More Theatre News
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Birmingham Rep releases production images from brand-new show The Snowman
Posted on Thu 22 Oct
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Feature: Borrowers Time
Posted on Wed 21 Oct
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Feature: One For All
Posted on Wed 21 Oct
There’s never a dull month when it comes to theatre in the Midlands. Check out our selection of shows coming to venues across the region during the next few weeks...
AS YOU LIKE IT
Royal Shakespeare Company Co-Artistic Director Daniel Evans takes the helm for this brand-new, all-male version of the bard’s hugely likable comedy.
The story revolves around the character of Rosalind, banished by her usurping uncle to the Forest of Arden, where her exiled father is already living. Revelling in the naturalness of the surroundings, Rosalind and her devoted cousin, Celia, find a happiness they hadn’t known existed...
Tony and Grammy Award-winning American actor Jonathan Groff makes his RSC debut in the role of Rosalind, while veteran musical theatre star Gary Wilmot plays both Duke Frederick and Duke Senior.
Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, until Saturday 7 November
CATS THE MUSICAL
A spectacular and captivating adaptation of TS Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book Of Practical Cats, this Andrew Lloyd Webber-composed extravaganza premiered 45 years ago.
The show is widely considered to be the production that redefined the modern musical, not only paving the way for a seemingly relentless stream of blockbuster hits but also giving starring roles to Elaine Page and Sarah Brightman. Indeed, even an execrable film version a handful of years back failed to make a dent in the stage production’s longstanding global popularity - a fact supported by this brand-new and extensive tour. Featured songs include Old Deuteronomy, Macavity: The Mystery Cat, Jellicle Ball - and, of course, the production’s famous anthem, Memory.
West End favourite Louise Dearman stars as Grizabella.
Image credit: Mark Senior
Birmingham Hippodrome, until Saturday 7 November
DISNEY ON ICE: DISCOVER THE MAGIC
Disney On Ice makes a welcome return with another fast-paced family-friendly adventure.
Cutting-edge figure-skating, eye-catching costumes, impressive set designs, innovative lighting, attention-grabbing special effects and high-flying jumps all feature in Discover The Magic, a show which brings together a cast of beloved Mouse House characters. Families are invited to explore the colourful spirit realm of Coco with Miguel, brave the ocean with Moana, marvel at Belle’s enchanted chandelier, and sing along with Elsa. Memorable moments from Aladdin, Toy Story and The Little Mermaid also feature.
bp pulse LIVE, Birmingham, until Sunday 8 November
MIDDLEMARCH PARTS 1 & 2
George Eliot’s classic 1871 novel - a study of provincial life set in her Warwickshire homeland - is here condensed into one play presented in two parts.
“Middlemarch is an entertaining story full of great humanity, wisdom and wit,” says the play’s director, Jeremy Herrin. “I can’t wait to explore its many pertinent themes: family, marriage, love, purpose, religion, morality and more. Theatre is a great form for a story that luxuriates in how we are all essentially connected.”
Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, until Saturday 16 January
THE TRIAL OF ROMEO OSCAR
Mention Alan Ayckbourn and a long list of brilliant observational comedies springs readily to mind, the most famous among which date back to the 1960s and 70s.
Now 87 years of age, the prolific Ayckbourn continues to delight his audiences with brand-new plays. The latest of these - his 92nd - is this future-located courtroom drama that sees a military-issue android going on trial for murder...
Ayckbourn himself takes the directorial reins.
New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Wednesday 21 - Saturday 31 October
WILKO: LOVE AND DEATH AND ROCK 'N' ROLL
A play with live music, Wilko: Love And Death And Rock’n’Roll recounts the remarkable story of musician Wilko Johnson. Having been told he had inoperable cancer and less than a year to live, the Dr Feelgood star later discovered that the diagnosis was wrong and that his life could be saved...
Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Thursday 22 - Saturday 24 October
THERE'S A MONSTER IN YOUR SHOW
Children’s author Tom Fletcher’s interactive adventures leap from page to stage, as his critically acclaimed Who’s In Your Book? series heads for the region in the form of a well-received stage musical.
The show sees Little Monster being joined by friends Dragon, Alien and Unicorn for 50 minutes of comedy, chaos and high-energy fun, during which the pals will be learning all about the joy of friendship and books.
