What Was The Hottest Theatre News This Week? (08-14 Sept)
Written by Jenna for Theatre and Tonic
Get ready, theatre fans! This week’s hottest dose of theatre news is packed with magical revivals, star-studded casts, and brand-new venues hitting stages across the UK. From beloved classics to festive favourites and exciting debuts, there’s something for everyone! Here’s our weekly roundup of the top theatre news, brought to you by Theatre & Tonic.
Back to the Future Musical announces UK Tour
The hit musical Back to the Future is set to tour the UK beginning next Autumn. It will open at Bristol Hippodrome on 8th October 2026, move to Edinburgh Playhouse in early December, then travel to Liverpool, Milton Keynes, Sunderland, and Southampton, among others. The show continues to enjoy success at the Adelphi Theatre in London’s West End, thrilling audiences with nostalgia, rock songs and futuristic effects. Cast for the tour will be announced at a later date.
Major Revival of The Secret Garden in York
York Theatre Royal will bring a fresh new staging of a much-loved classic to audiences next spring. Get ready to step into a world of magic as The Secret Garden – The Musical is unlocked from 17th March to 4th April 2026. With unforgettable songs and a story full of heart, this enchanting tale based on the beloved novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett comes to to life in this new revival. Featuring music by Lucy Simon and a book and lyrics by Pulitzer Prize-winner Marsha Norman, the show enjoyed critical acclaim during its run on Broadway. Tony Award-winner John Doyle will direct the production.
‘Almost Full’ Cast Announced for Paddington The Musical
Paddington The Musical is set to begin performances 1st November 2025 at the Savoy Theatre in London, ahead of an official opening night on 30 November 2025, with the run scheduled to continue through 25 May 2026. The principal cast includes Timi Akinyosade as Tony, Amy Booth-Steel as Lady Sloane, Tarinn Callender as Grant, Delilah Bennett-Cardy as Judy Brown, Adrian Der Gregorian as Mr Brown, Tom Edden as Mr Curry, Brenda Edwards as Tanya, Amy Ellen Richardson as Mrs Brown, Victoria Hamilton-Barritt as Millicent Clyde, Teddy Kempner as Mr Gruber and Bonnie Langford as Mrs Bird. Audiences have been teased about further cast revelations (perhaps the title character?) with their socials saying the company is ‘full-ish’.
Cast announced for Elf The Musical in London’s West End
Festive favourite Elf the Musical is set to sparkle once again in London this festive season as it takes up residence at the Aldwych Theatre from 28th October 2025 through to 3rd January 2026. Joel Montague (Hamilton, The Great Gatsby) and Carrie Hope Fletcher (Calamity Jane, Les Miserables) will lead the cast as Buddy and Jovie, with much-loved performer Aled Jones MBE stepping into the role of Walter Hobbs. This heart-warming hit promises a magical mix of laughter, music and Christmas cheer for the whole family.
The RSC reveals 2026 season
The Royal Shakespeare Company has unveiled its upcoming season, including both familiar works by Shakespeare and exciting new commissions. The programme reflects the RSC’s ongoing commitment to innovation alongside tradition. The season promises ‘epic stories, big names, unforgettable theatre’. Highlights include the return of multi award-winning actor and filmmaker Kenneth Branagh to the RSC stage, alongside RSC debuts from Academy Award-winner Helen Hunt and double Olivier Award-winner Mark Gatiss.
Cast revealed for Ballet Shoes Festive Revival
Ballet Shoes returns to the Olivier Theatre this winter, bringing Kendall Feaver’s acclaimed adaptation of Noel Streatfeild’s beloved novel back to the stage. The story follows the Fossil sisters Pauline, Petrova, and Posy, as they chase their dreams in London. Directed by Katy Rudd, the production captured hearts during its previous run and now makes a much-anticipated return from 17th November 2025. Leading the cast are Sienna Arif-Knights stars as Petrova, Nina Cassells as Pauline, and Scarlett Monahan as Posy. Sebastian Goffin (Life of Pi) will make his national theatre debut in the production.
Cynthia Erivo to star in Dracula in the West End
Wicked star Cynthia Erivo will make her return to the West End in a bold, one-actor adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, adapted and directed by Kip Williams. Previews begin at Noël Coward Theatre on 4th February 2026, with opening night on 17th February, running until 30th May 2026. Erivo will take on all 23-characters in this well-known gothic horror, telling the story of the infamous Count Dracula and vampire hunter Van Helsing.
Teeth ’n’ Smiles Revival Revealed
The 50th anniversary return of Teeth ’n’ Smiles is planned for early 2026. The production will feature Rebecca Lucy Taylor in the lead as troubled singer Maggie Frisby. Set in the 70’s, writer David Hare describes the play as a ‘mix of hope, drugs, music, sex and despair’. The show will run for 12 weeks only between March and June (exact dates TBA) at the Duke of York’s theatre.
Death on the Nile Cast Announcement
A new adaptation of Death on the Nile has confirmed the cast for its 2025/26 UK and Ireland tour. This classic Agatha Christie whodunnit promises striking design and faithful adaptation. Mark Hadfield will play Hercule Poirot, with Glynis Barber as Salome Otterbourne, Bob Barrett as Colonel Race, Camilla Anvar as Rosalie Otterbourne, Libby Alexandra-Cooper as Linnet Ridgeway, Howard Gossington as Atticus Praed, Esme Hough as Jacqueline de Bellefort, Helen Katamba as Annabelle Pennington, Nye Occomore as Simon Doyle, Nicholas Prasad as Ramses Praed, Terence Wilton as Septimus Troy. The show will premiere at Lowry in Salford on 26th September, making stops at Bath, Cardiff, Edinburgh, York and other major UK cities until May 2026.
New Venue, Greenwich Troubadour, is revealed!
Big news for theatre lovers! Troubadour Theatres is planning a brand-new venue on the Greenwich Peninsula, next to the cable car station. The exciting project will feature two 1,500-seat auditoriums, giving the city a total of 3,000 seats and, if approved, will make it London’s biggest theatre, overtaking the West End’s London Coliseum. The venue is expected to open in 2026, promising a major new hub for live performance in the capital.
Why not check out our latest reviews to help you decide what to book next? This week’s highlights include Not Your Superwoman, Bush Theatre, The Last Stand of Mrs Mary Whitehouse at Nottingham Playhouse and The Shawshank Redemption at Darlington Hippodrome.
