Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe – until Saturday 23rd May 2026

Reviewed by Rachel Clark

4****

This is a brand new comedy written by Peter Quilter (Olivier and Tony award writer) and directed and choregraphed by Stephen Mear. The comedy has only 4 characters and all were fantastic. Dame Maureen Lipman playing Allegra, she was like the batty Aunty we all have, a happy person always singing and having an orchestra in her head. The singing gets her into trouble with shops and neighbours as she is disturbing their peaceful, miserable lives! Dame Maureen Lipman played Allegra extremely well creating lots of laughs in the audience. Her brother Ronen was played superbly by John Middleton – known as playing Ashley in Emmerdale. He is a devoted brother who tries to keep his sister out of trouble and in doing so gets her a carer Anna. Anna’s played by Elizabeth Bower, who enjoys the singing and fun she has caring for Allegra. A great part of the policeman was played by Bailey Patrick ( played in numerous parts one being in Eastenders) and he made you smile and laugh, it looked like he was thoroughly enjoying playing the policeman.

It was a great comedy and think the playwriter must have at some-point visited my Aunty as so many characteristics were the same!

It’s great show for humour, laughter and warmth. I am really pleased I got to see this play.

The only issue at the opening show was the volume, it did fade in and out at times and I did let the staff know in the interval, but if they get this sorted for the next performance it will enhance it even more.

CHRIS HARPER PRODUCTIONS AND SONIA FRIEDMAN PRODUCTIONS
IN ASSOCIATION WITH

HOPE MILL THEATRE

PRESENT

A NEW PRODUCTION OF

JONATHAN LARSON’S

TONY AWARD^® AND PULITZER PRIZE WINNING MUSICAL

GATEN MATARAZZO

TO MAKE HIS WEST END DEBUT AS MARK

DIRECTED BY OLIVIER AWARD-WINNER

LUKE SHEPPARD

AT LONDON’S DUKE OF YORK’S THEATRE

FROM 26 SEPTEMBER 2026

TICKETS ON SALE 19 MAY 2026 AT 12.00NOON

WITH 10,000 TICKETS AVAILABLE AT £35 AND UNDER

Chris Harper Productions and Sonia Friedman Productions in association with Hope Mill Theatre are delighted to announce a new production of Jonathan Larson’s Tony Award^® and Pulitzer Prize winning musical RENT. Celebrating 30 years since the musical premiered on Broadway, RENT will begin performances at the Duke of York’s Theatre on 26 September 2026 with an opening night on 8 October 2026. Tickets go on sale on 19 May 2026 at 12.00noon with 10,000 tickets available at £35 and under.

Inspired by his 2020 Hope Mill Theatre production, this new production of RENT will be directed by Luke Sheppard, who recently won the Olivier Award for Best Director for his work on the smash-hit musical Paddington.

Making his West End debut as Mark will be Gaten Matarazzo. Further casting to be announced soon.

Chris Harper and Sonia Friedman said today “We are absolutely delighted to be bringing RENT back to the West End in this bold new production. We were completely exhilarated when we first saw Luke Sheppard’s staging at the Hope Mill Theatre in 2020 – it felt immediate, emotional and utterly alive. Jonathan Larson’s musical remains as powerful and resonant as ever, and Luke has found a way to honour its legacy while making it feel thrillingly fresh for today’s audiences. We cannot wait to share this production and all that we have planned for it. It promises to be a truly special theatrical event.”

Director Luke Sheppardsaid today “It’s an honour to be bringing RENT into the West End for its 30th anniversary year, and a personal privilege to return to Jonathan Larson’s extraordinary musical. Directing the show at the Hope Mill Theatre was a transformative experience and we were overwhelmed by the audience response. The opportunity to reimagine that production on a larger scale is a dream come true, bringing West End audiences up close to the heartfelt emotion and raw energy that powers this seminal musical. This is RENT in the hands of a new generation of performers who love and adore this piece, and with Gaten Matarazzo playing Mark, it promises to be a thrilling experience.”

Gaten Matarazzo gained international recognition for playing Dustin Henderson in the Netflix drama series Stranger Things, winning a Screen Actors Guild Award for his performance. On stage he most recently appeared as Tobias in the critically acclaimed production of Sweeney Todd at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on Broadway. His other Broadway credits include Jared Kleinman in Dear Evan Hansen at the Music Box Theatre, Jesus in Godspell at Circle in the Square and Frankie Epps in Parade at New York City Center. He also appeared as Jack in Into the Woods at the Hollywood Bowl.

Set in New York’s East Village, RENT follows a group of young artists, musicians and friends, navigating love, ambition and creativity while trying to build lives on their own terms. Inspired by Puccini’s La Bohème, this iconic musical captures the joy, uncertainty and resilience of a generation determined to make every moment count. Featuring an unforgettable score and a story that continues to resonate, RENT is a powerful celebration of community, connection and a call to live every minute as if it were your last. No day but today.

RENT has music, lyrics and book by Jonathan Larson. Itis directed by Luke Sheppard with choreography by Tom Jackson Greaves. Set design is by David Woodhead, costume design by Gabriella Slade, lighting design by Howard Hudson, audio production and sound design by Paul Gatehouse, video design and cinematography by George Reeve and Nathan Amzi, make-up and hair design by Jackie Saundercock, UK Casting by Pearson Casting CSA, CDG, CDA and US Casting by Jim Carnahan CSA. The musical supervisor is Bill Sherman and the musical director and associate musical supervisor is Katy Richardson, the intimacy director is Asha Jennings-Grant, the associate director is Priya Patel Appleby and the dialect coach is Joe Trill.

This production of RENT will be produced in the West End by Chris Harper Productions, Sonia Friedman Productions, Winkler & Smalberg and Julie Larson in association with the Hope Mill Theatre.

RENT was originally produced on Broadway by Jeffrey Seller, Kevin McCollum, Allan S. Gordon, and the New York Theatre Workshop.

