Apollo Theatre – until 26 January 2026, then touring UK until March

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

5*****

Cornley Drama Society delivers consummate Christmas chaos as Mischief tackle Dickens.

Writers Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields have all the familiar characters return, with their foibles ramped up to eleven. Beginning with the audition process, with eternal optimist Annie (Nancy Zamit) appreciating every candidate while Chris (Daniel Fraser) despairs and decides that nobody can match his acting skills and casts himself as Scrooge, the big gags in the second act are set up early. Interminable production team meetings are held, the eternally enthusiastic but untalented Max (Matt Cavendish) rehearses, and hapless Dennis’s (Jonathan Sayer) inability to learn any lines leads to his script being printed on multiple props. Meanwhile poor Jonathan (Greg Tannahill) is still suffering from the trauma of playing Peter Pan and cannot face heights – or even singing high notes. Deluded thespian Robert (Henry Lewis) thinks he is perfect for the part of Scrooge, even though he hasn’t read the script, and Sandra (Sasha Frost) still dreams of playing Russell Crowe’s dead wife in a movie one day – she can now play all 3 – yes 3 – emotions!

A mishap with Chris’s model box means that the set builder has a very different design to Chris’s original, resulting in a confectionary catastrophe and a truly terrifying Tiny Tim. Throw in some sabotage from Robert as he continually tries to incapacitate Chris and take over the role of Scrooge mid-performance, and stage manager Trevor’s (Chris Leask) relaxed attitude to health and safety, and Chris Beans’ Dickensian vision is doomed. The characters foibles are well known to Mischief fans, and writers Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields dig deeper into their relationships in this production, developing a backstage parallel to Scrooge’s transformation as tyrannical micromanaging director Chris has his own epiphany after the disastrous first performance where he rewrites Dickens’ onstage.

Director Matt DiCarlo directs skilfully and Libby Todd’s fantastic set, lit by David Howe, is a masterpiece. Roberto Surace’s costumes are a triumph, especially the three ghosts of Christmas: Nancy Zamit has a hoot as the weirdly leggy Christmas past, while poor Henry Lewis is a very literal take on Christmas present. Chris Leask’s physical comedy in the towering Christmas yet to come costume is absolutely brilliant, dispelling any fear of younger audience members.

The physical, sight and verbal gags come at pace, and most hit the spot brilliantly. Bellringers, execrable choreography, insane multi-role playing, Chris and Robert’s onstage war – and Tiny Tim’s long-awaited entrance all have the audience in stitches. And, as any Mischief fan knows, Chris eventually loses it with the audience for laughing at his show – Daniel Fraser does apoplexy very well, and the Christmas audiences are really up for goading Chris Bean in true panto style.

Packed with warm-hearted silliness and genuine belly laughs, Mischief’s Christmas Carol Goes Wrong is the Christmas gift that keeps on giving.

UK Tour Dates

Nottingham Theatre Royal 27 – 31 January 2026

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre 3 – 7 February

Edinburgh Festival Theatre 10 – 15 February

Glasgow King’s Theatre 17 – 22 February

Canterbury Marlowe Theatre 24 February – 1 March

SOHO THEATRE – UNTIL 24th JANUARY 2026

REVIEWED BY JACKIE THORNTON

5*****

The morning after a one night stand in a Travelodge during the Edinburgh Festival doesn’t immediately scream Christmas, but this sharp and witty two-hander from multi-award winning playwright David Ireland has audiences gasping in delight as some truly astonishing truths come to life.

Most Favoured was originally staged as a reading at the Traverse during the 2012 Edinburgh Fringe so it’s perhaps no surprise that it revels in poking fun at the renowned arts festival. Double BAFTA Scotland winner Lauren Lyle, probably best known for playing Detective Karen Pirie in the hit ITV series, is Mary, a brash Glaswegian who’s been shagging her way across the country for the last eight months. Her latest conquest is American tourist Mike, played by Skins star Alexander Arnold, who wanders nonchalantly back into the room having ventured out for some breakfast KFC.

