Written by Jenna for Theatre and Tonic

It’s that time again! After a few weeks’ hiatus, we’re back with our top 10 theatre news stories from the week running 3rd – 10th August, brought to you by Theatre & Tonic. This week’s roundup includes casting news for shows such Here & Now, The Hunger Games and Dear England, as well as announcements about brand new productions coming to a theatre near you! 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 UK & Ireland tour of Here and Now

The full cast for the Steps musical Here & Now has just been revealed. The musical, set in a supermarket, brings together all of Steps’ much-loved hits in a joyous celebration of love and friendship. Joining previously announced stars Rebecca Lock (as Caz), Finty Williams (Patricia), Blake Patrick Anderson (Robbie), River Medway (Jem), Edward Baker-Duly (Max), and John Stacey (Lesley) will be Jacqui Dubois (Vel), Chris Grahamson (Gareth), Rosie Singha (Neeta), Ben Darcy (Ben), and Lauren Woolf (Tracey). The tour will premiere at Glasgow’s King’s Theatre from 16–20th September with further UK and Ireland dates to follow. If you want to get a flavour for what’s to come from the tour, read our review from the premiere in Birmingham last year!

The Hunger Games: On Stage Casting Announced

The world premiere of the highly anticipated stage adaptation of The Hunger Games, opening in London on 20th October at the Troubadour in Canary Wharf, has revealed its full cast. Mia Carragher stars as Katniss, with Euan Garrett (Peeta), Joshua Lacey (Haymitch), Tristan Waterson (Gale), Tamsin Carroll (Effie), Stavros Demetraki (Caeser), Nathan Ives-Moiba (Cinna/Mayor), Sophia Ally (Prim), and Ruth Everett (Mrs Everdeen). The brand new 1,200-seat Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre, a purpose-built theatre-in-the-round on the Isle of Dogs, immerses audiences directly in the action. The show is based on Suzanne Collins’ celebrated novel and the film of the same name, set in a dystopian world in which children are forced to take part in a brutal battle for survival.

Moominvalley in November Musical Adaptation Heads To London This Autumn

A new musical adaptation of Finnish Author Tove Jansson’s final Moomin story, Moominvalley in November is set to premiere at Upstairs at the Gatehouse from 23rd October until 16th November. Created by Swedish-born, London-based composer Hans Jacob Hoeglund, the show was shortlisted for the BEAM 2025 showcase but has not yet been staged in full. Moominvalley in November will offer theatregoers of all ages a gentle, thoughtful reflection on grief and belonging.

Starter for Ten Releases ‘Bristol Mixtape’ EP

Starter for Ten, the 80s-inspired musical based on David Nicholls’s novel, has released a ‘Bristol Mixtape’ EP featuring four standout tracks – “Weightless,” “Time to Quiz,” “For the Story,” and “Lucy’s Turn” (featuring Stephen Fry) performed by original cast members Adam Bregman, Miracle Chance, Will Jennings, and Emily Lane. The show returns to Bristol Old Vic (10 Sept–11 Oct), then heads to Birmingham Rep (22 Oct–1 Nov). We saw the production in Bristol last year, you can read our review here.

Cockfosters Set For Return This Year

The riotous and surreal comedy Cockfosters, which spoofs life on the London Underground, is making a festive comeback. It will play at Southwark Playhouse Borough (The Large) from 4 December 2025 to 3 January 2026, following a sold-out three-week run earlier this year. The show centres on strangers James and Tori, who meet on the Piccadilly Line at Heathrow and journey across London in “1 Tube Carriage. 38 Stops. 0 Refunds”. Returning creator-writers and directors Hamish Clayton and Tom Woffenden promise an even wilder ride: “The show will be bigger, better and even more chaotic than ever”. Creative credits include set design by Gareth Rowntree, lighting by Ben Sayers, and original music by Rich Longdon and Tom Woffenden.

New Artwork for My Neighbour Totoro

The West End production of My Neighbour Totoro has unveiled its first official artwork -featuring Basil Twist’s iconic Totoro puppet and capturing the magical bus-stop scene with Mei and Satsuki. Winner of six Olivier and five What’s On Stage Awards, this incredible production is booking at the Gillian Lynn Theatre until March 2026. You can read our review of My Neighbour Totoro here.

Personality: The Lloyd Price Musical Concert Announced

Cedric Neal (known for Hadestown, Back to the Future and Guys & Dolls) will star in a concert staging of Personality: The Lloyd Price Musical at Southbank Centre’s Queen Elizabeth Hall, with performances scheduled for 11th October (matinee and evening). Based on the life of teenage rock’n’roll icon Lloyd Price, the show will feature hits such as “Lawdy Miss Clawdy”, “Stagger Lee” and of course “Personality”.

Kenrex heads to The Other Palace

Jack Holden in Kenrex. Photo by Manuel Harlan

Kenrex, the true-crime musical starring and co-written by Jack Holden, is scheduled for a Christmas-season run at The Other Palace from 3rd December 2025 to 1st February 2026. The show previously ran at Southwark Playhouse Borough from February to March 2025 to sell-out audiences (read our review here) following its premiere in Sheffield. This thrilling story is set to a live Americana soundtrack by award-winning composer and musician John Patrick Elliott. Co-writer Ed Stambollouian will return to direct the show.

Cast Announced for UK tour of Dear England

The cast of Dear England. Photo by Justine Matthew

The Olivier Award-winning play Dear England, written by James Graham and directed by Rupert Goold, is returning to the stage on a national tour, refreshed with updates reflecting the 2024 Euros and Gareth Southgate’s departure as England manager. David Sturzaker (BBC’s Doctors) plays the former England manager in this gripping examination of our nation and the beautiful game. He is joined by stage and screen actress Samantha Womack (Eastenders, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe) as team psychologist Pippa Grange. The tour kicks off in Plymouth on Monday 15th September, stopping off at major cities around the UK, including Newcastle, Liverpool, and Birmingham.

Wicked: For Good releases Behind-the-Scenes video

Wicked: For Good has unveiled a behind-the-scenes teaser and trailer, much to the delight of fans. It reveals new musical moments and teases a deeper narrative, revealing the true nature of the relationships between Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), Glinda (Ariana Grande), Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey) and The Wizard (Jeff Goldblum). Based on the beloved stage show, the second instalment about the untold story of the Witches of Oz is set to release on 21st November 2025.

Before you leave us, why don’t you read one of this week’s reviews? Highlights this week include Every Brilliant Thing at @Sohoplace Review, Anne Boleyn The Musical at Hever Castle Review and Choir at Chichester Festival Theatre (Minerva) Review. We’ll see you next week for more exciting news!

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