Written by Jenna for Theatre and Tonic

It’s curtain up on this week’s top UK Theatre announcements, brought to you by Theatre & Tonic! With fan favourites like Mamma Mia! extending into 2026, and new musicals from Ballad Lines to Little Shop of Horrors set to bloom on smaller stages, British theatre continues to prove its range and resilience. This week’s theatre news includes one-night concerts, long-running favourites extending into 2026, cast recordings and international stars stepping into iconic roles. Here’s everything you need to know this week:

The Book Thief Musical to Receive a One-Night Concert in London

A special, one-night-only concert staging of The Book Thief will take place at the Prince of Wales Theatre on 19th October 2025. The musical was originally staged in Curve, Leicester around October 2023 (read our review here). Melanie La Barrie (Hadestown, &Juliet) stars as Death, using her incomparable storytelling talent to narrate the show. With music and lyrics by Kate Anderson and Elyssa Samsell, the musical is based on Markus Zusak's hit novel and is written by best-selling author Jodi Picoult and Timothy Allen McDonald.

Barnum UK Tour Announces Extension

Due to high demand, the new production of Barnum has extended its UK tour, launching at Theatre Royal Windsor on 3rd February 2026. Lee Mead leads as showman PT Barnum through summer, followed by Matt Rawle reprising the role in the newly added autumn leg, starting at Newcastle Theatre Royal on 12th August 2026 and continuing through to November.

Evita – New Cast Album Featuring Rachel Zegler to be Released

As Jamie Lloyd’s production of Evita at the London Palladium concludes its sold-out run on 6th September 2025, plans are underway to release a new 10-track cast album—recorded live at the Palladium. The album will be available digitally, on vinyl and on CD. The first single, “Rainbow High” (performed by Rachel Zegler) was released on Friday on streaming platforms, to the delight of theatre fans. Featured cast include Diego Andres Rodriguez (Che), James Olivas (Juan Perón), Aaron Lee Lambert (Magaldi), and Bella Brown (Mistress).

New West End Cast and Extension Announced for Mamma Mia!

At the Novello Theatre, Mamma Mia! welcomes a new West End cast from 6th October 2025, led by Sara Poyzer as Donna, with Nicky Swift as Rosie, Richard Standing as Sam, Daniel Crowder as Harry, Tamlyn Henderson as Bill, Ellie Kingdon as Sophie and George Maddison as Sky. The production, which has been running in the West End for over 26 years, announced a further extension through to late 2026.

Little Shop of Horrors Revival Heading to Derby Theatre

For summer 2026, Derby Theatre and Northern stage team up to present a dazzling production of the cult classic, Little Shop of Horrors – the iconic musical that has charmed audiences for over 40 years. With music by Alan Menken, the show follows a flower shop assistant who discovers a bloodthirsty plant that will bring him fame and fortune – but at what cost? The revival will feature a talented company of actor-musicians performing the much-loved songs such as ‘Suddenly Seymour,’ ‘Skid Row’ and ‘Grow for me’.

UK Tour of Heathers Returning in 2026

Listen up Corn Nuts! Heathers: The Musical is set to return on a UK tour in Summer 2026. Based on the cult 80’s film, the musical has enjoyed successful West End runs and UK tours since its 2018 UK debut at The Other Palace. Specific venues and dates across the UK - including a London stop – will be announced soon. The show will be directed by Andy Fickman, with choreography by Gary Lloyd. Watch this space for news of casting, venues and dates!

Regional Premiere of Next to Normal Announced in Birmingham

It was announced this week that the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical Next to Normal will be staged at The Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, for 3 weeks only from 8th to 26th April 2026. This intimate production follows a recent successful West End run, telling the story of a Mother’s battle with grief and Bipolar Disorder. The show will follow several exciting and well-known musicals being reimagined for this unique venue, including their acclaimed production of Be More Chill and the upcoming revival of Bonnie & Clyde.

New Cast Announced for Moulin Rouge! The Musical

As Moulin Rouge! The Musical enters its fifth year at the Piccadilly Theatre, London, a new cast has been announced to take over from 13th October 2025. Karis Anderson (Tina) will star as Satine, alongside Alistair Brammer (Miss Saigon) as Christian, joining Craig Ryder (Priscilla Queen of the Desert) as Harold Zidler. The show is based on the hit Baz Luhrmann film with additional songs added to the score.

To Sir, with Love heads to London with Lulu Returning.

The newly adapted musical To Sir, with Love, based on E.R. Braithwaite’s memoir and the iconic 1967 film, will receive two concert performances at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, London, on 24th November 2025. British icon Lulu, who originally starred in the film and sang the famous title song, returns in the leading role. Broadway star Wayne Brady makes his West End debut as Rick Braithwaite, the role originated in film Sidney Poitier who became the first black actor to win a Golden Globe award for his performance. Set in a school in East London, the show explores themes of prejudice, resilience and overcoming adversity.

Ballad Lines – Premiere at Southwark Playhouse Elephant

The folk-infused new musical Ballad Lines, co-created by Finn Anderson and Tania Azevedo, will have its London premiere at Southwark Playhouse Elephant from 23rd January to 21st March 2026. A 17-track concept album launches on 12th September 2025, accompanied by a special concert in Glasgow on 15th September. Following three generations of the same family, Ballad Lines is described as an ‘unexpected, life-changing journey across time and generations’.

From glittering West End stage to intimate regional venues, the season ahead promises something for every audience. The UK stage is buzzing with fresh casting, bold revivals, and new musicals. Why not check out our recent reviews to decide what to book next? Check back with us next week for more stagey news and announcements!

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