For Mary it’s been the best sex of her life. For Mike, the fried chicken is the best he’s ever tasted. Lyle brings real heart and humour to the role as Mary’s incredulity towards Mike’s laissez faire attitude to their night of passion ratchets up and up. Arnold, as Mike, remains unflappable and displays brilliant comic timing as his eyes refuse to be pulled away from that iconic striped bucket.

Director Max Elton has worked with David Ireland before on the critically acclaimed Not Now and not a beat is wasted in this performance as the layers of this seemingly everyday encounter are slowly pulled back.

There’s a wonderful rhythm to the low key battle for power between the two lovers and Ceci Calf’s simple set of a crumpled bed in a nondescript budget hotel room is put to good effect in demonstrating the clash of worldviews in Mary and Mike.

Over a pacy 45 minutes Ireland’s writing is undeniable and Lyle and Arnold are a joy and instantly watchable.

A Christmas tale like no other with sackfuls of heart and humour and a clever twist.

AWKWARD PRODS & BABE CREATIVE ANNOUNCE NEW PODCAST ‘MY ROMAN EMPIRE’ WITH THREE FESTIVE ‘AT CHRISTMAS’ SPECIALS AHEAD OF FULL SERIES IN EARLY 2026

A queer festive deep dive from Awkward Prods and Babe Creative

Awkward Prods and Babe Creative are delighted to announce My Roman Empire – a brand new pop culture podcast. Hosted by creative duo and real life partners Linus Karp and Joseph Martin (aka Awkward Prods), the show meets people from the world of pop culture, and asks them what pop culture moments they’re obsessed with, that live in their minds rent free, i.e. their Roman Empire.

A three-part Christmas special My Roman Empire (At Christmas) arrives this month ahead of the full series launch in early 2026. These festive instalments set the tone for the show with nostalgia, humour and a healthy dose of queer chaos, and explore the pop culture classics that shape our festive imaginations. The series mirrors the theatricality and comedic flair that define Awkward Prods, creators of international hit shows Gwyneth Goes Skiing and Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story, whose latest show The Fit Prince (who gets switched on the square in the frosty castle the night before (insert public holiday here)) is running at the Kings Head Theatre in Islington, London, until 3 January.

For those unfamiliar with the phrase ‘My Roman Empire’, it originates from a TikTok trend where women asked men how often they thought about the Roman Empire. The answer? Surprisingly often. This grew into people talking about their own personal ‘Roman Empires’, and thus the internet’s new favourite term was born.

EPISODE 1 – 15 DECEMBER – A VERY AWKWARD CHRISTMAS

Linus and Joseph kick off the Christmas trilogy with a deep dive into their personal top five festive films and songs. Expect pure camp, unfiltered fandom, many Vanessa Hudgens-es, and how these films led to the creation of The Fit Prince, whose own DNA is rooted in queer Christmas storytelling. Oh, and watch out for the Number 5 bus out of New Haven on Christmas Eve…

EPISODE 2 – 19 DECEMBER

Drag Race UK favourite and Celebrity Mastermind winner  Kate Butch joins the hosts to celebrate her enduring obsession with the BBC’s 1988-1990 adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia. Kate explores the unforgettable costumes, camp performances and the cultural impact that made Narnia her lifelong Roman Empire. The trio also discuss RuPaul’s Drag Race, performing with the Cheeky Girls and her career defining role as Angela Merkel.

EPISODE 3 – 24 DECEMBER

Oh Mary! (Broadway) and Adults (FX) actor Julian Manjerico shares his devotion to The Grinch, unpacking how the film shaped his queer creative identity. This Christmas Eve episode is a warm, funny and heartfelt tribute to the power of festive storytelling. Julian also talks about performing with Jane Krakowski on Broadway, why Matt Damon is the nicest celebrity to be a waiter for, and how lying can get you a role opposite Tom Hanks.

The full My Roman Empire series continues weekly from early 2026, with guests including original The Simpsons writer Mike Reiss, The Late Late Show’s Dylan Adler and the woman who, according to The Sun newspaper, killed comedy: Lorna Rose Treen, with more exciting names to be announced.

