, with the next two on Thursday 12 March, and thereafter one episode released per week.

The podcast will be available on all streaming platforms, including Apple, Spotify and Amazon.

The trailer is also available on Instagram: @lovingyousondheimpodcast

CAMERON MACKINTOSH ANNOUNCES

BEATRICE PENNY-TOURÉ

AS CHRISTINE DAAÉ

IN

ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER’S

PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

AT HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE FROM MONDAY 2 MARCH 2026

Cameron Mackintosh is delighted to announce that Beatrice Penny-Touré will play the role of Christine Daaé in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s PHANTOM OF THE OPERA at His Majesty’s Theatre for 10 weeks only, from Monday 2 March 2026 until Saturday 9 May 2026.

Lily Kerhoas, who currently plays the role of Christine Daaé, will have her final performance on Saturday 28 February 2026.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is currently booking until Saturday 3 October 2026.

For the past year, Beatrice Penny-Touré has been starring as Cosette in the spectacular Les Misérables Arena World Tour, a role she will return to following her 10-week run as Christine. Beatrice made her professional and West End debut covering and playing Christine Daaé at Her Majesty’s Theatre, which swiftly led to other West End appearances including playing Cosette for the 40th Anniversary of Les Misérables at the Sondheim Theatre, Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends at the Gielgud Theatre, and lead roles in Mary Poppins at the Prince Edward Theatre and The Book of Mormon at the Prince of Wales Theatre. Beatrice trained at The Arts Educational School, where she was awarded the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation Scholarship, graduating in 2021.

Beatrice will perform alongside Dean Chisnall as The Phantom, Adam Rhys-Charles as Raoul, Joanna Ampil as Carlotta Giudicelli, Martin Ball as Monsieur Firmin, Adam Linstead as Monsieur André, Helen Hobson asMadame Giry, Bradyn Debysingh as Ubaldo Piangi and Millie Lyon as Meg Giry. At certain performances the role of Christine Daaé will be played by Colleen Rose Curran.

The cast is completed by George Arvidson, Michael Baxter, Embla Bishop, David Burilin, Polly Clarke, Leonard Cook, Hywel Dowsell, Connor Ewing, Florence Fowler, James Gant, Emily George, Ashley Gilmour, Melanie Gowie, Molly Hall, Eilish Harmon-Beglan, Will Hawksworth, Matt Hayden, Nicholas Hepher, Mandy Kwan, Verity Marlow, Tim Morgan, Inguna Morozova, Skye November, Taylor Pardell, Johnny Randall, Zoë Soleil Vallée, Rachel Spurrell, Jasmine Wallis and Victoria Ward.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is widely considered one of the most beautiful and popular productions in history, playing to over 160 million people in 58 territories and 205 cities in 21 languages. and has recently just opened in a spectacular new production in America to ecstatic reactions from audiences and critics alike. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s romantic, haunting and soaring score includes The Music of the Night, All I Ask of You, Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again, Masquerade and the iconic title song.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA – Produced by Cameron Mackintosh, Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Lyrics by Charles Hart, and Additional Lyrics by Richard Stilgoe. Book by Richard Stilgoe and Andrew Lloyd Webber, based on the novel ‘Le Fantôme de l’Opera’ by Gaston Leroux, with Orchestrations by David Cullen and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Musical Supervision is by Simon Lee. The Production Design is by Maria Björnson and the Set Design is adapted by Matt Kinley with Associate Costume Design by Jill Parker, Lighting is by Andrew Bridge with Associate Lighting Design by Warren Letton, Sound is by Mick Potter. The Musical Staging and Choreography is by Gillian Lynne, recreated and adapted by Chrissie Cartwright. Originally Directed by Harold Prince, this production is Directed by Seth Sklar-Heyn.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is a Cameron Mackintosh and LW Entertainment production

Lion and Unicorn Theatre, London – until 7th February 2026

Reviewed by Celia Armand Smith

3***

Daughter by Adam Lazarus attempts to blend dark humour with discomfort in order to examine toxic masculinity and misogyny. Framed as a series of casual, conversational anecdotes told by a father, the beginning feels informal and upbeat. However as the monologue progresses, it turns darker and more violent.

The beginning of the play describes in some detail his wife’s prolonged labour and the traumatic delivery of a baby girl – his daughter. It then spirals into a strange and fragmented history of a man’s descent into misogyny and being frankly a terrible person. A joker with few redeeming qualities.

