ANNOUNCEMENTS

Designed by London College of Fashion student Daphne Scotto Di Carlo, the kit brings together archive material from Hackney Empire’s history with the identity and heritage of Hackney Women’s FC, Europe’s longest-running LGBTQIA+ football team.

Running from late November through to New Year’s Eve, the season ranges from a neon-lit roller circus and Protein’s playful dance-theatre reimagining of Mozart to drag, disco, Bollywood brass, karaoke, live comedy and Christmas ceilidh dancing — alongside more traditional festive favourites for audiences who still want a touch of Christmas classicism.

Toto is a Polka Theatre and Topper and Fred co-production, adapted from the beautifully illustrated children’s book by Ximo Abadia, following an endearing tale about never giving up on your dreams, or the people you love.

Since opening in 1901, Hackney Empire has been a home for theatre, comedy, music and entertainment; a place where generations of artists, audiences, young people and communities have come together; a champion for global majority and under-represented creatives. Its 125th anniversary provides an opportunity both to celebrate that extraordinary history and to look forward.

Stick Man is returning for its 15th annual festive season in London, and its third at Bloomsbury Theatre, from Thursday 3 December 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027. A second production will play The Montgomery, a historic theatre and the newest member of the Sheffield Theatres family from Saturday 5 December 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027,, marking the show’s first Christmas season in Sheffield.

The cast is led by CBBC star James Mackenzie as the wicked ‘Abanazar’ and pantomime favourite Sean Jones, returning to the Floral Pavilion for his seventh year as ‘Wishee Washee’, alongside Blackpool-based performer and radio presenter Scott Gallagher, making his pantomime Dame debut as ‘Widow Twankey’, West End performer James-Royden Lyley as ‘Aladdin’, and SIX star Yna Montarde as ‘Princess Jasmine’.

Olivier Award-winner and “panto royalty” (The Times) Clive Rowe returns to direct and star as ‘Dame Trot’.

Production images by Anthony Leary-White are today released for the world premiere of The Pianist, a new musical stage adaptation of Wladyslaw Szpilman’s internationally acclaimed memoir, the inspiration behind Roman Polanski’s Academy Award-winning film.

From a Christmas Fair filled with independent makers and festive treats, to live music, creative workshops, dining experiences and two nights of stand-up comedy, the Watermill’s festive programme offers something for audiences of all ages throughout November and December.

Fresh from hit runs in the West End and New York, The Last Laugh brings three of Britain’s best-loved comedy legends back to life, with Britain’s Got Talent finalist Steve Royle as ‘Eric Morecambe’, Damian Williams as ‘Tommy Cooper’ and Simon Cartwright as ‘Bob Monkhouse’. Written and directed by ITV’s This Morning host, and Wheel of Fortune presenter Paul Hendy, the critically acclaimed comedy imagines the three icons sharing one very unusual dressing room.

The expansion will enable thousands more children across London and Surrey to experience live theatre and take part in Creative Learning programmes, developing literacy, communication, confidence and creativity.

The hit musical featuring Darren Day will visit 23 venues across the UK from January – July 2027 following its London season