My Roman Empire (At Christmas) is available wherever you get your podcasts and available fully visualised on YouTube at www.youtube.com/@RomanEmpiresPodcast.

ABOUT AWKWARD PRODS

Awkward Prods was founded by queer Swede Linus Karp and his gay lover Joseph Martin to bring ridiculous comedy, niche pop culture references, audience participation and unfiltered queer joy to the stage. Their award-winning shows include Gwyneth Goes Skiing, Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story, how to live a jellicle life: life lessons from the 2019 hit movie musical ‘Cats’ and The Fit Prince (who gets switched on the square in the frosty castle the night before (insert public holiday here)), which runs at the Kings Head Theatre in Islington until 3 January 2026. An Awkward Prods show is not performed for you, they are performed with you.

Instagram: @AwkwardProds

Website: www.awkwardprods.com

ABOUT BABE CREATIVE

Babe Creative is the unapologetically fun, fiercely imaginative production agency bringing camp flair to the creative industry.. With more than fifteen years experience across the entertainment world, Babe has partnered with beloved brands such as the BBC, Sony, MTV, Jampot and Paramount Plus while building a reputation for bold ideas and storytelling with heart. 

Babe is making their debut in the podcast space with two new titles: My Roman Empire and Miss Leigh Ding Fortunes, a celebrity chat show hosted by a tarot reading drag queen. 

Babe exists to amplify queer and diverse voices, to create safe and joyful spaces for expression and to make the creative world considerably more fabulous.

Instagram: @hellobabecreative

FAYE TOZER

ANNOUNCED AS

MS HERON/MS NORBURY/MRS GEORGE

ALONGSIDE

KIARA DARIO AS GRETCHEN WIENERS

IN THE

2026/2027 UK AND IRELAND TOUR

OF THE AWARD-WINNING MUSICAL

OPENING AT

MANCHESTER OPERA HOUSE

ON 23 FEBRUARY 2026

Lorne Michaels, Crossroads Live and Sonia Friedman Productions are delighted to announce further casting for the 2026/2027 UK and Ireland tour of the award-winning MEAN GIRLS THE MUSICAL, opening at Manchester Opera House on 23 February 2026. Joining the previously announced Emily Lane as Cady Heron, Vivian Panka as Regina George, Sophie Pourret as Karen Smith, Georgie Buckland as Janis Sarkisian, Max Gill as Damian Hubbard, Karim Zeroual as Kevin Ganatra and Joshua Elmore as Mr Duvall, are Faye Tozer as Ms Heron/Ms Norbury/Mrs George and Kiara Dario as Gretchen Wieners.

Also joining the cast are Charlie Barnard, Rebekah Bryant, Michael Dean-Wilson Savannah Ffrench, Fergie Fraser, Thomas Gotobed, Jenny Huxley-Golden, Trisha Kumar, Sadie Levett, Arjun Mudahar, Jessie Odeleye, Stefanos Petri, Charlotte Pourret, Jack Rose, Tori Louise Ryan, Lillia Squires and Jayd’n Tyrone.

Faye Tozer will perform in Manchester, Cardiff, Stoke, Sunderland, Milton Keynes, Eastbourne, Woking, Leicester, Aberdeen, Cheltenham, Hull, Bournemouth, Belfast, Wolverhampton, Glasgow, Southend, Llandudno, Canterbury and Blackpool, with casting for Ms Heron/Ms Norbury/Mrs George for the rest of the tour to be announced. www.meangirlsmusical.com

Faye Tozer is a singer, actress, TV personality and West End star, probably best-known for being a member of BRIT Award-winning pop band Steps who had number one hits with Tragedy and Stomp and have sold over 25 million records worldwide. Faye’s West End credits include Everybody’s Talking About Jamie at the Apollo Theatre, and her other musical theatre credits including the Dita Von Teese production of Diamonds and Dust, UK tours of 101 Dalmatians, 42nd Street, In The Spotlight, Me And My Girl, Love Shack and Tell Me On A Sunday, Singin’ in The Rain at Sadler’s Wells, in Toronto and on a UK tour, and Saucy Jack And The Space Vixens at The Leicester Square Theatre. Faye’s film credits include St Georges Day, Mixed Up and Lady Godiva Back In The Saddle.

