Written by Jenna for Theatre and Tonic

It’s that time again where we share our weekly round-up of all things theatre! From cast announcements to exciting new productions, both in the West End and around the UK, we have you covered with all the stories you need to know, brought to you every Sunday by Theatre & Tonic.

Principal Cast Revealed for Paddington The Musical

The West End production of Paddington: The Musical has revealed its principal cast ahead of its premiere at the Savoy Theatre, with previews from 1st November 2025 and an official opening on 30th November. The highly anticipated musical, with music and lyrics by Tom Fletcher, a book by Jessica Swale, and direction by Luke Sheppard, will run until 25th May 2026.

The cast includes Timi Akinyosade, Amy Booth-Steel, Tarinn Callender, Delilah Bennett-Cardy, Adrian Der Gregorian, Tom Edden, Brenda Edwards, Amy Ellen Richardson, Victoria Hamilton-Barritt, Teddy Kempner and Bonnie Langford. The creative team features Ellen Kane (choreography), Tom Pye (scenic design), Gabriella Slade (costume), and Neil Austin (lighting).

While the family-favourite bear will appear on stage, producers have yet to confirm who will play Paddington, leaving audiences in suspense ahead of the show’s autumn debut.

London premiere announced for Da Vinci’s Laundry

Riverside Studios will host the world premiere of Da Vinci’s Laundry, a new satire by Keelan Kember, running from 6th to 25th October. The play explores the murky intersections of power, authenticity and the art market, following two experts attempting to verify a potential Da Vinci. The cast features Arsema Thomas, Steve Zissis, Velibor Topic, Keelan Kember, and Fayez Bakhsh.

Directed by Merle Wheldon, with design by Eleanour Wintour and stage management by Tessa Alderton, the production marks a bold new addition to Riverside’s autumn season.

Bloody Mary and the Nine Day Queen - Union Theatre World Premiere

The world premiere of Bloody Mary and the Nine Day Queen, a new musical by Gareth Hides (with Anna Unwin co-writing), is set to run at the Union Theatre from 21st – 29th October. The production, presented by Handiwork Productions, explores the fraught bond between Queen Mary I (“Bloody Mary”) and her teenage cousin Lady Jane Grey during the political chaos following Henry VIII’s death.

The cast features Cezarah Bonner (The King and I, Miss Saigon) as Mary and Anna Unwin (Aspects of Love, I Should Be So Lucky) as Jane. Directed by Adam Stone, the musical promises a powerful blend of intrigue, humour, and emotional depth.

New West End Cast Announced For The Choir of Man

The Choir of Man has unveiled its refreshed West End line-up, with the new cast appearing from 2nd September. The newly expanded ensemble includes Aled Pennock (Bore), Jason Brock (Romantic), Cal T King (Beast), Ifan Gwilym-Jones (Maestro), Oliver Jacobson (Barman), Benji Lord (Joker), Paul McArthur (Poet), and swings Tom Carter-Miles, Alex Mallalieu, Dave Shute and Sam Ebenezer.

Additionally, the new cast features rotating covers: Matt Beveridge as ‘Hardman’ (from 2nd to 21st September), Levi Tyrell Johnson as ‘Hardman’ (from 23rd September to 4th January), and Ben Goffe, Adam Hilton and George Knapper as successive ‘Handyman’ performers. With a dynamic new cast ready to bring its pub-style musical energy to the stage, the show continues to celebrate storytelling and communal spirit.

London Return Announced for Spontaneous Potter

The smash-hit improvised parody Spontaneous Potter: The Unofficial Improvised Parody is heading back to the Leicester Square Theatre for a special one-night appearance. This entirely improvised comedic take on the wizarding world (complete with live musical numbers) is booked for 20th November 2025 at 9:30 pm.

The show, born from fanfiction-style titles and unscripted theatrics, builds each unique performance from audience suggestions. Having enjoyed success on the UK Fringe circuits, this brief London return promises a night of spontaneous magic for Potterheads and comedy fans alike. Note: Spontaneous Potter is an unofficial show that is not endorsed by or affiliated with Warner Bros., JK Rowling or her publishers.

Cast announced for Bonnie & Clyde: The Musical at Old Joint Stock Theatre Birmingham

The Old Joint Stock Theatre has announced its cast for Bonnie & Clyde: The Musical. India Lily Cooper and Samuel Murray will embody the iconic outlaw duo, with Killian Thomas Lefevre stepping in as Buck, Faye Campbell playing Blanche, and Hannah Victoria as the Preacher.

This fresh cast brings vibrant energy to the notorious love story, promising a bold and dynamic revival of the musical at the intimate Old Joint Stock in Birmingham from 1 October - 2 November 2025.

Cast Announced For Festive Run Of Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch

The parody musical Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch has announced its full cast for the upcoming Christmas season at The Lowry, Salford, running from 5th December 2025 to 11th January 2026. Leading the cast will be Sam Buttery (Little Shop of Horrors, Sheffield Theatres) as Ursula. Joining her will be Miracle Chance (Starter for Ten, Bristol Old Vic) as Ariel, Allie Dart (Homo Alone, The Other Palace) as Sebastian, Blair Robertson as King Triton and James Spence as Prince Eric. The ensemble cast members are Freya McMahon and Fionan O'Carroll.

The production promises its signature blend of camp, chaos, and dark comedy, retelling the classic story from the point of view of Disney’s infamous sea witch. Audiences can expect the same wicked wit and humour that made its previous runs a huge success.

Cast Announced For New Adaptation of Charley’s Aunt

Rob Madge’s fresh adaptation of the classic farce Charley’s Aunt opens at the Watermill Theatre from 3rd October to 15th November. Jonathan Case stars as Charley Wykeham, joined by Richard Earl (Spettigue), Elijah Ferreira (Eli Delahay), Max Gill (Babbs), Mae Munuo (Amy Spettigue), Yasemin Özdemir (Kitty Verdun), Maggie Service (Donna Lucia d’Alvadorez), and Benjamin Westerby (Jack Chesney).

This contemporary take reimagines Brandon Thomas’ beloved comedy with fresh energy and visual style, offering a tale of mistaken identities reimagined for modern audiences.

The Last Five Years - Barn Theatre Revival Cast Revealed

The Last Five Years, the Tony Award-winning musical by Jason Robert Brown, will be revived in a Built by Barn co-production at Reading Rep Theatre before transferring to the Barn Theatre and Theatre Royal Bath. Martha Kirby will portray Cathy and Guy Woolf will play Jamie. The production runs from mid-September at Reading Rep, then Cirencester (17th October – 15th November) and Ustinov Studio in Bath (25th November – 3rd January).

This revival promises to be a poignant staging of the emotionally powerful musical, following a relationship told backwards and forwards through time.

Cast Confirmed For After Sunday

After Sunday, the debut play by Sophia Griffin, opens at the Belgrade Theatre (10th – 24th October) before transferring to the Bush Theatre (10th November – 20th December). The cast includes Corey Weekes as Ty, David Webber as Leroy, Aimee Powell as Naomi, and Darrel Bailey as Daniel. The creative team will be announced soon.

This new co-production promises a compelling exploration of its characters’ intertwining lives, ‘as they fight to find hope for a better future’.

You’re up to date for this week, join us next week for another round-up of the hottest theatre news. Before you leave us, why don’t you read one of this week’s reviews? Highlights this week include The Boy with Wings at Birmingham Rep, The Enormous Crocodile at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, Fat Ham at the RSC’s Swan Theatre and Fiddler on the Roof, UK Tour . We’ll see you next week for more exciting news!