HALLELUJAH!

THE OLIVIER-AWARD NOMINATED WEST END PRODUCTION

OF

IS GOING ON A UK AND IRELAND TOUR

CRAIG REVEL HORWOOD
TO STAR AS
‘MOTHER SUPERIOR’

PAUL CHUCKLE

AS ‘MONSIGNOR O’HARA’

AND

ZOE BIRKETT

AS ‘DELORIS VAN CARTIER’

OPENING AT NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE

FROM 11 SEPTEMBER 2027

Brace yourself sisters! Jamie Wilson Productions are delighted to announce the return of the award-winning smash hit SISTER ACT THE MUSICAL for a new UK and Ireland tour, opening at the New Wimbledon Theatre on Saturday 11 September 2027.

Strictly Come Dancingfavourite Craig Revel Horwood will star as Mother Superior, alongside ChuckleVision legend Paul Chuckle as Monsignor O’Hara and West End sensation Zoe Birkett (Moulin Rouge, Tina: The Tina Turner Musical) as Deloris Van Cartier at selected venues throughout the tour. Further casting to be announced. Full tour schedule and venue-specific casting details listed below.

Craig Revel Horwood is probably best known as the longest serving judge on BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing, appearing on all 24 series. His many theatre credits include The Wicked Witch of the West in the UK Tour of Wizard of Oz, Miss Hannigan in Annie, both in the West End and on tour, Munkustrap in Cats, Miss Saigon at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane and Harry in Crazy for You at the Prince Edward Theatre. In 2025, Craig toured the UK in his one-man show Revelations: Songs Boys Don’t Sing, which accompanied the release of his album of the same name. He returned to the road with the show this year. Craig directed and choreographed NOW That’s What I Call A Musical, Strictly Ballroom The Musical, and the 2016/17 tour of Sister Act The Musical as well as the Strictly Come Dancing: Arena Tour every year. He received Olivier nominations for Best Choreography for his work on Spend Spend Spend! and, My One and Only, both at the Piccadilly Theatre. He also choreographed the film Paddington 2.

Paul Chuckle is best known as one half of the famous, much-loved award-winning comedy pair The Chuckle Brothers (alongside his late brother Barry). The pair won the TV talent show New Faces, and had their own television series The ChuckleHounds, Chuckle Time, the Children’s BAFTA Award winning ChuckleVision, which was broadcast for over 20 years, and their own game show To Me, to You! They also featured in several episodes of BBC’s Walliams & Friends, as well as playing Crostini and Co in ITV’s Benidorm. Additionally on screen, Paul’s other credits include the role of Ronnie Hislop in BBC’s Doctors, Channel 5’s The Madam Blanc Mysteries and BBC’s Celebrity Master Chef. On stage, Paul has appeared in numerous pantomimes across the country and will star as Mr Boo in the National Theatre’s production of The Rise and Fall of Little Voice later this year. Away from the stage and screen, Paul tours the UK night clubs and universities with his DJ act. In the 2026 New Year Honours Paul was awarded the MBE from King Charles. 

Zoe Birkett’s many West End credits include the title role of Tina Turner in TINA: The Tina Turner Musical at the Aldwych Theatre, Pippa in the world premiere of Roald Dahl’s The Witches at the National Theatre, Kim in The Great British Bake off Musicalat the Noël Coward Theatre and Arabia in the original cast of Moulin Rouge the Musical at the Piccadilly Theatre, for which she won the BroadwayWorld award for Best Supporting Performer in a Musical. Her other theatre credits include Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Dion in Hair, Acid Queen in Tommy, and Thriller Live. At sixteen years old, she became the highest placed female contestant in the first series of ITV’s Pop Idol. Most recently Zoe has graced the stage as the much-celebrated guest vocalist on Take That’s spectacular Circus Live Stadium Tour.

Disco diva Deloris’ life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder. Placed under protective custody she is hidden in the one place she shouldn’t be found – a convent! Encouraged to help the struggling choir, she inspires her fellow sisters to find their true voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own.

SISTER ACT has direction by Bill Buckhurst, choreography by Alistair David, Set and Costume Design by Morgan Large, Lighting Design by Tim Mitchell, Sound Design by Tom Marshall and Musical Supervision by Stephen Brooker. Casting is by Pearson Casting. 

SISTER ACT features original music by Tony® and 8-time Oscar® winner Alan Menken(Disney’s Aladdin, Enchanted), lyrics by Glenn Slater, book by Bill and Cheri Steinkellner with additional book material by Douglas Carter Beane. SISTER ACT is produced by Jamie Wilson.

SISTER ACT THE MUSICAL

www.sisteractthemusical.co.uk

SATURDAY 11 – SATURDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2027

NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE

https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-wimbledon-theatre/ON SALE 21 OCTOBER 2026

MONDAY 20 – SATURDAY 25 SEPTEMBER 2027

SUNDERLAND EMPIRE

https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/sunderland-empire

ON SALE 21 OCTOBER 2026

TUESDAY 28 SEPTEMBER – SATURDAY 9 OCTOBER 2027

SHEFFIELD LYCEUM

https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

ON SALE 11 DECEMBER 2026

MONDAY 11 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 16 OCTOBER 2027

ALHAMBRA THEATRE, BRADFORD

https://www.bradford-theatres.co.uk/alhambra-theatre

ON SALE 9 NOVEMBER 2026

DUBLIN

More information and on sale date to be announced. 

TUESDAY 9 NOVEMBER – SATURDAY 27 NOVEMBER 2027

MANCHESTER PALACE THEATRE

https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/palace-theatre-manchester

ON SALE 21 OCTOBER 2026

MONDAY 29 NOVEMBER – SATURDAY 4 DECEMBER 2027

CLIFFS PAVILION, SOUTHEND

https://trafalgartickets.com/southend-theatresON SALE 22 OCTOBER 2026

Craig Revel Horwood will not be performing at this venue. The role of Mother Superior is to be announced.

MONDAY 6 DECEMBER 2027 – SUNDAY 2 JANUARY 2028

THE ALEXANDRA, BIRMINGHAM

https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/the-alexandra-theatre-birmingham/ON SALE 21 OCTOBER 2026

Craig Revel Horwood will not be performing at this venue. The role of Mother Superior is to be announced.

MONDAY 10 JANUARY – SATURDAY 15 JANUARY 2028

WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE, CARDIFF

https://www.wmc.org.uk/ON SALE SOON

Craig Revel Horwood and Zoe Birkett will not be performing at this venue. Further casting to be announced. 

MONDAY 17 JANUARY – SATURDAY 22 JANUARY 2028 

THEATRE ROYAL, NOTTINGHAM

https://www.trch.co.uk/ON SALE 23 OCTOBER 2026

Craig Revel Horwood and Zoe Birkett will not be performing at this venue. Further casting to be announced. 

MONDAY 24 JANUARY – SATURDAY 29 JANUARY 2028 

THEATRE ROYAL BRIGHTON

https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/theatre-royal-brighton/ON SALE 21 OCTOBER 2026

Craig Revel Horwood and Zoe Birkett will not be performing at this venue. Further casting to be announced. 

MONDAY 31 JANUARY – SATURDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2028

THE ORCHARD THEATRE, DARTFORD

https://trafalgartickets.com/orchard-theatre-dartfordON SALE 22 OCTOBER 2026

Craig Revel Horwood and Zoe Birkett will not be performing at this venue. Further casting to be announced. 

MONDAY 7 FEBRUARY – SATURDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2028

THEATRE ROYAL PLYMOUTH

https://theatreroyal.com/ON SALE 19 NOVEMBER 2026

Craig Revel Horwood and Zoe Birkett will not be performing at this venue. Further casting to be announced. 

TUESDAY 15 FEBRUARY – SATURDAY 19 FEBRUARY 2028

HULL NEW THEATRE

https://www.hulltheatres.co.uk/ON SALE 23 OCTOBER 2026

Craig Revel Horwood and Zoe Birkett will not be performing at this venue. Further casting to be announced. 

