The Roald Dahl Story Company is delighted to present Roald Dahl’s THE ENORMOUS CROCODILE THE MUSICAL in London this Summer. This wickedly funny family musical will play a 4-week run at Lyric Hammersmith from Wednesday 29 July until Saturday 22 August 2026, marking the show’s return to London following previous runs at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. enormouscrocodilemusical.com
Chelsea Da Silva will play The Enormous Crocodile, with Precious Abimbola as Trunky the Elephant, Jordan Eskeisa as Humpy Rumpy the Hippopotamus, Ciara Hudson as Roly Poly Bird, Marienella Phillips as Muggle Wump the Monkey and René Francalanza and Eleanor Ambekar as Swings.
THE ENORMOUS CROCODILE THE MUSICAL has been touring the UK since March 2026, starting in Brighton before visiting Kingston, Darlington, Aylesbury, Poole, Newcastle, Cardiff, Shrewsbury, Coventry, Wolverhampton, York, Nottingham, Bristol, Bradford and Glasgow.
Previous hit seasons at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in 2024 and 2025 were met with critical and audience acclaim, including:
Broadway World ★★★★★
‘a joyful piece of family theatre which fizzes with invention and charm’
Theatre and Tonic ★★★★★
‘this show is a perfect introduction to theatre for any child’
The Enormous Crocodile is weaving his way through the jungle in search of delicious little fingers and squidgy podgy knees… Only the other jungle creatures can foil his secret plans and clever tricks, but they’re going to have to find a large amount of courage to stop this greedy brute.
This mischievous musical based on Roald Dahl’s snappy book has toe-tapping tunes by Ahmed Abdullahi Gallab, a rib-tickling book and lyrics by Suhayla El-Bushra, and additional music and lyrics by Tom Brady. Developed and directed by Emily Lim, it features a menagerie of puppets by co-director and puppetry designer Toby Olié, with set and costume design by Fly Davis, puppetry co-designed and supervised by Daisy Beattie,casting by Annelie Powell CDG, choreography by Vicki Igbokwe-Ozoagu, lighting by Jessica Hung Han Yun, and sound by Tom Gibbons. Associate directed by Tash Holway & Blythe Stewart and Associate Puppetry directed by Michael Jean-Marain.
Originally co-produced by Roald Dahl Story Company, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and Leeds Playhouse.
The Enormous Crocodile the Musical was developed by Roald Dahl Story Company, Emily Lim, Ahmed Abdullahi Gallab, Suhayla El-Bushra and Tom Brady.
Carla Mendonça joins the 2026-27 UK and Ireland tour cast of Torben Betts’ darkly comic new thriller The Other Side of Murder
starring Rufus Hound and Susie Blake
Carla Mendonça – best known for Coronation Street, My Parents are Aliens and So Awkward, as well as her stage work with companies including the Royal Shakespeare Company, West Yorkshire Playhouse and Oxford Stage Company – will join the cast of The Other Side of Murder, a wickedly entertaining new comedy thriller from Torben Betts, writer of the smash-hit plays Murder at Midnight and Murder in the Dark. The co-production between Original Theatre and Theatr Clwyd, will embark on an extensive UK and Ireland tour from Autumn 2026 into Spring 2027.
Carla joins the previously announced cast, starring as Susannah alongside Rufus Hound (One Man, Two Guvnors, Wind in the Willows, The Mesmerist) as TV medium Darius Divine and Susie Blake (Victoria Wood, Coronation Street) as Miriam. Aisha Jawando (Hamilton the Musical, Tina: The Musical) plays Laura, Beth Lilly (The Play That Goes Wrong, Grantchester) plays Jen, and Andy McLeod (Murder at Midnight, Cosmic) plays Jason/understudy Darius. Completing the cast are understudies Maddy Banks,Oliver Byng and Sarah Lawn.
When celebrated TV medium Darius Divine, host of hit light-entertainment show The Other Side, plans a cosy family dinner, he expects awkward small talk. He doesn’t expect his pregnant lover, his Gilbert and Sullivan obsessed mother-in-law, or a night of ghostly visitations and explosive revelations. As dinner burns and tensions rise, the line between performance and reality begins to shatter. Secrets surface. Jealousies ignite. And a final twist lands that no one will see coming.
