IN THE WINGS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

This is your backstage pass to the latest announcements, press releases, entertainment news, and exclusive features. Dive into behind-the-scenes stories, performer highlights, and venue spotlights—this is where the magic of our shared creative journey unfolds.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
ANNOUNCEMENTS

REHEARSAL IMAGES RELEASED FOR WHO LET THE GODS OUT RUNNING IN POLKA’S Y C CHAN THEATRE FROM SATURDAY 7 FEBRUARY UNTIL SUNDAY 22 MARCH 2026

Polka Theatre’s Artistic Director and Joint Chief Executive Helen Matravers , Executive Director and Joint Chief Executive Lynette Shanbury , and the whole team are pleased to share rehearsal images for Who Let The Gods Out – a hilarious brand-new stage musical based on the first adventure in the brilliant ‘Who Let The Gods Out’ series, with book and lyrics by the series’ bestselling author Maz Evans. The show will run in Polka’s Adventure Theatre from Saturday 4 October un

FIRST LOOK! PRODUCTION IMAGES RELEASED FOR 'BEAUTIFUL LITTLE FOOL' STARRING DAVID HUNTER, LAUREN WARD AND HANNAH CORNEAU - PLAYING NOW AT SOUTHWARK PLAYHOUSE BOROUGH UNTIL SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY

Producers today release new production images from Beautiful Little Fool, the brand new musical which opened at Southwark Playhouse Borough last week and holds its national press night this Thursday 22 January.

SIR TREVOR NUNN RETURNS TO THE ARTS THEATRE CAMBRIDGE – THE STAGE THAT LAUNCHED HIS CAREER OVER SIX DECADES AGO – TO DIRECT NOËL COWARD’S EASY VIRTUE

Co-Chief Executives Rachel Tackley and Victoria Beechey, and the whole team at The Arts Theatre Cambridge are thrilled to announce casting for their first in-house production, since their reopening after Phase One of their transformational redevelopment project.

FINAL GUEST STARS ALEX NEWELL, JOEL MONTAGUE AND CARRIE HOPE FLETCHER, PLUS FURTHER TRACK LIST INFORMATION ANNOUNCED FOR LOVE LIFE: WEST END UNITES AGAINST CANCER

The One For The Boys team are delighted to announce the final cast members joining their star-studded concert in London, alongside additional information on the setlists for the night.

SIX THE MUSICAL - NEW QUEENS ASCEND THE THRONE! AS SIX CONTINUES TO REIGN SUPREME AT THE VAUDEVILLE

The producers of Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss's award-winning global smash hit SIX are delighted to reveal the new Queens who will take up their crowns in the West End from Tuesday 24 February, as the home-grown musical sensation continues its run at the Vaudeville Theatre, now booking until January 2027.

THEATRE ROYAL WINDSOR ANNOUNCES THEATRE ROYAL WINSOR SEASON ON TOUR

Theatre Royal Windsor, one of the only unsubsidised producing theatres to operate all year round in Britain, today announces the Theatre Royal Windsor Season on Tour, comprising three productions originating at the theatre and touring the UK in 2026.

REHEARSAL IMAGES RELEASED FOR THE WORLD PREMIERE OF BEAUTIFUL LITTLE FOOL

With music and lyrics by Hannah Corneau and a book by Mona Mansour, directed by Michael Greif, Beautiful Little Fool tells the story of Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald through the eyes of their daughter Scottie, as she rediscovers the lives and writings of her brilliant and tempestuous parents.

CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM ANNOUNCED FOR MEN BEHAVING BADLY THE PLAY AT BARN THEATRE, CIRENCESTER

CEO and Artistic Director Iwan Lewis, Executive Director Liam McMullan, and the whole team at the Barn Theatre in Cirencester, are delighted to announce the cast and creative team for Built By Barn World Premiere of Men Behaving Badly: The Play, (Friday 30 January – Saturday 7 March).

BELGRADE THEATRE COVENTRY ANNOUNCES NEW SHOWS FOR 2026 AND 2027 INCLUDING I’M EVERY WOMAN – THE CHAKA KHAN MUSICAL

Artistic Director Corey Campbell, Interim CEO Emma Flatley, and the whole team at the Belgrade Theatre Coventry are delighted to announce more additions to the Belgrade’s programme for 2026 and 2027.

POLKA THEATRE ANNOUNCES CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM FOR THE PREMIERE STAGE ADAPTATION OF BESTSELLING BOOK "WHO LET THE GODS OUT"

Polka Theatre are pleased to announce the cast and creative team for Who Let The Gods Out – a hilarious brand-new stage musical based on the first adventure in the brilliant ‘Who Let The Gods Out’ series, with book and lyrics by the series’ bestselling author Maz Evans.

Before It Hits Upstairs At The Gatehouse

WEST END WRITERS SHOWCASE THEIR NEW WORK IN FIRST OUTING OF 'BEFORE IT HITS'

Before It Hits is bringing snapshots of six in-development musicals by some of the West End’s best-emerging writers to London

LET'S GET SOCIAL

BE PART OF THE STORY

UTOPIA THEATRE AND SHEFFIELD THEATRES’ WORLD PREMIERE PRODUCTION OF CROWN OF BLOOD

BELGRADE THEATRE, COVENTRY WEDNESDAY 11 - SATURDAY 14 FEBRUARY

Utopia Theatre and Sheffield Theatres’ world premiere production of Crown of Blood will come to Belgrade Theatre, Coventry from Wednesday 11 – Saturday 14 February as part of its UK tour. Crown of Blood is a Yoruba adaptation of Macbeth, the first of its kind to ever be seen on UK stages.