MONDAY 21 FEBRUARY – SATURDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2028

MAYFLOWER THEATRE, SOUTHAMPTON

https://www.mayflower.org.uk/ON SALE 23 OCTOBER 2026

Craig Revel Horwood and Zoe Birkett will not be performing at this venue. Further casting to be announced. 

TUESDAY 29 FEBRUARY – SATURDAY 11 MARCH 2028

GRAND OPERA HOUSE, BELFAST

https://www.goh.co.uk/ON SALE SOON

Craig Revel Horwood and Zoe Birkett will not be performing at this venue. Further casting to be announced. 

MONDAY 13 MARCH – SATURDAY 18 MARCH 2028

MILLENNIUM FORUM, DERRY

https://millenniumforum.co.uk/ON SALE 23 OCTOBER 2026

Craig Revel Horwood and Zoe Birkett will not be performing at this venue. Further casting to be announced. 

TUESDAY 21 MARCH – SATURDAY 25 MARCH 2028

NEW THEATRE OXFORD

https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-theatre-oxford/ON SALE 21 OCTOBER 2026

Craig Revel Horwood and Zoe Birkett will not be performing at this venue. Further casting to be announced. 

FURTHER TOUR DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED

THE WATERMILL ANNOUNCES THE PROGRAMME FOR ITS 60th ANNIVERSARY YEAR

TWO MAJOR WATERMILL HITS RETURN TO ITS STAGE, AN AYCKBOURN MOORS ON THE RIVER(SIDE), A RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN CLASSIC IS REIMAGINED FOR THE SUMMER; AND TWO NEW ADAPTATIONS OF BESTSELLING STORIES BY TWO OF THE COUNTRY’S GREATEST WRITERS

IAN HISLOP AND NICK NEWMAN’S THE WIPERS TIMES (29 JANUARY–6 MARCH) RETURNS TO THE WATERMILL A DECADE AFTER ITS PREMIERE, ALONGSIDE JEZ BUTTERWORTH’S JERUSALEM, BASED ON THE THEATRE’S ACCLAIMED 2018 PRODUCTION (19 MARCH–24 APRIL); AND THE WATERMILL’S YOUTH ENSEMBLE WILL SHARE A NEW ADAPTATION OF A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM (11–13 MARCH), CELEBRATING THE THEATRE’S RICH HISTORY OF STAGING SHAKESPEARE’S WORK.

THE SEASON CONTINUES WITH ALAN AYCKBOURN’S WAY UPSTREAM, IN AN OUTDOOR STAGING SET ON A BOAT BY THE RIVER LAMBOURN.

PAUL HART DIRECTS A FRESH REVIVAL OF RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S CAROUSEL, REIMAGINED FOR A MODERN AUDIENCE.

THE WORLD PREMIERE OF ENIGMA, ROBERT HARRIS’ BESTELLING BLETCHLEY PARK THRILLER IN A NEW ADAPTATION BY MIKE POULTON, AND, AT CHRISTMAS, A NEW ADAPTATION OF MICHAEL MORPURGO’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST.

Joint CEOs, Artistic Director Paul Hart andExecutive Director Claire Murray, and the whole team at Newbury’s award-winning Watermill Theatre are delighted to announce plans for the theatre’s 60th anniversary year in 2027, with an eclectic programme that celebrates six extraordinary decades of theatre-making and community engagement.

The anniversary year will bring together a full season of productions, special events, community and talent development projects, fundraising initiatives and opportunities to celebrate the people, productions and audiences that have shaped the Watermill over the past 60 years.

A converted 1830s corn mill, the Watermill Theatre was conceived with vision and determination by David Gollins in 1965, with the first professional production following in 1967. A modest 200 seat theatre, the site and buildings have evolved over 60 years, with a core belief at the organisation’s heart – that the theatre is for everyone. Its rich history includes the formation of Propeller in the 1990s whose innovative approach to Shakespeare introduced a raft of audiences to his work and made them multi-award-winning and internationally acclaimed; a seminal actor-musician production of Sweeny Todd which transferred to the West End and Broadway and more recently a critically acclaimed revival of The Lord of the Rings A Musical Tale, which transferred to America, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.

Paul Hart and Claire Murray said: “In planning for this year, we’ve tried to capture the essence of what is so special about the Watermill’s work, both on and off stage. Both deeply rooted in our community and consistently reaching across the UK and the globe, in 2027 we hope to celebrate the distinctive quality of our work and to continue to connect with audiences, communities, creatives and artists in ways that make an important difference to their lives.

“We hope this season has something for everyone and offers a chance for our entire Watermill community to celebrate the incredible past and exciting future of this unique organisation.”

2027 SEASON

The anniversary season celebrates the distinctiveness of the Watermill’s work, revisiting productions, creative collaborations and forms of theatre-making that epitomise the theatre’s work, whilst continuing its long tradition of reinvention.

The year opens with the return of Ian Hislop and Nick Newman’s comedy The Wipers Times, directed by Caroline Leslie, from 29 January – 6 March, ten years after the play first premiered at the Watermill in 2016. Its return also celebrates the theatre’s long-running creative relationship with Hislop and Newman, whose work for the Watermill has also included Spike, A Bunch of Amateurs and The Autobiography of a Cad. Since its premiere, The Wipers Times has gone on to three successful national tours, two West End runs and inclusion on the national curriculum.

From 11 – 13 March, the Watermill Youth Ensemble celebrates the Watermill’s long relationship with Shakespeare with an adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, adapted and directed by Matty Green. This production marks 40 years since the inception of the Watermill’s Youth Theatre and will see the young company weave actor musicianship through the production – a celebrated feature of so much of the Watermill’s work. 

From 19 March – 24 April, the Watermill will bring Jez Butterworth’s modern classic Jerusalem back to its stage, in association with Fiery Angel.  Based on Lisa Blair’s 2018 production, this new staging will be co-directed by Paul Hart and Georgie Staight.The return has an added local resonance for the anniversary year, with the play itself set within 10 miles of the Watermill, giving the production a particular sense of homecoming.

Tickets for The Wipers Times, A Midsummer’s Night’s Dream, and Jerusalem will go on sale to priority bookers on 21 October, with general on sale on 30 October.

As part of the Watermill Theatre’s 60th anniversary celebrations, Alan Ayckbourn’s Way Upstream will be reimagined in an ambitious new outdoor production that makes use of the Watermill’s unique setting. Directed by Katie Posner and staged on and around the water itself, the production will transform the surrounding landscape into the world of Ayckbourn’s darkly comic, politically hot play, bringing audiences closer than ever to the elements at the heart of the show. Bold in scale and theatrical imagination, it will celebrate the ambition of the Watermill with its theatrical ingenuity and inventive staging.

Over the summer, Paul Hart directs Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel. Continuing the theatre’s approach of reinventing classic titles, this new production will reinvigorate this beloved musical, offering a dynamic new version, with music and dance spanning the theatre and grounds, in a new orchestral adaptation by Stuart Morley, created for actor musicians, and choreography by Anjali Mehra. As part of bringing this celebrated musical to the stage, the team will also be collaborating with Project Salama, a domestic abuse charity, to explore the way the story of Billy and Julie is told in this production. Carousel is sponsored by Horsey Lightly Solicitors, one of the most prestigious law firms in the South of England.

The autumn sees Enigma, Robert Harris’ bestselling novel, newly adapted by dramatist Mike Poulton, directed by Paul Hart, and co-commissioned by Chichester Festival Theatre. The Bletchley Park-set thriller follows the story of codebreaker Tom Jericho attempting to crack the case of the missing Claire Romilly, taking him deep into a web of espionage and betrayal.

The anniversary year concludes at Christmas with the world premiere of a new adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s Beauty and the Beast by Tatty Hennessy, directed by Indiana Lown-Collins. Hennessy returns to the Watermill following her 2022 adaptation of Morpurgo’s The Sleeping Sword, while Lown-Collins returns following her co-direction of the 2026 revival of Morpurgo’s Pinocchio, continuing the theatre’s relationship with both writer, and adaptor and director. Featuring a new folk-inspired score, Beauty and the Beast will be suitable for audiences aged 4+.

