What Was The Hottest Theatre News This Week? (12-18 Jan)
Written by Jenna for Theatre and Tonic
From six-inch heels to six Tudor queens, Movie-star power to open auditions that could change lives, UK theatre is currently thriving. Casting announcements are flying in, tours are packing their bags, and extensions are being handed out like well-earned encores. Whether you love a West End revival, a shiny new musical, or the thrill of seeing your favourite stars on-stage, here’s your whistle-stop tour of the theatre news treading the boards right now, bought to you by Theatre & Tonic.
The Choir of Man reveals UK & Ireland Tour Cast
Raise your glasses! The Choir of Man heads out on its first ever UK & Ireland tour, opening at New Wimbledon Theatre on 14th March 2026. The cast includes Gustav Melbardis (Maestro), Oluwalonimi Owoyemi (Poet), Levi Tyrell Johnson (Hard Man), Ben Mabberley (Joker), Rob Godfrey (Beast), Jack Skelton (Handyman), Joshua Lloyd (Barman), Sam Walter (Romantic) and Aaron Pottenger (Bore), with swings Sam Ebenezer, Jared Leathwood, Niall Woodson and Lewis Dragisic. The tour runs until 5th December 2026, bringing songs, spoken word, hilarity and a well-stocked pub to theatres nationwide.
Further cast announced for Kinky Boots at London Coliseum
The boots are back and they’re still kinky! Matt Cardle will step into the role of Charlie Price, alongside Johannes Radebe returning as the fabulous Lola, in a brand-new production of the Olivier, Tony and Grammy Award-winning Kinky Boots at the London Coliseum. Joining them is Tosh Wanogho-Maud, currently dazzling audiences as Lola on the European tour, who will appear as Alternate Lola.
New Queens announced for SIX in the West End
The Tudor pop sextet continue their reign with a new West End cast from 24th February 2026. The incoming queens are Adrianne Langley (Catherine of Aragon), Marissa Morgan (Anne Boleyn), Jessica Aubrey (Jane Seymour), Freya Karlettis (Anna of Cleves), Leesa Tulley (Katherine Howard) and Nia Stephen (Catherine Parr). History will no doubt repeat itself with the enduring popularity of this sassy musical.
New production of ‘Sunday in the Park with George’ heading to London
Big names, big art. A major West End revival of Sunday in the Park with George is set for summer 2027 at the Barbican Centre, starring Ariana Grande as Dot and Jonathan Bailey as Georges Seurat. This Sondheim classic exploring art, love and legacy promises to be one of the most talked-about productions of the decade, with tickets on sale from May 2026.
Casting update announced for Oliver!
Oliver! continues its West End run at the Gielgud Theatre with a refreshed cast for its second year. The production stars Simon Lipkin continuing in his role as Fagin, Ava Brennan as Nancy, Aaron Sidwell as Bill Sikes, Aaron MacGregor as the Artful Dodger, Oscar Conlon-Morrey as Mr Bumble and Katy Secombe as Widow Corney. The role of Oliver Twist is shared between Isaac Hackett, James Miller, Thomas Newman and Jacob Sanders-Jones - a fresh cast to bring new life to this classic musical.
Beetlejuice announced an open-call audition for West End premiere
Future stars, take note! Open auditions have been announced for the new West End production of Beetlejuice. Opening at the Prince Edward Theatre on 20th May, the much-anticipated West end transfer of the hit Broadway show is looking for a female actor with a playing age of between 16-18 to play Lydia, the character made famous by Winona Ryder in the movie.
Exstenion announced for One Day: The Musical
Following a successful premiere at the Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh, which began on 12th March 2026, One Day: The Musical has extended its run due to popular demand. Featuring an original cast including Jamie Muscato, Sharon Rose, Josefina Gabrielle and Miracle Chance, the adaptation of David Nicholls’ novel continues to win hearts night after night.
Cast announced for The Ladies Football Club in Sheffield
Bringing sport and storytelling together, The Ladies Football Club continues its journey as a feel-good play celebrating women, teamwork and the beautiful game. Based on real life events during WW2, it is adapted by Tim Firth (Calendar Girls). The show will debut on 28th February 2026 at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre, ahead of an expected move to the West End, with a cast that includes Jessica Baglow, Charley Webb and Ellie Leach.
Further information announced for the 2026 Stalls to Stage Awards
The Stalls to Stage Awards return to the Lyric Theatre on 20th April, celebrating emerging talent and championing pathways from grassroots performance to professional stages. It’s a night dedicated to future stars, and judging by past winners, we’ll be seeing plenty of these names again. Theatre & Tonic will bring you all the news from the awards, so watch this space!
Cast announced for UK revival of The Secret Garden The Musical
A major revival of The Secret Garden blooms at York Theatre Royal from 19th March until 4th April 2026. Casting announced this week includes Catrin Mai Edwards as Martha, Joanna Hickman as Lily, Henry Jenkinson as Archibald, Elliot Mackenzie as Dickon, Elizabeth Marsh as Mrs Medlock and Steve Simmonds as Ben Weatherstaff. Estella Evans and Poppy Jason share the role of Mary Lennox, while Cristian Buttaci and Dexter Pulling alternate as Colin Craven. A lush, heartwarming production rooted firmly in Yorkshire soil.
So there you have it: boots that were made for strutting, new queens claiming their crowns, Hollywood stars tackling Sondheim, and auditions that might just change someone’s life. UK theatre is belting, tap-dancing and taking a well-earned encore. Check in the same time next week for our fresh roundup… programmes at the ready!
