The Marlowe Theatre has announced two new productions for 2026, a stage adaptation of A Tale of Two Cities and a musical version of The Reluctant Dragon.

Directed by Michael Fentiman (Amelie, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe), A Tale of Two Cities will premiere this September. Based on Charles Dickens’ best-selling novel, set during the French Revolution, the story follows the dissolute but noble lawyer Sydney Carton, who ultimately redeems his life by sacrificing himself to save Charles Darnay, embodying the novel’s enduring theme of resurrection through selfless love.

The production will include set design by Max Jones, costume design by Kinnetia Isidore, lighting design by Ben Jacobs, sound design by Richard Hammarton, music by Barnaby Race, casting by Helena Palmer CDG and fights by Jonathan Holby. Award-winning playwright Leo Butler will act as dramaturg.

Michael Fentiman, Director, said, ‘I’m incredibly excited to be working with the Marlowe Theatre at such a significant moment in its history, as it continues its producing journey. It feels especially apt to be making A Tale of Two Cities — a play so deeply entangled with the hope of new beginnings.

‘I want the production to be faithful to the depth and detail of Dickens, and to the ambitions of Rattigan and Gielgud, while also honouring the intimacy and soul that arise from the alchemy between them. Like the novel itself, which begins in the past only to reveal a world uncannily like our own, this production will live both in its own time and in ours — rooted in then, but alive with the urgency of the now.

‘“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times” still speaks directly to our fractured, polarised world. But what gives the story its lasting power is its belief that, from turmoil and loss, something human can still be reclaimed. Transformation and rebirth are possible. I can’t wait.’

The cast for A Tale of Two Cities will be announced, with the production running from 14 to 19 September, followed by a UK tour.

Over the festive period in the theatre’s studio space, a brand-new family musical adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s The Reluctant Dragon will be staged.

It tells the story of a gentle dragon who prefers poetry and peaceful conversation to fighting, befriending a curious boy who discovers him living quietly in the countryside. When the famous dragon-slayer Saint George arrives expecting a battle, the boy helps arrange a clever solution so everyone’s expectations are satisfied without anyone getting hurt.

The musical will feature book and lyrics by Samson Hawkins (Village Idiot), direction by Lucy Wray (Fertile, Celebrate) and designs by Charlotte Espiner (Cinderella, First Touch, Error, Error, Error).

The cast is to be announced.

The Reluctant Dragon, which will run from 5 December - 3 January, will be the perfect introduction to theatre for young children during the festive season.

Both productions will go on general sale on 30 March.

Theatre News