More Theatre News
-
Review: It's A Wonderful Knife... at the Old Joint Stock Theatre
Posted on Mon 08 Dec
-
Review: The Forsyte Saga, Parts 1 & 2 at the RSC
Posted on Sat 06 Dec
-
Review: Sleeping Beauty at the Wolverhampton Grand
Posted on Thu 04 Dec
ANNIE
Set in 1930s New York, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. Her luck soon changes when she’s chosen to spend a fairytale Christmas with famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. Meanwhile, spiteful Miss Hannigan has other ideas and hatches a plan to spoil Annie’s search for her true family…
With its Tony® award-winning book and score, including the unforgettable songs It’s The Hard-Knock Life, Easy Street, I Don’t Need Anything But You and Tomorrow.
Tues 2 - Sat 6 June at The Alexandra, Birmingham; Tues 13 - Sun 18 Oct at Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent and Tues 16 - Sun 21 February 2027 at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
BARNUM: THE CIRCUS MUSICAL
West End favourite and TV star Lee Mead takes centre stage as the legendary 19th century showman P.T. Barnum in a new staging telling the story of The World's Greatest Showman.
An ensemble cast of over 20 actor-musicians will play 150 instruments, perform acrobats and circus acts. Audiences are certain to delight at every sight, wonder and miracle that the name Barnum stands for.
Barnum first took the UK by storm when it played the London Palladium, with Michael Crawford making theatrical history with a death-defying nightly tightrope walk across the stage. And now, Lee Mead steps into Barnum’s shoes and on to the tightrope!
Tues 21 - Sat 25 April at Birmingham Hippodrome and Tues 27 - Sat 31 October at Malvern Theatres
BLOOD BROTHERS
Although it’s effectively a class-driven ‘scouse melodrama’, to describe Blood Brothers as such is to greatly underestimate the emotional response it produces within its audience.
The show features adult actors playing children, a narrator who wanders through the scenes with warnings of impending doom, a good helping of sharp social awareness to counteract the sticky sentimentality, and a raft of much-loved musical numbers, including Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe, and the emotionally charged Tell Me It’s Not True.
Musical theatre veteran Vivienne Carlyle stars as Mrs Johnstone.
Tues 27 - Sat 31 January at Belgrade Theatre, Coventry; Tues 19 - Sat 23 May at Lichfield Garrick; Tues 20 - Sat 24 October at Birmingham Hippodrome and Tues 17 - Sat 21 November at Malvern Theatres
CATS
A spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s multi award-winning musical Cats is coming to Birmingham Hippodrome.
From Euston station to Victoria Grove, the strays and rebels of London gather under the Jellicle moon in the hope they’ll be the chosen one. And each of them asks, because each of them dares, who will it be?
Based on T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, and with a legendary score which inspired generations featuring, Old Deuteronomy, Macavity: The Mystery Cat, Jellicle Ball and the chart-topping hit Memory, this brand-new production of Cats, directed and choreographed by Drew McOnie arrives in October 2026 for two weeks only.
Tues 27 October - Sat 7 November at Birmingham Hippodrome
DIRTY DANCING
Seen by millions across the globe this worldwide smash hit tells the classic story of Baby and Johnny, two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds, who come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives.
See the hit film come to life before your eyes with this fantastic, emotional and triumphant live stage show.
The iconic story features the hit songs ‘Hungry Eyes’, ‘Hey! Baby’, ‘Do You Love Me?’ and the heart stopping ‘(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life’, and an incredible cast of dancers.
Tues 24 - Sat 28 November at Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent and Tues 4 - Sat 8 May 2027 at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
DISENCHANTED!
Disenchanted! is the hilarious hit musical with more bite, more sass, and zero damsels in distress.
Forget happily ever after! Cinderella’s done cleaning, Sleeping Beauty’s wide awake and Snow White’s calling the shots now. These princesses don't want to play nice; they want to storm the castle! — one showstopping number at a time.
Disenchanted! is the side-splitting, cheeky, musical mash-up of all your favourite fairy tales.
If you’re looking to let your hair down, take a magic carpet ride or maybe kiss a frog or two, Disenchanted! is the night out you didn’t know you desperately needed.