Crown of Blood is directed by the renowned Artistic Director of Utopia Theatre Mojisola Kareem and written by Oladipo Agboluaje. Crown of Blood was developed with the support of the National Theatre's Generate programme.

The cast will be led by of Nigerian stage and screen superstars Kehinde Bankole as ‘Oyebisi’ and Deyemi Okanlawon as ‘Aderemi’.

#crownofblood #belgrade #belgradecoventry #theatre #coventry

WORLD PREMIERE OF VICTORIA: A QUEEN UNBOUND ANNOUNCED AS THE WATERMILL THEATRE IS NAMED
THEATRE OF THE YEAR AT THE 2026 STAGE AWARDS

VICTORIA: A QUEEN UNBOUND OPENING AT THE WATERMILL

FRIDAY 27 MARCH – SATURDAY 9 MAY

Fresh from being named Theatre of the Year at The Stage Awards 2026, the Watermill Theatre is delighted to announce the world premiere of Victoria: A Queen Unbound, a new play by Daisy Goodwin, creator of ITV’s Victoria. The production will run from Friday 27 March to Saturday 9 May.

“Diaries survive while feelings slip away. They are the skeleton on which posterity puts flesh.”

Osborne House 1901. As Victoria faces the final days of her reign, she clings to her diaries, the carefully kept record of a life defined by love, duty and profound loss. Into this certainty comes her younger self, forcing the older Victoria to confront memories she’s chosen to bury and truths she’s chosen to forget.

Victoria and Albert are celebrated as one of history’s great love stories. A devoted marriage with nine children, and then a young widow dedicated to his memory. At least that is the version written down. But does writing something make it true? Looking back at a young queen, this new play tells the story of a woman pregnant for most of her 20s and 30s, gradually surrendering her strength and authority to her husband, and growing increasingly lonely in her crumbling marriage.

A world premiere, from Daisy Goodwin, the creator of the novel and ITV drama, Victoria, this new play offers a fresh perspective on one of history’s greatest monarchs.

#victoria #watermilltheatre #newbury #queenvictoria #uktheatre #regionaltheatre #theatre

SIX THE MUSICAL - NEW QUEENS ASCEND THE THRONE!

AS SIX CONTINUES TO REIGN SUPREME AT THE VAUDEVILLE

SMASH-HIT WEST END SHOW NOW BOOKING UNTIL JANUARY 2027

The producers of Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss's award-winning global smash hit SIX are delighted to reveal the new Queens who will take up their crowns in the West End from Tuesday 24 February, as the home-grown musical sensation continues its run at the Vaudeville Theatre, now booking until January 2027.

Adrianne Langley will play 'Catherine of Aragon', while Marisha Morgan joins the Queendom as 'Anne Boleyn'. Jessica Aubrey as 'Jane Seymour', with Freya Karlettis as 'Anna of Cleves', Leesa Tulley as 'Katherine Howard', and Nia Stephen will make her West End debut as 'Catherine Parr'.

They are joined by Tegan Bannister as Alternate 'Aragon/Cleves', Mary Elliott as Alternate 'Boleyn/Howard', and Ashlyn Weekes as Alternate 'Seymour/Parr'. The company is completed by Super Swings Laura Baxter, who is continuing from the 2025 cast in which she made her professional and West End debut, Gabs Boumford and Imogen Rose Hart.

CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED TOUR OF THE TALENTED MR RIPLEY RETURNS THIS JANUARY AND CONTINUES THROUGH 2026 FOLLOWING SOLD-OUT 2025 DATES

Following rave reviews and sold-out performances across the UK in 2025, the critically acclaimed first-ever UK and international tour of THE TALENTED MR RIPLEY returns this month, continuing into 2026 ahead of a planned West End transfer.

Producers Jack Maple, Thomas Hopkins, SAMS Entertainment and Carl Moellenberg are delighted to bring the sell-out 2025 tour to further venues in 2026 including York Theatre Royal, and visits Aylesbury, Aberdeen, Guildford, Windsor, Dublin, Poole, Eastbourne, Colchester, Coventry, Wolverhampton, and finishing in Salisbury in May. Further details and booking links here.

Ed McVey (The Crown, Netflix), Maisie Smith (Eastenders, BBC) and Bruce Herbelin-Earle (Free Reign, Netflix) continue in the roles of ‘Tom Ripley’, ‘Marge Sherwood’ and ‘Dickie Greenleaf’ respectively.

#thetalentedmrripley #ripley #uktour #maisiesmith #theatre #touringtheatre

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR THE TOUR OF WEST END AND INTERNATIONAL SMASH HIT MUSICAL THE CHOIR OF MAN – OPENING AT THE NEW THEATRE WIMBLEDON SATURDAY 14 MARCH

THE JUNGLE CHOIR COMMUNITY PROJECT – NEW TOURING INITIATIVE REVEALED, INVITING LOCAL CHOIRS TO TAKE PART IN EVERY CITY

The producers of the Olivier Award-nominated international smash hit musical THE CHOIR OF MAN today announce full casting for the show’s first ever UK & Ireland Tour, opening at New Wimbledon Theatre on Saturday 14 March 2026. Direct from the West End, the Olivier Award-nominated worldwide smash hit will take The Jungle to audiences across the country and Ireland with tickets on sale now for dates through to December 2026.