Festival Drayton, Market Drayton, North Shropshire, Friday 23 October; Halesowen Town Hall, Sat 31 October - Sunday 1 November; Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Thurs 12 November
ICE AGE ADVENTURE LIVE
Ice Age Adventure Live is being advertised by its producers not only as the, er, ‘coolest’ show on Earth but also one which will more than likely ‘knock your snow boots off’.
The production invites little explorers to join in with a mission to save the woolly mammoth, an endeavour that will see them coming face-to-face with ‘dodos, silly cavemen, and sabre-toothed surprises’.
A post-show chance to meet & greet a polar bear also features.
Lichfield Garrick, Saturday 24 October
SPOT'S BIRTHDAY PARTY
Steve the Monkey, Tom the Crocodile and Helen the Hippo are poised to party with birthday boy Spot the Dog in this theatrical adaptation of Eric Hill’s classic book, Happy Birthday Spot.
Coming complete with singing, dancing and lots of interactive party games, the show is suitable for children aged two-plus.
Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Saturday 24 October; Brierley Civic Hall, Monday 26 & Tuesday 27 October
DANCE IN THE DARK
Dreamy, multi-sensory, and providing youngsters (and their grown-ups) with the chance to pull on their PJs for a slumber party in a giant sleepover den, this brand-new show features contemporary dance, live music, audience interaction, and immersive scents and sounds.
The production is presented by Kenilworth-located company Sonrisa Arts and is ideal for children aged three and older.
Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Saturday 24 & Sunday 25 October; Albany Theatre, Coventry, Tuesday 2 & Wednesday 3 March
MINISTRY OF SCIENCE LIVE
A refreshingly anarchic approach to science communication is the name of the game when the Ministry of Science comes to town. As well as taking a look at the inventors and engineers who’ve shaped and inspired the modern world, the show’s presenters will be conducting clever demonstrations aplenty - so brace yourself for the occasional loud bang!
Giant liquid hydrogen clouds, exploding oxygen and hydrogen balloons, fire tornados, hydrogen bottle rockets, ignited methane and even a self-built hovercraft all feature.
Lichfield Garrick, Monday 26 October
THE UTTERLY REVOLTING SCIENCE SHOW
Brace yourselves for the Rude Science team’s hilarious, high-tech, highly explosive new journey through the human body, packed with ‘burp biology, fart physics and revolting edible chemistry’.
At a very basic level, it’s a rollercoaster ride through a series of disgusting experiments built to delight young audiences; but scratch beneath the surface and you’ll discover a brilliantly constructed curriculum-driven adventure designed to gift Britain’s kids with a lasting fascination for science.
The show is the brainchild of Stefan Gates, high-octane presenter of 20 TV series (five for CBBC), award-winning author of 13 books (including Rude Science) and internationally renowned producer of world-class science stage shows.
Kidderminster Town Hall, Monday 26 October
JERSEY BOYS
Rockin’ and rollin’ New Jersey boys Frankie Valli And The Four Seasons scored some truly massive hits during the mid-1960s - and this award-winning jukebox musical tells their story. Presented in a documentary-style format, the show is structured as four ‘seasons’, each being narrated by a different member of the band. Featured hits include Walk Like A Man, Bye Bye Baby, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Sherry, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Working My Way Back To You and December 1963 (Oh, What A Night).
Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Monday 26 - Saturday 31 October; The Alexandra, Birmingham, Monday 2 - Saturday 21 November; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Monday 15 - Saturday 27 March
THE NAG'S HEAD
After inheriting a failing pub from their father, three estranged siblings discover an unnerving painting which he’d kept hidden from them - and not without good reason...
A play set in the county’s spookiest pub, comedy-horror offering The Nag’s Head is described by its performers, the London-based Make It Beautiful theatre company, as ‘an ode to the great British pub culture, to things that go bump in the night, and to Shropshire...’
The play features original music from folk band Good Habits and ‘real paranormal accounts’.
Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Tuesday 27 October; Telford Theatre, Wednesday 28 October; Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire, Friday 30 October
THE LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
One of the longest-running off-Broadway shows of all time, The Little Shop Of Horrors is an affectionate spoof of 1950s sci-fi movies. Despite various productions turning up at theatres across the country over the last few decades, it remains best known from its 1986 film version, which featured a hilarious turn from Steve Martin as the splendidly sadistic dentist.
Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Tuesday 27 - Saturday 31 October
MAMMA MIA!
