The British theatre scene is buzzing this week with major casting reveals, exciting debuts and a poignant goodbye. From Lulu taking the stage to Mischa Barton’s UK debut, here’s the latest from stages across the country, brought to you by Theatre & Tonic.

To Sir, With Love – Full Cast Announced

The full company has been revealed for To Sir, With Love – A New Musical in Concert, playing the Gillian Lynne Theatre on 24th November 2025. Music icon Lulu joins forces with comedian and Broadway favourite Wayne Brady as Rick Braithwaite, the idealistic teacher who inspires his unruly class. The stellar supporting cast features Jess Folley (Burlesque) as Pamela Dare, George Maguire (Sunny Afternoon) as Mr Weston, Chelsea Halfpenny (Maiden Voyage) as Gillian Blanchard, Kara Lane (Come Fall in Love) as Mrs Dare, Michael Vinsen (Hairspray) as Mr Bell, and newcomer Elijah Millar making his professional debut as Sears. A talented ensemble from Italia Conti rounds out the company, promising a stirring and heartfelt night of music and inspiration.

Benjamin Button Bows Out

After charming audiences with its magical blend of myth and music, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button played its final performance at the Ambassadors Theatre on 11th October 2025. Starring John Dagleish and Clare Foster, the folk-inspired musical has been praised for its poetic storytelling and haunting score. London’s loss will surely be remembered as one of this season’s most sad goodbyes! Some of the team from Theatre & Tonic were there to bid the show farewell, check out our socials to see the final curtain call.

Be More Chill Cast Reunion

Casting has been announced for the upcoming reunion concert of Joe Iconis and Joe Tracz’s cult musical Be More Chill. Alongside previously confirmed returning cast members Scott Folan, Miracle Chance and Blake Patrick Anderson, they will be joined by Grace Mouat, Brandon Lee Sears, Eve Norris, Gabrielle Hinchcliffe, Jessica Lim, Christopher Fry and Miles Paloma. The concert takes place at the Arts Theatre on 10th November, under the direction of Christopher D Clegg with Louisa Green as musical director. All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the mental health charity Young Minds.

Romesh Ranganathan’s West End Debut

Comedian Romesh Ranganathan is trading punchlines for poignancy in his West End debut in Woman in Mind. The move marks a surprising but exciting turn for the comic, as he steps into one of Alan Ayckbourn’s most psychologically rich plays. Ranganathan will play Bill alongside the previously announced Sheridan Smith as Susan in a limited West End run at the Duke of York's Theatre from the 9th December 2025 until 28th February 2026.

Pippin Swings Back into London

The beloved musical Pippin is set to return to London next year. With its dazzling circus-inspired staging and unforgettable score by musical legend Stephen Schwartz, this new production promises to recapture the show’s magic for a new generation. It tells the tale of a young prince on a journey of self discovery. The show will play Upstairs at the Gatehouse from 11th December 2025 to 11th January 2026. Full casting will be announced shortly.

The Spy Who Came in from the Cold – UK Tour Announced

The acclaimed stage adaptation of John le Carré’s The Spy Who Came In From the Cold will tour the UK from 12th March to August 2026, opening at Leicester Curve. Adapted by award-winning writer David Eldridge and directed by Jeremy Herrin, the production is the first stage version of le Carré’s classic espionage novel. The tour will visit 21 venues nationwide, with tickets available soon at spyonstage.com/tour. Casting for the tour is yet to be announced – watch this space!

Creative Team Announced for Macbeth-inspired Musical Weird

Weird, a new British musical that tells the story of Shakespeare’s Macbeth from the point of view of the three witches, has announced its creative team ahead of its world premiere at Newcastle Theatre Royal in January 2026. The production will be directed by Tim Jackson (Two Strangers Carry a Cake (Across New York), The Parent Agency), with choreography by Alexzandra Sarmiento (42 Balloons, Starter for Ten).

Mischa Barton in Double Indemnity

Hollywood star Mischa Barton will make her UK stage debut in a new production of Double Indemnity. Set in the 1930’s, the noir thriller opens at the Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne on 5th February 2026 before touring to Nottingham, Brighton, Cardiff and Dublin. Barton stars as Phyllis, the seductive schemer whose deadly plan spirals into chaos. Expect femme fatales, smoke, and plenty of sharp suits.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream in Leeds

Leeds Playhouse has announced the cast for its winter 2026 production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The show stars Hedydd Dylan as Hippolyta/Titania, with professional debuts from Jack Humphrey and Lou Jackson. The cast also includes Pria Kalsi, Danny Kirrane, Tiwa Lade, Michael Marcus, David Olaniregun, Tara Tijani and Sergo Vares. Co-produced with Shakespeare’s Globe, Headlong, and Bristol Old Vic, the production is directed by Holly Race Roughan and Naeem Hayat. It will run from 14th to 28th February 2026, with tickets now on sale.

Chester’s Storyhouse to Stage World Debut of Mrs Dalloway

An immersive new stage version of Virginia Woolf’s classic novel will receive its world premiere at Chester’s Storyhouse next year, ahead of a UK tour. It has been co-created by award-winning director Jen Heyes and Olivier Award-winning writer and performer Kit Green, who also embodies the lead role and a host of other unforgettable characters. Its Storyhouse run is from Friday 29th May until Saturday 6th June 2026 with tour dates to be announced. Tickets are on sale, starting from £18 for Storyhouse members.

So, from classroom inspiration to classic noir, and from big debuts to bittersweet farewells, this week’s theatre news proves that the UK stage is as bold, diverse and thrilling as ever. Whether you’re chasing magic in Leeds or mischief in the West End, one thing’s certain — the show always goes on. Why not have a look through our recent reviews to help you decide what to see next! We’ll be back next week to keep to up to date with all the latest news.

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