Written by Jenna for Theatre and Tonic.

It’s that time again! We’re back with our top 10 theatre news stories from the week running 7th – 13th July, brought to you by Theatre & Tonic. This week’s roundup includes casting news for upcoming productions such as The Talented Mr Ripley, The Gathered Leaves and The Woman in Black, as well as announcements about brand new shows coming to a theatre near you! The UK theatre scene is abuzz this summer with a vibrant slate of new productions, cast announcements, and touring productions. From dazzling musicals to spine-tingling thrillers, here are the latest highlights to keep all of you theatre fans up to date. Stay tuned – another round of the week’s hottest headlines is coming your way next week!

Kinky Boots Struts into the Coliseum

Lola is back in town! The award-winning musical by Cyndi Lauper and Harvey Fierstein is stepping onto the London Coliseum stage next spring. Following the successful UK Tour, it has been announced that Kinky Boots will take up a residency at the spectacular London Coliseum for a limited run from 17th March – 11th July 2026. The hit show, known for its infectious score and message of acceptance, promises a bold new staging and reimagined choreography to suit the grand venue. Starring Johannes Radebe, reprising his role of Lola from the UK tour, excitement is already building for the West End return of this high-heeled hit.

RSC Announces Barbican Residency

The Royal Shakespeare Company is returning to the Barbican for a winter season in 2025/26, blending classics and fresh adaptations. Audiences can look forward to a new staging of Wendy & Peter Pan (21st October to 22nd November), followed by Twelfth Night (8th December – 17th January), the latter following its sold-out run in Stratford-upon-Avon last year. The plays will feature a mix of RSC veterans and rising talent, continuing the company’s mission to innovate while honouring tradition.

‘Syncopated’ Brings a Jazz-Age Love Story to Liverpool Playhouse

Liverpool Playhouse will host the world premiere of Syncopated, a new production inspired by real-life New Orleans jazz pioneers the Southern Syncopated Orchestra. Written by writer, editor and artist Varaidzo, the play set to original live music combines stories from the past and present, as a young couple find love against the backdrop of the Liverpool Docks. As part of Talawa Theatre Company’s Black Joy season, Syncopated promises a soulful and stylish production. It will open at the Playhouse on the 23rd September 2025 before transferring to Fairfield Halls in Croydon.

World Premiere of ‘His Last Report’ at York Theatre Royal

A major new play based on the life and story of one of York’s most influential figures, Seebohm Rowntree, will receive a world premiere this month. Co-directed by Juliet Forster and Paul Birch, His Last Report stars Antony Jardine and Amelia Donkor alongside a community ensemble of over 100 local volunteers. Set in the 1890s, His Last Report recounts the story of Seebohm Rowntree's groundbreaking investigation into poverty in York during that decade. It plays at the York Theatre Royal from 19 July to 3 August.

‘High School Musical’ Bounces into the Lowry in 2026

Get ready to break into song: High School Musical is back at The Lowry in Salford from 21st August to 13th September 2026. Marking 20 years since the original release of the film, a fresh, diverse cast will bring Troy, Gabriella, and the Wildcats to life in a slick, immersive production that modernizes the Disney Channel hit while retaining all the classic songs, from “Start of Something New” to “We’re All in This Together”. The show will be co-directed by Joseph Houston and William Whelton, founders of Hope Mill Theatre. The Lowry’s Lyric Theatre will be reconfigured for the production, with on-stage seating in a giant basketball court.

Roald Dahl’s ‘The Enormous Crocodile’ Sets Off on UK Tour

Family theatre gets a bite of the action as The Enormous Crocodile, based on Roald Dahl’s delightfully dark tale, embarks on a nationwide tour next spring. The stage adaptation, brought to life by puppetry and clever stagecraft, will visit major cities including Glasgow, Newcastle and Cardiff, promising thrills and laughs for young audiences. It will open at Theatre Royal Brighton on 27 March 2026, with further venues and casting still to be announced. Snap up your tickets now!

‘The Gathered Leaves’ Cast Unveiled

Casting has been confirmed for the revival of Andrew Keatley’s The Gathered Leaves, returning to Park Theatre from 13 August to 20 September 2025, ten years after its original run. Directed by former RSC artistic director Adrian Noble, the production follows the Pennington family as they reunite over Easter weekend in 1997 after 17 years apart. Jonathan Hyde stars as William, with Joanne Pearce as Olivia. The cast also includes Richard Stirling (Samuel), Chris Larkin (Giles), Zoë Waites (Sophie), George Lorimer (Simon), Ella Dale (Emily), Olivia Vinall (Alice), and Taneetrah Porter (Aurelia). Joe Burrell and Ellis Elijah appear as young Samuel and Giles, both making their professional debuts.

‘Paranormal Activity’ to make Stage Debut at Ambassadors Theatre

In a daring theatrical experiment, Paranormal Activity makes the leap from screen to stage this Winter at London’s Ambassadors Theatre. Directed by Felix Barrett, Paranormal Activity follows James and Lou, who move to London and discover that their new home hosts a disturbing, supernatural presence. The stage show is based on the horror film series but will feature a new story written by Levi Holloway (Grey House). The show will open at the Ambassadors Theatre on 5 December for a limited 12-week season.

Casting Confirmed for ‘The Talented Mr Ripley’

The psychological thriller The Talented Mr Ripley has revealed its principle cast members ahead of its upcoming debut at the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham this Autumn. Set in Italy in the 1950’s, and based on Patricia Highsmith's iconic novel and the hit film from 2000, this brand-new stage adaptation will open on 4th September 2025 before embarking on a UK tour visiting Edinburgh, Birmingham, Brighton, Oxford, Bristol, Woking and the Richmond Theatre in London. The Crown’s Ed McVey and EastEnders star Maisie Smith will lead the cast until the end of 2025, playing Ripley and Marge. Further casting is to be announced.

Casting News for ‘The Woman in Black’ Tour

The Woman in Black is back! The spine-tingling play will be returning, touring the UK later this year and into 2026. John Mackay stars as Arthur Kipps alongside Daniel Burke as The Actor in Stephen Mallatratt’s adaptation of Susan Hill’s famous ghost story. Directed by Robin Herford, the production opens at Storyhouse, Chester on 24 September 2025, followed by stops in Shrewsbury, London’s Alexandra Palace, and cities including Plymouth, Brighton, and Birmingham. The long-running West End hit, which closed in 2023 after 33 years, continues its legacy with this new tour, which will feature accessible pricing for young audiences.

Before you leave us, why don’t you read one of this week’s reviews? Highlights this week include Till the Stars Come Down, Theatre Royal Haymarket Review, Noughts and Crosses at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre Review, and Let the B*tch Out, The Space London Review. We’ll see you next week for more exciting news!

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