This legendary show is of course a nicely contrived vehicle for the chart-topping music of 1970s super troupers Abba.
Set in a Greek-island paradise, Mamma Mia! tells the story of single mum Donna and her 20-year-old daughter, Sophie, who’s soon to get married. Formerly the lead singer of a girl group, Donna led a crazy, carefree existence when she was younger. As a result, Sophie’s never known who her father is... and if truth be told, Donna’s not entirely sure either! After stealing a sly glimpse at her mum’s old diary, sneaky Sophie identifies three possible candidates. Masquerading as Donna, she then sends messages inviting each of the men to attend her wedding.
Hijinks, chaos and confusion inevitably ensue, all of which are best experienced to a pulsating Abba soundtrack, of course...
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tuesday 27 October - Saturday 7 November
BARNUM
This Watermill Theatre revival might well strike a chord with long-in-the-tooth theatre-goers, calling to mind memories of 40-plus years ago, when the show was the talk of the town. Telling the story of ‘America’s Greatest Showman’, Phineas T Barnum, the musical premiered on Broadway in 1980, with one-time Carry On cast member Jim Dale taking the title role. The West End version opened the following year, and established Some Mothers Do ’ave ’em star Michael Crawford as one of the UK’s brightest theatrical talents.
Featuring hit numbers Come Follow The Band, The Colours Of My Life and There Is A Sucker Born Ev’ry Minute, this critically acclaimed production stars musical theatre favourite and one-time Joseph star Lee Mead in the title role. Acrobats, circus acts, and an ensemble cast of over 20 actor-musicians - playing 150 instruments between them - further add to the show’s appeal.
Malvern Theatres, Tuesday 27 - Saturday 31 October
THE TURN OF THE SCREW
Blackeyed Theatre and Arcola Theatre combine their impressive talents to crank up the atmosphere in this new stage adaptation of Henry James’ gothic classic.
A young governess, hired to care for two children at a remote country estate, starts to believe that there are malevolent spirits wandering around the property. Before too long, she becomes convinced that the youngsters in her charge are aware of the ghostly apparitions too...
The Rep, Birmingham, Thursday 29 - Saturday 31 October
TOTO THE NINJA CAT AND THE GREAT SNAKE ESCAPE
Little Angel Theatre return to the region with a stage show based on Dermot O’Leary’s bestselling children’s book about an almost completely blind cat who has incredible ninja skills. Accompanied by her cheeky brother, Silver, Toto needs to use every ounce of her courage and cunning to save the day when a deadly King Cobra escapes onto the streets of London...
Suitable for children aged five and older.
Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Saturday 31 October & Sunday 1 November
ONCE UPON A TIME IN SOKOTO
An award-winning new play about the unlikely friendship between a slave and her former master in pre-colonial Nigeria, Once Upon A Time In Sokoto is a powerful family drama set against the backdrop of traumatic real events.
“The play is mostly about business actually,” explains its writer, Inua Ellams. “It’s about trying to trade, trying to make money. And the backdrop is religious differences, cultural differences, class, commerce, love, relationships. It’s an epic story but told through the lives of four people who lived through those incredible times.”
Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Thursday 5 - Saturday 7 November
THE ELEPHANT MAN
The Victorian-era Elephant Man - aka Joseph Merrick - came to real prominence when legendary director David Lynch made a film about him way back in 1980.
The tale of Merrick is certainly one of great courage and fortitude. A badly disfigured man shunned by society, he eked out a living for himself by making appearances as a ‘fairground freak’... This amateur production of Bernard Pomerance’s 1977 play is being performed by the Oldbury Rep Players.
Oldbury Rep, Saturday 7 - Saturday 14 November
THE DINOSAUR THAT POOPED: A ROCK SHOW
Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter are promising their brand-new production will come complete with new songs, a lot of laughs and (not surprisingly given the show’s title) a whole load of poo!
Based on Tom and Dougie’s bestselling children’s books, The Dinosaur That Pooped follows Danny and Dino as they try to get hold of the last two tickets to their favourite rock band’s last-ever concert. But with a villainous band manager lurking, nothing goes to plan... Will the band perform? Will Danny rock out? Or will Dino’s rumbling tummy save the day?...
The Alexandra, Birmingham, Sunday 8 November
THE ACCRINGTON PALS
In the Lancashire mill town of Accrington, with the men away fighting for king and country, their mothers, wives, sisters and sweethearts find daily life being dramatically reshaped by the faraway conflict...