The UK & Ireland Tour cast will feature Gustav Melbardis as ‘Maestro’, Oluwalonimi (Nimi) Owoyemi as ‘Poet’, Levi Tyrell Johnson as ‘Hard Man’, Ben Mabberley as ‘Joker’, Rob Godfrey as ‘Beast’, Jack Skelton as ‘Handyman’, Joshua Lloyd as ‘Barman’, Sam Walter as ‘Romantic’ and Aaron Pottenger as ‘Bore’, with Sam Ebenezer, Jared Leathwood, Niall Woodson and Lewis Dragisic as Swings.

THEATRE ROYAL WINDSOR ANNOUNCES THEATRE ROYAL WINDSOR SEASON ON TOUR

THREE PRODUCTIONS ORIGINATING IN WINDSOR TO TOUR THE UK IN 2026

THE MARQUISE – FROM 27 MAY
OUR MAN IN HAVANA – FROM 1 JULY
THE ANASTASIA FILE – FROM 30 SEPTEMBER

Theatre Royal Windsor, one of the only unsubsidised producing theatres to operate all year round in Britain, today announces the Theatre Royal Windsor Season on Tour, comprising three productions originating at the theatre and touring the UK in 2026.

#theatreroyalwindsor #theanastasiafile #ourmaninhavana #themarquise #uktheatre #touringtheatre #theatre

REHEARSAL IMAGES RELEASED FOR
THE WORLD PREMIERE OF BEAUTIFUL LITTLE FOOL

SOUTHWARK PLAYHOUSE
THURSDAY 15 JANUARY – SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY

With music and lyrics by Hannah Corneau and a book by Mona Mansour, directed by Michael Greif, Beautiful Little Fool tells the story of Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald through the eyes of their daughter Scottie, as she rediscovers the lives and writings of her brilliant and tempestuous parents.

The world premiere production at Southwark Playhouse Borough from Thursday 15 January until Saturday 28 February 2026.

#beautifullittlefool #theatre #southwarkplayhouse #davidhunter #hannahcorneau #westend #london

CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM
ANNOUNCED FOR MEN BEHAVING BADLY AT THE BARN THEATRE

WRITTEN BY SIMON NYE
DIRECTED BY JOSEPH O’MALLEY

CEO and Artistic Director Iwan Lewis, Executive Director Liam McMullan, and the whole team at the Barn Theatre in Cirencester, are delighted to announce the cast and creative team for Built By Barn World Premiere of Men Behaving Badly: The Play, (Friday 30 January – Saturday 7 March).

In the role of ‘Gary’ will be Ross Carswell (Eminent Charlestonians at Rosemary Branch Theatre, Harmony at Grub Street Theatre, Midsummer at Barn Theatre and Mercury Theatre), Matt Howdon (Reiver with Elysium, Feathers with Gutter Street, The Hungry Years at Customs House) will play ‘Tony’, playing ‘Dorothy’ is Ellie Nunn (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang on its UK Tour, Identical with Kenny Wax Ltd, The Game of Love and Chance at Arcola Theatre), in the role of ‘Deborah’ will be Tricia Adele-Turner (The Pocket Dream at Lichfield Garrick, Christmas on Exeter Street at Farnham Maltings, Stranger Things: The First Shadow at Pheonix Theatre), Neil Jennings (A Shoddy Detective and The Art of Deception at the Arts Theatre, Robin Hood and The Comedy of Errors with The Pantaloons) will play ‘Ken’ and ‘Eve’ will be played by Valerie Antwi (Noises Off at Stephen Joseph Theatre, The Flat Earthers with JCB Productions, Foreverland at Southwark Playhouse).

NICOLE SCHERZINGER JOINS THE STAR-STUDDED CAST OF THE LOVE LIFE CONCERT IN AID OF ONE FOR THE BOYS CHARITY

THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE
1 FEBRUARY 2026

The One For The Boys team are delighted to announce the addition of Nicole Scherzinger to the cast of their star-studded Love Life concert in London. On 1 February, the West End theatre community will come together for Love Life: West End Unites Against Cancer, a major one-night-only concert at Theatre Royal Drury Lane in support of One For The Boys, the men’s health charity working to break the silence around male cancer.

Taking place on Sunday 1 February 2026, just ahead of World Cancer Day on 4 February, this special event will unite performers, creatives, musicians and supporters for an evening of music, solidarity and storytelling featuring songs by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Stephen Sondheim, Stephen Schwartz, Lin Manuel Miranda, Alan Menken and more.

#onefortheboys #lovelife #nicolescherzinger #westend #london #theatre

NEW ARTWORK AND CAST IMAGES OF DAVID HUNTER, LAUREN WARD AND HANNAH CORNEAU IN BEAUTIFUL LITTLE FOOL RELEASED AHEAD OF JANUARY OPENING

Producers are delighted to release new artwork and images of David Hunter - whose extensive musical theatre roles include Waitress, Once, Kinky Boots and The Time Traveller’s Wife - as ‘F. Scott’ alongside Lauren Ward (Matilda, Dear Evan Hansen, Stranger Things: The First Shadow) as ‘Scottie’, Hannah Corneau (Wicked, Renascence, Frozen) as ‘Zelda’, ahead of the world premiere production at Southwark Playhouse Borough from Thursday 15 January until Saturday 28 February 2026, with a national press night on Thursday 22 January!

DUE TO OVERWHELMING DEMAND THE KINGS HEAD THEATRE ANNOUNCE EXTRA ADULTS-ONLY PERFORMANCE OF JACK AND THE BEANSTALK ON 2 JANUARY 2026 STARRING DRAG RACE STAR ELLA VADAY!