Funny, shocking and deliciously unsettling, this is a wild theatrical ride that will have audiences laughing one minute and gasping the next.
The Other Side of Murder is presented by the award-winning producers Original Theatre (Birdsong, ART, Being Mr Wickham) in association with Theatr Clwyd.
The creative team includes Director Philip Franks, Writer Torben Betts, Designer Colin Falconer, Lighting Designer Jason Taylor, Sound Designer and Composer Max Pappenheim, Illusion Designer John Bulleid, Casting Director Emma Sylvester and Associate Director Joshua Miles. The Production Manager is Brian Watson, the Costume Supervisor is Chrissy Maddison and the Props Supervisor is Katie Balmforth.
The Other Side of Murder 2026/27 tour dates are Theatr Clwyd, Mold (4-12 Sept); Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford (15-19 Sept); New Theatre, Cardiff (22-26 Sept); Queen’s Theatre, Barnstaple (29 Sept-3 Oct); Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne (5-10 Oct); Gaiety Theatre, Dublin (13-17 Oct); Blackpool Grand Theatre (20-24 Oct); Churchill Theatre, Bromley (2-7 Nov); Palace Theatre, Southend (9-14 Nov); Mayflower Studios, Southampton (16-21 Nov); Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe (18-23 Jan); Derby Theatre (26-30 Jan); Malvern Theatres (2-6 Feb); Royal & Derngate, Northampton (8-13 Feb); Darlington Hippodrome (16-20 Feb); Leeds Playhouse (23-27 Feb), Salisbury Playhouse (9-13 March) and Belgrade Theatre, Coventry (16-20 March).
For more information, and to book tickets, visit murderplay.co.uk. Age guidance 14+
ENEMIES. LOVERS. CAST MEMBERS. MEET THE FULL COMPANY OF
AT THE OTHER PALACE STUDIO FROM 11 SEPTEMBER TO 11 OCTOBER 2026
WRITTEN BY OLIVIER NOMINEE TREVOR ASHLEY AND PHIL SCOTT
DIRECTED BY TREVOR ASHLEY
Sario Solomon(Grease) and Jason Leigh Winter(Disney’s Hercules) have the hotel keys, as Hollandaise and Stroganoff respectively, and are ready to turn up the heat at The Other Palace Studio this autumn.
Joining them and sipping the Ginger Ale are Ross Chisari(Moulin Rouge The Musical) as Puck, and following rave reviews from her role as Gwyneth Paltrow in the hit parody-musical I Wish You Well at Edinburgh Fridge and in the West End is Diana Vickers(The Rise and Fall of Little Voice) as THE Diva.
The outrageously funny new porno panto parody on ice Deep-Heat Rivalry is written by celebrated comedy duo Trevor Ashley and Phil Scott.
Loosely inspired by a certain hit TV series (and we mean very loosely), this camp, chaotic, and deliciously inappropriate new comedy smashes together locker room drama, forbidden romance, parody songs, and absolutely no knowledge of sport whatsoever. Add in nudity (yes, really), shameless innuendo, with a score that ranges from power ballad to party pop, and you’ve got a show that’s less about hockey—and more about hooking up.
Deep-Heat Rivalry follows sworn enemies Shane Hollandaise and Ilya Stroganoff—two outrageously talented, aggressively handsome hockey stars whose on-ice clashes are the stuff of legend. But behind the bruises, body checks, and barely concealed tension lies a secret neither of them is prepared for: they are madly, inconveniently, and spectacularly in love.
Deep-Heat Rivalry comes from acclaimed writers and performers, the Olivier nominated Trevor Ashley and Phil Scott, with the former also set to direct. They are renowned for their irreverent, high-camp theatrical style and a string of hit productions that celebrate bold comedy, musical parody, and larger-than-life entertainment, “Ashley and Scott aim low for their laughs, seldom straying above the waist,” (Sydney Morning Herold).
Expect passion. Expect power plays. Expect absolutely no subtlety. It’s not just a rivalry… it’s a full-contact comedy.