Full casting and further creative team details for each production will be announced separately.

Paul Hart commented, “Programming for this year has been partially about thinking about our astonishing history in which the Watermill has become a driving force in the creation of bold new exciting work. Even more importantly though, it’s been about thinking about the future. Despite receiving no subsidy from central Government or local authority funding, the Watermill continues to make work that is truly distinctive. Whether that be new work such as the mega hit that is The Wipers Times; vital revivals including our production of Jerusalem; new adaptions such as Robert Harris’ Enigma; unique reinterpretations of musicals such as Carousel which will be unforgettable in this space; celebrating our extraordinary river bank site with Way Upstream; vital family work as we collaborate again with Michael Morpurgo on Beauty and the Beast or work that really engages with the community such as our Youth Theatre production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

“The season is semblative of everything we do, and we are so lucky to be working with an extraordinary team, including an array of artists to bring that to life. I’m thrilled that Caroline Leslie will be returning to direct The Wipers Times following its national success including two runs in the West End, Katie Posner will be directing her first show for us, Tatty Hennessy and Indiana Lown-Collins will be returning to work with Michael Morpurgo, Mike Poulton reunites with Robert Harris and I’m thrilled to be working with Georgie Staight following her previous work here to bring Lisa Blair’s inspired production of Jerusalem back to the stage.”

COMMUNITY

The Watermill’s relationship with its local and rural communities, which has been so vital over the last 60 years, will be a key strand of the anniversary year.

Building on their existing wide-reaching Outreach programme, a brand-new Community Collective project will launch, reflecting the inclusive, community-driven, and professionally led approach to the theatre’s work.

The Community Collective project will work with four community partner groups who have limited access to cultural experiences. Each group will take part in workshops led by a professional writer/theatre-maker, drawing on their lived experiences and stories to create new work. The project will give space to the local community to celebrate and amplify their voices.

Each year the Watermill’s Outreach provision provides over 18,500 engagement opportunities, striving to break down barriers to accessing theatre, ensuring that everyone in the local community can enjoy the benefits of arts and culture. The project reflects a snapshot of the extensive work that the Watermill already delivers, both on site at the theatre and across the community. Regular activity will continue to include Youth Theatre activities, adult groups, specialist weekly accessible workshops, bespoke engagements with community partners, and reaching schools through the Careers through the Arts programme.

Heidi Bird, Outreach Director at the Watermill says, “While the breadth of our reach is significant, the individual journeys and life-enhancing moments that our participants experience make the Watermill an essential resource for our local community. Through our anniversary year and beyond, we aim to continue growing this impact, building on the strong foundations of our existing provision.”

Further details of the community partners and project will be announced in 2027.

SUPPORTING THE WATERMILL AT 60

The Watermill is a registered charity which requires support to deliver their work onstage and offer opportunities for local people to be involved, inspired and engaged in its outreach work.

A Friends membership starts from £35 per year, and this donation helps enable world-class theatre and an outreach programme, that is designed to reach and make a difference to thousands of children, young people and adults across West Berkshire. Friends also enjoy priority notice and priority booking, enabling them to secure the best seats for the best prices for all the programming in the 60^th anniversary year.

To mark its 60th year, the Watermill will also launch Creative Futures, a public fundraising campaign aiming to raise £60,000 in 2027, supporting the theatre’s growing creative ambition, strengthening its commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, and helping to preserve and protect its historic site.

The Watermill is delighted that long-standing supporters, Horsey Lightly Solicitors, will be again sponsoring the summer musical, Carousel. Based in Newbury, the firm is widely recognised for its specialist expertise and commitment to delivering high-quality, client-focused advice. With a reputation for practical solutions and a highly personalised approach, Horsey Lightly continues to support the cultural life of the local community through its ongoing relationship with the theatre.

A programme of special events and celebrations will run throughout the anniversary year, with further details to be announced during 2027. More information about the theatre’s 60^th anniversary celebrations, ways to become involved in the Outreach programme and details of Friends membership can be found by visiting watermill.org.uk.

For further information or to book any performance at the Watermill Theatre, visit www.watermill.org.uk or call the Box Office on 01635 46044.

ROYAL EXCHANGE THEATRE COMPANY REVEALS 2027-2028 SEASON  
Artistic Director and Co-CEO Selina Cartmell unveils a bold programme for the iconic theatre with a season of eight ambitious productions and the reopening of the theatre’s Studio space  

• Following the theatre’s 50th anniversary this newly announced season marks the next chapter of the Royal Exchange, with a programme that champions Northern narratives and welcomes internationally renowned artists to Manchester.  
• The Royal Exchange Theatre Company’s season features stories that travel the globe with four world premieres, one UK premiere, a reimagined Shakespearean comedy, a contemporary classic and a beloved musical. 
• Throughout 2027 and 2028 the iconic theatre will work with some of today’s most innovative and celebrated theatre makers, including queen of British soul music Beverley Knight, Olivier-award winning playwright Simon Stephens, Tony-award nominated director Lileana Blain-Cruz, groundbreaking Talawa Theatre Company and genre-defying THISISPOPBABY amongst others.  
• To mark this next chapter, the Royal Exchange Theatre today launches a revitalised artistic vision and takes its original name Royal Exchange Theatre Company, celebrating the tapestry of voices that shape the iconic theatre.     
• As part of this ambition the Studio, the Exchange’s 100-seat second artistic space, will reopen for the first time since March 2020 as the theatre launches The Bruntwood Prize for North West Playwriting, dedicated to amplifying Northern voices on a global stage.
• The Studio’s reopening will enable the 750 seat in-the-round theatre to start a programme of auditorium refurbishment ahead of the summer season

Artistic Director and Co-CEOSelina Cartmell announces her second season of work which celebrates Manchester’s international relevance and history as the Royal Exchange Theatre Company looks to its future.  

Selina Cartmell’s 2027-2028 season for the Royal Exchange Theatre Company includes:  

• Brian Friel’s 20th-century masterpiece FAITH HEALER, directed by Emma Baggott, opens the season in the Theatre.  
• TALKING TO BOYS, Abbi Greenland’s new play directed by Sam Pritchard, will receive its world premiere in the Exchange’s Studio, the first production in the space since March 2020. 
• Daisy Miles’ R LADY’s, the winner of Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting North West – Original New Voice Award 2025, will have its world premiere in the Royal Exchange’s Studio, directed by Elin Schofield.  
• A UK premiere of THISISPOPBABY’s RIOT, after 10 years of international success, bringing wild theatre, sizzling circus, comedic acrobatics and radical dancing to the Royal Exchange Theatre. 
• Theworld premiereof Simon Stephens’ THE FIRST BLUE THING, a reimagination of the Greek classic Phaedra set in modern-day Stockport, will bedirected by Artistic Director Selina Cartmell and presented as part of Manchester International Festival 2027, in association with Factory International. 
• A new production of Shakespeare’s MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, directed by Michael Buffong and starring Beverley Knight, in a co-production with Talawa Theatre Company.
• A new production of iconic musical GUYS AND DOLLS, A Musical Fable of Broadway, directed by Natalie Abrahami.
• The world premiere of MUNICHS, a retelling of the Munich Air Disaster and its aftermath, based on the deeply moving book by David Peace and adapted for the stage by Ben Power, will be directed by Selina Cartmell and premiere in 2028 – 70 years after the disaster. 
• The previously announced 50th anniversary year will come to a close in February 2027 with SHOOTERS by debut writer and 2025 Bruntwood Prize winner Tolu Okanlawon, directed by Lileana Blain-Cruz. 
• Priority tickets for the 2027-28 season are on sale now and general tickets will be available at 12 noon BST Thursday 22 October. Tickets are available from royalexchange.co.uk

Artistic Director and Co-CEO Selina Cartmell said:  

“The Royal Exchange was built on the limitless possibilities of exchange and on the bold and ambitious spirit that defines our home city. As the world’s eyes turn to Manchester, I’m thrilled to announce a season that captures the imagination, shifting perspectives, energy and originality of the North while declaring our international ambition.