Throughout the play, the audience is loosely asked to participate but it is not clear whether the interactions are supposed to garner a response. People nervously answered questions and clapped along to music. Were we a therapy group or an imagined audience? Cristiano Benfenati has enormous amounts of energy and is undoubtedly a good actor holding court for 75 minutes on his own. The subject matter is dark and he portrays the mania of someone spiralling out well. Alexandra Rizkallah’s production was stripped back and simple – a man retelling his life story.

Misogyny and toxic masculinity are important topics, that goes without being said, however I don’t feel like this is the best vehicle for that conversation. So much of the world has changed since Daughter was written by Adam Lazarus and sadly this sort of character isn’t shocking anymore, it’s depressingly commonplace. Maybe it should be required viewing for men and boys as a warning of what could happen, but for me, it missed the mark.

NEW MUSICAL

LONDON PREMIERE

LIFELINE

CAST AND CREATIVES ANNOUNCEMENT

Behind every extraordinary feat are ordinary people. This is their story. 

Music and Lyrics by Robin Hiley. Book by Becky Hope-Palmer

28 March –  2 May 2026

●      A captivating and soul-stirring new musical infused with nostalgic Scottish folk sounds and foot-stomping rhythms. A score that soars between light-hearted humour and moments of profound humanity.

●      Uniquely combines a West End and Broadway musical theatre cast and a live six-piece band with a chorus of real-life scientists, doctors, nurses and microbiologists.

●      Award-winning Alex Howarth directs. (Cassie And The Lights, Southwark Playhouse Borough; We Live By The Sea, Critic’s Pick and Top Theatre of the Year, NY Times).

●      Inspired by Scotsman Sir Alexander Fleming, connecting the urgent reality of antimicrobial resistance with powerful human stories.

●      Stream the LIFELINE Concept Album HERE. Sung by Broadway stars including Aaron Lazar, Arielle Jacobs, Nathan Salstone and Jay Armstrong-Johnson.

LIFELINE makes its highly-anticipated London premiere at Southwark Playhouse Elephant this spring. A new Scottish musical about one moment that changed history, two love stories seventy years apart, infused with nostalgic Scottish folk sounds and foot-stomping rhythms.

Fresh from an acclaimed debut off-Broadway run; a history-making performance as the first musical to ever perform at the United Nations (2024) and two previous sell-out runs at Edinburgh Fringe Festival (2018 and 2022 as The Mould That Changed The World), this brand-new production today announces its 10 strong West-End and Broadway musical theatre cast.  

Starring Alan Vicary (Girl From the North Country, The Phantom of the Opera, West-End), Maz McGinlay (Hairspray, West-End); Nathan Salstone (Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Broadway); Kieran Brown (Les Misérables, Love Never Dies, Wicked, West-End); Helen Logan (Traverse/Tron Theatre, Pitlochry Festival Theatre); Robbie Scott (Trainspotting, Phil McIntyre Live) and Kelly Glyptis (Phantom of The Opera, West-End). The ensemble includes Hannah Visocchi, Jasmine Jules Andrews and Graham Richardson.

It’s 1950 and Scottish scientist Alexander Fleming is at the height of his fame. His discovery of penicillin, the world’s first antibiotic, is being hailed as a miracle cure that will change medicine forever. But his heart is torn as he falls in love with Greek resistance fighter and scientist Amalia Voureka, who must return home. In present-day Edinburgh, junior doctor Jess faces the unthinkable when her estranged childhood sweetheart is rushed to her hospital. Old feelings resurface, traditional cures are put to the test and critical decisions must be made.

LIFELINE is inspired by real historical events, real voices and a real modern day global crisis. Each performance features a different chorus of nurses, doctors, scientists, microbiologists, vets and dentists, appearing alongside the professional cast and a six-piece band, making every night genuinely unique. 

Composer and Lyricist Robin Hiley,the creative force behind the musical says:“Almost a century since the discovery of penicillin, and 80 years since Sir Alexander Fleming’s Nobel Prize address, his early warnings about antimicrobial resistance have never felt more prophetic. This timely musical is a celebration of the everyday people who make the extraordinary happen – and a heartfelt love letter to the medical community: past, present and future. I hope audiences will be entertained, uplifted and feel connected to these real-world stories and the message it carries that affects us all.”