In the high-stakes, high-speed world of professional ice hockey, rivalries run deep… but this one runs hotter.
Deep-Heat Rivalry is written by Trevor Ashley and Phil Scott and directed by Trevor Ashley, choreography is by Mitchell Harper with costume design by Angie White, set design by Reuben Speedand lighting design by Tom Boucher.
Nikita Kuzmin proved exactly why this show is called Supernova. This isn’t just a dance showcase – it’s a full-blown, high-octane explosion of talent that had the audience on their feet from the first number, and it stayed there for a well-deserved standing ovation at the final curtain.
Kuzmin, best known as a Strictly Come Dancing finalist and fan favourite, brings the same charisma, precision, and emotional depth that made him a household name, but here he is given the creative freedom to truly shine on his own terms. The choreography is breathless – a seamless, daring blend of Latin fire, ballroom elegance, and contemporary storytelling that feels both fresh and deeply personal. From the explosive opening sequence to the quieter, more intimate moments, every routine is crafted with intention and performed with breathtaking commitment.
The ensemble cast deserves its own round of applause. Each dancer is a powerhouse, matching Kuzmin’s energy beat for beat and elevating the entire production. The chemistry between the performers is palpable and theatrical, but never so elaborate that it restricts movement. Every sequin catches the light with purpose.
Standout moments came thick and fast. A fiery paso doble, performed with a cape that seemed to have a life of its own, practically scorched the stage – Kuzmin’s posture and intensity were nothing short of mesmerising. Later, a tender contemporary duet, set to a stripped-back live piano arrangement, silenced the room completely. You could have heard a pin drop. It was raw, vulnerable, and genuinely moving – a reminder that Kuzmin’s talent extends far beyond the ballroom floor. The samba that followed brought the energy straight back up, with the entire company joining in a sequence so joyful and technically precise that it drew spontaneous applause mid-routine.
What elevates Supernova from a great dance show to a five-star theatrical experience is the sheer, unguarded joy radiating from the stage. Kuzmin isn’t just performing steps – he is sharing something deeply personal, a love for dance that has carried him from his childhood in Ukraine to the biggest stages in the world. That story is written in every movement, and the connection with the audience is electric. You root for him. You feel every beat with him.
If you love dance, if you love theatre, or if you simply want to leave a show grinning from ear to ear, Supernova is unmissable. It is a celebration of movement, music, and the kind of raw talent that comes along once in a generation. Catch it while you can.
FULL COMPANY & CREATIVES ANNOUNCED FOR SHAKESPEARE SEASON IN THE CRUCIBLE
A Sheffield Theatres Production in association with MGC KING LEAR Directed by Titas Halder
A Sheffield Theatres Production
TWELFTH NIGHT Directed by Jamie Glover
Sheffield Theatres have today announced the full company of actors who will play across a double-bill of two major new Shakespearean productions in the world-famous Crucible Theatre this autumn. A rare event in contemporary theatre, the company will play two or more roles across the season in both productions.
They join the previously announced Olivier and Tony Award-winner Ian McDiarmid (Star Wars) in King Lear directed by Donmar Warehouse Associate Artistic Director Titas Halder (The Dance of Death) which plays Sat 29 August – Sat 19 September and Mathew Horne (Gavin & Stacey) in Twelfth Night directed by Jamie Glover(The Homecoming) which plays from Sat 10 – Sat 31 October 2026.
The company includes David Birrell as Gloucester/Feste, James Chetwood as Oswald/Sir Andrew Aguecheek, Mark Holgate as Kent/Antonio, Christopher Jordan as Curan/Priest/Valentine & Second Officer, Justina Kehinde as Regan/Olivia, Hazel Monaghan as Swing/Actor-Musician, Harry Redding as Edgar/Sebastian, Max Revell as Fool/Curio, Jay Saighal as Cornwall/Fabian, Bebe Sanders as Cordelia/Viola, Sachin K Sharma as France/Captain & Sea Captain/First Officer, Fode Simbo as Edmund/Orsino, Milo Twomey as Albany/Sir Toby Belch and Katie Wimpenny as Goneril/Maria.