GRAB YOUR TRAINERS AND

GET READY TO GO THE DISTANCE

WITH A TOGA RUN BY DISNEY’S HERCULES

in support of Make-A-Wish UK

Disney’s Hercules has joined up with RunThrough, the UK’s largest running events organiser, to host a Toga Run which will now take place on Sunday 26 July 2026 at 9am. Participants are encouraged to channel their inner hero and take inspiration from our very own Greek demi-god by fashioning a DIY toga to add over their running gear. All in aid of Make-A-Wish UK – Disney’s long standing charitable partner – which exists to grant life-changing wishes to critically ill children and their families when they need it the most.

The morning will start with a Herculean warm-up at Theatre Royal Drury Lane to get you from Zero to Hero, and ready to Go the Distance for the 5km route, starting and finishing at the theatre. There will be a host of surprise giveaways on race day including Hercules merchandise, and an exclusive Hercules finisher’s medallion.

Participants can register for the Toga Run online via: https://www.letsdothis.com/gb/e/disneys-hercules-toga-run-for-make-a-wish-uk-268209

The £10 registration fee will be donated to Make-A-Wish UK, and participants will each be provided a link to create their own fundraising page on behalf of the foundation.

Facebook /HerculesOnStage

Instagram @herculesonstage

www.herculesthemusical.co.uk  

With music by Alan Menken, lyrics by David Zippel and book by Robert Horn and Kwame Kwei-Armah Disney’s Hercules opened at Theatre Royal Drury Lane in June 2025, directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw. The musical, inspired by the 1997 animated film of the same name, was recently nominated for three WhatsOnStage Awards, including Best New Musical and is currently booking until 5 September 2026.

LISTINGS

HERCULES

Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Catherine Street, Covent Garden, London WC2B 5JF

www.herculesthemusical.co.uk  

Tickets from £29.50

Group rates and education rates are available – please see the website

PERFORMANCES:

Monday to Saturday 7:30pm

Thursday and Saturday matinees 2:30pm 

On the following dates the 7:30pm performance will be replaced with a 2:30pm performance:

• Tuesday 26 May
• Tuesday 21 July
• Tuesday 28 July
• Tuesday 4 August
• Tuesday 11 August
• Tuesday 18 August
• Tuesday 25 August

ACCESS PERFORMANCES: 020 3925 2998 or access@lwtheatres.co.uk

ABOUT MAKE-A-WISH UK

Make-A-Wish UK exists to grant life-changing wishes to critically ill children and their families when they need it the most.

Right now, over 134,000 children in the UK are dealing with the gruelling daily reality of life with a critical illness. When it comes to their dreams, they deserve to wish for more than a life defined by their illness.

Critical illness brings the joy of childhood to an abrupt end but Make-A-Wish UK is part of a global movement that grants life-changing wishes that have the power to rescue the magic of childhood. Wishes provide a lifeline for families to spend precious time together.

Every hour, a child in the UK is diagnosed with a critical illness, making them in line for a wish. Make-A-Wish UK’s vision is to grant as many of those wishes as possible.

When a child is diagnosed with a critical illness, their world comes crashing down. The playground is replaced with a hospital bed. Playing with friends is replaced with relentless medical treatments. Childhood can be replaced with fear. 

But a wish has the power to change this. A wish allows a child to dream big, no matter what they are going through.

For a child with a critical illness, every-day life can feel impossible; let alone any dreams. But a wish can make impossible dreams, a reality. A wish has the power to broaden a critically ill child’s horizons, giving them respite from treatment and allowing their family to create treasured memories, no matter what the future holds.

Make-A-Wish UK works with medical professionals, volunteers, and supporters to make every child’s magical wish come true; whether it’s going on a family day out, getting a gaming console or a bedroom makeover, meeting their idol, going on a dream holiday, or becoming a superhero for the day.

We are granting a record number of wishes, yet we face a serious challenge. The demand for wishes is far outpacing our best efforts to keep up, so it’s taking longer than ever to grant once-in-a-lifetime wishes. But the heartbreaking reality is that many families simply can’t wait this long.

Find out how you can help make a child’s life-changing wish come true at

www.make-a-wish.org.uk

SIR IAN McKELLEN OPENS NEW THEATRE IN HORDEN

A new chapter for theatre in County Durham began this weekend as Sir Ian McKellen officially opened The Playhouse in Horden, the permanent home of Ensemble ’84.

The opening event brought together invited guests, artists, supporters and local residents to celebrate the transformation of a former East Durham church building into a new professional theatre space.

Sir Ian McKellen unveiled a plaque outside the building, cut the ribbon to formally open the venue, and took part in a special evening of performance. The actor performed excerpts from Shakespeare, while Ensemble ’84 presented scenes from its forthcoming production of The Tragicall Historie of Hamlet – Shakespeare’s First Quarto. The performances included some of Shakespeare’s most recognised lines and offered audiences an early glimpse into the company’s urgent new staging of the rarely performed text.

The evening also highlighted the rapid rise of Ensemble ’84, one of the UK’s newest professional theatre companies. Founded in Horden in 2024 by director Mark Dornford-May and producer Sud Basu, the company was created with a clear aim: to make theatre for, with and by the diverse communities of County Durham to share with audiences on a global stage.

Based in the former mining village of Horden, Ensemble ’84 provides paid training and professional performance opportunities for people across County Durham, many of whom had no previous route into theatre before joining the company.

Speaking during the launch, McKellen praised the ensemble model at the heart of the company’s work and described the project as “unique” and “wonderful”. He also spoke passionately about the importance of repertory theatre and long-term investment in actors and communities.

Since launching in 2024, Ensemble ’84 has quickly gained national attention for its community-rooted work and ambitious productions. Its debut production, Mother Courage and Her Children, adapted by Lee Hall and directed by Mark Dornford-May, brought together local performers with artists from South Africa’s internationally renowned Isango Ensemble. The production received critical acclaim, sold-out performances and national coverage before transferring to Newcastle’s Live Theatre.