After the original run received a plethora of 5-star-reviews and subsequently sold-out, the Kings Head Theatre team are delighted to add in an extra show!

So far, a variety of musical theatre icons and drag superstars have been guest starring in the Adults Only performances of their 2025 pantomime Jack & the Beanstalk. The adult version of the show is a no holds barred naughty version, making it the perfect event for a festive friends’ night out – this year already had extra Adults Only performances from last year, due to demand, and now another!

The musical theatre stars who have performed this year so far are: RuPaul’s Drag Race UK queen Veronica Green; Kate Butch; Viola, West End star Cassidy Janson; Francis Haugen; Steven Webb; and Oliver Award Nominee Adèle Anderson; drag king Don One.

Still to come are: Georgina Onuorah on Tuesday 23 December; and SIX alumnae Danielle Steers on Saturday 27 December, Le Fil on Tuesday 30 December and River Medway on Saturday 3 January.

It's not goodbye, it's see you soon!

The Choir of Man shuts it's doors on the West End in the new year, but it won't be long before you can find it in your local.

Let's raise a glass to the final weeks of The Jungle at The Arts!

#choirofman

RIVERSIDE STUDIOS ANNOUNCES TRY JANUARY PROGRAMME

TRY JANUARY EVENTS AT RIVERSIDE STUDIOS TO INCLUDE NEW WELLNESS AND MAKER WORKSHOPS, THEATRE, LIVE MUSIC, AND SPECIAL CINEMA EVENTS

PLUS, LISA ROSE’S SOLD-OUT, POWERFUL SOLO SHOW TOO SMALL TO TELL (16 FEBRUARY – 4 MARCH)

AND RAPHAEL PHILLIPS’ DEBUT PLAY MONKEYFACE (8 & 10 JANUARY)

The whole team at Riverside Studios is delighted to announce a dynamic and diverse Try January programme coming in the new year, offering a mix of cutting-edge theatre, creative workshops and screenings for all ages at the iconic West London arts venue.

COUNTERMINERS, M&M ENTS AND THE PLAYGROUND THEATRE PRESENT THE WORLD PREMIERE OF SPANISH ORANGES

WRITTEN BY ALBA ARIKHA AND DIRECTED BY MYRIAM CYR

STARRING ACCLAIMED JAMES BOND ACTRESS MARYAM D’ABO

RUNNING AT THE PLAYGROUND THEATRE WEDNESDAY 11 FEBRUARY – SATURDAY 7 MARCH

Counterminers, M&M Ents, and The Playground Theatre, are proud to announce the world premiere of Spanish Oranges, the debut play by Alba Arikha, Samuel Beckett’s goddaughter, with direction from Myriam Cyr to take place at The Playground Theatre in West London next year. Spanish Oranges will run at The Playground Theatre from Wednesday 11 February – Saturday 7 March, with a press performance on Monday 16 February.

Two artists. One marriage.

Fiona is a novelist on the brink of fame with a new book that blurs the line between fiction and confession. Ivo, once a celebrated actor, has been cancelled—and he suspects Fiona’s success may be built on the bones of his downfall.

Set over a single turbulent morning, this razor-sharp play examines the shifting power dynamics between love and ambition, truth and narrative, art and the people it consumes.

Star of classic James Bond film The Living Daylights alongside Timothy Dalton, Maryam D'Abo (Cyrano De Bergerac, Toulouse; Beth Henley’s Abundance, Riverside Studios) leads a stellar cast in this blistering new play as ‘Fiona Stedman’ alongside Jay Villiers (The Couple Next Door, Channel 4 and Grace, ITV) as ‘Ivo’, with Arianna Branca (Antigone, Edinburgh Fringe; Salomé, Edinburgh Fringe) as ‘Lydia Stedman’.

BUILT BY BARN IN ASSOCIATION WITH RATHMORE PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS OTTILIE

CEO and Artistic Director Iwan Lewis, Executive Director and Producer Liam McMullan and the whole Barn Theatre team are delighted to announce casting for Ottilie, A Built by Barn production in association with Rathmore Productions. Richard Clements’ Ottilie directed by Matthew McElhinney and performed by Jolene O’Hara. The show will open on Saturday 21 March and run until Sunday 19 April, with a national press performance on Tuesday 24 March.

Ottilie will be the first Barn Supported Production since the Barn Theatre launched the scheme in late 2025. Arriving to Cirencester after first being produced in Belfast, Northern Ireland and will be performed at the Barn Theatre in association with the original producers, Rathmore Productions.

We at ANRPR hope you all have a great festive season and a happy new year!

We've worked on some amazing campaigns this year, thank you all for being a part of it.

We look forward to 2026!

- Team ANRPR

WILD YAK PRESENTS A KADIMAH YIDDISH THEATRE PRODUCTION 'YENTL' BASED ON THE ORIGINAL YIDDISH SHORT STORY BY ISAAC BASHEVIS SINGER

THE AWARD-WINNING AUTRALIAN STAGE SENSATION MAKES ITS INTERNATIONAL PREMIERE IN LONDON NEXT SPRING

MARYLEBONE THEATRE 6 MARCH – 12 APRIL 2026 -TICKETS ON SALE NOW

After a series of triumphant, award-winning, sold-out Australian seasons — including a five-star run at the Sydney Opera House — Yentl, Kadimah Yiddish Theatre’s bold and acclaimed new adaptation of Isaac Bashevis Singer’s story, will make its international premiere at Marylebone Theatre from 6 March 2026 for a strictly limited run to 12 April, with a press night on Wednesday 10 March.