Professor Dame Sally Davies, UK Special Envoy on Antimicrobial Resistance and former Chief General Medical Officer for England adds: “All of us have had our lives changed or saved by antibiotics. Antimicrobial resistance affects all of us, but public awareness does not match the scale of the threat. LIFELINE is bringing the issues to life and showing that we can – and must – make a difference.” *See notes to editors

The creative team also includes set designer Abby Clarke, costume designer Alice McNicholas, choreographer Leanne Pinder (PUNCH, Nottingham Playhouse), lighting designer Matthew Craigen and sound designer Paul Smith.

Lifeline is presented by Charades Theatre Company and supported by the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, GSK, disAMR, Shionogi, Pfizer, the British Standards Institute, Inizio Medical, Virgo Health, Healthcare Communications Association, the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry, and Dr Sirek MedCosmetic.

KINKY BOOTS

TO HOST SPECIAL GALA NIGHT

AT LONDON COLISEUM

ON SUNDAY 29 MARCH

IN SUPPORT OF

WATERAID

Producers ROYO, Runaway Entertainment and Curve are delighted to announce that the brand-new production of the Olivier, Tony® and Grammy® Award-winning KINKY BOOTS The Musical will host a special Gala Night at London Coliseum on Sunday 29 March in support of international charity WaterAid. St Martin’s Lane will close as the biggest night in theatre steps out onto the street, in full glamour, with a star-studded guest list.

The show will strut into the spectacular London Coliseum for 17 weeks from 17 March 2026 to 11 July 2026. Tickets are on sale now.

KINKY BOOTS The Musical will star Johannes Radebe as Lola and Matt Cardle as Charlie Price, with Tosh Wanogho-Maud as Alternate Lola*.

Johannes, a passionate WaterAid supporter, was “blown away” by a visit with WaterAid to his home country of South Africa last year. Travelling to communities in the northern province of Limpopo, where less than a third of people have piped water at home, he saw first-hand how clean water is changing lives for good.

He met families who spoke about the hours spent walking to collect water and the life-changing impact of having it closer to home, freeing up time for women and giving children more time to learn. He even enjoyed an impromptu dance session with pupils at a local school. The experience inspired him to continue his support for the global charity back on home soil.

Johannes Radebe said: “I am honoured to have seen firsthand the incredible work WaterAid do around the world. I visited one of their projects in my home country of South Africa and heard the stories of how simply having access to clean water has changed the lives of the people there. I am so lucky to be able to live my dream every day, and I am thrilled that our gala performance at the London Coliseum will be raising money for WaterAid* so that others can follow their dreams too. It’s going to be quite a celebration. See you there!”

Jennie York, WaterAid’s Executive Director of Communications and Fundraising, reflects on the fundraising gala:

“KINKY BOOTS is a joyful celebration of inclusion, courage and community, and we’re incredibly proud to be the charity partner for this gala night. Money raised from this special event* will help fund life-changing access to clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene, giving more people the opportunity to thrive. We’re hugely grateful to everyone involved for stepping up for such a vital cause.”

KINKY BOOTS The Musical features a book by Harvey Fierstein and a score by Cyndi Lauper. It will be directed by Curve’s Artistic Director Nikolai Foster (My Fair Lady, A Chorus Line, Billy Elliot).

KINKY BOOTS The Musical is a Broadway and West End phenomenon based on a true story and movie of the same name released in 2005.

When Charlie Price inherits his family’s failing shoe factory, saving the company – and his love life – feels like an impossibly tall order. Until, that is, he meets Lola, the sparkling, larger-than-life drag queen with the unlikeliest of answers. Can they work together to reboot the business and save the day? Perhaps they just need to help each other – and everyone around them – to stand a little taller…

A glorious celebration of friendship and individuality, let Kinky Boots raise you up higher than ever at the

legendary London Coliseum for 17 weeks only.

KINKY BOOTS is directed by Nikolai Foster with choreography by Leah Hill, set design by Robert Jones, costume design by Robert Jones & Tom Rogers, musical supervision by George Dyer, lighting design by Ben Cracknell, sound design by Adam Fisher, casting by Harry Blumenau CDG CDA, wigs, hair and make-up design by Campbell Young Associates, associate direction by Michaela Powell with production management by Setting Line.

KINKY BOOTS is produced by ROYO, Runaway Entertainment and Curve.