Director of King Lear, Titas Halder said: “What a fabulous company we have to make these two very special plays with. I’m delighted to be working with these wonderful actors. Matilda James has done the most exceptional job as casting director, and it has been a pleasure to work alongside her and Jamie to assemble this fantastic group.”
Director of Twelfth Night, Jamie Glover said: “It has been a true joy working alongside Titas and the wonderful Matilda James to assemble this exceptional cast of actors. I cannot wait to get into the room with them and start work on Twelfth Night. But I’m equally excited to simply get to watch the magic they will bring to what I am certain will be a gripping, thrilling production of King Lear.”
Artistic Director of Sheffield Theatres, Elizabeth Newman said: “As I began to conceive of our 2026 autumn season I could not stop thinking about where the world is right now. And, at this moment, it feels more important than ever that we offer our audiences work of the highest quality, ambition and imagination. As Artistic Director of Sheffield Theatres, I can think of no better way to do that than by filling the Crucible – a theatre conceived as a home for great drama – with two of Shakespeare’s greatest plays, brought to life by a truly world-class company of actors. This idea of a company of actors bringing both productions to life feels like a true celebration of theatre and of everything Shakespeare himself championed-the power of an ensemble of players.
“It is a privilege to welcome Ian McDiarmid back to the Crucible to take on the monumental role of Lear and to welcome the wonderful Mathew Horne to join our Shakespearean Company to play Malvolio. And, on a very personal note, this autumn has a special significance as I’ve been able to work with the brilliant directors Titas Halder and Jamie Glover and collaborate with one of my predecessors, the extraordinary Michael Grandage. Making this Shakespeare Season really does feel like a landmark moment in the theatre’s history. I cannot wait to welcome audiences into the Crucible.”
Michael Grandage, Artistic Director of MGC added: “Elizabeth Newman continues to put Sheffield Theatres at the centre of the UK’s creative output and I am delighted MGC can join her for this hugely ambitious season. Apart from anything else, it’s a wonderful opportunity for me to return to the Crucible and engage with all the great work that is going on.”
The full creative team for King Lear are Director Titas Halder, Set & Costume Designer Richard Kent, Lighting Designer Ryan Day, Composer Sarah Angliss, Sound Designer Emma Laxton, Fight, Movement and Intimacy Director Yarit Dor, Associate Fight Director Enric Ortuño, Casting Director Matilda James, Dramaturg Sophie Duncan, Associate Director Vicky Moran, Voice & Text Coach Barbara Houseman and Assistant Director Marc Small. King Lear is presented in association with MGC, which marks a reunion for Sheffield Theatres and former Artistic Director Michael Grandage.
The full creative team for Twelfth Night are Director Jamie Glover, Set & Costume Designer Amanda Stoodley, Lighting Designer Richard Howell, Composer & Musical Director Genevieve Dawson, Sound Designer Raffaela Pancucci, Movement Director Charlotte Broom, Casting Director Matilda James, Associate Director Vicky Moran, Voice & Text Coach Barbara Houseman and Assistant Director Marc Small.
Caroline Lamb Wins Inaugural Will Nelson New Writing Award as Off Cut Festival 2026 Concludes
53two is delighted to announce that Caroline Lamb has been named the first recipient of the Will Nelson New Writing Award, following her success in winning the Panel Award for Writing at the sold-out Off Cut Festival 2026 Final on Sunday 12 July.
Created in memory of Will Nelson and Kayleigh Smith, the award celebrates their shared passion for championing new writing, emerging artists and the power of creativity and community. It provides the winning writer with £1,000 worth of professional mentoring and development support from an established writer working across stage and screen, helping them develop the work first showcased during Off Cut.
Will and Kayleigh were both passionate supporters of the arts, with Will in particular recognised as a tireless champion of new writers and emerging voices. The award has been made possible through an in memoriam fundraiser by Glenn Meads, a friend of Will’s, who wanted to create a lasting legacy that directly supports the next generation of playwrights and theatre-makers.
Caroline received the award for her play Undeniable Proof, making it one of the standout productions of this year’s competition from all of the 20 plays performed at the festival.