This thrilling bilingual staging reimagines Singer’s revolutionary tale with a contemporary pulse and a vivid celebration of Yiddish culture. Set in an 1870s Polish shtetl, it follows a young woman who, forbidden by Orthodox law from studying Jewish scripture, disguises herself as a man and steps into a world alive with possibility and conflict. As her search for knowledge deepens, faith, gender, desire and tradition collide — propelling her toward a destiny that challenges every boundary.

#yentl #marylebonetheatre #london #londontheatre

We’re delighted to share that two ANRPR clients have been nominated for The Stage Awards 2026.

The Watermill Theatre has been shortlisted once again for Theatre of the Year. This nomination follows its 2024 win, shared with the National Theatre, and recognises another remarkable year for the company — from its record-breaking revival of Jesus Christ Superstar to its extensive community and outreach programmes, which engaged more than 15,000 participants.

SIX performed in Japanese has been nominated for the International Theatre Award, marking another milestone in the global reach of the production. Following sold-out seasons in Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya, the acclaimed Japanese Queens made their West End debuts this year by special arrangement with Umeda Arts Theatre, performing entirely in Japanese with English captions.
These nominations highlight the ambition, innovation and international impact of both organisations.

Warm congratulations to all involved — we look forward to celebrating with you in January.

#TheStageAwards #TheStageAwards2026 #ANRPR #TheatrePR #WatermillTheatre #SixTheMusical #InternationalTheatre #TheatreOfTheYear #WestEnd #UKTheatre

FIRST LOOK!

PRODUCTION IMAGES RELEASED FOR A CHRISTMAS CAROL AT THE BARN THEATRE

RUNNING UNTIL SUNDAY 4 JANUARY
BARN THEATRE, CIRENCESTER

WRITTEN BY CHARLES DICKENS
ADAPTED BY ALAN POLLOCK
DIRECTED by JESSICA DANIELS

MONDAY1 DECEMBER – SUNDAY 4 JANUARY

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

RIVERSIDE STUDIOS HAMMERSMITH CINEMA ANNOUNCES ITS CHRISTMAS PROGRAMME

FESTIVE CLASSICS, SPECIAL SCREENINGS, AND EXCLUSIVE EVENTS LIGHT UP THE WEST LONDON ARTS VENUE THIS DECEMBER

HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS: 25TH ANNIVERSARY (13–17 DECEMBER), LOVE ACTUALLY (4K RESTORATION - 14-16 DECEMBER), IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (4K RESTORATION - 20-24 DECEMBER)

This December, Riverside Studios welcomes audiences to a rich line-up of festive favourites, new releases, family-friendly screenings and special cinema events. From beloved Christmas classics restored in stunning 4K to fresh stories from visionary filmmakers, the programme offers something for everyone looking to celebrate the season.

FRECKLE PRODUCTIONS' STICK MAN PARTNERS WITH THE MONTAGUE ON THE GARDENS THIS CHRISTMAS FOR WINTER LODGE DINING EXPERIENCE

This Christmas, Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved Stick Man returns to the Bloomsbury Theatre, for their annual festive run in the capital, running from Thursday 4 December 2025 – Sunday 4 January 2026 with a press performance on Friday 5 December at 1pm. The production has partnered with The Montague on the Gardens hotel to offer theatre goers a unique family experience this festive season.

Nestled in the heart of Bloomsbury, The Montague on the Gardens’ enchanting pop-up Winter Lodge is adding a touch of magic to family outings. Children attending the Stick Man performance are invited to indulge in a complimentary signature hot chocolate, available before or after the show, and enjoy themed colouring sheets and posters — the perfect way to embrace the holiday spirit. For those looking to elevate the experience, families can upgrade to the lodge’s celebrated cheese fondue. Crafted with rich Swiss Gruyère and Vacherin, this indulgent treat is served with crusty bread, potatoes, gherkins and all the classic accompaniments. Curated children’s menus are also available.

The Winter Lodge offers an inviting retreat into warmth and charm, where freshly fallen snow and the gentle crackle of a fireplace transport guests far from the city into a serene winter escape. Styled as a traditional log cabin, this intimate setting is perfect for couples, friends, or groups of up to 30. Adorned with twinkling lights and infused with the scent of pine, it stands as Bloomsbury’s very own festive hideaway.

PRODUCTION IMAGES RELEASED FOR JACK AND THE BEANSTALK AT THE KING'S HEAD THEATRE

King’s Head Theatre & James Quaife Productions are thrilled to share production images for their pantomime production of Jack and the Beanstalk, co-produced by both companies. Bringing modern magic to the traditional family spectacular, the show runs from 23 November 2025 - 4 January 2026.

LOVE LIFE - WEST END UNITES AGAINST CANCERT

Taking place on 1 February 2026, this one night only concert is led by MD Alan Williams and director Rupert Hands, starring exclusive performances and collaborations with some of the biggest talent in the West End including:

Olivier Award Winners Giles Terera MBE, Tom Francis and David Thaxton. Alongside Diego Andrés Rodriguez, Bella Brown, James Olivas, Ramin Karimloo, Jordan Luke Gage, Lucie Jones, Ben Joyce, Melanie La Barrie and Christina Bennington - with more to come!