Website: KinkyBootsLondon.com

Socials: @kinkyboots_uk

KINKY BOOTS  

Book by Harvey Fierstein

Music and Lyrics by Cyndi Lauper  

Original Broadway Production Directed and Choreographed by Jerry Mitchell  

Based on the Miramax motion picture Kinky Boots Written by Geoff Deane and Tim Firth 

Presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International

LISTINGS INFORMATION

17 March – 11 July 2026

London Coliseum

St Martin’s Lane

London

WC2N 4ES

Preview performances: Tuesday – Saturday 7:30pm, Thursday and Saturday 2:30pm

Performances: Monday – Saturday 7:30pm, Thursday and Saturday 2:30pm

Tickets from: £20

Box Office: 020 7845 9300

*Tosh Wanogho-Maud will play the role of Lola on all Monday performances from 6April 2026. Patrons are advised to check the website for further information.

ALEX KINGSTON AND RICHARD SCHIFF STAR IN MICHAEL FRAYN’S COPENHAGEN AT HAMPSTEAD THEATRE PLUS THE UK PREMIERE OF SARAH RUHL’S STAGE KISS

Michael Frayn’s Copenhagen will receive its first London staging since its 1998 premiere in a new production directed by Michael Longhurst. Opening at Hampstead Theatre in March, the modern classic will star Alex Kingston (Doctor Who, ER) and Richard Schiff (The West Wing, The Good Doctor) with further casting to be announced.

Inspired by real events that have fascinated historians for decades the multi-award winning Copenhagen centres on a meeting between two great physicists, Niels Bohr and Werner Heisenberg. In 1941, at the height of the Second World War, Heisenberg made a strange trip to Copenhagen to see his former mentor and friend, Bohr. Their brilliant collaboration in the 1920s had begun to lay bare the mysteries at the heart of the atom, but with Denmark now under German occupation this meeting was fraught with danger and embarrassment – and Heisenberg was burdened with a terrible secret.

Michael Frayn’s plays Alphabetical Order, Clouds, Now You Know and Matchbox Theatre all premiered at Hampstead Theatre. His other plays include Noises Off, Democracy and Afterlife.

Following Copenhagen is Sarah Ruhl’s brilliant romantic comedy, Stage Kiss, whichmakes its UK premiere on Hampstead’s Main Stage in a new production directed by Blanche McIntyre. The production opens in May and marks Blanche McIntyre’s second collaboration with the two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist following the success of Letters From Max in Hampstead Downstairs in last year.

Stage Kiss begins with a sweeping melodrama. It’s 1930 New York, Ada is dying and her true love has journeyed from Europe for one final embrace. The estranged lovers are reunited, convinced their love will conquer all obstacles. Except, it’s 2011 New Haven, and these are rehearsals for The Last Kiss, a long-forgotten play. And there’s a plot twist. Art imitates life, and our two leading actors have an explosive romantic history of their own. As opening night approaches, a passionate affair may be waiting in the wings… 

Greg Ripley-Duggan, Producer and Chief Executive of Hampstead Theatre, said:

“Hampstead Theatre owes an enormous amount to Michael Frayn: he served on our Board for an amazing 25 years, and was the shrewd and perspicacious leader of the Foundation that created the astonishing building we now occupy. Over the years we’ve premiered four of his works and revived two more, and I’m delighted to have persuaded Michael Longhurst to create a fresh production of Copenhagen, last produced in London in 1998. I’m also overjoyed to be bringing Blanche McIntyre and Sarah Ruhl back together again at Hampstead, this time for Sarah’s brilliant comedy, Stage Kiss. It’s hard to imagine a play more different from Letters From Max, but if this production is even half as good as that one we’re in for a treat!”

These new productions join the other previously announced world premieres of Bird Grove by Alexi Kaye Campbell and Springwood by Richard Nelson on the Main Stage and R.O.I. (Return on Investment) by Aaron Loeb, Firewing by David Pearson and the UK premiere of We Had A World by Joshua Harmon in Hampstead Downstairs. Later this year, Hampstead will also produce the UK premiere of Kimberly Akimbo, the multi-Tony Award-winning musical by David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori.

