Written by Jenna for Theatre and Tonic.

The UK theatre scene is buzzing with announcements this week, from major cast reveals for One Day: The Musical and Othello to exciting new musical premieres in the pipeline and nationwide tours. Here’s your roundup of the biggest stories making waves on and off the West End over the last seven days.

**Starry Casting For One Day: The Musical announced**

The much-anticipated musical adaptation of One Day, based on the bestselling novel by David Nicholls, has announced its lead cast members. WhatsOnStage and Olivier Award-nominee Jamie Muscato (The Great Gatsby) will play Dexter, while Sharon Rose will play Emma. The show will open on 27th February 2026 at The Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh, promising a heartfelt and emotionally rich musical take on the beloved story of love, loss, and the passage of time.

Dive Into Myth With Sea Witch: A New Musical

A fresh new musical, Sea Witch, a prequel to the beloved Hans Christian Anderson story The Little Mermaid, will have its world premiere in the UK with dates, venue and cast to be announced soon. The show was created by Kristopher Russell and Michael David Glover, with original score and lyrics by Segun Fawole and choreography by Dean Lee. Three tracks from the show were released this week on streaming platforms as a sneak peek for theatre fans. Sea Witch promises a haunting tale of power, vengeance, and redemption beneath the waves.

Lead Casting Announced For Sunny Afternoon UK Tour

Sonia Friedman Productions and ATG Productions have announced the lead cast for the 2025–2026 UK tour of the Olivier Award-winning musical Sunny Afternoon, opening at Manchester Palace Theatre on 11 October 2025. Danny Horn will play Ray Davies, with Oliver Hoare as Dave Davies, Harry Curley as Peter Quaife, and Zakarie Stokes as Mick Avory — the original members of The Kinks. Set in the 1960s, Sunny Afternoon celebrates the band’s story and music. Full casting and tour details are available at thekinksmusical.com/uktour.

West End Transfer Planned For The Unlikely Pilgrimage Of Harold Fry

After a successful run at the Chichester Festival Theatre, it was announced this week that The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry (read our review here) will transfer to the West End in 2026. Funny, profound, deeply moving, and uplifting, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is a joyous new musical adapted by Rachel Joyce from her own multi-million-selling novel, featuring irresistible modern folk songs by the chart-topping indie musician Passenger. Details of the dates, cast, and West End venue are still to be announced.

Shakespeare With A Twist: Cast of Othello Revealed

The new West End production of Othello, opening at Theatre Royal Haymarket on 23 October 2025, has announced its star-studded cast. Vinette Robinson and Luke Treadaway will play Emilia and Cassio. They join the previously announced leads David Harewood (Othello), Toby Jones (Iago), and Caitlin FitzGerald (Desdemona). Directed by Tom Morris with music by PJ Harvey, the production runs until 17 January 2026 and marks the first in a series of modern Shakespeare stagings from Chris Harper Productions.

Matilda the Musical Announces New Cast From Autumn

The Royal Shakespeare Company has announced new casting for Matilda The Musical in London’s West End this Autumn. From 9th September, Edie McCaig and Emilia Shefford will join current title-role performers Suki Hillier and Mia Rogers as Matilda. Former phantom Jon Robyns will take on the iconic role of Miss Trunchbull, while existing adult cast members remaining in their roles will be Tiffany Graves as Mrs Wormwood, Neil McDermott as Mr Wormwood and Eve Norris as Miss Honey. This August, Matilda will also celebrate becoming the 10th-longest-running musical in West End history.

Festive Chaos Returns With The Cast Of A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong Announced

Mischief Theatre is back, this time with a festive disaster! A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong will play a limited West End run this December, bringing back the Cornley Drama Society for more comedic calamity. Expect falling scenery, miscast ghosts, and gloriously timed chaos! Written by original Mischief members Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields, the production also sees the return of director Matt DiCarlo, who earned critical praise for his West End directorial debut, The Comedy About Spies.

Cast Announced For ‘The Harder They Come’ At Stratford East

Brand new reggae musical ‘The Harder They Come’ makes its debut at Stratford East from 13th September to 25th October 2025. This UK premiere is a stage adaptation by Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winner Suzan-Lori Parks and directed by Olivier Award-winner Matthew Xia. The show is based on the cult movie produced and directed by Perry Henzell and co-written with Trevor Rhone. The production is presented by Stratford East in association with Washington Square Films, Joshua Blum, and Bruce Miller.

Guildford Fringe Festival Unveils Diverse Lineup of Free Events

The 2025 Guildford Fringe Festival will take place from 5–20 September 2025, with over 50 events for all ages and tastes. Established in 2013, it is the town’s largest independent arts festival. As an open-access, multi-arts event, it showcases a wide range of performances and activities, including comedy, poetry, music, theatre, visual arts, cabaret, exhibitions, children’s shows, workshops, talks, and numerous free events.

Hot Mess: A Brand New Musical Makes London Transfer

The new romantic comedy musical Hot Mess, from the creators of 42 Balloons, is set to transfer to Southwark Playhouse Elephant after its run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and sold-out dates in Birmingham. With book and direction by Ellie Coote and music and lyrics by Jack Godfrey, the show will run from 16 October to 8 November 2025. Hot Mess stars Danielle Steers (Six) and Tobias Turley (Mamma Mia!). The show reimagines the climate crisis as a turbulent romance between Earth and Humanity, portraying a relationship on the verge of collapse.

Before you leave us, why don’t you read one of this week’s reviews? Highlights this week include Mary Poppins The Musical, UK Tour (2025) Review, Sing Street at Lyric Hammersmith Review, and Four Play at King’s Head Theatre Review. We’ll see you next week for more exciting news!

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