It’s that time again! We’re back with our top 10 theatre news stories from 26 May to 1 June, brought to you by Theatre and Tonic. This week’s roundup includes the release of the Wicked: For Good trailer (which we’re buzzing about!) and exciting casting for Back to the Future The Musical and Burlesque The Musical. From major West End debuts to standout regional gems, our bite-sized bulletin has something for every theatre fan. Stay tuned—another round of the week’s hottest headlines is coming your way next week!

Wicked: For Good releases trailer

Of course the biggest news of the week for us Musicals fans was the Wicked: For Good Trailer drop. Featuring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande returning as Elphaba and Glinda, the trailer gave us a glimpse into Act 2 of Director Jon M. Chu’s adaptation of the beloved stage musical. It also features Jeff Goldblum as The Wizard of Oz and Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero. Fans took to social media to share their excitement at the next instalment, which arrives in Cinemas on November 21st 2025. The trailer features a snippet of Erivo and Grande performing the iconic duet “For Good,” which promises to be a favourite with Wicked fans.

Brian Conley to star in Back to the Future the Musical

Next up is the announcement that comedy legend Brian Conley will be appearing as Dr Emmett “Doc” Brown in Back To The Future at the Adelphi Theatre. Brian will begin his limited run from Wednesday 13th August until Monday 3rd November 2025. This is of course not Conley’s first time treading the boards, having appeared in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Hairspray, Barnum and his Olivier-Award nominated performance in Jolson. Brian said “Great Scott! I’m absolutely thrilled – it’s pure, high-voltage fun and I can’t wait to bring my own spark to the mad genius!”. He takes over from Cory English, who will return to the role from November 5th.

Casting announced for Footballers’ Wives: The Musical at Edinburgh Festival Fringe

⁠In other news, the new production of Footballers’ Wives The Musical, which will be debuting at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this Summer, has revealed its casting. Based on the ITV series from the early 2000’s, the show promises to be a “sassy new musical comedy of waggish excess”. With Music and Lyrics by Kath Gotts and book by the TV Show’s creator Maureen Chadwick, the show will be directed by Anthony Banks and has choreography by the legendary Arlene Phillips. Mary Poppins star Ceili O’Connor will star as the ambitious and scheming Tanya Turner married to Football star Jason Turner, will be portrayed by Matt Beveridge (The Choir of Man). India Chadwick (Grease, Cry Baby) will play glamour model Chardonnay and her Fiancé Kyle Pascoe will be played by Tom Bowen (Mamma Mia!). Completing the cast is Leesa Tulley (Six, Why Am I So Single?), Oliver Evans, Ty-Reece Stewart (Thriller Live), Matt Rixon (Moulin Rouge!), Laura Judge (Gypsy) and a host of other talented performers. You can catch Footballers’ Wives at the Assembly Rooms from 30th July – 24th August).

Casting revealed for Burlesque The Musical

More Casting news dropped this week with the much-anticipated Burlesque The Musical revealing its company for its West End transfer, opening at the Savoy Theatre from 10th July to 6th September 2025. It will star Broadway’s Orfeh making her West-End debut as Tess, Jess Folley (who also contributed to the show’s additional songs) will play Ali, George Maguire (Bonnie and Clyde The Musical) as Vince, Paul Jacob French (Annie, Grease) as Jackson and Asher Parker Wallace (Sister Act) as Nikki. Todrick Hall, of RuPaul’s Drag Race Fame, will direct the show as well as taking on the role of Sean.

Britain’s Got Talent winner Sydnie Christmas to star in 101 Dalmatians The Musical

It has been revealed that Britain’s Got Talent winner ⁠Sydnie Christmas will star as puppy-fur-crazed villain Cruella DeVil in 101 Dalmatians The Musical when it transfers to London at the Eventim Apollo from 18th July to 30th August. The show was first seen at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in 2022 before embarking on a UK tour. Sydnie said, “I can’t wait to sink my teeth into this iconic character!” and shared “, There’s a bit of me that I see in Cruella”. Bill Buckhurst will direct the musical which features music and lyrics by Douglas Hodge. Further casting for the show will be announced at a later date.

Casting revealed for ECHO at Royal Court Theatre

Casting for the new production of ECHO has been announced this week ahead of its return to the Royal Court in the West End. Beginning on 27th June 2025 and closing on 5th July, the show will later embark on an international tour (dates/venues TBA). The play features ‘A different performer [taking] to the stage every night – with no rehearsal and no idea what’s going to happen next’. Omar Elerian directs this critically acclaimed play by Nassim Soleimanpour. It will feature performers including James Corden, Daniel Kaluuya, Dominic West, Mel Giedroyc, Nish Kumar and Juliet Stephenson, along with many more.

The RSC reveals new season of work for 2025/26

The Royal Shakespeare Company has announced its new season of shows for 2025-2026 playing in Stratford-upon-Avon. The RSC promises ‘a season of globally inspired stories, thrillingly told’. Highlights include the previously announced Measure for Measure, The Winter’s Tale and The BFG, as well as a new production of Henry V directed by Alfred Enoch and RSC’s Co-Artistic Director Tamara Harvey. Also announced is Cyrano de Bergerac at the Swan Theatre starring Olivier-Award Winner Adrian Lester with direction by Somin Evans. Daniel Raggett will direct Macbeth starring Outlander’s Sam Heughan in The Other Place. Booking for the new season is open to RSC members from 10th June and to the general public from 25th June.

World premiere of Katriona O’Sullivan’s POOR announced

The world premiere of ‘Poor’ at The Gate Theatre in Dublin will take place on the 2nd October and run until the 2nd November. This adaptation of the bestselling book of the same name by Katriona O’Sullivan tells the inspiring true story of the author’s life and her experiences of homelessness, poverty, addiction and teen motherhood. She later turned her life around going on to achieve a PhD from Trinity College in Dublin. Playwright Sonya Kelly has adapted the book and will be directed by Roisin McBrinn, in collaboration with Belgrade Theatre Coventry. The production will also feature songs and “thrums with the music that has resonated throughout [O’Sullivan’s] life”.

Olly Alexander to star in West End transfer of The Importance of Being Earnest

After a sold-out run at the National Theatre and a broadcast via National Theatre Live, Oscar Wilde’s celebrated comedy ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ is set to open at the Noël Coward Theatre this autumn. In collaboration with Sonia Friedman Productions, the show will be Directed by Max Webster. Announced this week is the casting of former Years and Year’s frontman Olly Alexander as Algernon Moncrieff. The play, known for its themes of romance and mistaken identities, will run from 18 September 2025 to 10 January 2026. Additional casting to be announced.

Dominic Cooke revealed as new Artistic Director of Almeida Theatre

And finally, following on from last week’s announcement of Rupert Goold’s final season as Artistic Director of the Almeida Theatre, it has been revealed that his replacement will be Dominic Cooke. He is known for his work as artistic director at the Royal Court for several years. Cooke said “I couldn’t be more excited to be returning as an artistic director and to be taking the reins of this unique theatre”. His previous work as a director includes Follies at the National in 2017 and Hello Dolly! at the London Palladium last Summer.

Before you leave us, why don’t you read one of this week’s reviews? Highlights this week include Our Cosmic Dust at Park Theatre , A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Bridge Theatre, Come Fall In Love – The DDLJ Musical and Fiddler on the Roof at the Barbican Theatre. We’ll see you next week for more exciting news!