Alongside these productions is the appointment of playwright Juliet Gilkes Romero as Writer in Residence for Hampstead’s ENGAGE programme for adults in Camden. In an exciting move to bring Camden residents, community organisations and professional artists together to explore creativity as a means of connection, Juliet has been commissioned to create a new full-length play in collaboration with Camden Carers, Camden Disability Action and The Winch. Directed by Hampstead’s Director of Participation, Jennifer Davis, the large-scale production will feature a cast of community and professional actors and will be performed on Hampstead Theatre’s Main Stage in July.

Priority Booking for Copenhagen and Stage Kiss opens for Patrons on Thursday 5 February, for Friends Plus on Friday 6 February and for Friends and Young Friends on Monday 9 February. Public Booking opens on Tuesday 10 February at 10.30am.

Tickets and further information: hampsteadtheatre.com

Olivier Awards 2026 with Cunard launches national  

“Love Your Local Theatre” campaign 

• Love Your Local Theatre celebrates the vital role of UK theatres as incubators of talent
• A nationwide social media campaign will encourage the public to share why they love their local theatre, to be in with a chance of winning a prize package including tickets to the Olivier Awards 2026 with Cunard

OlivierAwards.com 

The Olivier Awards 2026 with Cunard will shine a spotlight on the impact of theatre across the UK with the launch of Love Your Local Theatre, celebrating the vital role local theatres play as incubators of talent, championing creativity, connection and culture in communities beyond London. 

At the heart of the campaign is a nationwide social media drive inviting audiences to share what their local theatre means to them. Participants are encouraged to post a video, image or graphic celebrating their chosen venue, using the hashtag #LoveYourLocalTheatre. Each eligible post will be entered into a prize draw, with one winner receiving an unforgettable theatre experience of two tickets to the Olivier Awards 2026 with Cunard, a two-night stay at The May Fair Hotel, and £500 in Theatre Tokens to spend at one of 300+ theatres nationwide. The prize draw is open until 11.59pm on Thursday 5 March. 

Marking its 50^th anniversary, the Olivier Awards will see past winners and nominees recognise the local venues that first inspired them and nurtured their talent. By celebrating these formative connections, Love Your Local Theatre will emphasise the importance of theatres across the breadth of the UK in developing world-class creatives and sustaining the wider theatre ecosystem.  

Adrian Lester, Olivier Award-winning actor, said: 

“Local theatres across the UK enrich British culture and sustain the theatre ecosystem. My own journey began with Birmingham Youth Theatre at the Midland Arts Centre and Birmingham Rep, which gave me opportunities that shaped the course of my career. These, and many venues across the UK, continue to do the same for generations of artists today.” 

Kathy Bourne, President of UK Theatre and Executive Director of Chichester Festival Theatre, said: 

“From first performances to lifelong careers, local theatres play a crucial role in nurturing talent and inspiring audiences. Love Your Local Theatre is about celebrating the venues at the heart of our communities and recognising the impact they have on artists, audiences and the wider theatre industry.” 

Tickets for the Olivier Awards 2026 with Cunard are now on sale to the public, available at RoyalAlbertHall.com.  

OlivierAwards.com | Facebook | X | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube 

#OlivierAwards 

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR

KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN

A MADE AT CURVE, BRISTOL OLD VIC AND MAYFLOWER SOUTHAMPTON CO-PRODUCTION

Fabian Soto Pacheco plays Molina, as Layton Williams steps away from the production

Co-producers Curve, Bristol Old Vic and Mayflower Southampton have today announced the full cast for the upcoming revival of John Kander and Fred Ebb’s musical, KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN.

Joining the previously announced George Blagden as Valentin and Anna-Jane Casey as Aurora is rising star Fabian Soto Pacheco (DEAR EVAN HANSEN, Luciernaga Producciónes, Teatro Auditorio Nacional, Costa Rica, DON QUIJOTE DE LA MANCHA, Teatro Auditorio Nacional, Costa Rica and GUYS & DOLLS, Frinton Summer Theatre) as Molina, Gabriela Garcia (WEST SIDE STORY, Royal Exchange Manchester) as Marta, Tori Scott (GUYS & DOLLS, The Bridge Theatre) as Molina’s Mother, Jay Rincon (BARCELONA, Duke of York’s Theatre) as the Warden and Damian Buhagiar (MY FAIR LADY, Curve) as the Guard. The company is completed by ensemble cast members Jess Buckby (CRUEL INTENTIONS, The Other Palace), Alex Pinder (FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre) and Davide Fienauri (WHITE CHRISTMAS, Curve).