This is an amateur production of Midlands-born Peter Whelan’s acclaimed 1981 drama - a thought-provoking exploration of the emotional realities of life on the home front during the First World War.
Wolverhampton Arts Centre, Wednesday 11 - Friday 13 November
THE BORROWERS
The New Vic is this Christmas once again turning its attention to Mary Norton’s 1952 children’s fantasy - a dozen years after the show was first staged by the theatre to great critical acclaim.
Living happily beneath the floorboards of a quiet old house, The Borrowers suddenly find their way of life compromised when young Arrietty gets itchy feet and goes exploring... The New Vic team is here promising a yuletide package of ‘magical storytelling, original music and thrilling live-on-stage effects’.
So if you’re on the lookout for a Christmas show that’s free of custard pies, rouged-up Dames and cries of “He’s behind you!”, this could well be the production for you.
New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Friday 13 November - Saturday 23 January
CHRISTMAS CAROL GOES WRONG
Now here’s an interesting spin on Charles Dickens’ most famous and fantastic festive-season story...
The highly acclaimed Mischief theatre company are past masters at presenting productions that ‘go wrong’ - think The Play That Goes Wrong, Peter Pan Goes Wrong and Magic Goes Wrong, not to mention the BBC comedy series The Goes Wrong Show. This latest addition to that list sees the return of the Cornley Amateur Drama Society, an organisation whose byword is disorganisation.
Miscommunication, delays to their set, actors missing in action, and a growing feud over who will play the lead role are numbered among the Society’s many and varied splendidly comedic trials and tribulations... Suitable for audience members aged eight-plus.
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tuesday 10 - Saturday 14 November; The Alexandra, Birmingham, Tuesday 16 - Saturday 20 February 2027
GEORGE AND THE DRAG QUEEN
Publicity for Pipeline Theatre’s latest play describes it as ‘a bittersweet, bonkers cake-mix of the epic and the outlandish, beaten together with the everyday and the plain silly’...
The show focuses on two bantering first-aid volunteers at a village fête who find their stories becoming entwined with that of a Lebanese Drag Queen - leading to explosive results...
Charlton School Theatre, Wellington, Shropshire, Saturday 14 November; Clungunford Village Hall, S. Shropshire, Sunday 15 November
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Now here’s an interesting spin on Charles Dickens’ most famous and fantastic festive-season story...
The highly acclaimed Mischief theatre company are past masters at presenting productions that ‘go wrong’ - think The Play That Goes Wrong, Peter Pan Goes Wrong and Magic Goes Wrong, not to mention the BBC comedy series The Goes Wrong Show. This latest addition to that list sees the return of the Cornley Amateur Drama Society, an organisation whose byword is disorganisation.
Miscommunication, delays to their set, actors missing in action, and a growing feud over who will play the lead role are numbered among the Society’s many and varied splendidly comedic trials and tribulations... Suitable for audience members aged eight-plus.
Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Monday 16 & Tuesday 17 November; Bridge House Theatre, Warwick, Saturday 28 November
LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL
Based on the hit movie starring Reese Witherspoon, this critically acclaimed musical follows the story of college sweetheart and homecoming queen Elle Woods, a girl who just doesn’t take no for an answer. So when her boyfriend, Warner, announces that he’s dumping her for someone more serious, Elle puts down the credit card, hits the books and heads for Harvard Law School...
One-time Strictly Come Dancing finalist Amber Davies top-bills as Elle.
*Please note, Amber Davies will not be performing at the matinee performance at The Regent on Thursday 19 November at 2.30pm.
Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Tuesday 17 - Saturday 21 November
BLOOD BROTHERS
You know what you’re going to get with a Willy Russell production. From Educating Rita to Shirley Valentine, his work is always sharp, refreshing, poignant and funny. And Blood Brothers doesn’t buck the trend. It’s effectively a class-driven Scouse melodrama, but to simply describe it as such is to vastly underestimate the emotional response it routinely produces within its audience.
Running for more than 10,000 performances in London’s West End - one of only five musicals ever to achieve that milestone - it tells the story of an unfortunate mother compelled to give away one of her twins. It also has adult actors playing children and boasts a sharp social awareness to counteract the sticky sentimentality. And if the measure of a musical’s success is being able to hum the songs when you come out of the theatre - without having known them all that well before you went in - then this is unquestionably one of the best.