The company later followed this with Pits, People and Players, a production built directly from stories of coal mining and community life in Horden. Due to audience demand, the production returns for a second run this summer.

Now Ensemble ’84 is preparing for its most ambitious production to date. From 26 May to 6 June 2026, the company will stage The Tragicall Historie of Hamlet – Shakespeare’s First Quarto at The Playhouse in Horden. Using the rarely performed First Quarto text of Hamlet, the production offers a shorter, urgent and highly theatrical version of Shakespeare’s tragedy.

Mark Dornford-May, Director and Artistic Director of Ensemble ’84, said:

“Hamlet remains one of the most powerful and enduring plays ever written. The First Quarto version gives us a fascinating and highly theatrical way into the story; it moves with urgency and clarity, allowing the drama to unfold with remarkable pace.

For a company like Ensemble ’84, rooted in storytelling and performance, it offers a thrilling opportunity to rediscover this extraordinary play.”

The opening of The Playhouse marks a major milestone in Ensemble ’84’s long-term commitment to Horden and County Durham. Alongside future productions, the venue will provide a permanent home for training, workshops, rehearsal space and community activity.

For Ensemble ’84, the project continues to demonstrate that world-class theatre can be created anywhere, and that communities too often overlooked can become places of major cultural ambition.

Hampstead Theatre, London – until 13th June 2026

Reviewed by Celia Armand Smith

4****

Sarah Ruhl returns to Hampstead Theatre with Stage Kiss, once again collaborating with Blanche McIntyre. Set in 2011, two actors are cast in an absurd pre war melodrama called The Last Kiss about lost loves, and it is almost certainly going to be a huge flop. The director encourages them to do what they think is right without giving them any useful direction, and the supporting cast are enthusiastic in their roles, yet lacking finesse in their performances. Enter the unnamed ‘He’ and ‘She’, who when they were younger shared a heated romance, and now find themselves sharing the stage. She is married with a daughter, He is living in a grimy loft, yet their pasts and presents draw them together. As rehearsals begin, old feelings and unresolved emotions bubble to the surface, blurring the lines between acting and real life.

The show begins with a rehearsal room full of chairs and the house lights still up, exposing the cast and the audience in a bright raw light. Blanche McIntyre’s production is pacey and engaging. In true romantic comedy style, there are lots of laughs to be had while some slower, dramatic moments punctuate the story. There is also a hilariously misplaced dance number during a performance of The Last Kiss. You get the feeling that Sarah Ruhl had great fun creating the plays within Stage Kiss – weaving the plots together effortlessly.

MyAnna Buring and Patrick Kennedy as She and He have perfect chemistry as the lovers and scene partners. Rolf Saxon’s director is completely mad, and James Phoon is fantastic as his eager but inept protege Kevin who is also He’s understudy. Oliver Dimsdale,Toto Bruin, and Jill Winternitz are all excellent in their dual roles as dubious actors in the Last Kiss, and She’s husband and daughter and He’s girlfriend in the “real world”.

The set design by Robert Innes Hopkins is very clever, quickly switching between the set for the play, to He’s apartment, utilising the stage curtain to make quick changes. The front of the stage suddenly becomes the back stage and we are looking through the set as the cast take their final bows.

This is a romantic comedy that is layered and lovely, and just when you think you know what is going to happen, Ruhl will take a tiny unexpected turn. It’s not often that you come away from funny and sharp theatre feeling like you’ve also had a hug but Stage Kiss achieves precisely this.

Darlington Hippodrome – until Saturday 23 May 2026

4****

What a wonderfully entertaining production of Midsomer Murders. Bringing the beloved television drama to the stage could easily have felt gimmicky or overcomplicated, but this adaptation was clever, polished and thoroughly enjoyable from beginning to end.

One of the first things to strike the audience was the excellence of David Woodhead’s set design. The staging was remarkably inventive, effortlessly transporting us from cosy village interiors to shadowy corners of the countryside without ever slowing the pace. Every scene change felt smooth and purposeful, creating the perfect atmosphere for mystery and intrigue while maintaining the charm that fans of Midsomer Murders expect, thanks to Matt Haskin’s lighting and Ella Wahlström’s sound. The attention to detail in the design helped immerse the audience completely in the world of the play. I was also sat next to the tech box – so kudos to the tech crew for making the show so seamless.

Caroline Graham’s writing was fabulous. Guy Unsworth’s adaptation captured all the hallmarks of the television series while giving the production its own theatrical identity. The script was witty throughout, packed with sharp one-liners and clever exchanges that regularly drew laughter from the audience. Importantly, the humour never overshadowed the mystery; instead, it enhanced the warmth and eccentricity of the characters. The balance between suspense and comedy was handled brilliantly, making for a thoroughly engaging evening.

Special praise must go to the exceptionally hard-working cast, many of whom took on multiple roles during the performance. Their versatility and energy were hugely impressive. Costume changes were rapid and seamless, yet each character still felt distinct and believable. It would have been easy for the double roles to become confusing, but the cast managed it with great skill and professionalism. Every performer brought enthusiasm and personality to the stage, creating a strong ensemble that kept the production moving at a lively pace. Special mentions must go to John Dougall for embodying the spirit of Doctor Evadne Hinge whilst playing Iris Rainbird and Candrika Chevli for portraying both Barbara Lessiter and Dickie Whiteley at the same time in the same scene. And Rupert Sadler because until I read the programme, I hadn’t realised he was Dennis and Micheal!

The chemistry between the actors was another highlight. Daniel Casey stepped into the giant shoes of John Nettles nicely portraying Tom Barnaby with ease. Whilst James Bradwell was an excellent Troy (especially as Casey portrayed Troy on TV!). Their timing, particularly during the more humorous moments, was excellent, and there was a real sense that the company was enjoying every minute on stage. That enjoyment spread to the audience, who responded warmly throughout the evening.