Fabian Soto Pacheco takes on the role of Molina from Layton Williams, who has withdrawn from the production.

Curve’s Chief Executive Chris Stafford and Artistic Director Nikolai Foster, on behalf of the co-producers, said:

“We are thrilled to share news of our full company for KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN. Rising star Fabian Soto Pacheco joins Anna-Jane Casey and George Blagden to lead this beautiful show, a rare opportunity to see one of the great landmark Broadway musicals from Kander and Ebb.

“Acclaimed director Paul Foster and his team have brought together a phenomenal company and whilst we are sorry to see Layton leave the production, we wish him every continued success. Layton has enjoyed a long relationship with our audiences and we very much look forward to welcoming him back to Curve in the future. In the meantime, we are proud to share this extraordinary production with audiences in Leicester, Bristol and Southampton”

Layton Williams said:

“Walking away from this production was an incredibly tough decision, and not one I made lightly. What Director Paul Foster and the team are putting together is truly magical, but an opportunity arose that I simply couldn’t turn down.

“While I’m sad to be leaving the show, I know the production is going to be absolutely incredible, and I’m sending all my love to the company, including Fabian, who is going to make a remarkable Molina.

“Finally, I’d like to say a huge thank you to the teams at Curve, Bristol Old Vic, Mayflower Southampton, and everyone who has helped me navigate this situation. I’ll forever be indebted to you and hope we can collaborate again in the future.

“To everyone else: please make sure you book tickets to see KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN! It really is going to be an unmissable show.”

Curve, Bristol Old Vic and Mayflower Southampton’s co-production of KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN is the first major UK revival of the musical since 1992. The production will be directed by Paul Foster (A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, Watermill Theatre and KISS ME, KATE, Sheffield Crucible) and will run in Curve’s Studio Theatre 3 to 25 April, at Bristol Old Vic 29 April to 16 May and at Mayflower Studios 2 to 6 June.

Based on the novel by Manuel Puig and adapted for the stage by Terrence McNally, the 1993 Broadway production of KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN received seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score.

Obsession or salvation? One kiss from the Spider Woman can change everything.

In a brutal prison, Molina – condemned for his sexuality, and Valentin – a political prisoner, are forced into an unlikely friendship in the cell they share. To escape their harsh reality, Molina conjures dazzling fantasies of glamorous movies, spinning tales of the seductive and dangerous Spider Woman. As their conditions worsen and the line between truth and fiction blurs, the two men find a deeper connection – one that could cost them everything.

KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN is directed by Paul Foster, with Choreographer Joanna Goodwin (MY FAIR LADY, Curve), Set Designer David Woodhead (TITANIC, UK and international tours, ABIGAIL’S PARTY, Curve), Olivier and Tony Award-winning Costume Designer Gabriella Slade (SIX THE MUSICAL), Tony Award-winning Orchestrator and Arranger Sarah Travis (MISS LITTLEWOOD, RSC, BEAUTIFUL – THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL, AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN, both at Curve and on UK tour), Lighting Designer Howard Hudson (STARLIGHT EXPRESS, Troubadour Theatre, A CHORUS LINE, Curve), Sound Designer Matt Peploe (ROBIN HOOD, London Palladium, INDIGO, Curve) and Casting Director Stuart Burt CDG (SUNSET BOULEVARD, Savoy Theatre and St James Theatre, CABARET, Kit Kat Club). Further casting will be announced in due course.

Musicians for this Made at Curve production of KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN are sponsored by music licensing company PPL.

KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN runs at Curve 3 to 25 April 2026. Tickets are available to book now on www.curveonline.co.uk, calling 0116 242 3595 or by visiting Curve’s Box Office in-person.

For tickets at Bristol Old Vic visit https://bristololdvic.org.uk/

For tickets at Mayflower Southampton visit https://www.mayflower.org.uk/

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR THE UK TOUR OF MALORY TOWERS

ADAPTED AND DIRECTED BY EMMA RICE

The Emma Rice Company today announces the full cast for their upcoming tour of Malory Towers from the novels by Enid Blyton and adapted by Emma Rice. Rice directs Eden Barrie (Mary Lou Atkinson), Molly Cheesley (Alicia Johns), Rebecca Collingwood (Gwendolyn Lacey), Stephanie Hockley (Irene DuPont), Emily Panes (Musician), Robyn Sinclair (Darrell Rivers), Bethany Wooding (Sally Hope) and Zoe West (Bill Robinson) in this co-production with Alexandra Palace Theatre, Belgrade Theatre, HOME Manchester and Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse.