Kiara Dario will make her UK principal debut in Mean Girls the Musical. Her previous West End credits include the original London cast of The Great Gatsby at the London Coliseum and her other theatre credits include the international tour of Miss Saigon, and Annie, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Disney’s Camp Rock, AngHuling El Bimbo, Joseph The Dreamer and Snow White, all in the Philippines. 

Meet The Plastics – Regina, Gretchen and Karen. They rule North Shore High and will burn anyone who gets in their way. Home-schooled Cady Heron may think she knows a thing or two about survival of the fittest thanks to her zoologist parents, but high school is a whole new level of savage. When Cady devises a plan to end Regina’s reign, she learns the hard way that you can’t cross a queen bee without getting stung. Expect iconic characters, razor-sharp wit, and killer songs.

MEAN GIRLS, the smash-hit musical comedy based on the iconic Paramount Pictures film of the same name, had its first West End performance at the Savoy Theatre on 5 June 2024, where it was seen by over 330,000 people and played until 8 June 2025. MEAN GIRLS recently took home the coveted ‘Best New Musical’ award at the 2025 WhatsOnStage Awards.

MEAN GIRLS had its world premiere in 2017 at the National Theatre in Washington, D.C and opened on Broadway in April 2018 at the August Wilson Theatre to ecstatic responses, where it played to packed houses. The show then went on a hugely successful US tour in 2019 and recently completed a second US tour. In addition, in 2024, Paramount Pictures released a new twist on the fan-favourite film from the comedic mind of Tina Fey with a fresh and fun re-telling of the story featuring sensational musical performances.

The musical MEAN GIRLS has a book by Tina Fey, music and vocal arrangements by Jeff Richmond, lyrics by Nell Benjamin, direction and choreography by Casey Nicholaw, scenic design by Scott Pask, costume design by Katrina Lindsay, lighting design by Kenneth Posner, sound design by Brian Ronan, hair design by Josh Marquette, musical supervision/vocal, dance, incidental and additional music arrangements by Mary-Mitchell Campbell, orchestrations by John Clancy and dance and incidental music arrangements by Glen Kelly.

Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe – until Sunday 4th January 2026

Reviewed by Rachel Clark

3***

A panto for all the family – an Impressive Giant!

Jack and the Beanstalk was brought to Wycombe Swan by Imagine Theatre they have produced more than 260 professional pantomime’s and multiple children theatre shows.

This panto I attended as a family with my grandchildren ages 7 and 4 so saw it through the children’s eyes as well as my own.

This is great the older one said in the first half, the younger one not so sold and it didn’t fully catch his attention, I think the issue was the first half wasn’t too strongly Jack and the Beanstalk orientated, it was Scott Mills talking about Radio two – which my grandchildren don’t listen to and jokes by La Voix on her Strictly Come Dancing issues with Shirley giving her a 2.

Major Mills played by Scott Mills wasn’t that stronger character, there wasn’t the boom to the character, and the part could have been played by anyone. Mark Read a singer-songwriter who was in the boyband A1 played Jack and was well polished in the part and had a good voice and they there was his brother Larry Trott played by Matt Edwards who brought the show to life! Every time he came on stage and shouted Hiya Kids he got the loud response Hiya Larry. He was fun the children loved him and his facial expressions were brilliant, he really played the part, a shout out to Matt. Matt Edwards did a few magic tricks and was in Britain’s Got Talent and got a golden buzzer and seeing him at the panto I am not surprised.

A panto can’t be a panto without a baddie played by jo Osmond as Poisoned Ivy, she was big on character and the children really liked her and I often heard them giggling. Jo has played in the panto for 14 years and it showed she was really into the part.

Dame Trott was played by LaVoix along with all her colourful outfits and managed to do the show wearing a boot for her recent injury that pulled her out of Strictly Come Dancing.