What made the production particularly successful was the way it kept the audience guessing. Like any good murder mystery, it laid clues carefully while still managing to surprise. I spent much of the second half convinced I had solved the case, only to discover I was completely wrong. The ending was genuinely unexpected and cleverly executed, delivering exactly the kind of satisfying twist audiences hope for in a classic whodunnit. Overall, Midsomer Murders at the Darlington Hippodrome was an outstanding evening of theatre: stylishly staged, brilliantly written and performed with tremendous energy by a talented cast. With its witty script, inventive set and gripping mystery, it captured everything audiences love about the original series while proving that it works just as well on stage. Most importantly of all, it was tremendous fun.

THE NORTH EAST’S OWN MATT BAKER TO LEAD THE CAST OF BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, DARLINGTON HIPPODROME’S 2026 PANTO

WITH THE RETURN OF JOSH BENSON AND JAMIE JONES

Darlington Hippodrome and Crossroads Pantomimes have today, Monday 18 May, announced that their annual pantomime, Beauty and the Beast, will star TV favourite Matt Baker. Matt will star as Jack, Belle’s brother, from Friday 11 December 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027.

Joining Matt will be returning Darlington panto favourites Josh Benson as Silly Billy and Jamie Jones as Mrs Potty.

Matt Baker is best known as a presenter of Countryfile on BBC One and Matt Baker: Our Farm in the Dales on Channel 4. Previously, he has presented The One Show, Blue Peter and was a finalist on Strictly Come Dancing. He has been seen on stage as Caractacus Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

On returning to panto after four years, Matt Baker said: “I’m thrilled to be back in panto, working with Crossroads Pantomimes again to bring the magic of Beauty and the Beast to the beautiful Darlington Hippodrome and wonderful North East audiences.”

Beauty and the Beast is produced by the World’s biggest pantomime producer, Crossroads Pantomimes, whose Chief Executive Michael Harrison said: “I am so pleased that Matt will be leading the cast of our Darlington Hippodrome panto this year. As well as being a familiar face on screen, Matt’s charisma, charm and North East roots make him the perfect casting for our sensational Darlington show. Joined by Darlo favourites Josh and Jamie, I know audiences will be in for something truly special this Christmas.”

Councillor Libby McCollum, cabinet member for local services at Darlington Borough Council said: “Darlington Hippodrome always draws in the crowds with a spectacular star-studded panto and I’m thrilled that Matt Baker is joining the cast this year. With the return of Darlington favourites Josh and Jaimie, I’ve no doubt audiences are going to love what promises to be a truly fantastic show.”

In this classic tale Belle, longing for a better life, is taken prisoner in a cursed castle ruled by a fearsome Beast. Inside, she discovers enchanted servants under a powerful spell. As time runs out, Belle must learn to see beyond the Beast’s appearance and find love – or risk losing everything to the curse forever.

Beauty and the Beast will play at Darlington Hippodrome from Friday 11 December 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027. For full details or to book visit www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01325 405405

WILLIAM HANSON TO JOIN
OLIVIER AWARD WINNING TITANIQUE

IN WEST END DEBUT FOR SIX WEEKS ONLY
FROM 9 JUNE – 19 JULY

TITANIQUE EXTENDED TO JANUARY 2027
AT CRITERION THEATRE

london.titaniquemusical.com

Producers Eva Price and Michael Harrison are delighted to announce new cast members joining their must sea splash hit Olivier Award Winning Titanique at the Criterion Theatre on London’s West End. The critically acclaimed production also extends booking to January 2027 due to phenomenal demand. Tickets are on sale at london.titaniquemusical.com.

William Hanson, etiquette coach and co-host of award-winning podcast ‘Help I Sexted My Boss’, which has over 100 million streams, is set to join the cast for 6 weeks from Tuesday 9 June to Sunday 19 July* playing Ruth. On joining the show, Hanson said: 

“Quite how I’ve ended up boarding Titaníque, I’m not entirely sure. One minute I’m teaching the world table manners on social media, the next I’m in a sequinned fever dream somewhere in the Piccadilly Circus part of the North Atlantic. Titanique is gloriously bonkers, outrageously funny, and exactly the sort of theatrical chaos I adore. I’m thrilled to be joining this sensational cast and have already begun practising the most important skill for the voyage: judging the other passengers from afar.”

New to London’s ship of dreams along with William Hanson* as Ruth are Lewis Francis as The Iceberg and Nikki Wheeldon as Molly Brown, with AJ Lewis and Joi Lurrie as on-stage background vocalists and Finton Flynn, Josh Lovell and Charlotte Soo as offstage understudies.

They join existing cast members Rose Galbraith as Rose, Astrid Harris as Céline Dion, Freddie King as Jack(previously offstage understudy), Cameron Vear as Cal (previously offstage understudy), Michael Vinsen as Victor Garber / Luigi and on-stage background vocalist Corrine Priest.

Further casting for Ruth from 19 July is to be announced. 

★★★★★
The Times, Daily Mail, Sunday Express, Sunday Mirror, Gay Times, London Theatre

 
Titaníque is the hysterical musical comedy bursting with nostalgia, non-stop laughs and killer vocals. Featuring all your favourite Céline Dion hits, including My Heart Will Go On, All by Myself and To Love You More, all backed by a sensational live band.

Celebrated as ‘The West End’s Funniest Musical’ (Smooth Radio), Titaníque is brilliant and bonkers fun. ‘If you love the film Titanic or Celine Dion, you’ll love Titaníque. Hell, if you couldn’t care less about them, you’ll love it’ (Mail on Sunday).

It’s the musical that’s making hearts go on… and on, so get on board as this ship of dreams is one voyage you simply can’t miss!

Co-written by Tye Blue, Marla Mindelle and Constantine Rousouli, Titanique celebrated its Off-Broadway premiere in June 2022 at Asylum Theater, starring the musical’s co-authors Mindelle and Rousouli as Céline Dion and Jack Dawson. After several sold-out extensions, the musical transferred to the Daryl Roth Theatre on 20 November 2022 where it played until 15 June 2025. As well as New York and London, the musical comedy has had smash hit runs in Paris, Sydney, Montreal and Toronto. Titanique made its Broadway debut at the St. James Theatre in March 2026, receiving four Tony Award Nominations including Best Musical.

