What Was The Hottest Theatre News This Week? (20-26 Oct)
Written by Jenna for Theatre and Tonic.
A vibrant season is unfolding across British theatre, with major musicals, star casting, and new writing lighting up stages in London and around the UK. Productions are extending, touring, and announcing new releases well into 2026. Here’s your bite-sized weekly roundup, brought to you by Theatre & Tonic.
UK premiere of ‘The Karate Kid Musical’ to embark on a tour in 2026
The Karate Kid – The Musical will make its UK premiere in spring 2026. The show opens at the New Wimbledon Theatre on 28th April 2026, before embarking on a national tour that includes stops in Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Oxford, Glasgow, Sheffield, Sunderland, Birmingham, and Cardiff, running through to August. The musical, adapted from the iconic 1984 film, promises a nostalgic yet fresh take on the beloved story. Cast to be announced soon, watch this space!
Cast announced for the upcoming UK premiere of Disney’s Freaky Friday The Musical
Jena Pandya and Rebecca. Photo by Mark Senior
Disney’s Freaky Friday – The Musical has announced full casting for its UK premiere at HOME Manchester, running from 27th November 2025 until 31st December 2025. The show stars Rebecca Lock as Katherine and Jena Pandya as Ellie, alongside Ian Virgo, Samantha Ho and Beth Savill. The musical adaptation of the classic body-swap story brings a family-friendly mix of comedy and heart to the northern stage.
Cast announced for concert performance of Jo – The Little Women Musical in 2026
A semi-staged concert of Jo – The Little Women Musical will take place at Theatre Royal Drury Lane on 25th January 2026. Based on the acclaimed concept album, this spin-off from Little Women explores Jo March’s journey as a writer and woman of ambition. Directed and choreographed by JoAnn M. Hunter, the concert will feature a full orchestra and a cast of leading West End performers including Christine Allado (The Prince of Egypt) as Jo March and Tobias Turley (Mamma Mia!) as Theodore ‘Laurie’ Laurence.
Northern Stage announces Spring Season for 2026
Northern Stage has unveiled its spring 2026 season, headlined by a co-production of Little Shop of Horrors with Derby Theatre. The cult musical opens in Newcastle on 8th May 2026 and runs until 23rd May. The season also includes new stagings of I, Daniel Blake and a programme of regional new writing, continuing Northern Stage’s commitment to socially conscious theatre.
Chris Pine to make his London stage debut in Ivanov
Hollywood star Chris Pine will make his London stage debut in Simon Stone’s new adaptation of Ivanov at the immersive and modern Bridge Theatre. Previews begin on 4th July 2026, with opening night set for 14th July and performances running until 19th September 2026. Pine joins a growing list of screen actors treading the boards on the British stage, such as the Bridge Theatre’s recent production of Richard II starring Jonathan Bailey.
UK Tour and London return announced for ‘Sylvia’ in 2026
Sylvia is set to return for a UK tour in autumn 2026, culminating in a London run at the Royal Albert Hall. Beverley Knight reprises her role as Emmeline Pankhurst, with Sharon Rose returning as Sylvia Pankhurst. The musical, directed and choreographed by Kate Prince, with music by Josh Cohen and DJ Walde, opens at the Leicester Curve on 24th September 2026, before visiting Birmingham, Edinburgh, Salford, Norwich, and Canterbury, concluding in London from 13th to 15th November 2026.
West End extension announced for ‘My Neighbour Totoro’
At the Gillian Lynne Theatre, My Neighbour Totoro has announced an extension following overwhelming demand. The celebrated adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s animated classic will now run until 30th August 2026. The cast features Victoria Chen as Mei, Ami Okumura Jones as Satsuki, and Dai Tabuchi as Tatsuo, alongside a giant puppetry ensemble that has drawn widespread acclaim for its staging and craftsmanship.
Cast announced for The Limp Wrist and The Iron Fist
A bold new play The Limp Wrist and The Iron Fist opens at Brixton House from 6th November to 29th November 2025. Written by Emmanuel Akwafo and directed by Nathanael Campbell, the production features Prince Kundai, Romeo Mika, Tyler Orphé-Baker and Noah Thomas. The piece explores masculinity, identity and resilience through vivid, physical performance.
Rehearsal images released for ‘Paddington The Musical’
Rehearsal images for Paddington The Musical have been released ahead of its West End premiere at the Savoy Theatre on 1st November 2025, with booking open until 25th May 2026. The production stars Timi Akinyosade, Amy Booth-Steel, Tarinn Callender, Delilah Bennett-Cardy, Adrian Der Gregorian, Victoria Hamilton-Barritt and Bonnie Langford. The show features music by McFly’s Tom Fletcher, who recently previewed a song ‘The Explorer & the Bear’ from the production.
Cast recording of ‘Evita’ starring Rachel Zegler now available to stream
Evita, starring Rachel Zegler at the London Palladium, has released its 10-track cast recording from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Jamie Lloyd’s hit revival. Recorded live at the theatre, the album features ten numbers including “Oh What a Circus”, “Buenos Aires” and “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina”. It is available digitally, on CD and on limited-edition marble vinyl. A full album release is planned for 2026!
With new tours, premieres and albums on the horizon, UK theatre shows no signs of slowing down. From The Karate Kid to Sylvia and Totoro, 2025–2026 promises a dynamic blend of reinvention and innovation, a clear sign that British audiences remain as passionate about live performance as ever! Why not take a look at our recent reviews of the latest shows to help you decide what to see next? And check back again next week for another rundown of all the news you need to know!