The second half was a lot better, more the Jack and the Beanstalk story and the children enjoyed it more, we had bugs – that looked like cockroaches the costumes for these were brilliant, spiders it was more vibrant and fun and not forgetting the Giant and my grandchildren exclaiming – ho do they do that, he is so big, is ait remote control or what? I couldn’t ask as I couldn’t work out how they managed it, but it was impressive!

The finale was vibrant, loud, fun – I personally would have like to have seen that more from the start. The set had all the sparkle but took it a while to shine through the rest of the show.

Hull New Theatre – until 31st December 2025

Reviewed by Dawn Bennett

5*****

Crossroads Pantomimes presents Beauty and the Beast The Spellbinding Pantomime.

I always enjoy the Hull New Theatre panto and this year was no exception, it was funny, had fabulous costumes and sets, a great script and a brilliant cast.

Prince Sebastian (Scott Royle) is not a nice Prince, he rude and arrogant and is nasty once too often and upsets The Enchantress (Sharon Sexton) who turns him into The Beast as a punishment. The Beast can only take back to his previous self if someone falls in love with him and this has to be done before the last petal of an enchanted rose fall. The Beast won’t leave his castle and he is looked after there by Mr Chuckle (Paul Chuckle), Mrs Potty (Sue Cleaver) and Silly Billy (Jack Gleadow).

Silly Billy loves Belle (Liv Newcomb) from afar and he talks to her mum, Dame Betty Bouffant (Jack Land Noble) about how he can get her to notice him which doesn’t really go to plan. Now there is someone else who has their eye on Belle and who thinks he’s really in with a chance and that is Flash Harry (Cameron Vear) and he’s really not a nice person and Belle isn’t impressed to say the least! Dame Betty goes to the palace and meets the Beast who is very angry that someone has seen him and he thinks she will tell the village about how he looks. When Belle goes to the palace as she wants a beautiful rose from the palace gardens and she finds out that the Beast won’t let her mum leave so she offers to take her place. Flash Harry also goes to the palace and it’s there he also sees the Beast and threatens to tell the village about him! We then find out if the path of true love will win and will Belle fall in love with the Beast.

This panto had everything you could wish for, a baddy to boo at, great songs played brilliantly by a live band (under musical director Jon Chamberlain) a very talented cast, Paul Chuckle, who was as fabulous as always, a great storyline and laughs a plenty.

A quick mention is definitely needed for Hull born Jack Gleadow who played Silly Billy. I’ve seen Jack a few times doing stand up and I wondered how he would be in panto, and the answer is he was brilliant. He was very funny and a complete natural!

Oh, and I’d never been on the New Theatre stage before tonight, but this “Goldilocks” really enjoyed it, I didn’t expect to share a stage with three bears and Paul Chuckle when I woke up!!

You will not be disappointed if you’ve got tickets and if you haven’t you need to get them quickly before they sell out! It really does deserve to be sold out at every performance!

St Martins Theatre, London – until 4th January 2026

Reviewed by Bobbi Fenton

4****

This year’s production of The Nutcracker at St Martin’s Theatre is a wonderfully fun and delightfully silly reimagining of the classic Christmas story. Aimed squarely at children and families, it manages to capture that rare combination of genuine heart, infectious humour, and festive charm. From the moment the lights dim, it’s clear that this is a show made to make people smile — and it succeeds beautifully.

The Nutcracker tells the story of two siblings, Clara (Lakeisha Lynch-Stevens) and Fritz (Dominic Conway), whose frantic father (Shamira Turner) has just moved them into a new, ‘fixer-upper’ house for their first Christmas since the passing of their mother. The two siblings must work together to defeat the Mouse King (Clare Beresford) and stop him from stealing their dad’s special cheese. Along the way we meet many fun characters, such as the Sugar Plum Fairy (Shamira Turner) and The Elder Mouse (Caroline Partridge).