Titanique is directed by Tye Blue and choreographed by Ellenore Scott. Music Supervision, Arrangements and Orchestrations are by IRNE Award-Winner Nicholas James Connell,Scenic Design is by Gabriel Hainer Evansohn and Grace Lauchbacher for Iron Bloom Creative Production; Costume Design is by Alejo Vietti; Lighting Design is by Paige Seber; and Sound Design is by Lawrence Schober with casting by Pearson Casting CDG and Richard Johnston (for cast joining from 9 June).

In addition to its 2026 Tony Award Nominations and 2025 Olivier Award for Best New Comedy, Titanique won seven major awards during the 2022/23 theatre season, including three Lucille Lortel Awards, the Off-Broadway Alliance Award for Best New Musical, Las Culturistas Culture Award for Best Indoor Performance and two Dorian Awards.

The London production of Titaniqueis produced by Eva Price and Michael Harrison.

SONIA FRIEDMAN PRODUCTIONS ANNOUNCES

CAST FOR

THE WEST END TRANSFER OF

THE OLD VIC PRODUCTION OF

TOM STOPPARD’S

ARCADIA

OPENING AT THE DUKE OF YORK’S THEATRE IN JUNE 2026

Sonia Friedman Productions (SFP) today announces casting for the West End transfer of The Old Vic’s acclaimed and Olivier Award nominated production of Tom Stoppard’s Arcadia, directed by Carrie Cracknell. The production runs at the Duke of York’s Theatre, which is being newly renovated into the round, from Saturday 20 June – Saturday 12 September 2026.

Cracknell directs Nikki Amuka-Bird as Hannah Jarvis and Oliver Chris as Bernard Nightingale who join the cast alongside Aaron Anthony as Richard Noakes, David Buttle as Captain Brice, Matthew Doswell as Gus Coverly / Augustus Coverly and Yolanda Kettle as Lady Croom. Returning to the production following The Old Vic run are Angus Cooper as Valentine Coverly, Seamus Dillane as Septimus Hodge, Tim Frances as Jellaby, Holly Godliman as Chloë Coverly, Isis Hainsworth reprising her Olivier Award-nominated role as Thomasina Coverly and Matthew Steer as Ezra Chater, with understudies Alex Britt, Peta Cornish and Keziah Hayes.

Nikki Amuka-Bird said, “Hannah Jarvis is a fascinating woman – fiercely intelligent, endlessly curious, always searching for the truth. Tom Stoppard gives her wonderful precision, wit and depth. I’m delighted to be playing her with this company in the West End and to be reuniting with the brilliant Carrie Cracknell.”

Oliver Chris said, “When I saw Carrie Cracknell’s wonderful production of Arcadia at The Old Vic I was completely captivated by it. Tom Stoppard’s writing is dazzlingly intelligent and deeply moving all at once and I can’t wait to be part of bringing this production into the West End and getting my teeth into the role of Bernard.”

The production plays in the round, with limited On-Stage seating available. Tickets are on sale now: arcadiawestend.co.uk

Sonia Friedman Productions present

The Old Vic production of

ARCADIA

By Tom Stoppard

Directed by Carrie Cracknell

Set Design Alex Eales; Costume Design: Suzanne Cave; Lighting Design: Guy Hoare; Sound Design: Donato Wharton; Movement: Ira Mandela Siobhan; Composer: Stuart Earl; Casting: Serena Hill CDG

Duke of York’s Theatre

20 June – 12 September 2026

Brilliant minds. Burning hearts. The irresistible pull between chaos and order.

A dazzling collision of science and romance, Arcadiaexplores the beauty of curiosity, the ache of lost knowledge and the timeless thrill of discovery.

In a country house, two centuries apart, genius, passion and discipline unfold. In 1809, teenage prodigy, Thomasina Coverly races ahead of her time – exploring mathematics, nature and the unpredictable forces that govern both the universe and the human heart.

In the present day, author Hannah Jarvis investigates a mysterious chapter in the life of Lord Byron with precision, patience and rigor, determined to resist the pull of romanticised myth.

As past and present intwine, their questions begin to echo across time: can we ever truly understand the patterns of life or are we forever poised on the edge of disorder?

arcadiawestend.co.uk

Facebook: Arcadia West End

Instagram: ArcadiaWestEnd

TikTok: ArcadiaWestEnd

The Old Vic production of Arcadia will be produced in the West End by Sonia Friedman Productions and Winkler & Smalberg.

CAST BIOGRAPHIES

Nikki Amuka-Bird | Hannah Jarvis

Theatre credits include: The Lady from the Sea (Donmar Warehouse); God Bless the Child, Love and Information (Royal Court); Welcome to Thebes (National); Twelfth Night (Bristol Old Vic); World Music (Crucible Sheffield & Donmar); Top Girls (Oxford Stage Company); A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Tempest, The Servant of Two Masters (RSC); Doubt: A Parable (Tricycle).

TV credits include: Betrayal (ITV); Citadel (Prime Video); I, Jack Wright, Hard Sun, Gold Digger, NW, Luther, Spooks, Silent Witness, The Line of Beauty, The Last Enemy, Robin Hood, Survivors (BBC); Avenue 5, Quarry (HBO); Torchwood (BBC & Starz).

Film credits include: Clarissa (Neon); Rumours (Buffalo Gal Pictures); Here (Miramax / Sony Pictures); The Outfit (Focus Features); Jericho Ridge (Brilliant Pictures); Knock at the Cabin, Old (Universal Pictures); Persuasion, The Laundromat, Cargo (Netflix); The Personal History of David Copperfield (Searchlight Pictures); A Private War (Aviron Pictures); Jupiter Ascending (Warner Bros.); Denial, The Face of an Angel, Shoot the Messenger (BBC Films); The Children Act (A24); The Omen (20th Century Fox); Almost Heaven.