FIRST LOOK AT HACKNEY EMPIRE’S 2025 PANTO, CINDERELLA

CELEBRATING HOMEGROWN STAR SIOBHAN JAMES AS ‘CINDERELLA’, AND THE NEXT GENERATION OF HACKNEY TALENT

Hackney Empire has today released the first rehearsal images from its magical 2025 pantomime, Cinderella, directed by Clive Rowe, now playing until Wednesday 31 December, with a press night on Thursday 4 December at 7pm.
This year’s pantomime promises everything audiences have come to love from Hackney’s legendary festive show – dazzling design, laugh-out-loud comedy, sensational music and, at its heart, a celebration of local talent and creativity.
In the title role is Siobhan James, returning to Hackney Empire where her performing journey began. From appearing in her first ballet show on the Empire stage aged three, to taking part in the theatre’s Creative Futures Artist Development Programme (ADP) in productions including The Temp’East (2012) and Don’t Knock Tap (2014), Siobhan’s story is a full-circle Hackney fairytale.

FIRST LOOK!

PRODUCTION IMAGES RELEASED FOR THE BELGRADE THEATRE'S ANNUAL PANTOMIME - SLEEPING BEAUTY

Artistic Director Corey Campbell, CEO Laura Elliot, and the whole team at the Belgrade Theatre are delighted to share production images for this year’s family favourite panto Sleeping Beauty, written by and starring by the award-winning Iain Lauchlan. Sleeping Beauty will play from Wednesday 19 November until Saturday 3 January 2026.

Snap up your seats today and join us for fairytale sets, outlandish costumes, a breathtaking dragon, a hilarious Dame and enough rip-roaring laughter to wake up even the heaviest of sleepers!

UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK AND BELGRADE THEATRE JOIN FORCES TO EXPLORE COMMUNITY CO-CREATION

Warwick and the Belgrade have appointed a new PhD researcher to explore how theatres can work hand-in-hand with their local communities to create art that reflects, challenges, and inspires civic life.

The 3.5-year research project will examine how ‘co-creation’ – a collaborative process in which artists, cultural institutions, and community members share creative control – can bring artists and local communities together into a mutually beneficial two-way partnership.

The project will look at how this approach can promote inclusion, amplify local voices, and help shape the future of publicly engaged theatre.

Emma Rogerson, the newly appointed PhD researcher, is an award-winning writer, theatre maker, facilitator, and researcher. Emma expressed her excitement, saying, “I’m really looking forward to embarking on this wonderful project with the Belgrade and University of Warwick. The ethos of collaborative work and community engagement is so deeply visible and apparent within the Belgrade’s truly remarkable programming and extensive community work."

REHEARSAL IMAGES RELEASED FOR JACK AND THE BEANSTALK AT THE KING'S HEAD THEATRE

King’s Head Theatre & James Quaife Productions are thrilled to to share rehearsal photos for their pantomime production of Jack and the Beanstalk, co-produced by both companies. Bringing modern magic to the traditional family spectacular, the show will run from 23 November 2025 - 4 January 2026.

As previously announced, Jack and the Beanstalk will be written and directed by Andrew Pollard, who created last year’s Cinderella. Receiving several 5 star reviews and selling out many performances, Cinderella starred Drag Race UK finalist Ella Vaday and featured the voices of Dame Judi Dench, Miriam Margolyes, and Su Pollard.

The majority of performances for Jack and the Beanstalk will be a traditional family pantomime with a fun North London twist. Alongside these, on Thursday and Saturday nights, there will be selected Adults Only performances, each featuring a different special guest star.

Tickets are on sale now, starting at £10.

BARN THEATRE ANNOUNCES FIRST DETAILS OF ITS 2026 BUILT BY BARN SEASON

WORLD PREMIERE STAGE ADAPTATION OF MEN BEHAVING BADLY: FRIDAY 30 JANUARY – SATURDAY 7 MARCH

BOLD NEW REVIVAL OF STILES AND DREWE’S OLIVIER AWARD WINNING MUSICAL HONK!: SATURDAY 21 NOVEMBER – SUNDAY 3 JANUARY

CEO and Artistic Director Iwan Lewis, Executive Director Liam McMullan, and the whole team of the Barn Theatre in Cirencester, are delighted to announce that the 2026 Built by Barn season will kick off with the world premiere stage adaptation of Men Behaving Badly.
The creative team for Men Behaving Badly: The Play includes set and costume designer Alfie Heywood, associate costume designer Denise Cleal, sound designer Amanda Priestley, and Marc Frankum as casting director. Men Behaving Badly is performed by arrangement with Knight Hall Agency Ltd.

Later in the year, the Barn will present a vibrant new festive production of Honk!

Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s The Ugly Duckling, this Olivier Award-winning musical with book and lyrics by Anthony Drewe and music by George Stiles, has been performed over 8,000 times worldwide, but the Barn’s 2026 staging introduces a refreshed visual world and updated musical sensibility, while keeping the heart of the classic story intact. Honk! reimagines Ugly’s journey of belonging, self-discovery and hope for a new generation of family audiences. Further details of creative team and casting will be announced in 2026.

Honk! Is Performed by arrangement with Music Theatre International.

The 2026 season announcement follows the Barn’s recent launch of its new Barn Visiting Productions and Barn Supported Partnerships initiative, opening the theatre’s doors to a broader range of companies while continuing to develop and premiere its own in-house work.

Further 2026 season announcements, including co-productions, partnerships and additional Built by Barn titles, will be released over the coming months.