Malvern Theatres, Tuesday 17 - Saturday 21 November; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Tuesday 18 - Saturday 22 May
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
When a young woman is captured by a hideous beast, she finds herself facing a life of isolation in his mysterious palace.
The Beast, too, is trapped - seemingly forever - inside the grotesquery of his physical appearance, the consequence of a spell cast upon him by an evil witch. Only Beauty’s ability to look beyond his ugliness and see the person within can save him...
So that’s the basic storyline. Now... what about the Belgrade’s festive-season version? Well, as usual, Coventry’s favourite dame, Iain Lauchlan, has both written and stars in the show. And also as usual, Iain is promising a production that’s replete with breathtaking sets, crazy costumes and seasonal silliness. Festive fun is a guarantee.
Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Wednesday 18 November - Saturday 2 January
PETER PAN
Fly away to Neverland with the boy who wouldn't grow up, meet a real fairy, marvellous mermaids, wonderful Wendy and the down-on-their-luck Lost Boys. Oh, and beware the ever-so-wicked Captain Hook and a very hungry crocodile who goes tick-tock (he swallowed a clock!). The Rep’s artistic director, Joe Murphy, takes the helm for this faithful re-telling of JM Barrie’s much-loved children’s story.
The Rep, Birmingham, Wednesday18 November - Sunday 17 January
SNOW WHITE
Modern pantomime versions of Snow White don’t always include her ‘magnificent seven’ mining pals - but whether the fellas are present-and-correct or missing in action, there’s always plenty to enjoy in the much-loved fairytale. And that’s certainly the case with this Blue Orange Theatre production. Expect ‘adventure, comedy, lots of magical songs, dances, sweets, glorious costumes and buckets of audience participation’...
Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, Friday 20 November - Sunday 6 December
ROBIN HOOD
As if Robin Hood didn't already have enough on his plate dealing with the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham and wooing the beautiful Maid Marion, the festive season also finds Sherwood Forest’s most famous resident getting tangled up in all manner of pantomime traditions (custard pie in the boar-race, anyone?)...
There’s a new dame in town at Lichfield Garrick this year, with Ben Stock taking on the role of Nurse Nellie (pictured), while another Ben - Thornton - stars as the eponymous hero. The show marks the venue’s first in-house-produced pantomime in over a decade.
Meanwhile, over at the Swan, the Worcester Repertory Company are promising a production that’s positively awash with traditional panto mischief, mayhem and slapstick silliness.
Lichfield Garrick, Friday 20 November - Sunday 10 January; Swan Theatre, Worcester, Saturday 28 November - Sunday 3 January
MR SLEEPYBUM'S DREAM MACHINE
With accolades and glittering gongs aplenty to recommend it, Mr Sleepybum was a show well worth checking out. Now, the title character - a fella who has ‘stupid, silly dreams’ at night - is making a welcome return with this brand-new production.
Running for one hour and suitable for children aged between three and eight, the show sees Mr Sleepybum invent a machine that magically brings to life all manner of dreams, including ones featuring dinosaurs, robots, car chases and, er, the world’s largest blanket!
Little Theatre, Donnington, Shropshire, Saturday 21 November
DIRTY DANCING
Seen by millions across the globe, Eleanor Bergstein's smash-hit musical tells the classic story of Baby and Johnny, two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds who come together for what will prove to be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives.
Hit numbers include Hungry Eyes, Hey Baby, Do You Love Me? and I’ve Had The Time Of My Life.
Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Tuesday 24 - Saturday 28 November; The Alexandra, Birmingham, Tuesday 19 - Saturday 23 January; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tuesday 4 Msay - Saturday 8 May
ALADDIN
If you’re a dyed-in-the-wool fan of the Theatre Severn panto experience, you’ll be delighted to know that this year’s offering is following the usual recipe for success.
What does that mean in practice? Well, to put some meat on the bone, it means Telford-born Paul Hendy is writing it, Evolution is producing it, and Brad Fitt is both starring in it and taking the directorial reins.
“There are pantos out there that go a bit near the knuckle - but I don’t think ours does,” says Brad, who is this year appearing as Dame Dolly in what will be his 15th Theatre Severn pantomime. “I would never tell a joke that was offensive or rude. Sometimes, you can use a double entendre - but then that’s in your mind; that’s not me. You have to blame yourself!”
