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Theatre News
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Welcome to Theatre News Direct— your go-to source for everything happening on the London stage and beyond! From the hottest West End openings and casting announcements to behind-the-scenes exclusives, reviews, and insider previews, we bring you the latest buzz from the world of theatre. Whether you’re a musical fanatic, a drama devotee, or just love a great night out, stay tuned for up-to-date stories, ticket releases, and all the news that keeps the spotlight shining bright.
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Atonement to be adapted for the stage
The stage version of Ian McEwan’s novel is part of Chichester Festival Theatre’s new season Artwork for Atonement, supplied by Chichester Festival Theatre Ian McEwan’s Atonement is being brought to the stage. The well-known novel will be adapted for the stage by Christopher Hampton and receive its world premiere at Chichester Festival Theatre, running from 29 May to 20 June, with a press night on 5 June. The production is directed by Adam Penford. Set on an English country es
Regé-Jean Page reveals plans for The Great Gatsby in the West End
From page to stage – with Page! Regé Jean Page in The Mechant of Venice, Manuel Harlan Regé-Jean Page, the breakout star of Bridgerton, looks set to return to the stage in a new adaptation of The Great Gatsby. Joel Horwood and Maria Aberg are adapting F Scott Fitzgerald’s seminal cautionary tale for the stage, with Page in the title role and signed on as a producer, alongside Simon Friend of Melting Pot. It will mark the first time the actor has performed on stage since his
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry in the West End – review
Rachel Joyce and Passenger’s new musical, directed by Katy Rudd, has arrived at Theatre Royal Haymarket Noah Mullins (The Balladeer), Mark Addy (Harold Fry) and Nell Martin (Ensemble), © Tristram Kenton A question has bugged me since the reviews for the Hamnet film were published last year: what does it mean for a piece of art to be emotionally “manipulative”? It’s often bunged out as a pejorative, a way to shield ourselves from the indignity of being moved by a script. You’d
Cabaret extends West End run into 2027
Happy new year! Matt Willis and Katie Hall in Cabaret, © Marc Brenner Cabaret has extended its West End run into 2027. The news comes as its stars Matt Willis and Katie Hall begin their limited seasons as the Emcee and Sally Bowles, respectively, at the Kit Kat Club. The West End cast also includes Ian Charleson Award nominee Baker Mukasa as Clifford Bradshaw, Ruthie Henshall as Fraulein Schneider, Robert Hands as Herr Schultz, Lucas Koch as Ernst Ludwig and Jessica Kirton a
Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eisa Davis’ Warriors musical is being workshopped
Warriors, come out to play! The Warriors, © Jimmy Fontaine Lin-Manuel Miranda has revealed that his and Eisa Davis’ hit musical Warriors is in its workshop stages. The composer, lyricist and actor shared a photo on his Instagram displaying the cover of a workshop script for the show, based on the 1979 Paramount Pictures film and the novel of the same name by Sol Yurick. In an Instagram post, Miranda said: “On the other side of two weeks in a room writing and rewriting for unb
Hercules announces final West End extension and closing date
It has gone the distance! The cast of Hercules, © Disney, photo by Johan Persson Hercules has announced a final extension and last performance date in the West End. The production features music by Alan Menken, lyrics by David Zippel, and a new book by Robert Horn and Kwame Kwei-Armah. Directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw, with co-choreography by Tanisha Scott, Hercules is based on the 1997 Walt Disney Studios animated film directed by John Musker and Ron Clements. Th
Sinatra the Musical unveils West End stars
They’ll do it their way! Anna Villafañe (Ava Gardner), Joel Harper-Jackson (Frank Sinatra) Phoebe Panaretos (Nancy Sinatra), photo supplied by the production Sinatra The Musical has announced three West End stars coming this summer. The production, which previously ran at the Birmingham Rep in 2023, charts the life of Frank Sinatra, tracing his early rise in the 1940s, his personal relationships and the challenges that shaped his career. Set on New Year’s Eve 1942, the musica
Cynthia Erivo’s solo Dracula – first look photo released as performances begin in the West End
Erivo plays all the roles in a new take on Bram Stoker’s classic Cynthia Erivo in Dracula, photo supplied by the production uncredited A production image of Cynthia Erivo‘s return to the West End has been released ahead of her first performance tonight. The Emmy, Tony and Grammy winner is set to play all 23 characters in Bram Stoker’s Dracula, which Tony Award nominee Kip Williams directs. Williams previously helmed Sarah Snook‘s solo take on Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dori
Wicked reveals new West End Fiyero as star makes Broadway debut
Dancing through life and onto the Great White Way! Jacob Young as Fiyero, Carl Man as Fiyero, © Matt Crockett Wicked has announced a casting change! The award-winning musical features music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, with a book by Winnie Holzman. Wayne Cilento handles musical staging, and Joe Mantello directs. At its Apollo Victoria Theatre home on Wednesday, Wicked celebrated its 7500th performance. Starring in the lead roles are Emma Kingston as Elphaba and Zizi S
Macbeth-inspired pop musical Weird releases production photos
