Theatre in 2026: 26 shows to look out for in the New Year
Written by Eleanor V for Theatre and Tonic
As 2025 comes to a close, it has been a year of amazing theatre, from Just for One Day to Paddington being just some of our highlights in our best theatre of 2025. We’re already looking ahead to what the next twelve months have to offer (with some shows not even announced yet!), and there’s a real buzz about theatre in 2026. Here is a list of 26 shows you might want to keep an eye out for in the New Year:
1. Kimberly Akimbo
Hampsted Theatre, London
Written by David Lindsay-Abaire and directed by Michael Longhurst, this European premiere centres on a witty teenage girl, whose rare condition causes her to age rapidly, as she navigates high school. In its original Broadway run in 2023, it won five Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
Opens 28th August
3. Ivanov
Bridge Theatre, London
This version of Chekhov’s drama will star Chris Pine in his London stage debut as his character, Nikolai, tries to restore his zest for life.
Opens 4th July
5. Something Rotten!
Opera House, Manchester
This new fully staged production, which follows the acclaimed 2023 concert version, will star Jason Manford and Richard Fleeshman reprising their roles of Nick Bottom and William Shakespeare in this Broadway hit.
Opens 16th June
7. Little Shop of Horrors
Derby Theatre, Derby
Directed by Sarah Brigham, this darkly comical musical is packed with unforgettable songs. Seymour Krelborn must try and win the heart of the woman he loves while satisfying the hunger of his rapidly growing plant.
Opens 30th May
9. The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals
Apollo Theatre, London
From theatre company StarKid, this horror-comedy musical follows Paul as his life is forever changed when the town of Hatchetfield morphs into his worst nightmare - a fully staged musical.
Opens 14th May
11. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
Old Vic Theatre, London
Based on Ken Kesey’s classic novel, Clint Dyer will be directing a ‘bold new staging’ of this work, starring Aaron Pierre and Giles Terera.
Opens 1st April
13. The Last Five Years
The London Palladium
Ben Platt and Rachel Zegler will be starring in a 25th anniversary production of this popular musical. This concert staging promises to ‘transcend revival and redefine musical theatre at its most powerful.’
Opens 24th March
15. John Procter is the Villain
Royal Court Theatre, London
Written by Kimberly Belflower and directed by Danya Taymor, this seven-time Tony Award-nominated play will give a fresh take on Arthur Miller’s The Crucible from the perspective of 5 young women.
Opens 20th March
17. Shadowlands
Aldwych Theatre, London
Originally produced at Chichester Festival Theatre, Hugh Bonneville will star as C.S. Lewis in this love story alongside Maggie Siff.
Opens 5th February
19. Kiss of the Spider Woman
Curve, Leicester
In its first major UK revival since 1992, Kiss of the Spider Woman returns in a new co-production from Curve, Bristol Old Vic and Mayflower Southampton. The original Broadway production snapped up seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical!
Opens 3 April
21. Cats
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
Over the summer, a brand-new production of the timeless musical Cats heads to the gorgeous settings of the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. Cats will be directed and choreographed by the theatre’s Artistic Director Drew McOnie.
From 25 July
23. The Jonathan Larson Project
Southwark Playhouse Borough
Following its critically acclaimed Off-Broadway run, The Jonathan Larson Project makes its London debut over the summer. The production is a celebration of the composer as well as an opportunity to discover some unheard songs.
From 9 July
24. Legally Blonde The Musical
UK Tour
There is a wealth of UK tours in 2026, but none as exciting as the return of Legally Blonde. Amber Davies, who recently starred in Strictly Come Dancing, leads the show as Elle Woods, which embarks on a UK tour from February.
From 7 February
2. The Silence of the Lambs
Curve Theatre, Leicester
This will be a world-stage premiere as the first official full stage adaptation of this novel and popular film. Following its opening in Leicester, it will be launching a UK and Ireland tour later in the year and into 2027.
Opens 1st August
4. Jesus Christ Superstar
The London Palladium
The acclaimed Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre staging of this popular Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber musical will arrive at the legendary London Palladium next summer, featuring Sam Ryder in the role of Jesus.
Opens 20th June
6. Pride
National Theatre, London
The director and writer of the original film, Matthew Warchus and Stephen Beresford, are collaborating with composers Christopher Nightingale, Josh Cohen and DJ Walde to bring this beloved story of the Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners (LGSM) to the stage.
Opens 11th June
8. Beetlejuice The Musical
Prince Edward Theatre, London
This highly anticipated Broadway musical is (finally!) making its London debut. Based on the Tim Burton film of the same name, teenager Lydia will evoke the help of ghosts and ghouls to frighten her father and loathed stepmother.
Opens 20th May
10. Bank of Dave
The Lowry, Salford
Based on the true(ish) story of Dave Fishwick and the important impact he had on his community. This new musical has been written by Rob Madge with lyrics also by Rob Madge and Pippa Cleary. This Musical will also have a run at the Curve Theatre, Leicester in 2026.
Opens 2nd May
12. Les Liasons Dangereuses
National Theatre, London
Choderlos de Laclos’ classic novel is described as ‘a thrilling game of love, lies and social warfare’ and will be newly staged by Christopher Hampton, starring Lesley Manville and Aidan Turner.
Opens 21st March
14. Avenue Q
Shaftsbury Theatre, London
This irreverent musical will be back in the West End for the first time in two decades! Set on the fictional street of Avenue Q, this quirky group of characters will be brought back to the stage under the direction of Jason Moore.
Opens 20th March
16. Road
Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester
Jim Cartwright’s award-winning play will you to accompany the residents of this neglected northern street on a journey you won’t forget. Starring Lucy Beaumont, Shobna Gulati, Lesley Joseph and Johnny Vegas, this revival with mark the 40th anniversary of the work.
Opens 13th February
18. Dracula
Noel Coward Theatre, London
Emmy, Tony and Grammy winner Cynthia Erivo will be transforming into all 23 roles in this reimagining of the classic horror tale. Director Kip Williams promises to ‘take his groundbreaking style of cinetheatre to new, heart pounding, heights.’
Opens 4th February
20. Sweeney Todd
Birmingham Rep
Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler‘s 12-time Tony Award-winning masterpiece heads to Birmingham in a new production by Artistic Director Joe Murphy over the summer.
Opens 4 July
22. American Psycho
Almeida Theatre
The stage adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’ cult novel will return to the Almeida Theatre as Rupert Goold’s final production as Artistic Director.
From 24 January
24. Men Behaving Badly
Barn Theatre Cirencester
A new play based on the 1990s sitcom will make its debut at the Barn Theatre in January. The world premiere has been written by the sitcom’s original creator Simon Nye and directed by Joseph O’Malley.
From 30 January
26. One Day The Musical
Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh
A new musical, based on the best-selling book by David Nicholls and a recent TV drama on Netflix, heads to the stage in Edinburgh. The unforgettable love story about Emma and Dexter is one to look out for.
From 26 February
So with some hot revivals of Legally Blonde the Musical and Sweeney Todd, as well as the upcoming premieres of One Day The Musical and Pride, 2026 is a really exciting year for theatre fans! What shows are on your radar in the New Year? Let us know in the comments!