The production opens at Theatre Royal Bath on 7 May, with previews from 1 May, before embarking on a UK tour to Coventry, Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool and Guildford, before completing its run at the Alexandra Palace Theatre in London.

Emma Rice said today, “Malory Towers is an enduring passion for me! Inspired by my Gran, Mum and all the magnificent women of the wartime generations, I have loved bringing these intoxicating characters and tales up to date with love, song and laughter. However, like the school itself, this sparkling production needs to be filled with new personalities. This new tour is no different! The class of 2026 is filled with fresh, fierce and joyful talent – and I cannot wait to see what they bring to Miss Grayling, Malory Towers and me. Here’s to ‘Good strong women that the world can lean on’. My, in these terrifying and divided times we need that more than ever, don’t we?”

www.emmaricecompany.co.uk
Instagram: @EmmaRiceCompany

Facebook: @EmmaRiceCompany or Facebook.com/emmaricecompany

MALORY TOWERS

From the novels by Enid Blyton

Adapted and directed by Emma Rice

Co-produced by Emma Rice Company, Alexandra Palace Theatre, Belgrade Theatre, HOME Manchester and Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse

Set & Costume Designer Lez Brotherston; Composer Ian Ross;

Lighting Designer Malcolm Rippeth; Sound and Video Designer Simon Baker;

Choreographer Alistair David

Theatre Royal Bath

1 – 9 May Press Night

Then on UK tour

It’s back by popular demand! Emma Rice Company’s ‘magic’ Malory Towers (Guardian) is touring the UK again. Get ready for high jinks, high drama and high spirits, all set to sensational live music.

Darrell Rivers is starting school with an eager mind and fierce heart. Unfortunately she also has a quick temper! Can she learn to tolerate the infuriating Gwendoline Lacey, or value the kind-hearted Sally Hope? Can she save the school play and rescue terrified Mary Lou from the grip of a raging storm? If she can do these things anywhere, she will do them at Malory Towers!

​Nostalgic, naughty, and perfect for now, Malory Towers is the original ‘Girl Power’ story. This is a show for girls, boys and all grown-up children who still dream of midnight feasts and Cornish clifftops.

Eden Barrie plays Mary Lou Atkinson. She was in the ensemble for the Pitlochry Festival Theatre Rep season in 2025 performing in Grease, Nessie and Toast Fae the Lassies.

Molly Cheesley plays Alicia Johns. Her theatre credits incldue NOW That’s What I Call A Musical (UK Tour), You’re Not The Boss of Me (The Other Palace), Jane Austen’s Emma (UK Tour), Forever Young, Jack and the Beanstalk, Dick Whittington, and Robin Hood (Exeter Northcott).

Rebecca Collingwood reprises her role as Gwendolyn Lacey having played her in the 2019 tour. For the company, she also appeared in Wuthering Heights. Her other theatre credits include The Motive and the Cue (National Theatre), Much Ado About Nothing (RSC) Arms and the Man, Precious Little Talent, Widowers’ Houses – Ian Charleson Award nomination (Orange Tree Theatre), The Hartlepool Monkey (Gyre and Gimble), Caste (Finborough Theatre), Much Ado About Nothing and Love’s Labour’s Lost (RSC at Chichester Festival Theatre and Theatre Royal Haymarket). Her television work includes Miss Scarlett and The Duke and The Holden Girls: Mandy and Mrytle.

Stephanie Hockley plays Irene DuPont. For the company she previously appeared in Wuthering Heights, Blue Beard and Malory Towers. Her other theatre credits include Miracle on 34^th Street (HOME Manchester), Vernon Girls (Liverpool Royal Court), A Christmas Carol Julius Caesar, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Storyhouse), Robin Hood (Watermill Theatre); Return to the Forbidden Planet (Upstairs at the Gatehouse, The Little Mermaid (Liverpool Everyman), Beauty and the Beast, Rapunzel (Liverpool Everyman), and The Witch of Edmonton (Sam Wanamaker Festival).