The Off Cut Festival 2026 was judged by, amongst others, Joanne Moss from ITV and Nick Bagnall, the newly appointed Artistic Director of Oldham Coliseum. With a capacity audience filling 53two, the evening celebrated the very best in new writing, directing and performance from across the festival.
The full list of award winners selected by the panel was:
Will Nelson New Writing Award: Caroline Lamb – Undeniable Proof
Directing Award: Luke Walters – Undeniable Proof
Ensemble Acting Award: Anne Baron, Geoff Baron and Rowe David McClelland – Eggshells
Special Commendation for Directing: Carole Shinkfield – Staircases
In addition to their awards, these artists become 53two Associate Artists, joining the theatre’s growing network of creatives who receive ongoing support, development opportunities and access to rehearsal and creative space as they continue to develop their work.
The festival’s Best Play Award as voted for by the audience, was presented to Jane Martin’s Eggshells, which will now receive a full production at 53two in 2027, continuing the theatre’s commitment to developing exceptional new work beyond the festival stage.
53two is also looking forward to welcoming audiences back for Cryin’ Air, the winner of the 2025 Off Cut Festival, which receives its full production from 23–26 September 2026.
Creative Director of 53two, Simon Naylor, said ‘It’s an incredible festival that we’re proud to house. Daniel Brennan, co-creator, has formed something that is not only a celebration of the brilliant talent on offer in the North West, but, with all funds going to support 53two, it truly is our life-blood. We can’t wait to watch Cryin’ Air, then Eggshells and of course see how our associate artists develop.’
Off Cut has become one of the UK’s leading festivals for new writing, providing emerging playwrights, directors and performers with a platform to develop bold new work in front of industry professionals and audiences alike. This year’s sold-out final once again demonstrated the extraordinary breadth of talent emerging through the festival, with many artists now progressing into the next stage of their creative careers through the support of 53two.
‘OffCut 2026 has been such an incredible experience. An event that platforms and celebrates so many fantastic local creatives should be protected at all costs!
I’m blown away at being the panellists’ choice for the writing award – particularly when considering what it means. Huge thanks to Glenn Meads for bringing the accolade to life in honour of the memories of Will Nelson and Kayleigh Smith. We must keep making art for them – and to ensure sure the world retains its colour through dark times.’ – Caroline Lamb, Off Cut 2026 Recipient of Will Nelson New Writing Award
53two would like to congratulate all of this year’s finalists and winners and thank the artists, audiences, judges and supporters who made Off Cut Festival 2026 such a memorable celebration of new theatre.
Production photography is released for the European premiere of ‘Dog Man: The Musical’ based on Dav Pilkey’s phenomenally successful children’s book series as the UK tour begins.
New 2027 tour dates are also announced for February – June 2027.
The cast of Dog Man The Musical . Credit Mark Senior.
New production photography has been released today, giving a first look at the European premiere of Dog Man: The Musical. This hilarious and heartfelt new musical is based on the worldwide bestselling book series by Dav Pilkey, also creator of Captain Underpants and Cat Kid Comic Club.Dog Man: The Musical comes to the UK after playing to packed houses in the US where it had multiple sell-out Off-Broadway seasons and US tours.
Dog Man: The Musical will run at Southbank Centre from 29 July – 16 August (Press Performance is 4 August at 2.30pm). Currently running at Leicester Curve until 19 July, the tour will also visit Crewe Lyceum (21-23 July), Southend Palace (18-20 August), Hertford Beam (24-26 August), Wolverhampton Grand (28-29 August), Eastbourne Devonshire Park (4-5 September), Darlington Hippodrome (11-13 September), Torquay Princess Theatre (26-27 September), Halifax Victoria (3-4 October), Cambridge Arts Theatre (8-10 October), Cardiff Wales Millennium Centre (16-17 October), Fareham Live (23-25 October) and Wycombe Swan (26-28 October). Tickets are on sale at www.Dogman.live.
New tour dates are also announced today for 2027 and will include Basingstoke Anvil (5-7 February), Malvern Festival (12-14 February), Chester Storyhouse (19-21 February), Northampton Royal (26-28 February), Edinburgh Festival Theatre (5-7 March), Guildford Yvonne Arnaud (29 April-2 May), Blackpool Grand (14-16 May), Canterbury Marlowe (30 May-1 June), Southampton Mayflower (3-5 June), and Lichfield Garrick (10-13 June). With further 2027 dates to be announced.