Fri 24 April - Sat 2 May at Lichfield Garrick Theatre
FRIENDS! THE MUSICAL PARODY
Friends may have finished 21 years ago, but the now-legendary TV show continues to draw an audience whenever and wherever it’s repeated. So there’s little wonder that somebody somewhere decided a stage version would be a good idea.
Lovingly lampooning the hit sitcom, the production is a good-hearted romp through the series’ most memorable moments - but with the addition of some high-energy song & dance routines just for good measure.
Mon 16 - Sat 21 February at Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury
HIGH SOCIETY
This sumptuous new production is brought to life by an multi-award winning creative team, including
renowned director Rachel Kavanaugh, legendary choreographer Anthony Van Laast with musical supervision by Stephen Ridley leading a full orchestra, will immerse audiences in a dazzling world of champagne-sparkled evenings, razor-sharp comedy, and the timeless sophistication of Cole Porter in one of the great classic musicals of all time.
With music and lyrics by Cole Porter and a book by Arthur Kopit, this glittering new production promises a heady cocktail of romance, wit, mistaken identity and irresistible musical charm. Featuring Porter classics such as Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, I Love Paris, Well Did You Evah?, Just One Of Those Things, Let’s Misbehave, You’re Sensational, and the swooningly romantic True Love.
Tues 18 - Sat 22 August at The Alexandra, Birmingham
I'M EVERY WOMAN
With 22 albums, 25 chart-topping hits, 70 million records sold and a career spanning five decades, Chaka Khan has shaped the sound of generations. Now, her story explodes onto the stage in a dazzling world premiere musical starring Alexandra Burke (Sister Act, The Bodyguard, Chicago, The X Factor winner 2008).
Featuring a book that includes an array of Chaka’s famous friends from Joni Mitchell and Prince to Stevie Wonder and Steve Winwood in addition to the songs that made her a global icon - including I Feel for You, Tell Me Something Good, Ain’t Nobody, Sweet Thing, Through The Fire and many more. This groundbreaking production delves into the woman behind the music - her rise to fame, her battles behind the spotlight, and her powerful journey of resilience.
Wed 1 - Sat 4 April at Belgrade Theatre, Coventry
JERSEY BOYS
The boys are back as the original Tony®-winning sensation returns for its 20th Anniversary Tour.
Go behind the music and inside the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons in the true-life musical phenomenon, Jersey Boys. From the streets of New Jersey to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, this is the musical that’s too good to be true.
They were just four guys from Jersey, until they sang their very first note. They had a sound nobody had ever heard… and the radio just couldn’t get enough of. But while their harmonies were perfect on stage, off stage it was a very different story — a story that has made them an international sensation all over again. The show features all their hits including Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Walk Like A Man, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Beggin’, Oh What a Night and more.
Mon 26 - Sat 31 October at Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent; Mon 9 - Sat 21 November at The Alexandra, Birmingham and Mon 15 - Sat 27 March 2027 at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
KARATE KID THE MUSICAL
This heartfelt coming-of-age story takes flight with spectacular musical numbers and dazzlingly inventive choreography. Daniel LaRusso’s journey is reimagined through movement, music, and raw, energetic storytelling.
At its heart is the powerful bond between Daniel and Mr. Miyagi, who teaches that karate isn’t about fighting, it’s about balance, dignity, and respect.
A Tony Award-winning design team transforms iconic cinematic moments into an emotionally charged, kinetic stage experience. Honouring the roots of the timeless story, this musical celebrates resilience, mentorship, and the quiet strength that bridges generations.
Tues 21 - Sat 25 July at The Alexandra, Birmingham
LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL
The iconic international West End and Broadway smash hit musical comedy Legally Blonde The Musical is back in fashion with a huge new production.
This ultimate feel-good rom-com, based on the award-winning film starring Reese Witherspoon, follows Elle Woods on her transformation from It girl fashionista to legal ace at Harvard Law School, all in the name of love.
Elle must prove she is more than blonde ambition, swap the changing rooms for the courtroom and learn that ‘being true to yourself never goes out of style.’
