Written by Jenna for Theatre and Tonic

It’s curtain up in this week’s hottest theatre news, brought to you by Theatre & Tonic. With the festive season just around the corner, here’s a sharp snapshot of the latest productions, anniversaries and unexpected comebacks lighting up the UK stage and screen. This week’s edition includes news from Back to the Future the Musical, who is celebrating a milestone in style, and the debut of Man Behaving Badly, with a planned play debut for 2026.

Back to the Future The Musical Celebrates 40 Years with Three Marty’s

The time-travelling musical Back to the Future toasts the original film’s 40th anniversary with a special event at the Adelphi Theatre on 3rd December 2025. For one night only, former Marty McFly actors Ben Joyce (Shucked, Regents Park Open Air Theatre) and Olly Dobson will join current Marty Caden Brauch, sharing scenes, riffs and the occasional hoverboard mishap. Expect a plutonium-charged celebration fitting for a one-night return to the past.

West End season announced for StarKid’s The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals

The internet-born troupe behind cult hits like A Very Potter Musical swaps the screens for spotlights with their first fully-staged show. The Guy Who Didn't Like Musicals runs from 14 May to 30 May 2026 at the Apollo Theatre, London. Fans of the popular American YouTube channel will enjoy this story of an average man who has his life turned into a musical.

Starlight Express Schools Competition Announced

Celebrating World Theatre Day, Starlight Express launches a UK-wide schools competition inviting students to be a part of the show. Winners from one primary and one secondary school will belt and glide their way into a showcase at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre on 26th March 2026 (helmets strongly advised!).

Crime and Punishment UK Tour by Northern Broadsides

Northern Broadsides will set out on the road with a new adaptation of Dostoevsky’s classic novel Crime & Punishment, beginning at Cast, Doncaster on 5th March 2026 before stopping off at Leeds, Manchester, Halifax and Edinburgh. The production promises tense psychological drama, stripped-back staging and the company’s trademark northern bite. The cast (which is still to be announced) will consist of just 3 actors.

Men Behaving Badly takes to the stage in exciting stage debut

The iconic sitcom Men Behaving Badly receives its stage debut at the Barn Theatre in Cirencester from 30th January to 7th March 2026. Expect the return of laddish chaos, friendship disasters and a nostalgic dive into 90s domestic incompetence but now with added theatrical flair! Casting to be announced.

Sadie Sink and Noah Jupe to star in Romeo and Juliet

Hollywood duo Sadie Sink and Noah Jupe will star as Romeo & Juliet in a contemporary adaptation at Harold Pinter Theatre, opening 16th March 2026. With a modern aesthetic and a youthful pulse, this version aims to shake up Shakespeare while still breaking hearts with the classic story of two star-crossed lovers.

1536 Secures West End Transfer

Following critical praise and a sold-out run at the Almeida Theatre, Tudor drama 1536 transfers to the West End’s Ambassadors Theatre, with previews beginning 2nd May 2026. Written by Ava Pickett, you can expect “historical drama with a modern edge”.

Wicked “For Good” Movie Released

After a year-long wait, the second instalment of the big-screen adaptation of Wicked was released in cinemas on 21st November. Directed by Jon Chu, the film stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande as the Witches of Oz, telling the untold story from L. Frank Baum’s classic novel The Wizard of Oz. Fans celebrated with midnight screenings, cosplay and plenty of green and pink!

Paddington Musical Confirms Cast Recording release for 2026

After winning hearts on stage, Paddington the Musical heads into the studio with its Original Cast Album set for release in March 2026. Recording at Abbey Road studios, the album will feature the original London cast who are currently enjoying success at the Savoy Theatre in the West End. With songs by Tom Fletcher, expect charm, cheer and at least one moment that sounds suspiciously like sticky paws on a microphone.

Full cast and West End transfer announced for The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

The new musical, based on the true story of William Kamkwamba, will make its debut in Stratford-upon-Avon for a six-week run from 10 February, before announcing its transfer to the West End in April. The company will be led by Alistair Nwachukwu who makes his RSC debut.

With screen stars, time-travel tributes and bears on the microphone of a big recording session, 2026 is shaping up to be a theatrical feast. Whilst we’re here, why don’t you check out our 2025 Christmas Gift Guide for Theatre Lovers with some great inspiration for presents this year!

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