Our renewed mission is to Act with Courage: to take creative risks, nurture local talent, welcome visionary artists and exchange urgent stories with our audiences and communities. It is a space designed to hold whatever courage makes possible. I am thrilled that four world premieres, a UK premiere, reimagined classics and a beloved musical will fill our unique and democratic stages to create electrifying moments for our audiences.  

As we begin this new chapter, we are reclaiming our original name, Royal Exchange Theatre Company, to reflect our renewed commitment to collaboration both with the North and beyond. Reopening the Studio and launching the Bruntwood Prize for North West Playwriting are central to that vision, reestablishing a vital home where emerging and established artists can experiment, collaborate, belong and make bold new work.

As the Royal Exchange Theatre Company begins its next chapter, we will honour the radical spirit that has defined this extraordinary theatre, and indeed Manchester, and go courageously into the future.”

The Studio – The home of creative courage

The Royal Exchange’s Studio has a long history of providing space for courageous artists to rethink and reframe what is possible in its intimate 100 seat flexible space. Closed since March 2020 due to the pandemic, the theatre today announces its reopening from Spring 2027 with two world premieres programmed for audiences to discover emerging voices and experienced artists, producing radical new theatre right in the heart of Manchester. The Studio’s initial yearly programme will feature three months of in-house produced work and provide space and support for the next generation of talent for the rest of the year. Future opportunities for emerging Northern theatre makers to learn, develop their craft and create new work will be announced in Autumn 2027.  

The Bruntwood Prize for North West Playwriting 

Selina Cartmell also announces the next chapter of the theatre’s talent development strand with the newly launched Bruntwood Prize for North West Playwriting which will replace the prize in its current format. Developed to put Northern voices on the global stage, from 2027 the competition will be focused on writers from the North West and will be open to playwrights of all experience levels who were born or live in the area. Entrants will submit a full length, original and unproduced script and the prize will be judged by a selection of prestigious producers, directors and playwrights. Winners and runners-up will receive money to fund their work and significant development opportunities, dramaturgical support and join the Studio community. Full entry criteria and details will be released in Autumn 2027. 

Chief Executive of Bruntwood Chris Oglesby said:  

“As both the Royal Exchange and Bruntwood celebrate our 50th anniversaries, we’re proud to continue the legacy of the Prize with a renewed focus on supporting playwrights and stories from the North West, where Bruntwood has its roots. There is a wealth of creative talent across our region, and this partnership with the Royal Exchange Theatre Company will give more Northern writers the space and support to develop their work. By bringing the Prize together with the Studio’s development opportunities, we can help local voices reach audiences around the world and continue to cement the Royal Exchange Theatre Company’s role as the national theatre of the North.”

Full 2027-28 programme detailed below: 

A Royal Exchange Theatre Company Production 

FAITH HEALER

By Brian Friel

Director: Emma Baggott

20 March – 18 April 2027

Theatre

Brian Friel’s 20th-century masterpiece is a lyrical display of corroding morals and fragile self-belief. Listed as one of the 100 most significant plays of the 20th century by National Theatre, FAITH HEALER is a devoted contemplation on faith and doubt, illusion and reality, deception and genius, explored through relationships that waver between reliable and ruinous. As a Welsh director, Emma Baggott’s interpretation is a deeply personal celebration of the Celtic culture of storytelling masterfully displayed in the writing. Opening the season, FAITH HEALER runs 20 March – 18 April 2027 in the Theatre. 

Must we have faith in something to live with purpose? Where does truth end and pretence begin when the speaker believes both with absolution? And what actually happened on that fateful August evening at a pub in Ballybeg? 

FAITH HEALER is designed by award-winning scenographer and costume designer Peter Butler and features lighting design by Sinéad McKenna.

A Royal Exchange Theatre Company Production   

World Premiere 

TALKING TO BOYS

By Abbi Greenland

Directed by: Sam Pritchard

8 April – 8 May 2027

Studio

Directed by Sam Pritchard, the world premiere of this shortlisted 2025 Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting play is a funny and timely perspective on relationships between men and women in all their hope, peril and complexity. TALKING TO BOYS runs 8 April – 8 May 2027 and marks the reopening of the Royal Exchange Theatre’s Studio, an intimate stage where courage is celebrated, careers are launched and the future of theatre is premiered. 

In Abbi Greenland’s sharp, fragmented play, we look at what happens to one woman’s mind through fourteen conversations with the men in her life – from the school yard right through to the empty nest. She doesn’t want to be shaped by men. But is it possible to avoid it? 

A Royal Exchange Company Theatre Production 

World Premiere 

R LADY’s 

By Daisy Miles

Directed by: Elin Schofield

13 May – 5 June 2027

Studio

Written by Mancunian playwright Daisy Miles, winner of the 2025 Bruntwood North West prize for Original New Voice, R Lady’s will have its world premierein the Studio. Set in Lady’s Catholic Primary School in Stockport where child’s-play in the school yard is pushed to the limits with disturbing dynamics, delicate dispositions and a desire for control, R Lady’s runs 13 May – 5 June 2027 and will be directed by Elin Schofield.

Who would you want to be first, a princess, a hairdresser or Jesus on the cross? 

Royal Exchange Theatre Company presents  

A THISISPOPBABY Production 

UK Premiere 

RIOT 

Created and directed by Jennifer Jennings and Phillip McMahon

27 May – 6 June 2027 

Theatre

RIOT is a night of wild theatre, sizzling circus, comedic acrobatics, heart-breaking monologues, radical dancing, Tayto crisps, Roscommon GAA, and an iconic surprise nightly guest. Infusing theatre, variety and the energy of the dance floor, it’s your big night out, with a delicious twist. 

Both party and politic, this is a love letter of hope to the future and a clarion call on the state of the world. After 10 years of international success, this UK premiere runs 27 May – 6 June 2027in the Theatre. 

RIOT stars Panti Bliss, Emmet Kirwan, Lords of Strut and The Sirens and will feature a surprise special guest each night. Created by award-winning co-directors of THISISPOPBABY Jennifer Jennings and Phillip McMahon, choreographed by Irish Dance experts and performance duoUp & Over It Suzanne Cleary and Peter Harding. RIOT features costumes by James McGlynn Seaver and set design by Niall Sweeney.

A Royal Exchange Theatre Company Production  

Presented as part of Manchester International Festival 2027, in association with Factory International  

World Premiere 

THE FIRST BLUE THING

By Simon Stephens 

Directed by: Selina Cartmell

18 June – 25 July 2027

Theatre

Manchester-born and Tony-award winning British-Irish playwright Simon Stephens creates a contemporary take on the Greek myth of Phaedra -a story of temptation and shame, tragedy and passion. This reinvention of Phaedra is the matriarch of a family fuelled by love and desire but haunted by history and multi-generational mistakes. Thisworld premiere, directed by Artistic Director Selina Cartmell, runs 18 June – 25 July 2027. 

Take a seat by the kitchen table. We’re in a huge, cluttered Edwardian house in Stockport. Piles of books and worn furniture surround us, and the smell of a Sunday roast, red wine and resentment hang in the air. 

The creative team for THE FIRST BLUE THING includes international award-winning designer Leslie Travers as Set and Costume Designer, Lee Curran as Lighting Designer, and Ian Dickinson as Sound Designer. 

A Royal Exchange Theatre Company and Talawa Theatre Company Co-Production   

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING 

By William Shakespeare
Directed by: Michael Buffong

With Beverley Knight as Beatrice 

17 September – 24 October 2027 

Theatre 

Olivier award winning West End actor and queen of British soul music Beverley Knight will shine as Beatrice in Michael Buffong‘s take on MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, transporting Shakespeare to the island of Trinidad just after the end of the Second World War in a society on the cusp of transformation. This co-production between Royal Exchange Theatre Company and Talawa Theatre Company runs 17 September – 24 October 2027 in the Theatre. 

Sharp tongues, short tempers and salacious gossip sparkle on this tropical island.  And every seat in the theatre basks in the heat of the Caribbean sun, music, with spirit and eternal optimism. 

