What Was The Hottest Theatre News This Week? (9-15th February 2026)
Written by Jenna for Theatre and Tonic
Theatre fans, clear some space on your calendar! The next few months are bursting with world premieres, major revivals, star casting and long-awaited returns. From Clapham to the West End (with a few ghosts and drag queens along the way), here’s a closer look at the latest announcements brought to you by Theatre & Tonic.
Louis Emmitt-Stern’s ‘Slippery’ Announces World Premiere
The world premiere of Slippery, a new play by Louis Emmitt-Stern, will open at the Omnibus Theatre on 19th March 2026, running for a strictly limited engagement until 11th April 2026. John McCrea and Perry Williams will star in the production, bringing Emmitt-Stern’s new work to the award-winning Clapham venue, long known for championing bold and contemporary writing. With a tight run and strong casting, this one looks set to be a sell-out.
First Look: Jinkx Monsoon as Judy Garland in End of the Rainbow
Fresh images have been released of Jinkx Monsoon, best known for winning Ru-Paul’s Drag race, as Judy Garland in the upcoming London revival of End of the Rainbow.
The production will play at Soho Theatre in Walthamstow from 15th May to 21st June 2026. The play charts Garland’s final performances in London and promises an emotionally charged portrayal of the Hollywood icon. Monsoon’s casting brings both theatrical pedigree and a devoted fanbase to the role.
The Haunting of Hill House to Embark on UK Tour
The first-ever stage adaptation of Shirley Jackson’s supernatural classic The Haunting of Hill House will begin a UK tour this autumn.
The tour opens at Richmond Theatre on 8th October 2026, with further dates and venues to be announced. Jackson’s chilling psychological thriller has long been considered one of the greatest ghost stories ever written, and now audiences will experience its unsettling atmosphere live on stage.
Billy Elliot to Return with UK Tour and West End Season
The original, award-winning production of Billy Elliot the Musical will return to the West End For the first time in over 10 years, running at the Adelphi Theatre from 12th February to 31st July 2027. The beloved story of a young boy discovering his passion for dance remains one of British musical theatre’s most celebrated exports and its return is likely to be one of the biggest theatre events of next year.
Chichester Festival Theatre announces 2026 Season
Chichester Festival Theatre has unveiled its 2026 programme, featuring eight world premieres, a major summer musical and one of Shakespeare’s most popular comedies, A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Highlights include a new production of My Fair Lady, The BFG and a stage adaptation of Atonement. The season once again blends classic titles with ambitious new work, reinforcing the venue’s reputation as a launchpad for productions that often transfer to the West End.
Paranormal Activity returns to London
Following phenomenal demand, Paranormal Activity will return to the West End for a third extension, with more performances added at the Ambassadors Theatre from 8th August 2026. The immersive thriller will play until 25th April 2026 before taking a break ahead of its summer return.
The stage adaptation of the hit horror franchise has proven a surprise box-office success, and for those who enjoy jumping out of their seats in the dark, the summer run offers another chance to test their nerves.
Richard Kind joins The Producers at the Garrick Theatre
Richard Kind will join the West End cast of The Producers as Max Bialystock for seven weeks only, beginning 23rd March 2026 at the Garrick Theatre.
He takes over the role from Andy Nyman and previously played Bialystock on Broadway in 2004, making this a notable return to the part. The limited engagement is expected to draw considerable interest from both theatre and television audiences.
All-Drag Macbeth to open at the Emerald Theatre
A brand-new all-drag production of Macbeth will open at the Emerald Theatre this spring. Directed by Chris Clegg, creative director of TuckShop, the production will use Shakespeare’s original text and begin performances on 24th April 2026 and will run until 28th May. Promising high glamour alongside high drama, this reimagining of the Scottish play aims to combine classic verse with contemporary drag performance.
Casting Announced for Public – The Musical
Grace Towning, Matt Corner, Ivano Turco and Cole Dennis will star in Public – The Musical when it plays at Curve Theatre this spring.
Following its success at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the musical will receive a new staging in Leicester from 30th May to 13th June 2026. The show’s move from Fringe favourite to major regional venue marks an exciting next chapter.
Practical Magic the Musical in Development
A musical adaptation of Practical Magic is reportedly in development. Based on the novel and its 1998 film adaptation, the new stage version will feature an original score by Norah Jones and Gregg Wattenberg and directed by Maria Friedman. No dates or venue have yet been announced, but the project is already generating excitement for fans of the cult film. Watch this space for updates!
With premieres, revivals, tours and star turns all on the horizon, the coming months promise something for every theatre taste, whether you prefer ghost stories, glitter, or a good old-fashioned show tune. Take a look at our recent reviews to help you decide what to see first! And check back next week for more hot theatre news!