Tues 31 March - Sat 4 April at The Alexandra, Birmingham; Tues 13 - Sat 17 October at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre and Tues 17 - Sat 21 November at Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent
MAMMA MIA!
This smash-hit musical tells a story of love, friendship and identity through the timeless songs of ABBA.
Sophie’s quest to discover the father she’s never known brings her mother face to face with three men from her distant romantic past on the eve of a wedding they’ll never forget.
An irresistibly funny show, Mamma Mia! has been thrilling audiences all around the world since it made its debut on Broadway in 2001.
Tues 12 - Sat 30 May at Birmingham Hippodrome and Tues 27 October - Sat 7 November at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
MATILDA THE MUSICAL
Following the sellout success of its first tour in 2018/19, Matilda The Musical - the multi-award winning musical from the Royal Shakespeare Company which in turn is inspired by Roald Dahl beloved story, is currently touring the UK and Ireland.
With book by Dennis Kelly, music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and directed by Matthew Warchus, Matilda is the story of an extraordinary little girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny.
Winner of over 100 international awards - including 24 for Best Musical, Matilda is described as being a ‘unique and unforgettable’ (Rolling Stone) global phenomenon.
The staging has so far delighted over 12 million audiences worldwide.
Wed 1 July - Sun 2 August at Birmingham Hippodrome
MEAN GIRLS
Winner of Best New Musical (WhatsOnStage Awards) and direct from the West End, Mean Girls is the hilarious smash-hit musical comedy from an award-winning creative team including writer Tina Fey (30 Rock), composer Jeff Richmond (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), lyricist Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde) and director and choreographer Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon).
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.
Photo features previous West End cast.
Mon 30 March - Sat 4 April at Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent; Tues 23 - Sat 27 June at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre and Mon 14 December - Sat 2 January 2027 at The Alexandra, Birmingham
MISS SAIGON
In the last days of the Vietnam War, 17 year-old Kim is forced to work in a Saigon bar run by a notorious character known as The Engineer. There she meets and falls in love with an American GI named Chris but they are torn apart by the fall of Saigon. For 3 years Kim goes on an epic journey of survival to find her way back to Chris, who has no idea he’s fathered a son.
The soaring score features hit songs including; The Heat is On, The Movie in My Mind, Last Night of the World and The American Dream.
Tues 23 - Sat 27 June at Birmingham Hippodrome
MRS DOUBTFIRE
Beloved Scottish nanny Euphegenia Doubtfire will be packing up her suitcase and hitting the road in 2026, as her West End and Broadway musical Mrs. Doubtfire tours the UK for the first time - and it's coming to Birmingham Hippodrome!
A hilarious and heartfelt story about holding onto your loved ones against all odds, Mrs. Doubtfire is the musical comedy we need right now.
Out-of-work actor Daniel will do anything for his kids. After losing custody in a messy divorce, he creates the alter ego of Scottish nanny Euphegenia Doubtfire in a desperate attempt to stay in their lives. As his new character takes on a life of its own, Mrs. Doubtfire teaches Daniel more than he bargained for about how to be a father.
The UK and Ireland tour of Mrs. Doubtfire will star Gabriel Vick as Daniel Hillard following his acclaimed performances in the West End.
Thurs 13 August - Tues 29 September at Birmingham Hippodrome
OPERATION MINCEMEAT
Operation Mincemeat is the 2024 Olivier Award-winning Best New Musical. It’s London’s biggest hit with 77 Five-Star reviews making it the best-reviewed show in West End history. Now also a Tony-nominated Best Musical on Broadway!
The year is 1943 and right now we’re losing the war. Luckily, we’re about to gamble all our futures on a stolen corpse.
Singin’ in the Rain meets Strangers on a Train, Operation Mincemeat is the fast-paced, hilarious and unbelievable true story of the twisted secret mission that won us World War II.
Bursting at the seams with the kind of chaos you couldn’t invent, the question is: how did a dead body, a fake love letter, and – of all people – Ian Fleming come together to wrong-foot Hitler?
Tues 17 - Sat 21 March at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre; Mon 27 April - Sat 2 May at Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent and Mon 11 - Sat 16 May at The Alexandra, Birmingham