A Royal Exchange Theatre Company Production   

GUYS AND DOLLS

A Musical Fable of Broadway

Based on a Story and Characters of Damon Runyon

Music and Lyrics by Frank Loesser

Book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows

Presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International
Directed by: Natalie Abrahami

19 November 2027 – 9 January 2028

Theatre 

Natalie Abrahami directs a brand-new production of Frank Loesser’s jazzy, brassy, lively score which captures this fast-talking, colourful world. Gritty gangsters hustle in sharp suits and fedoras. Sequinned showgirls turn up the heat in the Hot Box nightclub. Unsuspecting straight-laced missionaries get lured into the game. 

It’s Christmas on the streets of 1950s New York City. The two worlds of criminals and Christians collide through one high stakes bet and two tales of love against all odds. 

Bouncy routines and big songs like ‘Luck Be a Lady’ and ‘Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat’ mean there are bets to be placed on how many toes will be tapping. 

A Royal Exchange Theatre Company Production 

World Premiere 

MUNICHS 

Adapted for the stage by Ben Power 

Based on the novel Munichs by David Peace

Directed by: Selina Cartmell

28 January – 12 March 2028

Theatre

Ben Power adapts David Peace’s deeply moving retelling of the Munich Air Disaster and its aftermath, giving a voice to the survivors and victims, the families and friends, the players, journalists and supporters. Forensic yet profoundly personal, this is an account of a club and a city forever changed. Directed by Selina Cartmell, this world premiere marks 70 years since the disaster and looks at the lives shaped by one fateful day and asks, “how do any of us go on?”  

6th February 1958. A time when fans waited impatiently to read the scores in the Saturday evening paper. When players lived humbly; lodging with local families, kicking around with kids in the park. A time when Manchester United first took their team of young champions out onto the continent for the whole new adventure of European away matches. 

This is the story of the ones who didn’t come back. And the ones who did. 

BIG. HUGE.
CASTING ANNOUNCED
FOR THE UK TOUR
OF

MOLLY RAINFORD TO STAR AS VIVIAN WARD

DANNY WALTERS AS EDWARD LEWIS

AND

BERNADETTE BANGURA AS KIT DE LUCA

OPENING AT THE

NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE

ON 10 MARCH 2027

The producers of the smash hit PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL are delighted to announce casting for the upcoming UK tour, opening at the New Wimbledon Theatre on 10 March 2027.

PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL will star Molly Rainford as Vivian Ward, making her stage debut, Danny Walters as Edward Lewis and Bernadette Bangura as Kit De Luca.

They are joined by Selena Barron, Jabari Braham, Jack Campbell, Cletus Chan, Josh Crowther, Sophie Cullen, Benjamin Dawson, Sian Gentle Green, Rebecca Ibbott, Kai Cameron Jay, Callum Martin, Brogan McFarlane, LJ Neilson, Matthew Prime, Alana M Robinson, Roshaan Saulnier, Morgan Scott, Ellie Seaton, Sario Solomon, Tomas Wolstenholme and Tara Yasmin. Further casting to be announced.

Molly Rainford is an actress, singer and television presenter. Her on screen credits include Anna Knight in BBC’s EastEnders, and the titular role in CBBC’s Nova Jones. Molly was a finalist on both Britain’s Got Talent in 2012 and Strictly Come Dancing in 2022. Last year she also competed in Celebrity Race Across the World with her partner Tyler West.

Danny Walters is best known for his award-winning role as Keanu Taylor in BBC’s EastEnders, gaining an International Achievement Recognition Award for Best Young Actor, National Television Award for Best Newcomer, and Radio Times Soap Award for Best Exit. His further screen credits include the role of Tiger Dyke in ITV’s Benidorm, BBC’s Call the Midwife and the Bafta-nominated BBC miniseries Our World War. His stage credits include The Greater Game at Southwark Playhouse and Spring Awakening at the Brighton Pavilion.

Bernadette Bangura recently starred as Becky in the UK and Ireland tour of Waitress. Her other theatre credits include the UK tour of Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Moulin Rouge! at the Piccadilly Theatre, Once On This Island at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, My Fair Lady at the London Coliseum and on its UK tour, Jesus Christ Superstar at the Barbican, and UK tours of Hairspray and Sunset Boulevard.

Brought to life by a powerhouse creative team representing the best of music, Hollywood and Broadway, PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL features direction and choreography by two-time Tony Award® winner Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde, Hairspray), an original ‘blazing rock score’ (Daily Mail) score by Grammy® winner Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance (‘Summer of ’69’, ‘Heaven’) and a book by the movie’s legendary director Garry Marshall and screenwriter J.F. Lawton.

Featured in the musical is Roy Orbison and Bill Dee’s international smash hit song ‘Oh, Pretty Woman’ which inspired one of the most beloved romantic comedy films of all time. PRETTY WOMAN the film (produced by New Regency Productions) was an international smash hit when it was released in 1990.

PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL is produced by ATG Productions, Paula Wagner, Nice Productions, LPO, New Regency Productions, Gavin Kalin Productions.

PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL has scenic design by David Rockwell, costumes by Tom Rogers from the original Broadway designs by Gregg Barnes, lighting design by Kenneth Posner and Philip S. Rosenberg, sound design by John Shivers, hair design by Josh Marquette, and music supervision, arrangements and orchestrations by Will Van Dyke. 101 Productions, Ltd/Kathy Kim are the Global General Management Consultant. Direction recreated by Dominic Shaw.

PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL had its world premiere at Chicago’s Oriental Theatre in March 2018 before transferring to Broadway where it ran at the Nederlander Theatre. The German production opened in Hamburg at the Stage Theater an der Elbe in September 2019 to rave reviews, and a US Tour of the show opened in October 2021. The production opened in the West End at the Piccadilly Theatre on 13 February 2020, before relocating to the Savoy Theatre from 8 July 2021, where it played its final performance on 18 June 2023, ahead of embarking on its first sell-out UK and Ireland tour in October 2023.

PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL

UK TOUR LISTINGS

WEDNESDAY 10 MARCH – SATURDAY 20 MARCH 2027

NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE

www.atgtickets.com/new-wimbledon-theatre

TUESDAY 23 MARCH – SATURDAY 3 APRIL 2027

MANCHESTER PALACE THEATRE

www.atgtickets.com/opera-house-manchester

TUESDAY 6 – SATURDAY 17 APRIL 2027

MILTON KEYNES THEATRE  

www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

TUESDAY 20 APRIL – SATURDAY 1 MAY 2027

YORK, GRAND OPERA HOUSE

www.atgtickets.com/grand-opera-house-york

TUESDAY 4 – SATURDAY 15 MAY 2027

BIRMINGHAM, THE ALEXANDRA

www.atgtickets.com/the-alexandra-theatre-birmingham

TUESDAY 18 – SATURDAY 29 MAY 2027

GLASGOW, KING’S THEATRE

www.atgtickets.com/theatre-royal-glasgow

TUESDAY  1 – SATURDAY 5 JUNE 2027

EDINBURGH PLAYHOUSE

www.atgtickets.com/edinburghplayhouse  

TUESDAY  8 – SATURDAY 12 JUNE 2027

CARDIFF, WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE

www.wmc.org.uk

TUESDAY 29 JUNE – SATURDAY 3 JULY 2027

SUNDERLAND EMPIRE

www.atgtickets.com/sunderland-empire

TUESDAY 6 – SATURDAY 10 JULY 2027

SOUTHAMPTON MAYFLOWER THEATRE

www.mayflower.org.uk

TUESDAY 13 – SATURDAY 17 JULY 2027

HULL NEW THEATRE

www.hulltheatres.co.uk

TUESDAY 20 – SATURDAY 24 JULY 2027

STOKE REGENT THEATRE

www.atgtickets.com/regent-theatre

TUESDAY 27 – SATURDAY 31 JULY 2027

LEEDS GRAND THEATRE

www.leedsheritagetheatres.com

TUESDAY 10 – SATURDAY 14 AUGUST 2027

OXFORD, NEW THEATRE

www.atgtickets.com/new-theatre-oxford

TUESDAY 17 – SATURDAY 28 AUGUST 2027

BRISTOL HIPPODROME

www.atgtickets.com/bristol-hippodrome

TUESDAY 31 AUGUST – SATURDAY 11 SEPTEMBER 2027

LIVERPOOL EMPIRE

www.atgtickets.com/liverpool-empire

TUESDAY 21 SEPTEMBER – SATURDAY 2 OCTOBER 2027

NOTTINGHAM, THEATRE ROYAL

www.trch.co.uk

TUESDAY 5 – SATURDAY 9 OCTOBER 2027

WOKING, NEW VICTORIA THEATRE

www.atgtickets.com/new-victoria-theatre

TUESDAY 12 – SATURDAY 16 OCTOBER 2027

ABERDEEN, HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE

https://www.aberdeenperformingarts.com

www.hairspraymusicaltour.com

@HairsprayUKTour

• Katie Brace is confirmed to return in the role of Tracy Turnblad joining the previously announced Neil Hurst as Edna as further tour dates are announced for Hairspray the Musical major UK and Ireland tour.  
• The tour will open at Manchester Palace in July 2027 and tour the UK and Ireland until April 2028 with Paul Kerryson and Brenda Edwards returning to direct alongside acclaimed Olivier winning choreographer Drew Mcconie.
• Open auditions will take place for the musical in London later this month for parts of: Motormouth Maybelle, Seaweed, Little Inez, the Dynamites and The Motormouth Kids (18 and over) for the open auditions should be made by sending a CV and headshot to auditions@markgoucher.com.

Today, producers Mark Goucher, Matthew Gale and Laurence Myers are delighted to announce further dates for Hairspray The Musical major UK and Ireland tour. The tour will open in Manchester in July 2027 and travel the UK and Ireland until April 2028.

The production will hold open auditions in London on Monday 26 October for the following roles: Motormouth Maybelle, Seaweed, Little Inez, Dynamites and The Motormouth Kids (18 and over). Submissions for the open auditions should be made by sending a CV and headshot to auditions@markgoucher.com by Friday 23 October.

Katie Brace will reprise the role Tracy Turnblad, joining previously announced Neil Hurst, who will also return to the role of Edna Turnblad. Also previously announced Paul Kerryson and Brenda Edwards (Loose Women, ITV; Paddington The Musical, Savoy) will return to direct the production. The show will also be choreographed by Olivier Award winner Drew McOnie.

New announced dates include: Norwich Theatre Royal (17-22 January 2028), Swansea Arena (25-29 January 2028), Nottingham Theatre Royal (31 January – 5 February 2028), Southampton Mayflower Theatre (14-19 February 2028), Truro Hall for Cornwall (28 February – 4 March 2028), Everyman Theatre Cheltenham (6-11 March 2028), Sheffield Lyceum Theatre (13-18 March 2028) and Wolverhampton Grand Theatre (27 March – 1 April 2028).

Previously announced tour dates include, the tour will open in Manchester at the Palace Theatre on 2 July until 19 July 2027 before travelling to Glasgow Kings Theatre (20-25 July), Edinburgh Playhouse (27 July – 1 August), Cardiff Wales Millenium Centre (3-7 August), Dublin Bord Gáis Energy Theatre (9-14 August), Belfast Grand Opera House (16-21 August), Southend Cliffs Pavilion (24-29 August), New Wimbledon Theatre (31 August – 4 September) Liverpool Empire (13-18 September), Bradford Alhambra Theatre (20-25 September), Sunderland Empire (27 September – 2 October), Milton Keynes Theatre (4-9 October), Malvern Theatres (11-16 October), Birmingham Hippodrome (25-30 October), York Grand Opera House (1-6 November), Leicester Curve (8-13 November), Theatre Royal Brighton (15-20 November), Woking Theatre (22-27 November) and Bristol Hippodrome (10-15 January 2028).

This iconic musical comedy features some of musical theatre’s best hit songs including Welcome To The 60s, You Can’t Stop The Beat and Good Morning Baltimore by Academy Award, Tony and Emmy winning duo Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman.

Completing the creative team is Set and Costume Design by Takis, Lighting Design by Philip Gladwell, Sound Design by Ben Harrison, Musical Supervising and Arrangement by Ben Atkinson, Musical Direction by Richard Atkinson, Casting by Grindrod Burton, Associate Director Juliet Gough, Associate Choreographer Shaquille Brush and Wigs, Hair and Make-up Design by Craig Forrest-Thomas.

After breaking box office records and delighting audiences in the West End, on Broadway and on the big screen since 1988, the timeless story of Hairspray centres around heroine Tracy Turnblad, who has big hair, a big heart, and big dreams to dance her way onto national TV, and into the heart of teen idol Link Larkin. When Tracy becomes a local star, she is able to use her newfound fame to fight for liberation, tolerance, and interracial unity in Baltimore. But can she win equality – and Link’s heart – without denting her ’do?

Hairspray is a musical based on the 1988 film of the same name which starred Divine and Ricki Lake by cult filmmaker John Waters. With music by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Scott Wittman Marc Shaiman and book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan, the stage production of Hairspray originally opened to rave reviews on Broadway in 2002 and subsequently won eight Tony Awards. The production opened in London at the Shaftesbury Theatre in 2007 and won four Olivier Awards including Best New Musical. Proving to be an international success, Hairspray has also played in South Africa, Japan, South Korea, China and Dubai. Following the musical’s phenomenal success on stage, a film of the musical was released in 2007 which starred John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer and James Marsden.

Hairspray is produced by Mark Goucher, Matthew Gale, and Laurence Myers.  

The Questors Theatre, Ealing – until 24th October 2026

Reviewed by Mike Linane

3***

Irish writer Brian Friel’s Faith Healer is not your normal run-of-the-mill sort of play. It is four interlocking monologues in which three voices revisit a shared past. We begin with Frank Hardy’s account of his life as a travelling faith healer and of his relationship with the woman in his life, Grace. We then go on to witness her version of the same past. The third account we hear is that of Teddy, Frank’s manager, and then we return finally back to Frank himself. As was once said most famously “recollections may vary” and in this play indeed they do. It is left up to the audience themselves to work out which account they believe is the true one – or should they take bits of each retelling to form their own, unique version of what they believe to be the truth.

This is not an easy play to watch. The first two monologues are very long indeed and demand total concentration from the audience to ensure they don’t miss a slight aside that might just alter your opinion of the account being told. I must admit I did struggle at times to keep focussed on everything that was being said.

The Questors Theatre has an excellent reputation for staging first-class plays. I wonder if with this production director Roger Beaumont has been a bit too ambitious. The three cast members (David Lemkin as Frank the faith healer, Sarah Sharpe as Grace and David Erdos as Teddy, the agent) certainly give excellent performances worthy of gracing any stage but it was the material they were working with that left me feeling somewhat remote from feeling totally involved in the action.

If you are looking for a night out at the theatre that will leave you feeling entertained and that you have had an enjoyable experience this may not be the play for you. If, on the other hand, you want to see something that will make you work hard and concentrate as if your life depended upon it then this will be right up your street.

Gemma Sutton as Reno Sweeney


and Josh St Clair as Billy Crocker


lead the cast
in Cole Porter’s
ANYTHING GOES
at The Mill at Sonning

Thursday 19 November 2026 – Sunday 17 January 2027 

and Saturday 28 November at 2.15pm

Directed by Joseph Pitcher

Choreographed by Gary Lloyd

Gemma Sutton and Josh St Clair

Gemma Sutton as Reno Sweeney and Josh St Clair as Billy Crocker lead the cast in The Mill at Sonning’s new production of Anything Goes, Cole Porter’s classic musical comedy. 