HACKNEY EMPIRE RELEASES REHEARSAL IMAGES FROM CINDERELLA

Hackney Empire has today released the first rehearsal images from its magical 2025 pantomime, Cinderella, directed by Clive Rowe, which plays from Saturday 22 November – Wednesday 31 December, with a press night on Thursday 4 December at 7pm.

The cast of Cinderella, in order of appearance, are Jade Johnson (Cable Street, Southwark Playhouse, & Juliet, UK Tour) as the ‘Fairy Godmother’, Siobhan James (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, UK tour, Moulin Rouge, West End, An Officer and A Gentleman, UK tour) as ‘Cinderella’, Nicholas McLean (The Addams Family, London Palladium and UK Tour; Wicked, Apollo Victoria Theatre) as ‘Buttons’, Alexandra Waite-Roberts (The Witches, National Theatre; Cinderella, Gillian Lynne Theatre) as ‘Oblivia’, the Wicked Stepmother, Kat B returns for his 20th Hackney Empire pantomime as ‘ Flatula’, an Ugly Sister, George Heyworth (Bourgeois & Maurice, Aladdin, Hackney Empire) as ‘Nausea’, an Ugly Sister, Chrissie Bhima (Tina! the Musical, Aldwych Theatre; The Witches, National Theatre) as ‘Dandini’ and Luke Latchman (Sunset Boulevard, The Savoy; 42 Balloons, The Lowry) as ‘Prince Charming’.

The ensemble joining them are Christian De-Gallerie, Alex Ferro, Vieve Hamilton, Anna Maria Barber, Eloise Simpson, Clio Tamai and Matthew Tratch.
Alongside Clive Rowe as Director, the creative team for Cinderella are Will Brenton (Writer), Steven Edis (Original Music & Songs), Cleo Pettitt (Costume Designer & Design Overview), Wendy Gadian (Musical Director, Musical Arranger), Michael Ward (Choreographer), Tim Mitchell (Lighting Designer) and Richard Bell (Sound Designer).

Tickets for all performances are on sale now.
Website: www.hackneyempire.co.uk / Facebook - /HackneyEmpire / Bluesky- @HackneyEmpire / Instagram - @HackneyEmpire

BRAINIAC LIVE!

OLIVIER-AWARD WINNING SHOW TO TOUR THE UK IN 2026

Fresh from winning the 2025 Olivier Award for Best Family Show, the science sensation Brainiac Live! will tour the UK in 2026, following its festive run at Birmingham Town Hall on 28 & 29 December 2025.

More mischievous than ever before, the UK’s original and favourite family science show explodes on stage and takes audiences on a breathless ride through the wild world of the weird and wonderful. Watch from the safety of your seat as the Brainiacs delve fearlessly into the mysteries of science and do all of those things on stage that you’re far too scared (and definitely not allowed) to do at home.

Following the Birmingham run the tour will visit Wolverhampton Grand (31 March), The Hafren, Newtown (1 April), Hull New Theatre (2 April), Royal Concert Hall Nottingham (7 April), Watford Palace Theatre (11 April), Marlowe Theatre Canterbury (13 April), Mayflower Studios Southampton (26 May), Bristol Old Vic (28-29 May), Theatre Royal Brighton (4 July – on sale soon), Grand Opera House York (13 September – on sale soon) Queens Theatre, Barnstaple (18 October), Chelmsford Theatre (28 October – on sale Jan 26), Lighthouse, Poole (29 October – on sale Jan 26), Anvil Arts Basingstoke (30 October – on sale 14 November), St Georges Hall, Bradford (31 October – on sale soon), New Theatre Peterborough (1 November), with further dates to be announced.

DAVID HUNTER TO STAR IN THE WORLD PREMIERE OF
BEAUTIFUL LITTLE FOOL
ALONGSIDE LAUREN WARD AND HANNAH CORNEAU

SOUTHWARK PLAYHOUSE BOROUGH
THURSDAY 15 JANUARY – SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY

Producers are delighted to announce that David Hunter - whose extensive musical theatre roles include Waitress, Once, Kinky Boots and The Time Traveller’s Wife - will star as ‘F. Scott’ in the world premiere production of Beautiful Little Fool, alongside the previously announced Lauren Ward (Matilda, Dear Evan Hansen, Stranger Things: The First Shadow) as ‘Scottie’, Hannah Corneau (Wicked, Renascence, Frozen) as ‘Zelda’.

FULL CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM ANNOUNCED FOR THE RETURN OF
SH!T-FACED SHOWTIME®’S
A PISSEDMAS CAROL

LEICESTER SQUARE THEATRE
TUESDAY 9 DECEMBER – SUNDAY 4 JANUARY

Sh!t-faced Showtime® are delighted to announce the full cast and creative team for their festive production A Pissedmas Carol running at Leicester Square Theatre from Tuesday 9 December – Sunday 4 January with a press night on Thursday 11 December, please enquire for availability.

Stumbling and slurring its way back to Leicester Square Theatre for a triumphantly tipsy sixth year, the boozed-up boffins at Sh!t-faced Showtime® cordially invite you to witness Dickens’s classic tale of miserly old Scrooge visited by three spirits to learn the true meaning of Christmas. With the aid of performance enhancing
(or more appropriately, debilitating) intoxication of course!

Join them this Christmas for a sozzled Scrooge, boozed-up Bob Cratchit or a tipsy Tiny Tim and charge your glasses as a genuinely inebriated actor treats you to a festive knees-up like no other!

🎭✨ We’re so excited to share that ANRPR is sponsoring the 26th Annual WhatsOnStage Awards!

