The Hottest Theatre News This Week (14-20 April 2025)

Another week means another roundup of our top 10 news stories here at Theatre and Tonic. Now, in the thick of April, we have had some great news drop this week that will intrigue you for what’s to come on the stage.

In this weekly edition, we bring you the most exciting theatre updates—brand-new show announcements, cast reveals, and maybe even a tantalising rumour or two. Whether it's a groundbreaking West End debut or a hidden gem from the regional stage, this bite-sized bulletin has it all. We’ll be back next week with another dose of our hottest theatre news this week!

Production images released for Muriel’s Wedding The Musical

Production images have been released for the world premiere of Muriel’s Wedding The Musical, which is playing at the Curve, Leicester. Based on the international cult classic 1994 motion picture, it follows a socially awkward young woman, Muriel, who dreams of escaping her life in a small town and finding happiness through marriage. As she pursues her dreams of a glamorous wedding, she discovers that true happiness comes from self-acceptance and genuine friendships. Muriel’s Wedding The Musical is led by Megan Ellis as Muriel and Annabel Marlow as Rhonda. It plays at the Curve, Leicester until 10 May 2025.

Production images released for A Knight’s Tale The Musical

Another production which is currently receiving its world premiere is A Knight’s Tale The Musical. This brand-new comedy musical is based on the iconic 2001 film that starred Heath Ledger and Paul Bettany. The story follows a peasant named William who pretends to be a knight to compete in jousting tournaments, defying the rigid class system of medieval Europe. With the help of his loyal friends, he battles rivals, wins hearts, and proves that a man can change his stars through courage and determination. The production features a brilliant cast including Emily Benjamin, Eva Scott, Oliver Tompsett, Meesha Turner and Andrew Coshan. It plays at the Opera House Manchester until 10 May 2025 with plans for a West End run in the future..

Fleur East joins the West End production of Tina: A Tina Turner Musical

Fleur East for TINA - The Tina Turner Musical. Photo by Hugo Glendinning

Singer, TV and Radio presenter Fleur East, who rose to fame in The X Factor back in 2014, will make her West End debut in Tina: The Tina Turner Musical this summer. Now in its seventh year at the Aldwych Theatre, the musical is based on the life of legendary artist Tina Turner and features some of her biggest hits. East will join Karis Anderson who she will share the role of Tina from 24 June 2025. Tina: The Tina Turner Musical has also extended performances to 10 January 2026.

Brand new showstopping Afternoon Tea launched at Theatre Royal Drury Lane

If you’re looking for a unique and one-of-a-kind experience that delivers the drama and magic of the theatre, look no further than Theatre Royal Drury Lane’s brand-new Showstopping Afternoon Tea. From £68 per person, the afternoon tea is staged in two acts - Act One serves up the savoury options on a limited-edition serving board, crafted from the original 101-year-old stage floor removed during their building restoration in 2019 whereas in Act Two, sweets are revealed by a resplendent red velvet curtain. Served in the stunning surroundings of the iconic Grand Saloon, this is the only theatre in London’s West End to serve Afternoon Tea. 

Cast announced for Noughts and Crosses at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

Corinna Brown, Noah Valentine, Alec Boaden and Jessica Layde.

An exciting new adaptation of Malorie Blackman’s beloved novel will play at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre this summer. Adapted by Dominic Cooke and directed by Tinuke Craig, the cast includes Noah Valentine, Corinna Brown, Alec Boaden and Jessica Layde. Set against the political backdrop of a society that is deeply divided, the story echoes that of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Noughts and Crosses will play at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre from 28 June to 26 July 2025.

First look at Mischief Theatre’s new production, The Comedy About Spies

Photo by Mark Senior

If you love their award-winning production of The Play That Goes Wrong, then here’s your first look at The Comedy About Spies from Mischief Theatre. This new production is an uproarious 1960’s spy escapade, bursting with bungled missions, tangled identities, and miscommunication that’s anything but covert. The production stars members of the original Mischief company: Dave Hearn, Chris Leask, Henry Lewis, Charlie Russell, Henry Shields, Greg Tannahill and Nancy Zamit with Adele James making her Mischief debut.  They are joined by ensemble members: Macadie Amoroso, Adam Byron, Matt Cavendish, Allie Dart, Niall Ransome and Ashley Tucker. It plays at the Noel Coward Theatre until 5 September 2025.

Full cast announced for This Is My Family at Southwark Playhouse Elephant

Tim Firth’s award-winning musical This Is My Family will make its London premiere next month, directed by Vicky Featherstone. This Is My Family was originally staged in Sheffield back in 2013 and won the UK Theatre Award for Best Musical. The story tells a hilarious and uplifting story of a disastrous family holiday that eventually brings the family together. The cast for This Is My Family includes Nancy Allsop (The Hills of California), Victoria Elliott (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare’s Globe), Michael Jibson (Stranger Things: The First Shadow), Luke Lambert, Gay Soper (The Mousetrap) and Gemma Whelan (Underdog: The Other Brontë, National Theatre). The musical will play at the Southwark Playhouse Elephant from 23 May - 12 July 2025.

Full cast announced for Come Fall in Love - The DDLJ Musical

The full cast of Come Fall in Love - The DDLJ Musical. Photo by Craig Sugden

The new musical based on one of the biggest blockbuster films in the history of Indian cinema will make its UK premiere in Manchester next month. Directed by Aditya Chopra, the stage musical adaptation of the beloved hit romantic-comedy film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge is set to the exuberant beat of 18 all-new English songs created for the production. The cast includes Jena Pandya (Bhangra Nation), Ashley Day (An American in Paris), Irvine Iqbal (The Father and the Assassin), Kara Lane (The Addams Family), Harveen Mann-Neary (Bend It Like Beckham), Amonik Melaco (Austenland), Millie O’Connell (SIX), Ankur Sabharwal (Snakes and Ladders), Kinshuk Sen (Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical), and Russell Wilcox (Exit The King). Come Fall in Love - The DDLJ Musical will play at the Opera House Manchester from 29 May - 21 June 2025. 

Jonathan Harvey’s Canal Street Lonely Hearts Club

The acclaimed 90s play, Rupert Street Lonely Hearts Club, by Jonathan Harvey will head to Manchester this September. With a new title, Canal Street Lonely Hearts Club, the play will relocate its story to modern-day Manchester. It tells a raw and poignant story of complex brotherly bonds - one gay and one straight - as they struggle to reconnect. It will play at the Hope Mill Theatre from 3 - 14 September.

Major revival of Philip Ridley’s The Pitchfork Disney announced

Philip Ridley’s seminal work The Pitchfork Disney will receive a major revival at the King’s Head Theatre later this year, running from 27 August - 4 October 2025. This production will mark the fourth collaboration between Lidless Theatre and Philip Ridley, following Moonfleece, Tender Napalm and Leaves of Glass. The Pitchfork follows the relationship of two siblings and an encounter they have with an unexpected visitor. Cast for the production will be announced soon.

Whilst you are here, why don’t you read one of this week’s reviews? Highlights this week include The Da Vinci Code at Salisbury Playhouse, Manhunt at Royal Court Theatre, and Do I Love You? by the John Godber Company. We’ll see you next week for more exciting news!