What Was The Hottest Theatre News This Week? (27 Oct - 2 Nov)
Written by Jenna for Theatre and Tonic
It’s curtain up on this week’s roundup of the hottest theatre news, brought to you by Theatre & Tonic. From show announcements, casting revelations, production images and new tour dates, we’ll keep you up to date with everything you need to know.
Thespians – Greece the Musical (but not that one)
Mischief Theatre, best known for hit comedy The Play that Goes Wrong, will premiere its first musical when Thespians: Greece the Musical (but not that one) opens on 9th May 2026 at Mercury Theatre Colchester. It then tours around the UK, including Theatre Royal Bath, Everyman Theatre Cheltenham, New Theatre Cardiff and concluding at HOME Manchester. Book and lyrics are by Jonathan Sayer with music & lyrics by Ed Zanders. Promising mischief, mayhem and hilarious songs, this new musical imagines the invention of acting and the world’s first play in Ancient Greece. Cast to be announced; watch this space!
Cast announced for World Premiere of ‘Ballad Lines’
A new folk musical Ballad Lines is set to run at Southwark Playhouse Elephant from 23rd January 2026 to 21st March 2026. This week the leading cast was revealed, which includes Olivier Award Winner Rebecca Trehearn (Show Boat) as Betty, Frances McNamee (Girl from the North Country) as Sarah and Kirsty Findlay (Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour), reprising her role as Cait from an earlier version of the Scottish musical. All three also featured on the Ballad Lines concept album released in September 2025.
First look at Paddington for Paddington the Musical
Early production photos have been revealed for Paddington The Musical. Staged rehearsal photos reveal the adorable title character for the first time, with his signature red hat and suitcase. Paddington will be voiced by James Hameed and will be performed by actor Arti Shah. Paddington began first previews yesterday, so keep your eyes peeled for our review coming soon!
Cast annnounced for RSC National tour of Hamlet
The Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Hamlet, directed by Rupert Goold and starring Ralph Davis (Much Ado about Nothing, King Lear, Othello) will be touring the UK in spring 2026. Venues include Theatre Royal Norwich 10-14 March 2026, Theatre Royal & Concert Hall Nottingham 17-21 March 2026, and Grand Theatre Blackpool 24-28 March 2026. Check out the website for more venues and dates.
The Enormous Crocodile - The Musical announces UK tour
Roald Dahl’s The Enormous Crocodile The Musical will tour the UK in 2026, opening at Theatre Royal Brighton 27th March 2026, with additional dates across Kingston, York, Bristol, Bradford, Glasgow and more. Promising family fun, catch songs alongside Roald Dahl’s legendary storytelling, this is not to be missed for little theatregoers.
Rehearsal images released for The BFG
Another Roald Dahl adaptation The BFG has released rehearsal images for its stage adaptation, which will open at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre (Stratford-upon-Avon) in a festive run. Adapted for the RSC by Tom Wells and directed by Daniel Evans, it will run at from 25th November 2025 to 31st January 2026. The rehearsal images show John Leader starring as the BFG, joined by Helena Lymbery as The Queen. Elsie Laslett, Ellemie Shivers and Martha Bailey Vine will alternate the role of Sophie.
Ben Platt and Rachel Zegler to star in concert production of ‘The Last Five Years’
Exciting news for theatre fans as it was announced that two powerhouse performers Ben Platt and Rachel Zegler will star in a concert staging of The Last Five Years at The London Palladium from 24th March 2026 to 29th March 2026. Platt, best known for originating the title role in Dear Evan Hansen will make his West End debut in the show, whilst Zegler received critical acclaim after starring as Evita at the Palladium recently. The Last Five Years charts a couple’s relationship over five years, told from two contrasting perspectives, Cathy’s story unfolds in reverse while Jamie’s moves forward. The musical has been performed internationally and was later adapted into a film starring Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan.
Young Frankenstein Cast announced for Liverpool Run
Young Frankenstein The Musical will run at Liverpool Playhouse for a limited Christmas-season transfer from 3rd December 2025 – 3rd January 2026. This week, Coronation Street and Emmerdale star Daniel Brocklebank was announced as Dr Frederick Frankenstein, joining the touring cast including Amelia Adams as Elizabeth Benning.
Paranormal Activity West End Extension
Paranormal Activity: A New Story Live on Stage at the Ambassadors Theatre in London has extended its run due to huge demand. Performances begin 5th December 2025 and the booking is now extended to 28th March 2026. Based on the hit Blumhouse and Paramount film series created by Oren Peli, this chilling new stage adaptation is written by Levi Holloway and directed by Felix Barrett. The show, on stage for the very first time, is sure to delight and terrify theatregoers
Noah Mullins joins The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry
Acclaimed Australian performer Noah Mullins (Rent, Jagged Little Pill, Hadestown) will play the Balladeer in The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry at Theatre Royal Haymarket, London from 29th January 2026 to 18th April 2026. They will star alongside alongside Mark Addy and Jenna Russell in the much-anticipated musical. The show will mark Mullins’ West End Debut after much success treading the boards in their home country.
From Greek-style musical comedy to horror-tinged immersive theatre, this week’s announcements show how wide and bold the UK stage is going to be in 2026. Don’t forget to read our recent reviews to help you decide what to book next and check back next week for more exciting theatre news.