See the witches in action! Hope Dawe (Luna), Gabriela Benedetti (Phoenix) and Kingsley Morton (Angelique) in Weird, © Danny Kaan First look photos have been released for the world premiere of Weird. Written by Nick Butcher, Kerri Watt and Fraser Watt, Weird retells Shakespeare’s Macbeth through the perspective of the three witches, with a pop score of original songs. As the witches, Gabriela Benedetti plays Phoenix, Hope Dawe plays Luna, and Kingsley Morton plays Angelique. T
American Psycho musical – first look photos released
The show returns to its original London venue American Psycho at the Almeida Theatre, © Marc Brenner Production images have been released for the return of American Psycho, which has its opening night at the Almeida Theatre in north London this weekend. Adapted from Bret Easton Ellis’ cult novel, American Psycho tells the story of Wall Street trader and self-possessed serial killer Patrick Bateman, who is living the high life in 1980s Manhattan – buying the most expensive des
Donmar Warehouse announces 2026 season
Four shows spread the majority of the year Russell Tovey, © Helen Murray The Donmar Warehouse has announced its 2026 season, featuring three world premieres and a revival. The programme follows the current run of When We Are Married and the forthcoming world premiere of Anna Ziegler’s Evening All Afternoon, starring Erin Kellyman and Anastasia Hille. The season opens with Mass, the stage debut of writer Fran Kranz, adapted from his 2021 film screenplay. Directed by Carrie Cra
Grindr: The Opera to tour the UK
Including a stop in London Christian Lunn in Grindr The Opera, © Nick Brittain Grindr: The Opera will return to London in a new production prior to a UK tour. Directed and choreographed by William Spencer, the musical describes itself as “putting the most notorious gay hook-up app into the exaggerated world of opera.” The musical styles range from baroque to pop, with music and lyrics by Erik Ransom. He said: “Class and crass were the elements I sought to blend in the creatio
Alice in Wonderland adaptation to return to London
Another trip down the rabbit hole! Alice in Wonderland at Marylebone Theatre, © Steve Gregson Alice in Wonderland will play in London this Easter. The kaleidoscopic classic, involving a young girl who falls into a rabbit hole of surreality and intrigue, is directed and designed by Nate Bertone. Penny Farrow’s adaptation of the Lewis Caroll favourite was seen last summer at the Marylebone Theatre. It is suitable for audiences aged five and over and has a running time of one ho
Complete cast confirmed for The Rocky Horror Show on Broadway
It’s astounding! Luke Evans, Stephanie Hsu, Rachel Dratch and Andrew Durand, © Tricia Baron Full casting has been announced for Sam Pinkleton’s revival of The Rocky Horror Show, by Richard O’Brien. Joining the previously announced Luke Evans (Dr. Frank-N-Furter) are Rachel Dratch as the Narrator, Andrew Durand as Brad, Stephanie Hsu as Janet, Amber Gray as Riff Raff, Harvey Guillén as Eddie/Dr Scott, Juliette Lewis as Magenta, Josh Rivera as Rocky, and Michaela Jaé Rodriguez
Jim Steinman concert Total Eclipse to be staged at the London Coliseum
The one-night-only event will take place in May Glenn Adamson and Danielle Steers, headshots supplied by the production A one-night gala event celebrating the work of Jim Steinman is heading to the London Coliseum this May. Produced by Tony Award nominee Tyce Green, who previously recorded with Steinman, alongside executive producers Darren Bell and Sam Quested, the show is entitled Total Eclipse and will feature a plethora of guest vocalists performing with the English Nat
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre announces 2026 season
See what’s joining the previously revealed Cats Regents Park Open Theatre Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre has unveiled its 2026 season, the second for artistic director Drew McOnie. The season opens with the world premiere of Sherlock Holmes, a new mystery by Joel Horwood, running from 2 May to 6 June. The production is directed by Sean Holmes and stars Joshua James as Sherlock Holmes. The creative team includes Sean Holmes as director, Jherek Bischoff as composer, Grace Smart
Exclusive: Avenue Q announces West End cast and creative team
The internet is for cast announcements! The Avenue Q company, © Danny Kaan Exclusive: Avenue Q has revealed its 2026 revival company. The show will return to the West End to mark its 20th anniversary, with a new production set to open at the Shaftesbury Theatre from 20 March to 29 August 2026. Produced by Kevin McCollum and Jamie Wilson Productions, it will feature the original Broadway puppets and reunite members of the creative team behind the musical’s debut. Book Avenue
National Theatre unveils full 2026 plans, with Cate Blanchett, Sandra Oh and more
See what’s in store at the National Theatre and on tour! Nina Hoss, Sandra Oh, Cate Blanchett, Francesca Mills and Letita Wright, © Pascal Bünning, National Theatre, Renato Campora, Phil Sharp and National Theatre The National Theatre has announced its full programme for 2026 – with new shows detailed below. The smaller Dorfman Theatre will host several productions across the year. Francesca Mills will star in a new production of Jim Cartwright’s The Rise and Fall of Little V
A Traitors stage adaptation is officially happening next year
Now that’s set a cat amongst the pigeons! Artwork for The Traitors TV show, supplied by the production A stage adaptation of smash-hit series The Traitors is in development for a London run in 2027, said to be a “twist” on the TV format. Studio Lambert and Neal Street Productions are collaborating on the project, which is being written by John Finnemore and directed by Robert Hastie, deputy artistic director of the National Theatre. The production is based on the television s
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