The New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-under-Lyme has announced its spring 2027 season, featuring the return of a popular comedy thriller, a moving drama inspired by traditional folk music and a darkly comic production from the writer of Sherlock and Doctor Who.

The season will open with a revival of The 39 Steps, running from Saturday 20 March to Saturday 17 April 2027. Directed by New Vic Artistic Director Theresa Heskins, the production is based on John Buchan’s novel and adapted for the stage by Patrick Barlow.

First staged at the New Vic in 2019, the production has become one of the theatre’s most popular shows of the past 40 years. Combining suspense, physical comedy and inventive theatrical storytelling, its return will bring the theatre’s 40th anniversary celebrations to a close. Original cast members Michael Hugo and Gareth Cassidy will also reunite for the revival.

Next, Folk, by Nell Leyshon, will run from Friday 7 to Saturday 29 May. Inspired by the true story of composer Cecil Sharp and his work collecting and transcribing traditional songs in the early 20th century, the play explores music, memory and the traditions that connect communities. It will be directed by Polly Wain, whose previous credits include The Miner Birds and Rats’ Tales at the New Vic.

The theatre's season will conclude with The Unfriend, a dark comedy thriller by award-winning writer Steven Moffat, best known for Sherlock and Doctor Who. Running from Saturday 19 June to Saturday 10 July, the production explores the perils of politeness through an everyday social encounter that takes an increasingly extraordinary turn. Directed by John Young, the satirical comedy examines the consequences of being too British to say what you really think.

Three touring productions will also visit the theatre as part of the spring programme.

The John Godber Company returns with brand-new comedy This Is The Life, running from Wednesday 21 to Saturday 24 April. The play follows a cynical backstage duo who embark on their own theatrical adventure in an attempt to save their beloved theatre from closure.

London Classic Theatre will present Alan Ayckbourn’s Snake in the Grass from Thursday 3 to Saturday 5 June. Blending dark comedy with psychological thriller elements and a supernatural twist, the play sees family secrets and buried trauma gradually come to the surface.

Meanwhile, A Place for Us Theatre Company will bring Electric Dreams to the stage from Wednesday 9 to Saturday 12 June. Reimagining A Midsummer Night’s Dream through the lens of the 1980s, the production combines Shakespeare’s original text with sequins, Walkmans and a live band performing hits by artists including Eurythmics, Bonnie Tyler, Heaven 17, Irene Cara and The Weather Girls.

Tickets for the New Vic Theatre’s spring 2027 season go on general sale on Monday 9 November.

For further information and bookings, visit newvictheatre.org.uk.