This epic musical adventure has a book and lyrics by Kevin Del Aguila (two-time Emmy Award-winning writer of the PBS show Peg + Cat),music by Brad Alexander(Drama Desk-nominated See Rock City & Other Destinations); and is directed and choreographed by Jen Wineman (NY:Less Than 50%).
Since it launched to critical acclaim in 2016, Dav Pilkey’s international hit book series Dog Man has more than 70 million copies in print worldwide and has been translated into 48 languages, with five of the titles currently in the Amazon UK top 50 best-selling children’s books. The Dreamworks animated film based on the books was released earlier in 2025 to great acclaim and box office success. Dog Man: The Musical, originally produced by TheaterWorksUSA, premiered off-Broadway in June 2019 at the Lucille Lortel Theatre, extending due to popular demand. The production returned to New York at New World Stages in March 2023.
Best friends George and Harold have been creating comics for years, but now that they’re 10, they figure it’s time to level up and write a musical based on their favourite character, Dog Man, the crime-biting sensation who is part dog, part man, and ALL HERO!!How hard could it be?
With the head of a dog and the body of a policeman, Dog Man loves to fight crime and chew on the furniture. But while trying his best to be a good boy, can he save the city from Flippy the cyborg fish and his army of Beasty Buildings? Can he catch Petey, the world’s most evil cat, who has cloned himself to exact revenge on the doggy do-gooder? And will George and Harold finish their show before lunchtime?
Dav Pilkey was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia as a child. He was so disruptive in class that his teachers made him sit out in the hallway every day. Luckily, Dav loved to draw and make up stories, so he spent his time in the hallway creating his own original comic books – the very first adventures of Dog Man and Captain Underpants. Since then, Dav has written and illustrated a number of bestselling and award-winning children’s books, including the Caldecott Honor book The Paperboy. His Captain Underpants series and Dog Man graphic novels have sold millions of copies worldwide and have been translated into many languages. Dav lives in the Pacific Northwest with his wife. His stories explore universally positive themes that celebrate the triumph of the good-hearted.
The original creative team for Dog Man: The Musical also includes scenic design by Timothy R. Mackabee (Broadway’s The Elephant Man; Guards at the Taj, Lucille Lortel Award); costume design by Heidi Leigh Hanson (Regional: The Addams Family Musical, How I Learned to Drive); lighting design by David Lander (Broadway’s The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical; Benghal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo, Drama Desk Award); original sound design by Emma Wilk (NY: The Waiting Game, Regional: The Heiress); orchestrations by Lloyd Kikoler. Paul Herbert (Rob Brydon Songs and Stories, UK, Australia, NZ tour and The Wipers Times, West End /UK Tour) has joined the team for the European premiere as Musical Director with Pearson Casting as Casting Director.
The cast includes Vanessa Dumatey (I’m Every Woman, Hackney Empire & UK Tour; The Tina Turner Musical, Aldwych Theatre, West End) as Flippy, Sam Kipling (Les Misérables, Sondheim Theatre; The Mikado Wilton’s Music Hall & UK Tour) as Petey, Peter Lavery (Becoming Nancy, Birmingham Repertory Theatre; Jack and the Beanstalk, Ipswich Regent Theatre) as Harold, Ricardo Mendes (Carmen, ENO London Coliseum; Pinocchio, The Alhambra Theatre) as George, Rebecca-Jo Roberts (Beauty and the Beast, The Theatre Chipping Norton; Stalled: A New Musical, King’s Head Theatre) as L’il Petey and Renan Teodoro (Anyone Can Whistle, Southwark Playhouse; I Am Harvey Milk, European Premiere) as Dog Man. The cast is completed by Richener Bissereth, Shannon Bourne and Robert Wilkes.
Dog Man: The Musical is produced by Roast Productions by special arrangement with TWTheatricals.