The production bursts with colour, energy, and imagination. The staging is clever without being fussy, and the pace is brisk enough to keep even the youngest audience members thoroughly engaged. The humour leans into the playful and the absurd — plenty of slapstick, larger-than-life expressions, and even a giant poo that the siblings must survive — but it never feels overdone. It’s the kind of joyful silliness that makes the whole room laugh together, parents and children alike.

At the heart of the show lies a sense of genuine warmth. The performers clearly relish every moment, and their enthusiasm is contagious. The choreography is lively, the direction sharp, and the script smartly balances traditional storytelling with modern wit. There’s a strong interactive element, too, which helps keep the children’s attention and makes them feel part of the magic unfolding on stage.

A special mention must go to the show’s villain the Mouse King (Clare Beresford), who completely stole the spotlight every time they appeared. Clare Beresford’s commanding stage presence and truly impressive singing voice lifted each scene she was in, turning what could have been a simple musical baddie into a show-stopping highlight. It’s not often that a villain earns cheers as well as boos, but this performer managed exactly that.

If you’re looking for a deep, dramatic retelling of The Nutcracker, this probably isn’t it. But if you want an afternoon of laughter, colour, and festive fun — something to delight children and adults alike — this production is a perfect choice. It’s unapologetically silly, filled with heart, and staged with care and creativity. The Nutcracker at St Martin’s Theatre is a joyful, family-friendly romp that captures the magic of Christmas with a wink, a grin, and a song you’ll still be humming on the way home.

FROM DRAG ROYALTY TO DEMIGOD DUTY: 
DANNY BEARD
JOINS THE CAST OF 

BRINGING OLYMPIAN ENERGY TO AUDIENCES ACROSS THE UK IN 2026

 “A bolt of stage magic.

A show that whisks you to another dimension.”
The Times

“A heartfelt musical romp that joyously entwines modern-myth with a story of self-acceptance”The Stage

RuPaul’s Drag Race UK champion Danny Beard will be joining the cast of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical for the next leg of its UK tour, starting in January 2026. With a dazzling track record—from their unforgettable performances on Britain’s Got Talent, to winning RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2022, and finishing runner-up on Celebrity Big Brother earlier this year —Danny is set to bring their signature charisma, powerful vocals, and stage presence to the mythical world of Camp Half-Blood as the delightfully grumpy god of wine, Mr. D.

Danny Beard has said, “Who knew the Greek gods were crying out for a camp, bearded diva? I’m thrilled to be joining the incredible cast and creative team of the UK tour of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, playing Mr D – who just so happens to be the God of wine and drama. This show truly has something for everyone, and I’m looking forward to bringing the myth, magic and mayhem to audiences around the UK in 2026!”

The mythical musical continues its quest into 2026 and leading the charge (and wielding the lightning bolt!) is Vasco Emauz (Back To The Future: The Musical) as the one and only Percy Jackson, Kayna Montecillo(Starlight Express) as the wise and fearless Annabeth, and Cahir O’Neill ([title of show]) as everyone’s favourite satyr sidekick, Grover. 

They are joined by Simone Robinson (Coming to England) as Sally Jackson, Niall Sheehy (Miss Saigon) as Mr Bruner, Ellie-Grace Cousins (Mamma Mia!) as Clarisse, Paolo Micallef (who was cast following open auditions) as Luke with Alex Anderton (making his professional stage debut), Abe Armitage (The Wizard of Oz), Joseph Connor (Sister Act), Ellouise Delooze (making her professional stage debut),Becca Francis (Iolanthe at ENO) and Amy McEvoy (making her professional stage debut) as the ensemble.

The Lightning Thief brings the hit stage adaptation of Rick Riordan’s bestselling novel to audiences across the country. Beginning 2026 in Cardiff Wales Millennium Centre (14 – 17 January) before heading to Hull New Theatre (27 January – 1 February), Malvern Theatres (4 – 7 February), Manchester Home (11 – 21 February), Birmingham Hippodrome (24 – 28 February), Peterborough New Theatre (3 – 7 March), Darlington Hippodrome (10 – 14 March) and finishing at Leicester Curve (17 – 21 March). 