The awards return to the iconic London Palladium on Sunday 8 March 2026, celebrating the productions, performers and creative teams who’ve truly captured audiences’ hearts this year.

Now in its 26th year, the WhatsOnStage Awards remain the only major UK theatre awards voted for entirely by audiences – the people who make theatre what it is. 💛

It’s always a joyful night full of live performances, celebration and community… and this year’s ceremony promises to be no exception.

🌟 Nominations open today!
🎟️ Tickets are on sale now!

We can’t wait to celebrate the connection between audiences and performers – the heartbeat of theatre.

#WhatsOnStageAwards #Theatre #LiveEntertainment #ANRPR #TheatreAwards #LondonPalladium #TheatreCommunity

BELGRADE THEATRE COVENTRY AND CHINA PLATE ANNOUNCE NEW PARTNERSHIP

Belgrade Theatre, Coventry and China Plate are delighted to announce a major new partnership which will see China Plate supporting the Belgrade on the delivery of future productions, including Nanny of the Maroons, which is due to open in Spring 2027.

This partnership marks the next step in the Belgrade’s ambition to become a truly People-First organisation, with co-creation at the centre. Building on the success of their first co-created production Romeo and Juliet earlier this year, the Belgrade continues to champion a model of theatre-making that places communities at the heart of the creative process.

Belgrade Theatre and China Plate have already enjoyed a successful creative relationship, having co-produced Casey Bailey’s Please Do Not Touch, which premiered at the Belgrade in Autumn 2024 and will embark on a national tour in Spring 2026.

Through this new partnership, the organisations will deepen their shared commitment to developing innovative, inclusive and community-led approaches to theatre-making, creating space for new voices and stories to flourish both in Coventry and on stages across the UK.

MICHAEL LONGHURST WILL DIRECT NEW VERSION OF BOY GEORGE’S TABOO

ACCLAIMED DIRECTOR JOINS BOY GEORGE, BOOK WRITER JACK HOLDEN AND PRODUCER THOMAS HOPKINS, AS DEVELOPMENT CONTINUES ON A BOLD NEW VERSION OF THE CULT MUSICAL

An utterly FABULOUS new take on the original musical that sparked conversations everywhere!

Producer Thomas Hopkins is delighted to announce that Michael Longhurst – acclaimed Olivier nominated director of award-winning productions including Constellations, Next to Normal, Caroline, or Change, and former Artistic Director of the Donmar Warehouse – has joined the creative team for the new version of Boy George’s hit musical Taboo, that Thomas Hopkins Productions (THP) has had in development for the past few years.

RIVERSIDE STUDIOS ANNOUNCES DECEMBER PROGRAMME

INCLUDES THE HITCHHIKER’S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY (15 NOVEMBER – 15 FEBRUARY), OLD FAT F**K UP (5 NOVEMBER – 20 DECEMBER) , AND F**KING LEGEND (20 NOVEMBER – 4 DECEMBER)

Head of Programming, Rhys Williamson said: “We’re thrilled to close out the year with such a vibrant and varied programme that truly captures the spirit of Riverside Studios. From bold new writing like Olly Hawes’ F**king Legend and Old Fat F**k Up, to the immersive adventure of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, this season brings together humour and imagination in equal measure.”

SPECIAL GUEST STARS ANNOUNCED FOR ADULTS ONLY PERFORMANCES OF KING’S HEAD PANTO JACK AND THE BEANSTALK

27, 28, 29 November 2025

4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 23, 27, 30 December 2025

3 January 2026

(Family Show: 23 November 2025 – 4 January 2025 )

King’s Head Theatre & James Quaife Productions are thrilled to announce details of the musical theatre icons and drag superstars who will be guest starring in the Adults Only performances of their 2025 pantomime Jack & the Beanstalk. The adult version of the show will be a no holds barred naughty version, making it the perfect event for a festive friends’ night out – this year, extra Adults Only performances have been added due to demand.

Each of these one-off performances will include one special guest star, who will join the cast as the ‘Magic Harp’, performing their own featured number as part of the show. They will also go on to join the cast for the all-singing, all-dancing closing number. Jack and the Beanstalk: Adults Only will take place across selected evenings from 27 November - 3 January, with the adult show press night taking place on 28 November.

The musical theatre stars performing will be West End star Cassidy Janson (Beautiful; &Juliet; Chess) on Thursday 4 December; Francis Haugen (Legally Blonde; Instagram influencer) on Thursday 6 December; Steven Webb (Shucked; The Book of Mormon) on Thursday 11 December; and Oliver Award Nominee Adèle Anderson (Fascinating Aida; The Cabinet Minister) on Saturday 13 December. Also performing are Georgina Onuorah (Brigadoon; Shucked) on Tuesday 23 December; and SIX alumnae Danielle Steers (Hot Mess) on Saturday 27 December.

BEAUTIFUL LITTLE FOOL
CONCEPT ALBUM AND NEW VIDEO SINGLE RELEASED AND AVAILABLE ON ALL STREAMING PLATFORMS

LISTEN NOW ON BOTH SPOTIFY AND AMAZON AHEAD OF WORLD PREMIERE AT SOUTHWARK PLAYHOUSE BOROUGH

With music and lyrics by Hannah Corneau and a book by Mona Mansour, directed by Michael Greif, Beautiful Little Fool tells the story of Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald through the eyes of their daughter Scottie, as she rediscovers the lives and writings of her brilliant and tempestuous parents.
THURSDAY 15 JANUARY – SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY

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