It’s that time again! We’re back with our top 10 theatre news stories from 05 to 11 May, brought to you by Theatre and Tonic. This week’s roundup includes some exciting news about the 13 Going on 30 Musical, which premieres in Manchester later this year, and a brand new play about the Exeter Chiefs has been announced. 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!

Cast announced for West End transfer of ‘Til The Stars Come Down

The smash-hit production will head to the Theatre Royal Haymarket from 1 July until 27 September 2025. The cast includes Dorothy Atkinson (Ludwig, BBC) as Aunty Carol, Adrian Bower (Gangs of London, Sky) as John, Julian Kostov (The White Lotus, HBO) as Marek, Aisling Loftus (Girls and Boys, Nottingham Playhouse) as Maggie and Ruby Thompson (Three Sisters, Shakespeare’s Globe) as Leanne. Returning to the production, which is a passionate, heartbreaking and hilarious portrayal of a larger-than-life family, are Lucy Black, Sinéad Matthews, Philip Whitchurch and Alan Williams.

More cast announced for re-imagining of Hedda Gabler in Bath

The reimagining of Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler opens at Bath’s Ustinov Studio in Bath this summer. Joining the previously announced Lily Allen is the stage and screen stars Imogen Stubbs (The Crown, Netflix), Ciaran Owens (Red Speedo), Tom Austen (The Borgias) and Julia Chan (2:22 A Ghost Story). Directed by Matthew Dunster, Hedda Gabler is about a woman trapped in a dull marriage who tries to manipulate those around her to gain control over her life. It plays from 25 July to 23 August 2025.

The Multi Award-winning jazz artist Jamie Cullum to compose music for RSC’s The Constant Wife

This news will mark Jamie Cullum’s theatrical debut this summer. Cullum will direct Laura Wade’s production of The Constant Wife, based on W. Somerset Maugham’s original play of the same title. The production will be directed by RSC Co-Artistic Director Tamara Harvey and feature Rose Leslie (Vigil, Miss Austen, Game of Thrones) in the lead role. The production will play at the Swan Theatre from 20 June - 2 August.

Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Black Sabbath - The Ballet to tour

Hailed by us as a "bold and intoxicating new piece of dance” during its sold-out premiere in 2023, Birmingham Royal Ballet’s hit production of Black Sabbath - The Ballet will embark on a UK tour this Autumn. The tour will begin with a return to Birmingham Hippodrome from 18 September before heading to Manchester, Plymouth, London and completing its tour in Edinburgh. It’s a brilliant production set to the music of the iconic band, Black Sabbath.

Jennifer Garner joins the team of 13 Going on 30 Musical

Ahead of the world premiere in Manchester this autumn, Jennifer Garner this week announced she has become an Executive Producer for 13 Going on 30 The Musical. Garner played Jenna Rink in the original 2004 classic rom-com film. After watching the workshop performance, ‘13 Going On 30 The Musical - is this a show to watch out for?’ - the musical will play at the Manchester Opera House from 21 September, with Lucie Jones playing the role of Jenna.

West End premiere of Every Brilliant Thing to take place this summer

It’s been performed in over 80 countries worldwide, been adapted into a highly successful HBO film and now, Every Brilliant Thing will debut in the West End @sohoplace from August.

Initial cast announced for The Bodyguard UK Tour

Sidonie Smith, Adam Garica, Matt Milburn, Mireia Mambo and Sasha Monique. Headshots provided by production.

The initial cast for the UK and Europe tour of The Bodyguard was revealed this week. Led by international leading lady Sidonie Smith as Rachel Marron, is Olivier Award nominee Adam Garcia (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, UK Tour) as Frank Farmer, Sasha Monique (Hairspray, UK Tour) as Nicki Marron, and Hollyoaks star Matt Milburn as Sy Spector. At certain performances, the role of Rachel Marron will be played by Mireia Mambo (Sunset Boulevard, Savoy Theatre). The musical, which is based on the 1992 Oscar nominated film that starred Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, will begin its tour at the Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham on 20 September 2025.

A brand-new play about the Exeter Chiefs to premiere in Autumn 2025

A debut play from Emmy Award-winning screenwriter Ashley Pharoah (Life on Mars) will centre on the extraordinary rise of Exeter Chiefs ranks among the classic underdog stories in modern sport. Titled Exe Men and directed by Martin Berry, the play is based on the award-winning book Exe Men: The Extraordinary Rise of the Exeter Chiefs by Robert Kitson. It will involve a professional cast, supported by a community ensemble. Exe Men will premiere at the Exeter Northcott from 7-18 October 2025.

New West End production of Othello announced

A new production of Othello, directed by Tony Award-winner Tom Morris OBE (War Horse) with music by PJ Harvey will play in the West End later this year. The production is the first of a series of contemporary Shakespeare productions that will be staged in the West End over the next five years! This new production, which promises to be an explosive presentation of the story that encompasses manipulation, jealousy, and toxic masculinity, will play at the Theatre Royal Haymarket from 23 October 2025 to 17 January 2026.

I’m Every Woman: The Chaka Khan Musical to open in London

The production, which was workshopped back in 2023, will play in London early next year. I’m Every Woman: The Chaka Khan Musical follows the award-winning, multi-platinum selling, global icon’s rise to stardom. The musical has book by Nia T. Hill, direction by Racky Plews, and choreography by Jade Hackett. I’m Every Woman: The Chaka Khan Musical will play at the Peacock Theatre from 5-28 March 2026.

Before you leave us, why don’t you read one of this week’s reviews? Highlights this week include Marie and Rosetta at Rose Theatre in Kingston, Detention by Gary Clarke Company, and Hamlet Hail to the Thief in Manchester. We’ll see you next week for more exciting news!