What Was The Hottest Theatre News This Week? (15-21 Sept)
Written by Jenna for Theatre and Tonic.
The British stage is booming with exciting tours, revivals, and brand-new musicals. From blockbuster West End openings to quirky premieres, here’s the latest round-up of unmissable productions, brought to you by Theatre & Tonic.
Carrie Hope Fletcher to Star in Waitress Tour
Carrie Hope Fletcher will lead in the brand-new UK and Ireland tour of Waitress. The hit Sara Bareilles musical opens at the New Wimbledon Theatre on 28th March 2026, before hitting major cities including Brighton, Bradford, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Dublin, Manchester and Cardiff. Fletcher’s casting as Jenna has already set social media alight, with the rest of the cast still to be announced.
The Book Thief Concert Cast Announced
The Book Thief musical will play in concert at London’s Prince of Wales Theatre on 19th October 2025, with two extra shows on 26th October due to demand. Melanie La Barrie stars as Death in the adaptation of Markus Zusak’s best-selling novel, with music by Elyssa Samsel & Kate Anderson and direction by Tom Jackson Greaves. She will be joined by Isaac Gryn as Max Vandenburg, Jack Lord as Hans Hubermann, and Cat Simmons as Rosa Hubermann. Set in 1930s Nazi Germany, the story follows Liesel Meminger, whose love of books transforms her life amid the horrors of war.
Southwark Playhouse Hosts Ride the Cyclone and reveals cast
Cult favourite Ride the Cyclone makes its UK premiere at Southwark Playhouse Elephant with previews from 14th November 2025 and opening night on 19th November 2025. Running until 10th January 2026, the cast includes Edward Wu as The Amazing Karnak, Baylie Carson as Ocean, Grace Galloway as Jane Doe and Damon Gould as Noel. Expect dark comedy, catchy tunes and a fairground ride of emotions!
Cast announced for Into the Woods revival at Bridge Theatre
The immersive Bridge Theatre will stage a major revival of Sondheim and Lapine’s Into the Woods from 2nd December 2025 to 18th April 2026. Jamie Parker takes the role of the Baker, alongside Katie Brayben as the Baker’s Wife and Kate Fleetwood as the Witch. With Chumisa Dornford-May as Cinderella and Oliver Savile as the Wolf and Cinderella’s Prince, this promises to be one of the season’s hottest tickets.
British Musical Cable Street returns to London
Cable Street, a stirring new musical about the 1936 Battle of Cable Street, will head to the Marylebone Theatre from 16th January to 27th February 2026, following its sold-out runs at Southwark Playhouse last year. Its mix of history, politics and music makes it one of the most talked-about new homegrown shows. Cast for the revival will be announced soon.
Hollywood Meets the West End with High Noon’s West End premiere
Academy Award winner Eric Roth’s stage adaptation of the 1952 film High Noon gallops into the Harold Pinter Theatre from 17th December 2025 to 7th March 2026. Directed by Thea Sharrock, the production stars Billy Crudup as Will Kane and Denise Gough as Amy Fowler, two powerhouse performances sure to ignite the West End.
Cast announced for fundraising concert of Acorn Antiques The Musical
Victoria Wood’s comedy classic Acorn Antiques The Musical is back for special fundraising concerts. Performances will take place at Manchester Opera House on 2nd November 2025 and 16th November 2025, before transferring to Shaftesbury Theatre, London on 9th November 2025. Ria Jones returns to reprise her role as Mrs Overall, joined by Katherine Kingsley (Noises Off, The Witches), Gina Beck (Guys & Dolls, Wicked), Rob Madge (Cabaret), Grace Mouat (Mean Girls) and Anna-Jane Casey (Billy Elliot).
Sheridan Smith leads West End revival of Woman in Mind
Sheridan Smith returns to the West End in Alan Ayckbourn’s Woman in Mind. The revival opens at the Duke of York’s Theatre on 9th December 2025, running until 28th February 2026. A UK tour follows with stops at Sunderland Empire (4th–7th March 2026) and Theatre Royal Glasgow (10th–14th March 2026). Directed by Michael Longhurst, with Smith at the wheel this promises to be a star-driven highlight of the winter season.
A Magical Premiere: Moominvalley in November announces full cast
Tove Jansson’s Moominvalley in November comes to life as a brand-new musical at Upstairs at the Gatehouse from 23rd October to 16th November 2025. The cast revealed this week includes Izzie Winters as Toft, Martin Callaghan as Grandpa Grumble and Abigail Yeo making her debut as Mymble. They are joined by Matthew Heywood as Snufkin, Jane Quinn as Filly Jonk and Stuart Simons as Hemulen. Based on the bestselling books and beloved cartoons, Moominvalley in November is a gentle, imaginative tale perfect for autumn evenings.
Lyric Hammersmith Unveils 2026 Season
Lyric Hammersmith has announced its 2026 season, featuring three standout productions. Jocelyn Bioh’s Tony award-winning Jaja’s African Hair Braiding opens on 19th March and runs until 25th April, followed by Oscar Wilde’s An Ideal Husband from 7th May to 6th June, and the world premiere of Ben Ockrent’s dark comedy Relics from 18th June – 18th July. Artistic Director Rachel O’Riordan calls the season “bold, entertaining stories that turn familiar settings on their heads.” Tickets are on sale now at lyric.co.uk.
With a mix of premieres, reimagined classics, and innovative storytelling, UK theatre audiences can look forward to a vibrant 2025/2026 programme that promises laughter, emotion, and unforgettable performances. Take a look at our recent reviews to help you decide what is next on your list to book! Join us next week for more exciting news from the wonderful world of British theatre.