Photo credit: Victoria La Bouchardiere
Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Friday 27 November - Sunday 3 January
AUSTENTATIOUS
Austentatious stops off in the Midlands having garnered plenty of praise on its previous visits. Lighthearted and delightfully throwaway, the production sees its actors utilising audience suggestions to develop a laughter-laden play that pays loving homage to Jane Austen. Performed in period costume with live musical accompaniment, the show is described by its publicity as ‘a riotous, razor-sharp production where swooning is guaranteed’.
The Alexandra, Birmingham, Saturday 28 November
LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD
This 50-minute show, suitable for youngsters between the ages of three and eight, takes families into the darkness of the woods for an adventure with Little Red Riding Hood.
A young girl who takes good care of her grandmother, she also knows a thing or two about outwitting big hairy wolves who’d very much like to make a meal out of her...
Albany Theatre, Coventry, Saturday 28 November
THE GRUFFALO'S CHILD
With millions of copies having been sold in double-quick time after it was published in 1999, it's fair to say that Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler's picture book The Gruffalo captured the hearts and minds of children everywhere. So it was no surprise when the dynamic duo then produced this sequel story five years later...
Despite her dad's warning to stay away from the deep, dark wood, the Gruffalo's child decides it's time to go and explore, caring not a jot about the legend of the Big Bad Mouse...
Award-winning theatre company Tall Stories, who certainly know a thing or two about adapting Donaldson/Scheffler books for the stage, here present a production that brings together ‘songs, laughs and scary fun for everyone aged three to 103’.
Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Saturday 28 November - Sunday 27 December
TREASURE ISLAND
Ahoy mRobert Louis Stevenson’s high-seas caper here gets the pantomime treatment, as young Jim Hawkins heads off on the adventure of a lifetime - one which will see him not only setting sail in search of buried treasure, but also spending time in the company of a one-legged pirate with misdeeds in mind...
The production stars comedian Richard Blackwood as Long John Silver. Solomon Davy, Tam Ryan and Ian Adams - the latter celebrating his 10th year as Wolverhampton’s dame - all make a welcome return.
Last year’s Grand Theatre panto production of Sleeping Beauty took the top accolade at the prestigious UK Pantomime Awards - so be sure to check out this latest festive-season offering.
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Saturday 28 November - Sunday 3 January
THE THREE MUSKETEERS
A wild new adaptation of the thrilling novel, for all ages.
Austentatious stops off in the Midlands having garnered plenty of praise on its previous visits. Lighthearted and delightfully throwaway, the production sees its actors utilising audience suggestions to develop a laughter-laden play that pays loving homage to Jane Austen. Performed in period costume with live musical accompaniment, the show is described by its publicity as ‘a riotous, razor-sharp production where swooning is guaranteed’.
Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, Saturday 28 November - Saturday 9 January
THE BIG PANTS PARTY
If you’re long overdue a carefree night out, then why not grab yourself a ticket for this nostalgia-drenched get-together and dance your socks off in the aisles...
The Big Pants Party is described by its publicity as ‘the ultimate ladies night out, celebrating the iconic soundtrack of a lifetime of fun, love and friendship’.
Taking the form of a concert, the show has been specially designed to get its audience singing and dancing along. Big pants are optional.
Tamworth Assembly Rooms, Saturday 12 December; The Albany Theatre, Coventry, Saturday 6 March 2027; Walsall Arena, Friday 12 March 2027
MEAN GIRLS
Mean Girls proved to be a defining movie for a whole generation when it was released more than 20 years ago, so it’s no surprise that the story has since had theatrical life breathed into it.
The plotline follows the adventures of student Cady Heron as she engages with an elite group of popular high-school girls called The Plastics, whose queen bee, Regina George, is ably assisted in her conniving ways by her minions, Gretchen and Karen...
Steps star Faye Tozer takes top billing when the show visits Wolverhampton this month, playing three characters: Ms Heron, Ms Norbury and Mrs George.
The Alexandra, Birmingham, Monday 14 December - Saturday 2 January
Photo features previous West End cast.
THE MOUSETRAP
Not only has everybody heard of Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap, everybody’s also actually seen the show... haven’t they?
Okay, maybe not, but as the play debuted some 75 years ago and has been running non-stop in the West End ever since (Covid disruption aside, of course), it’s fair to say its capacity to put bums on seats is absolutely beyond question.