Based on the beloved book series (with over 180 million copies sold worldwide), Percy Jackson’s story has been adapted into both films and a major hit TV series for Disney+. The musical first premiered off-Broadway in 2014 to rave reviews and went on to have two US tours, another off-Broadway run in 2017 and a 16-week limited run on Broadway in 2019. The Lightning Thief made waves in the West End during its critically acclaimed, record-breaking run at The Other Palace.  

When New York City teenager Percy Jackson discovers that he is the half-blood son of the Greek god, Poseidon, his life takes a dramatic turn as he is plunged into a world much bigger than he could possibly have imagined.

With newly discovered powers he is unable to control, an unwanted destiny and a whole textbook’s worth of mythical monsters on his trail, Percy must learn what it means to be a hero.

It’s the perfect adventure for gods and mortals of all ages with a gripping story that shows that ‘normal’ really is a myth!

This dynamic musical adaptation of Rick Riordan’s bestselling The Lightning Thief has a book by Joe Tracz(Be More Chill), music and lyrics by Rob Rokicki (Monstersongs) and is directed and choreographed by Lizzi Gee (Groundhog Day). Set and costume design is by Ryan Dawson Laight (Burlesque), lighting design by Tim Deiling (SIX), sound design by Dan Samson (Heathers The Musical), video design by Matt Powell(Chess), musical supervision is by Jeremy Wootton (Heathers The Musical) with musical direction by Will Joy (Cruel Intentions – The 90s Musical),illusions by Richard Pinner(Ghost) and fight direction by Lisa Connell (Heathers). Associate Director & Choreographer is Libby Watts (Wicked) and Associate Set & Costume Designer is Christophe Eynde (Your Lie In April).

LISTINGS

BILL KENWRIGHT LTD & PAUL TAYLOR-MILLS PRESENT 

THE LIGHTNING THIEF
THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL

Book by Joe Tracz
Music & Lyrics by Rob Rokicki
Adapted from the book The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Lizzi Gee                      Director & Choreographer 

Ryan Dawson Laight  Set & Costume Designer

Tim Deiling                   Lighting Designer

Dan Samson                 Sound Designer

Matt Powell                   Video Designer

Jeremy Wootton           Musical Supervisor

Will Joy                          Musical Director

Richard Pinner              Illusions

Lisa Connell                  Fight Director

Libby Watts                   Associate Director & Choreographer

Christophe Eynde       Associate Set & Costume Designer

Run Time: approximately 2hrs 10 minutes including interval

UK TOUR

2026

21 – 24 Jan                 Wales Millennium Centre                   029 2063 6464

27 Jan – 1 Feb            Hull New Theatre                                01482 300306
4 – 7 Feb                     Malvern Theatres                               01684 892277

11 – 21 Feb                 Manchester Home                              0161 200 1500

24 – 28 Feb                 Birmingham Hippodrome                   0121 689 3000            
3 – 7 Mar                    Peterborough New Theatre                01733 852992

10 – 14 Mar                Darlington Hippodrome                     01325 405405 
17 – 21 Mar                Leicester Curve                                   0116 242 3595

Socials: 
Instagram and Tiktok: @percyjacksononstageFacebook: @percyjacksonlondonTwitter/X: @PercyOnStage

DAMIAN WILLIAMS CELEBRATES 1000^TH PERFORMANCE
AS SHEFFIELD LYCEUM’S PANTOMIME DAME  

On Tuesday 16 December, Lyceum pantomime history will be made as dame Damian Williams makes his 1000th performance. Since his first appearance in 2008, Damian has been delighting audiences with his hilarious antics in the Lyceum’s spectacular seasonal show.  

This year, he stars as Dame Dolly in Aladdin which is open now at the Lyceum. Damian has also announced his return for next year’s panto, Cinderella, continuing his role at the Lyceum for Christmases to come.  

On reaching his 1000th show, Damian said: 

 “I’m really pleased to have reached this milestone performance – I’ve loved doing every single one of them. I’ve said many times before that I see Sheffield as my second home and it’s always such a buzz at Christmas, so to step out on to the Lyceum stage for the 1000th time will feel really special. I hope that everyone will enjoy it as much as I will.” 