GROSVENOR PARK OPEN AIR THEATRE, CHESTER – UNTIL 23RD AUGUST 2026
REVIEWED BY MIA BOWEN
4****
The Grosvenor Park Open Air theatre is honestly one of my favourite experiences, I look forward to it every year like a child waiting for an ice cream! There is something magical about sitting under the stars, fully immersed in the show while also battling the elements like a true outdoor theatre warrior..
You don’t come here for elaborate sets or big, flashy theatrical tricks—you come for the experience. The exceptional cast, the joyful audience participation, the smell of fresh, wood-fired pizzas drifting through the air, and the wonderfully relaxed atmosphere all combine to create something truly special. It’s theatre at its most alive, shared and delightfully unpredictable.
I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the press night for Outlaws: A Robin Hood Story, the first of four productions showing this summer. I have always been a big fan of this medieval vigilante—essentially a tax-refunder for the working class!—so I was thrilled to be invited along. From the very first moment, the show sets its tone perfectly, opening with an energetic rendition of “Holding Out for a Hero”, which had the audience laughing and immediately on board for the fun ahead.
The plot follows the familiar tale of Robin Hood, his loyal companion Little John, and their band of merry ‘men’ as they steal from the rich and give to the poor—but with a playful Storyhouse twist that keeps things feeling fresh and modern. David Ahmad’s portrayal of King John was a particular highlight. Channelling the spirit of the greedy, childish, thumb-sucking lion from the 1973 Disney classic, his performance was deliciously over-the-top, packed with comedic timing, physical humour and just the right amount of villainous absurdity. He was a joy to watch and drew consistent laughs throughout.
Zoe Lambert (Much) and Robert Wade (Old Sheriff) were also standout performers. Both brought a natural comedic flair to their roles, effortlessly engaging the audience and delivering some of the biggest laughs of the evening whenever they appeared on stage.
As a whole, the entire cast was outstanding. Their chemistry, energy and commitment carried the show from start to finish, ensuring there was never a dull moment. A special mention must go to Lewis Baron and Rachel Uyigue, who made their professional stage debut as part of Storyhouse Young Company (SYC). Their confidence and presence on stage were incredibly impressive and a testament to the strength of the programme.
Outlaws is everything you want from an open-air theatre experience—fun, lively, and full of heart. Just don’t forget a blanket… and maybe some sunglasses!
Producer Tegan Summer is today delighted to announce Pixie Lott will star as Marilyn Monroe in Who Killed Marilyn? when it makes itworld premiere at The Emerald Theatre this summer from Saturday 15 August to Thursday 29 October 2026*. Tickets are available now from whokilledmarilyn.uk.
Joining Pixie Lott as Marilyn are principal cast members Julie Armstrong (Ballet Shoes, National Theatre), Benjamin Dilloway (Pride and Prejudice, Regents Park Open Air Theatre), Ryan Ellsworth (The Motive and the Cue, National Theatre/Noël Coward Theatre), Martin Hancock (Present Laughter, UK Tour), Paul Kane (The Contraception Fair, short film), Rob Maloney (A Clockwork Orange, Soho Theatre), Henry Proffit (A Sherlock Carol, Marylebone Theatre) and Mars Sams (in his professional stage debut).The company is completed by offstage covers Joshua Ford, Eliot Giuralarocca, Dean Michael Gregory, Emma Haines and Ricky Shah.
Pixie Lott is a singer, songwriter and actress with number one hits including ‘Mama Do’ and ‘Boys And Girls’ both of which featured on her hugely successful debut album ‘Turn It Up’. She made her West End debut starring as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s at Theatre Royal Haymarket in 2016 and starred in Made in Dagenham at the London Palladium in 2024. She has appeared on screen in Christmas Karma, Past Life, McDonald and Dodd and That’s Just Me. As well as her musical and acting successes she has appeared as a judge and mentor on The Voice Kids and The X Factor. Last year she released another studio album ‘Encino’.
Pixie Lott commented: “I am absolutely thrilled to be stepping into the iconic shoes of Marilyn Monroe for Who Killed Marilyn? at the Emerald Theatre in the West End. I have always loved Marilyn – she is such a fascinating, timeless legend, and bringing her complex story to life on this beautiful stage and being her every night is an absolute dream come true for me. I can’t wait for audiences to experience the mystery, the glamour, and the raw emotion we will be pouring into this incredible play.”