Not surprisingly, the play is the world’s longest-running show, and has been performed in excess of 30,000 times.
This touring version stars Nicholas Bailey and Susan Penhaligon.
Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Monday 1 - Saturday 6 March; Lichfield Garrick, Monday 8 - Saturday 13 March; Malvern Theatres, Tuesday 4 - Saturday 8 May
MURDER SHE DIDN'T WRITE
Don your deerstalker, grab your magnifying glass and get your ‘finger of suspicion’ at the ready because Edinburgh Fringe favourites, Degrees of Error, are bringing back their multiple sell-out show for your sleuthing pleasure.
They’ll create a classic murder mystery on-the-spot in this ingenious improvised comedy. You, the audience, become the author as the cast act out your very own Agatha Christie-inspired masterpiece live on stage. At each show this extraordinarily talented company use audience suggestions to create a unique, original and extremely comical murder mystery just for you. All you have to do… is solve it!
Ms Gold poisoned at a synchronised swimming gala? Dr Blue exploded by cannon during a hot air balloon race? Professor Violet crushed to death at a Love Island recoupling? You decide!
But will you guess whodunnit before the killer is revealed?
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Wednesday 13 January; Lichfield Garrick, Tues 19 January; Swan Theatre, Worcester, Tuesday 2 & Wednesday 3 February; Crewe Lyecum, Mon 15 February
ANNIE
Claire Sweeney is the latest high-profile performer to take on the coveted role of Miss Hannigan in Annie, the oft-touring Broadway musical that’s once again visiting the region this month.
A heart-warming rags-to-riches story of a little girl who finds herself transported from a New York orphanage to the luxurious world of a millionaire, the show features plenty of memorable songs, including It’s A Hard Knock Life, I Don’t Need Anything But You, Easy Street, and of course, the legendary Tomorrow.
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tuesday 16 - Sunday 21 February 2027
DEAR ZOO
A production that's sure to delight all those who have read the book (both young and old) as it unfolds with child-engaging puppets (a cheeky monkey, a jumpy frog and of course a perfect puppy), music and lots of audience interaction.
Rod Campbell’s best-selling lift the flap book has delighted generations of young readers since it was first published in 1982, with more than 8 million copies sold worldwide.
Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 March; Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Wednesday 24 & Thursday 25 March; Birmingham Hippodrome, Thursday 8 - Sunday 11 April; The Core Theatre, Solihull, Wednesday 21 & Thursday 22 April; Crewe Lyceum Theatre, Saturday 29 May
HEATHERS THE MUSICAL
Although far from being an unqualified success with the critics, Heathers The Musical did great business in the West End, and is equally likely to pack them in on this latest UK tour.
Based on the cult 1989 movie starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, the show follows the character of Veronica Sawyer, a high-school student who’s tired of being part of a feared and popular clique with three girls named Heather...
Eager to opt out, she finds herself drawn to new student Jason ‘JD’ Dean, a rebellious young man with murder in mind...
The Alexandra, Birmingahm, Tuesday 16 - Saturday 20 March
THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHTTIME
The National Theatre stage adaptation of Mark Haddon’s award-winning novel bagged an impressive seven Olivier Awards in 2013 and was met with almost universal acclaim. The story is here being told in a brand-new production presented by Birmingham Rep and Melting Pot. And there’s every reason to believe the show will prove to be just as impressive as that original stage version.
At the centre of the action is the character of teenager Chris, who self-describes as “a mathematician with some behavioural difficulties”. Initially coming under suspicion after discovering the lifeless body of the neighbour’s dog, Chris decides to investigate the crime - and in so doing embarks on a journey that will ultimately see some truly shocking family secrets being revealed...
Charlie Brooks and Joe McFadden top-bill.
Theatre Severn, Tuesday 6 - Saturday 10 April
BURLESQUE THE MUSICAL
Christina Aguilera not only provides powerhouse songs for this acclaimed and relatively new musical but also executive-produces it. The story focuses on the character of small-town dreamer Ali Rose, whose New York-located search for her biological mother sees her stumbling into the surprisingly cut-throat world of burlesque.
Based on the hit 2010 movie of the same name, which co-starred Aguilera and Cher, the show has made a significant splash in the West End and stops off in Birmingham as part of its first UK tour.
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Wednesday 7 - Saturday 10 April