A fondly-adopted Sheffielder, Damian was born in Essex and lives in Southend. 2025 marks his 18th year performing as dame at the Lyceum, in the city he now considers his second home.  

Damian has toured the country for over 25 years and has a wealth of experience in theatre, as well as roles in television for the BBC, Sky One and more. A well-respected farceur, Damian’s first love is comedy, with his heroes including Laurel and Hardy and Tommy Cooper, the latter of whom he has performed as in a number of plays. After a season at Edinburgh Fringe last year, his performance as Cooper in new play The Last Laugh, was enjoyed on the West End, off Broadway and up and down the UK on tour. 

The Lyceum pantomime is produced by Sheffield Theatres and Evolution Productions, a partnership that has been forged since 2007. The Lyceum pantomime has become a firm family tradition for thousands across Sheffield and has won multiple awards, including most recently Best Pantomime at the UK Pantomime Awards 2024.  

Aladdin is open now and runs at the Lyceum until Sunday 4 January 2026. Next year’s pantomime, Cinderella, is on sale now and opens on Saturday 28 November 2026. Tickets can be booked through the Box Office in person, over the phone on 0114 249 6000 or at sheffieldtheatres.co.uk. 

Leicester Square Theatre – until Sunday 4 January 2026

Reviewed by Julia Spargo​

5*****

It’s Christmas time, and the West End is alive with glittery people staggering out of work parties, some of which may have been in questionable venues with mediocre food. Fear not, I have found an excellent work Christmas night out.

The premise of Sh!tfaced Showtime is that the main cast member of the production is spectacularly drunk, and this production begins with a commanding compere showing the audience how much the cast member (Scrooge) has drunk before the show. This is the point at which some, unfamiliar with Sh!tfaced Showtime, might question the morals of cheering along to the blood poisoning of a stage actor. The programme, however, is keen to highlight that as the cast is rotated, the main actor is never required to drink (for the purpose of the show) more than four times in a month; “this makes us the most sober cast of actors you are likely to find in the West End!” Fair enough.

The (in last night’s case incredibly) inebriated main actor ispropped up by a small but sober cast, who must be prepared to go off-piste, ad-lib, rein in the madness and keep to time. 

The show started with audience members engaged in holding musical instruments or a Christmas cracker to be deployed during the show and a person seated in the front row was tasked with holding a bucket which may be needed for bodily secretions during the course of the performance. I had a large glass of wine. If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. The compere explained he would carry an airhorn, which he would use to bring the inebriated actor back on track if he went too rogue. 

And rogue, he did. Scrooge (Ashley Gerlach) arrived on stage using a cane which was less for dramatic effect and more for his own welfare. In the first scene, his watch was removed by the compere, he slumped into a fit of giggles and refused to put on his hat. Credit to the cast, who keep the action moving while making their way through a host of Christmas songs. Themes of last night included premature ejaculation, mothers eating their young, and “chugging” for the NSPCC. Incredibly, these themes were brought into the songs and looped back at various points during the show. The show is chaos, but an absolute riot. The audience last night were hugely engaged and the laughter was consistent.At one point, Scrooge snuck off stage and sat giggling in the audience before being dragged back up by two unfazed cast members.

Assuming that every night on stage, this production will look very different, I was impressed by the small cast (some playing multiple roles, kudos to the absolutely brilliant Dan Quirke and Alice Merrivale for humour and improvisation), simple set changes, few props, and engaging use of lighting for a dream sequence that nearly had me off my seat in hysterics. 

A front-row audience member ended up on stage in an uncompromising position on stage as a Christmas turkey. Sh!tfaced Showtime is complete carnage. It’s like a drunken adult panto read-through. The trick is that the audience is in on the joke, and invited to revel in the madness. They definitely did. Everyone left grinning. Knowing that the anarchy of last night can’t be replicated, I might go again, and take all my colleagues with me.