Emily Panes is the Musician. Her theatre credits include The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Ambassadors Theatre), Twelfth Night (Mill at Sonning and Cunard Cruises), The Threepenny Opera (Minack Theatre, OVO), Hay Fever, Twelfth Night, Still Life (The Mill at Sonning), Cinderella and Robin Hood (The Barn Cirencester), Pinocchio, Rapunzel (The Garage Norwich), and Kinky Boots in Concert (LMTO, Theatre Royal Drury Lane).

Robyn Sinclair plays Darrell Rivers – her previous work for the company includes Blue Beard. Her other theatre work includes Four Felons and a Funeral (UK tour), The Grapes of Wrath (National Theatre), 4000 Miles, Mood Music (The Old Vic), The Enormous Crocodile (Leeds Playhouse and Regent’s Park Open Air Productions), The Suspicions of Mr Whicher, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Macbeth (The Watermill Theatre), Wildfire Road (Sheffield Theatres), The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (UK tour and Gillian Lynne Theatre), Amélie (Criterion Theatre), Mog (The Wardrobe Ensemble, Royal and Derngate, The Old Vic), Electrolyte (Wildcard Theatre), The Wind in the Willows (New Vic Theatre), The Snow Queen (Theatre Clwyd/Paperfinch Theatre), and Much Ado About Nothing (Oxford Shakespeare Company). For film, Not Knowing Needing and Fledgeling.

Bethany Wooding plays Sally Hope. Her theatre work includes The Crucible (Shakespeare’s Globe), Peerless, Rodney and The Shrieking Sisterhood (Sherman Theatre), and The Return (ReLive Theatre Company). Her film work includes The Last Disturbance of Madeline Hynde, and Six Minutes to Midnight.

Zoe West plays Bill Robinson. Their theatre work includes Jack and the Beanstalk, Romeo and Juliet, Rapunzel, Cinderella (Liverpool Everyman), Baby in the Mirror (Second Adolescence), Dead Girls Rising (Silent Uproar), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Chichester Festival Theatre), Wildfire Road (Sheffield Theatres), A Christmas Carol (Shakespeare North Playhouse), The Caucasian Chalk Circle (Rose Theatre Kingston), Jane Eyre (Stephen Joseph Theatre and New Vic), Romeo and Juliet (Shakespeare’s Globe), Peter Pan (Storyhouse), Much Ado About Nothing (New English Shakespeare Company), Out of Water (Orange Tree Theatre and RSC), White Teeth (Kiln Theatre), Sleeping Beauty (Theatr Clwyd), and Island Song (Stratford Circus). For television, The Primrose Railway Children.

Emma Rice is the Artistic Director of Wise Children and is an internationally respected theatre-maker and director. For Wise Children she has adapted and directed A Child’s Christmas in Wales, The Buddha of Suburbia, Blue Beard, The Little Matchgirl and Happier Tales, Wuthering Heights, Bagdad Café, Angela Carter’s Wise Children, Enid Blyton’s Malory Towers and Romantics Anonymous. As Artistic Director of Shakespeare’s Globe: Twelfth Night, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Little Matchgirl (and Other Happier Tales). Rice worked for Kneehigh as an actor, director and Artistic Director, creating critically acclaimed productions including: The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk, 946: The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips, The Wild Bride, The Red Shoes, Cymbeline (in association with RSC), A Matter of Life and Death (in association with National Theatre), Brief Encounter (in association with David Pugh and Dafydd Rogers Productions), Don John (in association with the RSC and Bristol Old Vic), Wah! Wah! Girls (in association with Sadler’s Wells and Theatre Royal Stratford East for World Stages), and Steptoe and Son. She received the Outstanding Contribution to British Theatre award at the 2019 UK Theatre Awards.  

LISTINGS 

EMMA RICE COMPANY

MALORY TOWERS – UK TOUR

Theatre Royal Bath

1 – 9 May

https://www.theatreroyal.org.uk

Belgrade Theatre, Coventry

12 – 16 May

Leeds Playhouse

27 – 30 May

HOME Manchester

2 – 13 June

https://homemcr.org

Liverpool Playhouse

16 – 20 June

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford

14 – 18 July

https://www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

Alexandra Palace Theatre

22 July – 2 August

NORTH BY NORTHWEST – US TOUR

The Old Globe, San Diego

3 July – 2 August 2026

TRISTAN & YSEULT

Theatre Royal Bath and UK tour