Nikki Amuka-Bird was nominated for Best Leading Actress at the 2017 TV BAFTA’s for her outstanding performance in the BBC drama adaptation of Zadie Smith’s globally successful book, NW.

Aaron Anthony | Richard Noakes

Theatre includes: Heart Wall (Bush Theatre); Cymbeline, Macbeth, Much Ado About Nothing (Shakespeare’s Globe); A Doll’s House (Sheffield Crucible); The Motive and the Cue (National Theatre); Yellowman (Orange Tree Theatre); Shakespeare in Love (West End); Twelfth Night, Billy Liar (Royal Exchange Manchester); Lose Yourself (Sherman Theatre); Romeo & Juliet (Insane Root); A View from the Bridge, Macbeth (Tobacco Factory Theatre); ’Tis Unmanly Grief (Theatre N16); Twelfth Night, Billy Liar (Royal Exchange Manchester); Human Emotional Process (Chaskis/Arts Theatre).

Television includes: The Blame, Father Brown, The Pact, Behind Her Eyes, Emmerdale, The Other One, Shakespeare & Hathaway, Midsomer Murders, Delicious, Doctors, Outlaws, Witless, Holby City.
Short Film includes: I, You and Silent Phantom.

David Buttle | Captain Brice

Theatre includes: Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons, Backstairs Billy (West End), The Mad Gay King (King’s Head).

Television includes: Slow Horses, Aids: The Unheard Tapes.

Film includes: The Nightingale.

Oliver Chris | Bernard Nightingale

Oliver Chris is a British actor and writer whose work spans stage, television, and film. He is currently a series regular in Disney’s smash hit Rivals and recently starred as Freddie in Terence Rattigan’s The

Deep Blue Sea alongside Tamsin Greig at Theatre Royal Bath.
A veteran of London theatre, Oliver’s stage career includes acclaimed performances in King Charles III (Almeida/West End/Broadway) and One Man, Two Guvnors (National/West End/ Broadway), for which he received an Olivier nomination. His extensive National Theatre credits also include Season’s Greetings, Great Britain and Twelfth Night, and he starred in Nicholas Hytner’s celebrated production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at The Bridge Theatre.
On screen, Oliver began his television career in Ricky Gervais’ The Office and went on to appear in beloved comedies such as Nathan Barley, The IT Crowd, and Green Wing. He recurs in BBC’s Motherland, plays ‘Freddy’ in Apple TV’s Trying, and features in A Very British Scandal, Miss Scarlet & The Duke, The Crown, Foundation, and ITV’s Maternal. His recent film work includes Living, What’s Love Got To Do With It?, Emma, and Miss Marx, with Michael Winterbottom’s Shoshana forthcoming.
In addition to his acting career, Oliver is an accomplished playwright. His 2022 play Jack Absolute Flies Again premiered at the National Theatre to strong critical acclaim from outlets including Variety and The Times.

Angus Cooper | Valentine Coverly

Theatre includes: Arcadia (The Old Vic); 1536 (Almeida). Television includes: Black Doves, Lynley, Alice & Steve. Film includes: H is for Hawk, Anemone, Artificial.

Seamus Dillane | Septimus Hodge

Theatre credits include: Arcadia (The Old Vic); Anna Karenina (Chichester); Richard II (The Bridge); The Invention of Love (Hampstead); The Outrun (Church Hill/Royal Lyceum, Edinburgh); The Girls of Slender Means (Royal Lyceum, Edinburgh).

Tv credits include: Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story.

Film credits include: Hillside Drive; The Outrun.

Matthew Doswell | Gus Coverly, Augustus Coverly

Matthew studied at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama. Arcadia will be his professional and West End debut.

Credits whilst training includes: The Watsons, Tartuffe (The Imposter); Hamlet; Much Ado About Nothing (RWCMD).

Tim Frances | Jellaby

Theatre includes: Arcadia and Machinal (The Old Vic); Witness for the Prosecution, Breakfast At Tiffany’s, The 39 Steps, A Man For All Seasons, An Inspector Calls, June Moon (West End); Never So Good, Marat-Sade (National); Roman Holiday, Machinal (Theatre Royal Bath); Taxidermist’s Daughter, Sweet Bird of Youth, Ragged Trousered Philanthropists (Chichester); The Sound of Music (Regent’s Park); Anne Boleyn, Eternal Love, The Woman in the Moon (Shakespeare’s Globe); Blue Stockings, The Suicide (Storyhouse Chester); King Lear (West Yorks Playhouse); Lady Anna: All At Sea (Park); Christmas Carol (Bridge House); Government Inspector (Broadsides); Love on the Links, Magna Carta, Map of the Heart, Habeas Corpus (Salisbury Playhouse); 1936 (Sadlers Wells & Arcola); Oliver Twist (Bolton Octagon); He’s Much To Blame, Relatively Speaking, Twelfth Night and Wives As They Were & Maids As They Are (Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds); Wizard of Oz (Edinburgh Lyceum); Glee Club (New Vic Stoke), Prodigal Son, Purvis (Stephen Joseph Scarborough); Cabaret, Comedy of Errors (Duke’s Playhouse Lancaster).

Screen includes: Raynmaker, Emmerdale, Citadel, Sister Boniface Mysteries, The Trial of Christine Keeler, Four Lives, It’s All Lies, Big School, Gangsta Granny, The Day of the Triffids, Land Girls, Simon Schama’s Shakespeare, The Death of Marat, Rapture, Bad Girls, My Dad’s the Prime Minister, Inspector Lynley Mysteries, Cromwell, Holby City, East Enders, The Bill, Doctors, Lexx, Othello, That Deadwood Feeling and The Taming of the Shrew.

Radio includes: She Fell Among Thieves, readings of Browning & Tennyson (BBC Radio 4), two series of short stories (QBS).