Producer Tegan Summer (Aspects of Love, For Black Boys…)added: “Marilyn Monroe’s story has been told many times, but never like this. I couldn’t be more proud to bring it to the West End with the extraordinary Pixie Lott in the titular role. Sharleen Cooper Cohen has given voice to the woman behind the icon, and when I read her play, I knew it belonged on the London stage. Under Phil McKinley’s direction, audiences will question everything they thought they knew. Who Killed Marilyn? changes the conversation.”
Who Killed Marilyn? is a bold new play that dares to challenge the most enduring myth surrounding one of the twentieth century’s most iconic women. Drawing on decades of documented evidence, conspiracy, and cover-up, the production presents a vivid and provocative re-examination of the life and death of Marilyn Monroe, placing her at the centre of a web of power, politics, and desire that reached the highest levels of American government and organised crime.
Who Killed Marilyn? restores Marilyn Monroe to her rightful place, not as victim, but as a woman of extraordinary intelligence, wit, and force, whose story has never been fully told. Until now.
Joining book writer Sharleen Cooper Cohen and director Philip Wm. McKinley on the creative team are casting director Rob Kelly, set designer Justin Williams, costume designer Jasmine Swan, lighting designer Jack Weir, sound designer Christopher Reid and AV designer Libby Ward, withwigs, hair & make-up design by Jess Plews and Joanna Tomeo for JJ Wigs. Jordan Langford is associate director, intimacy director and resident director, and Pete Kramer is production manager.
Who Killed Marilyn? is produced by Tegan Summer Theatricals, with general management by Matty Hurst Productions.
*Please note: Pixie Lott will not be performing on Thursday or Saturday matinees or on 28 August, 29 August, 24 October, 25 October. At these performances the role of Marilyn will be played by Emma Haines.
A Brief Case of Crazy at York Theatre Royal was an absolute delight from start to finish, delivering a fast-paced, slapstick comedy packed with energy, charm and laugh-out-loud moments. Produced by Mitch Donaldson and written, directed and choreographed by Rowan Armitt-Brewster (who also stars as the wonderfully chaotic Thomas) the production embraces classic physical comedy while adding its own fresh, inventive style. Every scene was able to radiate joy, infecting the audience with humour.
The performances from the three-strong cast were outstanding. Rowan Armitt-Brewster’s portrayal of Thomas was a masterclass in physical comedy, with wonderfully exaggerated facial expressions and flawless comedic timing that brought every joke vividly to life. Lennie Longworth was equally engaging as Daisy, bringing warmth, wit and excellent chemistry to the stage, while Sam Cunningham’s Simon provided the perfect counterpart as the antagonist, purposefully tormenting the bubbling protagonist, Thomas. Together, the trio demonstrated remarkable comic synergy, their finely tuned interplay creating an engaging stage presence that captivated the audience from start to finish. The movements on stage were completely synchronised; each cast member was able to replicate the jolts of a train ride or the circular motions of a fly as the characters watched it invisibly in the air.
One of the production’s most memorable features was the incredible use of the puppet, which represented Thomas, dressed in the same clothing, with the same hairstyle and glasses. The puppet was flawlessly integrated into the action, allowing the slow-motion movements to contrast with the upbeat dance moves of the cast. As the performance was completely non-verbal, the cast did a phenomenal job at ensuring the character’s actions, thoughts and intentions were fully understandable and received by the audience. This was successfully achieved by the sound effects, lighting changes and facial expressions which carried the narrative through till the end, courtesy of lighting designer Beth Scott and of course the marvellous cast.
The technical elements were just as impressive as the performances. The briefcase was of course a highlight and main feature of the show, moving in harmony with the sound effects and lighting to build anticipation before punctuating each moment with perfectly timed comic effects. These creative choices amplified the excitement and theatrical magic, enhancing the show’s playful atmosphere.
A Brief Case of Crazy was overall a wonderfully imaginative production that combines outstanding performances, inventive staging and nonstop laughter into a hugely entertaining theatrical experience suitable for all ages.