Directed by Joseph Pitcher (behind so many of The Mill’s adored Christmas musicals, including Gypsy, winner of the 2023 UK Theatre Award for Best Musical Production, My Fair Lady, Singin’ in the Rain, High Society and Guys & Dolls) and choreographed by Gary Lloyd (White Christmas at The Mill at Sonning, Heathers and Thriller Live, both West End), the production runs from 19 November 2026 to 17 January 2027.Join nightclub singer Reno Sweeney, wide-eyed stowaway Billy Crocker, and a ship-full of colourful characters as they navigate mistaken identities, madcap schemes, and unexpected love aboard the luxurious S.S. American. With sparkling wit, glamorous costumes, and Porter’s irresistible score, this is musical comedy heaven.

Packed with dazzling choreography, knockout vocals, and beloved classics including “I Get a Kick Out of You,” “You’re the Top,” and the show-stopping title number “Anything Goes,” this all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza will be the perfect festive treat.

CAST 
Gemma Sutton (Reno Sweeney) played Young Sally in Follies at the National Theatre, Kate Draper in Girl from the North Country in the West End and Toronto, and Angel in The Rink at Southwark Playhouse, winning an Offie Award. 

Josh St Clair (Billy Crocker) was in the original West End cast of Frozen, and his credits include Ghost (UK tour), Glory Ride (Charing Cross Theatre) and Kinky Boots (original UK tour).

Lulu-Mae Pears plays debutante Hope Harcourt, with Martin Allanson as wealthy Englishman Lord Evelyn Oakleigh and Elizabeth Elvin as Hope’s widowed mother, Evangeline Harcourt. Chris Grahamson is hapless gangster Moonface Martin, Public Enemy No. 13; Jessica Lim plays gangster’s moll Erma Latour; and Jo Servi is tycoon Elisha Whitney.

The company also includes Jon Bonner as the ship’s Captain, Rob Gathercole as the Purser, Kristian Jacobs as Minister Henry T. Dobson, Sam Khadirian and Lorenzo de Liso as New York street toughs Spit and Dippy, and Pamela Blair and Tara Yasmin as showgirl Angels in Reno’s act. Jamie Jonathan completes the company. Lorenzo de Liso makes his professional debut in the production.

CREATIVE AND PRODUCTION TEAM
Director – Joseph Pitcher
Choreographer – Gary Lloyd
Set Designer – Diego Pitarch
Costume Designer – Natalie Titchener
Orchestration, Arrangements and Musical Supervision – Charlie Ingles
Musical Director – Jemma Starling
Lighting Designer – Chris Mould
Sound Designer – Chris Whybrow
Casting Director – Jane Deitch
Assistant Director – Richard Carson
Assistant Choreographer – Lauren Gore
Sound Number One – Bertie Pugh
Sound Number Two – Evan Bevis
Production Manager – Joan Farnese
Company Stage Manager – Natalie Evans
Deputy Stage Manager – Charlotte Antingham

LISTINGS INFORMATION
The Mill at Sonning presents
ANYTHING GOES
Music and Lyrics by Cole Porter
Original Book by P.G. Wodehouse & Guy Bolton
and Howard Lindsay & Russel Crouse
New Book by Timothy Crouse & John Weidman

This version of Anything Goes was adapted from the 1987 Broadway revival,
originally produced by Lincoln Center Theater.

Directed by Joseph Pitcher
Choreographed by Gary Lloyd
19 November 2026 – 17 January 2027
The Mill at Sonning, 
Sonning Eye, Reading RG4 6TY
www.millatsonning.com

Performances and booking
Evening performances at 8.15pm; regular matinees at 2.15pm. Visit the booking page for the full schedule, additional performances, show-only matinees and dining options.

NATHALIE HARRISON JOINS JESSE TYLER FERGUSON

IN JAY PRESSON ALLEN’S TRU

AT THE MENIER CHOCOLATE FACTORY

The Menier Chocolate Factory today announces that Nathalie Harrison will join multi-award-winning Jesse Tyler Ferguson in Jay Presson Allen’s play Tru to complete the run – she takes over from Charlotte d’Amboise as The Swan. Directed by the award-winning Rob Ashford, Tru opened to critical acclaim last month, and runs until 14 November.

Drawn entirely from Capote’s own words, Tru was originally staged in 1989. Ashford, Ferguson and d’Amboise collaborated on this new production in March at House of the Redeemer’s Library in New York City.

The Menier Chocolate Factory presents

in association with Seaview, OHenry Productions, Mickey Liddell & Pete Shilaimon and A Kid Named Beckett Productions

TRU
By Jay Presson Allen

Until 14 November 2026

Cast: Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Nathalie Harrison

Director: Rob Ashford; Set Designer: Paul Farnsworth; Costume Designer: Jaimal Odedra;

Lighting Designer: Jamie Platt; Sound Designer: Adam Cork; Associate Director/Swan Walking Cover: Kate Tydman

It’s December 1975 and Truman Capote is alone in his New York apartment, reeling from a crisis that cost him friendship of the elite social circle he adored. Drawn entirely from Capote’s own words, this funny and heartbreaking play is an unflinching portrait of an artist at his breaking point, confronting the consequences of his most scandalous work.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson is a Tony-Award winning actor, author, producer and host known not only for his creative work but, for his ongoing advocacy in the LGBTQIA+ community. On stage, Ferguson is currently playing King Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar at The London Palladium; and recently made his West End debut starring in Stephen Sondheim’s final work, Here We Are, at the National Theatre. This past summer he helped reopen NYC’s famed Delacorte Theatre in Central Park with a star-studded production of Twelfth Night. For his turn as accountant Mason Marzac in the revival of Richard Greenberg’s Tony-winning play Take Me Out, he earned a Tony Award in the category of Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play. The acclaimed performance also earned him the Outer Critics Circle Award and a Drama League Distinguished Performance Award nomination.

Ferguson currently serves as producer and host of the podcast Dinner’s on Me, now in its third season from Sony Music Entertainment. He was featured in Universal’s Cocaine Bear directed by Elizabeth Banks, and his scripted podcast Gay Pride & Prejudice was released exclusively on Spotify. Ferguson also produced the documentary Broadway Rising which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2022. In addition, Ferguson served as an executive producer on David France’s BAFTA-winning and Emmy-nominated documentary, Welcome to Chechnya, based on the anti-gay purges in Chechnya of the late 2010s. Ferguson also released his first cookbook in 2021, Food Between Friends.

Ferguson starred as the widely beloved character Mitchell Pritchett on the award-winning ABC comedy Modern Family, which ran for an impressive 11 seasons. The show earned five Emmy Awards for Outstanding Comedy Series, a Golden Globe Award for Outstanding Comedy Series and four Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series. Ferguson has also received five Emmy Award nominations and four People’s Choice Award nominations on behalf of the show.

Ferguson made his Broadway debut at the age of 21 as Chip in George C. Wolfe’s revival of On the Town. He later went on to originate the role of Leaf Coneybear in the Tony Award—winning Broadway musical The 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. He has also worked extensively with The New York Public Theatre’s Shakespeare in the Park in various notable productions.

A longstanding advocate for marriage equality and LGBTQIA+ rights, Ferguson co-founded Pronoun, previously known as Tie the Knot, in 2012 with his husband Justin Mikita. The organization has proudly raised over $1.5 million and has supported important and impactful LGBTQIA+ organisations across the nation.

Nathalie Harrison is a former dancer with The Royal Ballet, where she enjoyed a career spanning nearly 20 years, performing extensively on the world’s leading stages in a wide range of classical and contemporary repertoire. Since leaving The Royal Ballet, Harrison has developed a diverse career as a creative producer, movement director and actor, working across theatre, music, concerts, film and live performance. In 2025, she produced the premiere of Quadrophenia: A Mod Ballet, created in collaboration with orchestrator Rachel Fuller and writer and musician Pete Townshend.

Nathalie made her stage acting debut in 2012 in Timon of Athens at the National Theatre, directed by Nick Hytner and starring Simon Russell Beale. Drawing on her extensive experience as a performer and her understanding of movement, storytelling and stagecraft, she continues to work across disciplines, collaborating with artists and creative teams on a wide range of projects for stage, screen and live performance.