Holly Godliman | Chloe Coverly

Training: Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

Theatre credits include: Arcadia (The Old Vic); Doubt: A Parable (Theatre Royal Bath); Her Country (New Diorama); Macbeth, Help Me I’m Falling, The Welkin, Collective Rage: A Play in Five Betties, Top Girls, Queen Margaret, The Hypocrite, Richard III, The Seagull (RWCMD); The Tempest, Uncle Vanya (RADA).

TV and film credits include: The Woman in Cabin 10 (Netflix), House of the Dragon S3 (HBO).

Isis Hainsworth | Thomasina Coverly

Theatre credits include: Arcadia (The Old Vic); Measure for Measure (RSC); The Outrun (Royal Lyceum & Edinburgh International Festival); The House of Bernarda Alba (National); Romeo and Juliet (Almeida); A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Bridge); Moonlight/Nightschool (Harold Pinter); Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour (Duke of York’s).

TV and film credits include: Metal Lords (Netflix); Emma (Focus Features); Misbehaviour (Left Bank Pictures); The Panopticon (Molinare TV & Film); Red Rose (BBC); Les Misérables, The Victim (BBC1); Harlots, In Plain Sight(ITV); Wanderlust (BBC1); One of Us (BBC1 & BBC Scotland).

Isis was named one of the Screen International Stars of Tomorrow in 2022.

Yolanda Kettle | Lady Croom

Theatre credits include: The Comeuppance; Patriots; Oil (Almeida); The Interview (Park); Anthropology; Eden; Hello / Goodbye (Hampstead); Plenty, For Services Rendered (Chichester); The Deep Blue Sea (National Theatre); Birdland (Royal Court); Little Light (Orange Tree); Coolatully (Finborough); A Tale of Two Cities (Royal & Derngate Northampton); Pride and Prejudice (Regent’s Park); A Doll’s House (Young Vic & Duke of York’s); The Seagull (Arcola).

TV credits include: The Secret Diary Of Adrian Mole Aged 13 ¾ (BBC); Roadkill (BBC); Marcella (ITV); Howards End (BBC); Doc Martin (ITV); The Crown (Netflix), Love, Nina (BBC) Father Brown (BBC); The Collection (Amazon); Holby City (BBC)

Film credits include: Sweetsick (Searchlight); Persuasion (Netflix); Made in Italy (CrossDay Productions).

Matthew Steer | Ezra Chater

Theatre credits include: Arcadia (The Old Vic); The Twilight Zone, Shades (West End); One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (Old Vic); A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Young Vic); Hamlet (Barbican); The Victorian in the Wall (Royal Court); The Summer House (Gate); Britain’s Best Mates (Edinburgh Fringe).
Television credits include: Talamasca: The Secret Order, How Are You? It’s Alan (Partridge), Shardlake, The Ipcress File, Showtrial, Les Misérables, Partners in Crime, Dangerous Liaisons, The Crown, Miss Scarlet, Wyatt Earp and the Cowboy War, Leonardo, Urban Myths, Becoming Elizabeth, Cinderella: After Ever After, Outlander, Misfits, The Last Kingdom, Informer, Drunk History, Cider with Rosie, You, Crackanory, Siblings.
Film credits include: Say Your Prayers, Urban Hymn, Cinderella, The Duke, SuperBob, Last Swim.
Radio credits include: The Haunted Man, Lenin Forever!, The Lambeth Waltz, The Victorian in the Wall.

CREATIVE BIOGRAPHIES

Tom Stoppard | Writer

Plays include: Leopoldstadt, The Hard Problem, Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead, The Real Inspector Hound, After Magritte, Jumpers, Dirty Linen, Dogg’s Hamlet, Cahoot’s Macbeth, Travesties, Every Good Boy Deserves Favour, Night and Day, Hapgood, Indian Ink, The Real Thing, The Invention of Love, The Coast of Utopia, Rock ’n’ Roll. Radio plays include: Darkside, If You’re Glad I’ll Be Frank, Albert’s Bridge, Where Are They Now?. Stoppard has received eight Evening Standard Awards and five Tony Awards for his plays. Television includes: Parade’s End, Professional Foul. Film includes: Despair, The Romantic Englishwoman, The Human Factor, Brazil, Empire of the Sun, The Russia House. 

Carrie Cracknell | Director

Theatre work includes: Arcadia at the Old Vic (Nominated for Olivier Award, Best Revival); The Grapes of Wrath, Julie, The Deep Blue Sea, Medea and Blurred Lines at the National Theatre; Seawall/A Life at The Public and Broadway (Nominated for four Tony Awards); Oil and Portia Coughlan at the Almeida; Macbeth, Elektra at the Young Vic and A Doll’s House (nominated for Evening Standard Best Director Award) at the Young Vic, in the West End and at the Brooklyn Academy of Music; Birdland, Searched and Pigeons at the Royal Court; Breathing Irregular, Hedda, I am Falling (also at Sadler’s Wells; South Bank Show Award nomination for Dance), Armageddon and The Sexual Neuroses of our Parents at the Gate; and Dolls at the National Theatre of Scotland. Opera includes Carmen for the Met Opera New York and Wozzeck (Olivier nomination for Best New Opera Production) for the English National Opera. Film includes Persuasion (MRC/Netflix) and Nora (Short). Julie, The Deep Blue Sea and Medea have all played in cinemas worldwide through NT Live. Carrie Cracknell was Artistic Director at the Gate Theatre from 2007 to 2012, and previously Associate Director at both the Young Vic and the Royal Court Theatre.

