What Was The Hottest Theatre News This Week? (10-16 Nov)
Written by Jenna for Theatre and Tonic
The world of musical theatre preparing for its next chapter, fuelled by powerhouse casting, bold artistic shifts and a wave of new stories stepping into the spotlight. From Keala Settle’s return to the stage to Alan Cumming’s sweeping creative vision for Scotland, the UK theatre scene is brimming with energy, innovation and some festive surprises. Here is your weekly roundup of the top stories brought to you by Theatre & Tonic.
Keala Settle Leads Mrs President at Charing Cross Theatre
Keala Settle will take on a compelling dramatic role in Mrs President, opening at Charing Cross Theatre from 23rd January to 8th March 2026. The production explores Mary Lincoln in the aftermath of the President’s assassination, giving Settle space to showcase a powerful non-singing performance. With Hal Fowler joining her and Bronagh Lagan directing, this reimagined piece promises an intense, intimate experience.
Cast Announced for Pippin Revival at Upstairs at the Gatehouse
North London’s Upstairs at the Gatehouse welcomes a lively new revival of Pippin from 11th December 2025 to 11th January 2026. Lewis Edgar (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) stars as Pippin with Emily Friberg returning as the Leading Player. They will be joined by Clare Brice (Wicked: For Good) as Berthe, Helena Caldas (The Phantom of the Opera) as Fastrada, Oliver Wood (Something Rotten!) as King Charlemagne, and Mia Quimpo making her professional debut as Catherine. The Gatehouse’s inventive staging style is set to bring fresh energy to Stephen Schwartz’s beloved musical.
New cast announced for 2:22 - A Ghost Story UK Tour in 2026
The hit supernatural thriller 2:22 – A Ghost Story launches its new UK tour at Royal & Derngate, Northampton on 8th January 2026. Stars of stage and screen James Bye, Natalie Casey, Gary Lucy and Shvorne Marks lead the cast for a production directed by Matthew Dunster and Gabriel Vega Weissman. With a packed national schedule running into the summer, the show continues its reign as one of the UK’s most popular modern plays.
New Cast and Director Announced for The Mousetrap
Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap at St Martin’s Theatre begins a fresh chapter as the incredible Ola Ince takes over directing duties. A new cast including Georgina Fairbanks, Cai Brigden and Thomas Dennis begin performances on 10th November 2025. Eight decades on, the world’s longest-running play continues to reinvent itself.
Alan Cumming Unveils Visionary Season at Pitlochry Festival Theatre
Alan Cumming launches his first season as Artistic Director at the Pitlochry Festival Theatre, coinciding with the venue’s 75th anniversary. The season features Once, directed by John Tiffany, a new My Fair Lady with Cumming as Henry Higgins, Martin Sherman’s new work I’ll Be Seeing You and the inclusive festival Out in the Hills. It’s a bold, eclectic programme that sets a striking tone for the theatre’s future under Cumming’s direction.
Cast announced for West End premiere of High Noon
The world-premiere stage adaptation of High Noon arrives at the Harold Pinter Theatre from 17th December 2025 to 7th March 2026. Written by Eric Roth and directed by Thea Sharrock, the production stars Billy Crudup as Will Kane and Denise Gough as Amy Fowler. With Billy Howle and Rosa Salazar joining the ensemble, the play aims to capture the 1952 film’s intensity while reframing its themes for today’s audiences.
West End premiere announced for ‘Rosie’ The Musical
A new musical steps into the West End with Rosie, receiving its semi-staged gala premiere at the Adelphi Theatre on 17th March 2026. Lucy Thomas leads as Rosie Boote, the Irish convent-raised performer who found unexpected stardom on the Edwardian stage. Featuring an original score by Chris Broom and following the release of a studio album, the Adelphi performance marks an exciting next step for the developing show.
Cast announced for It’s A Wonderful Knife at Old Joint Stock Theatre
Birmingham’s Old Joint Stock Theatre presents the festive musical It’s a Wonderful Knife: Christmas Dundee from 3rd December to 30th December 2025. The show blends It’s a Wonderful Life with Crocodile Dundee in a chaotic comedic tale following Paul Hogan on Christmas Eve, with his crocodile co-star Burt returning from the afterlife. Led by Paul Westwood and Oliver Cartwright, and directed by Lilly Butcher, the production promises a quirky, high-energy Christmas treat.
David Hunter joins ‘Beautiful Little Fool’ at Southwark Playhouse
Beautiful Little Fool makes its world premiere at Southwark Playhouse from 15th January to 28th February 2026. Starring Lauren Ward and Hannah Corneau, the musical explores the story of American novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald and his socialite wife Zelda, with a book by Mona Mansour and music and lyrics by Corneau. It’s sure to be one of the most exciting new works arriving on the fringe.
UK tour announced for West End star concert ‘Gravity’
The concert tour Gravity unites musical theatre stars and former Wicked witches Kerry Ellis, Louise Dearman and Rachel Tucker. Running from 10th to 23rd April 2026, the show visits major venues including Manchester Opera House, Glasgow Theatre Royal, Edinburgh Playhouse and Canterbury’s Marlowe Theatre, offering a celebration of songs that shaped their illustrious stage careers.
From West End premieres, festive mayhem in Birmingham and powerhouse tours across the UK, the theatre industry is bursting with exciting announcements. With so many stories lighting up stages big and small, audiences are heading into a season filled with reinvention, storytelling and unforgettable performances. If you need help deciding what to see next, why not check out our recent reviews? Check back next week for your next instalment of the latest theatre news!