Jay Presson Allen (1922-2006) was a playwright, novelist and screenwriter. Her first novel, Spring Riot, was published in 1948. Her plays include The First Wife which was turned into the 1963 film Wives and Lovers; and for television, Family and Hothouse. Her adaptations include The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie – produced in the West End, on Broadway and on screen with Maggie Smith winning the Oscar for her role; Forty Carats – for which Julie Harris won a Tony Award and was later filmed; Travels With My Aunt directed by George Cukor and starring Maggie Smith; the film version of Cabaret, directed by Bob Fosse for which she received an Academy Award nomination; Marnie directed by Alfred Hitchock.  She also wrote the screenplay for Funny Lady.  She adapted her 1969 novel Just Tell Me What You Want for film director Sidney Lumet.  They also collaborated on her adaptation of Robert Daley’s novel Prince of the City, for which she was nominated for an Oscar, and the screen adaptation of Ira Levin’s play Deathtrap.

Director Rob Ashford is an award-winning director and choreographer. London credits include The Winter’s Tale, Romeo & Juliet, The Entertainer, Harlequinade, Macbeth, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and the Olivier Award-winning productions of Anna Christie, A Streetcar Named Desire and Parade. Broadway credits include Cat on a Hot Tin Roof; Frozen; How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying; Promises, Promises; Evita; Thoroughly Modern Millie (Tony Award for Best Choreography); Shrek;  Cry-Baby (Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards for Best Choreography); Curtains and The Wedding Singer. He directed and choreographed NBC’s Sound of Music Live! and Peter Pan Live!. He directed and choreographed Carousel, Carmen, and The Barber of Seville for Chicago Lyric Opera and Houston Grand Opera and choreographed Candide at La Scala, ENO, and the Châtelet in Paris. He choreographed and staged the 2009, 2013, 2014, and 2015 Academy Awards, winning an Emmy for his work on Baz Luhrmann’s 2009 production number featuring Hugh Jackman and Beyoncé. He has staged the Tony Awards for eight years and has also staged tributes at The Kennedy Center Honors for Barbra Streisand, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Jerry Herman, Barbara Cook, Tom Hanks, Shirley MacLaine and Meryl Streep. Films include choreography for Disney’s Cinderella, Beyond the Sea, A Million Ways to Die in the West, Ted 2, Murder on the Orient Express and Death on the Nile.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

MENIER CHOCOLATE FACTORY

TRU

Until 14 November

FOURTEEN AGAIN

21 November – 27 February 2027

Box Office: 020 7378 1713 (£2.50 transaction fee per booking)

Website: www.menierchocolatefactory.com (£1.50 transaction fee per booking)

www.menierchocolatefactory.com

Instagram: @menierchocolatefactory

Company of Wolves stages their explosive retelling of The Bacchae across the UK

UK Tour: Tuesday 2nd March – Saturday 24th April 2027

Following a hugely successful Scottish tour, Glasgow’s acclaimed Company of Wolves is embarking on a 10-venue UK tour this spring with their fiery physical retelling of The Bacchae. Reworking Euripides’ ancient Greek tragedy, first performed in Athens in 405BC, The Bacchae is a powerful solo performance bringing to life the myth of Dionysos, the untamed god of theatre, wine and hedonism, through storytelling, movement and ancient song.

Written and performed by Ewan Downie (Julius Caesar, Achilles, Company of Wolves), The
Bacchae sees him embody five characters from Greek mythology, multi-rolling as Dionysus, his father Zeus, his mother Semele, her sister Agave and Agave’s son Pentheus, King of Thebes. With original songs by Ewan Downie and Anna Porubcansky (UNBECOMING, UK tour; Seven Hungers, The Barn Banchory), The Bacchae challenges conventional boundaries of gender and identity, taking audiences on a transformative journey from rejection and vengeance to rebirth.

The Bacchae is the final work directed by the late choreographer and creative director Ian Spink (A Mouthful of Birds, Young Vic; Petruska, Scottish Ballet), co-founder of the renowned dance company Second Stride, the first British contemporary dance company to tour the US. Spink was a significant creative influence on both The Bacchae and Downie’s previous solo work, Achilles (Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2018), and his legacy remains central to the production.

This rendition of the show is also being directed by Heather Knudtsen (The Believers are but Brothers, UK tour; Illegal, Scandal Theatre) and has been developed closely with the School of Classics at the University of St Andrews and Ancient Greek specialist Dr Michael Carroll. The creative team also includes set and costume designer Alisa Kalyanova (Supposing by Zinnie Harris, Traverse Theatre; Die Fledermaus, Opera Bohemia), sound designer Anna Porubcansky (UNBECOMING, UK tour; Seven Hungers, The Barn Banchory) and lighting designer Katharine Williams (Walk with Me, Bloomsbury Festival; Maggie & Me, The Enemy, National Theatre of Scotland).

Lead Artist and co-Artistic Director Ewan Downie comments, I first fell in love with this story 30 years ago, so making this show has been a long time coming. The story of a god who is so upset when he’s rejected that he takes terrifying and bloody revenge, has always rung true.

After reaching a huge range of audiences, from local to international, at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2025, and then touring to 13 venues Scotland-wide over Spring 2026, I’m delighted to now have the opportunity to take this show to people all across England.

Since we first made the show in 2023 it has only become more relevant, more urgent: in a time of relentless division, The Bacchae looks at what pushing others away costs, and what it might take for us to be whole again.

Festival Theatre, Malvern – 18th October 2026

Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau

5*****

Jess Gillam’s saxophone, with Far Flung Trio’s violin, accordion and double bass… An intriguing combination.

First, Rossini’s Overture from The Barber of Seville. Anyone familiar with the opera would have been impressed with the humour and passion on show tonight. To get a full orchestra squeezed into these chamber forces was quite a feat and a surprise how effective the combination was. In fact it was amazing.

Jess Gillam took the stage for the second piece; Marcello’s Adagio and Presto from Oboe Concerto in D minor. A sumptuous concoction in which her instrument sounded amazingly like a Baroque trumpet! Showing effortless command of the music and long flowing lines; I was left to wonder how on earth Jess breathes whilst playing this stuff?

Jess introduced us to two composers whose music was unknown to me. In the first half it was Rudy Wiedoeft’s Valse Vanité. A revelation which produced at least one more fan! I had visions of Charlie Chaplin skating around a rink… Truly wonderful. Sydney Bechet’s Petite Fleur displayed his (and Jess’s) virtuosic sax tonguing techniques – thanks to the musicians for some helpfully background information from the stage. I will be seeking out Bechet’s other works/recordings, so from an artistic point of view it was job well done!

Violinist Katherine Hunka had numerous opportunities to shine including Saint-Saens Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso with its thrilling fireworks displays and Satie’s delicate Gymnopédie No 1 including gorgeous violin harmonics. The Three Bulgarian tunes almost destroyed Katherine’s bow – I don’t think I’ve ever seen so much hair hanging from a bow mid piece. Testament to an extremely passionate performance.

The first half concluded with Milhaud’s Braziliera from Scaramouche suite – a joyful carnival like atmosphere propelling us to the bar. After the interval, the evening took a dramatic turn with Nino Rota’s selection from The Godfather films. A fitting example of the range of the concert which also gave bassist Malachy Robinson the chance to show off his skills on the mandolin. After, he memorably regaled us with a humorous song that was not on the programme – “I Want To Be A Sideman” by Dave Frishberg. A most welcome addition.

All night the musicians were tighter than an unrepentant Scrooge, but the real delight was the humour which they imbued the performance – accordionist Dermot Dunne conducting with his eyebrows and using the top of the accordion as a cajon being particular joys. But, really, it was the sheer joy which they presented the music and interacted with each other that will live long in the memory.

The afternoon concluded with Danish String Quartet. Wow! What a finish. Like a snowball rolling down a hillside, so too this work. It left me wondering anew if Jess could breathe through her ears! Last but very much not least there was an encore – this time an extra special treat of a song written by Katherine about Malvern: “One for the Hills”.

So, did the ensemble forces live up to expectations? No. It far surpassed it! All I can say is what a concert. Thrilling from start to finish. I cannot recommend highly enough, nor wait for their next visit.