LISTINGS

ARCADIA

Duke of York’s Theatre

20 June – 12 September 2026

Box Office: arcadiawestend.co.uk

Access Performances:

Captioned: Thursday 6 August, 7pm

BSL interpreted: Saturday 15 August, 7pm

Audio Described: Saturday 29 August, 1.30pm

FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED
FOR THE
GRAND FINALE
OF

LES MISÉRABLES

THE ARENA CONCERT SPECTACULAR

PETER POLYCARPOU AND PHILIP QUAST

AS ‘BISHOP OF DIGNE’

ROB MADGE

AS ‘BAMATABOIS’

TO JOIN

ALFIE BOE, KILLIAN DONNELLY OR GERÓNIMO RAUCH AS ‘JEAN VALJEAN’

BRADLEY JADEN OR JEREMY SECOMB AS ‘JAVERT’

SAMANTHA BARKS OR KATIE HALL AS ‘FANTINE’

MATT LUCAS AS ‘THÉNARDIER’,

MARINA PRIOR OR HELEN WALSH AS ‘MADAME THÉNARDIER’,

JAC YARROW AS ‘MARIUS’,

BEATRICE PENNY-TOURÉ AS ‘COSETTE’,

SHAN AKO AS ‘ÉPONINE’,

AND
CHRISTIAN MARK GIBBS AS ‘ENJOLRAS’

LEADING A CAST AND ORCHESTRA OF OVER 65

Cameron Mackintosh, in association with Nick Grace Management, is delighted to announce the full casting for the forthcoming Grand Finale of Boublil and Schönberg’s LES MISÉRABLES THE ARENA CONCERT SPECTACULAR.

Joining the previously announced all-star cast and returning to the barricade will be beloved stage and screen actor Peter Polycarpou, who was part of the original company in 1985, and three-time Olivier Award winner Philip Quast, who originated Javert in the Australian production in 1987, a role he reprised for the 10^th Anniversary Concert at the Royal Albert Hall. Both will play the role of the Bishop of Digne, with Peter Polycarpou performing in the UK and Ireland, and Philip Quast performing in New York. West End performer Rob Madge also returns to the production, this time as Bamatabois, having previously starred as Gavroche in the 25^th Anniversary Concert at The O2.

The company is completed by West End performers, Kelly Agbowu, Amelia Broadway, Mary Jean Caldwell, Harry Chandler, Rosy Church, Gabrielle Cummins, Beth Curnock, Jade Davies, Jordan Lee Davies, Jonathan David Dudley, Bryony Duncan, Harry Dunnett, Thiago Phillip Felizardo, Charlie Geoghegan, Nic Greenshields, Christopher Key, Michael Kholwadia, Andrew Maxwell, Jill Nalder, Lisa Peace, Emma Ralston, Ciaran Rodger, James Sillman, Geddy Stringer, Raymond Walsh, Danny Whitehead and Owain Williams.

Cian Bhalla, Alfie Buck, Mateo Casado, Oliver Maurice and Nicholas Teixeira will alternate the role of Gavroche with Saskia Sibley, Sophia Travers and Maya Sharma alternating the role of Little Cosette. Casting for Little Cosette in New York is to be announced.

They will star alongside Alfie Boe, Killian Donnelly or Gerónimo Rauch as Jean Valjean, Bradley Jaden or Jeremy Secomb as Javert, Samantha Barks or Katie Hall as Fantine, Matt Lucas as Thénardier, Marina Prior or Helen Walsh as Madame Thénardier, Jac Yarrow as Marius, Beatrice Penny-Touré as Cosette, Shan Ako as Éponine and Christian Mark Gibbs as Enjolras.

Please see Listings sections below or visit LesMis.com for casting per venue.

Producer Cameron Mackintosh said, “After two extraordinary years, the Les Misérables Arena Concert Spectacular world tour has reached its grand finale. Having already announced a wonderful company including many Les Mis Stars in their Multitudes, I am delighted to confirm the last three brilliant artists who will be climbing the barricades for our final performances in Dublin, Birmingham, London and New York – they are three actors who have an extra special relationship with Les Misérables. In the role of the Bishop, Peter Polycarpou from the original London cast in 1985 (who went on to create the role of John in Miss Saigon) will play in the UK and Ireland, and in New York, the Bishop will be played by the legendary Australian actor Philip Quast, returning to the stage for the first time in many years. Philip Quast first played Javert at the age of 27 in Australia in 1987 and became one of the greatest Javert’s of all time playing over 1,000 performances all over the world, including the extraordinary, filmed 10th anniversary concert at the Royal Albert Hall. Joining them is the incomparable Rob Madge as Bamatabois, who was the brilliant Gavroche at the 25th anniversary concert at the O2 at the age of 14 and has gone on to create a wonderful career as both writer and performer. Our extraordinary Les Mis world tour company is now complete, and I can’t wait for our audiences of thousands to hear the people sing once more in this unique spectacular production which has sold out across the world in over 30 countries. We are now releasing our last production seats so don’t Miz out!”

After a record-breaking two-year World Tour, the acclaimed show will play its final dates in Dublin, Birmingham, London’s Royal Albert Hall and New York’s Radio City Music Hall between May and August this year. Final tickets are now released for Dublin and Birmingham. A limited number of seats will be released for performances at London’s Royal Albert Hall, later this month. Having extended due to phenomenal demand, all performances are now on sale for the limited season at Radio City Music Hall.

* * * *
“A BLOCKBUSTER ON STEROIDS WITH AN ATMOSPHERE BETWEEN A ROCK CONCERT AND A FOOTBALL MATCH.
A HYPNOTIC AND VIRTUOSO PRODUCTION”
THE TIMES

“THIS SUPERB PRODUCTION MARCHES ON!”
THE TELEGRAPH

“DO YOU HEAR THE PEOPLE SING? I DID, AND IT WAS MAGICAL”
THE GUARDIAN, AUSTRALIA

LES MISÉRABLES THE ARENA CONCERT SPECTACULAR will play the 3Arena, Dublin (Friday 29 May – Saturday 6 June 2026), Utilita Arena Birmingham (Thursday 11 – Sunday 14 June 2026), London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall (Thursday 18 – Sunday 21 June 2026) and New York’s legendary Radio City Music Hall for a strictly limited three-week run (Thursday 23 July – Sunday 9 August 2026) where it will conclude its World Tour .