VICKY GRAHAM PRODUCTiONS, BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME, AND ARIA ENTERTAINMENT

WITH Pascal Ultee Productions, BROADWAY ASIA INTERNATIONAL, TRW PRODUCTION AND WILLETTE KLAUSNER

PRESENT

THE BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME PRODUCTION OF
 

HOT MESS: A NEW MUSICAL

MUSIC AND LYRICS BY JACK GODFREY

BOOK AND DIRECTION BY ELLIE COOTE

THE OTHER PALACE

SUNDAY 13 JUNE – SUNDAY 6 SEPTEMBER 2026

LET IT OUT

BRAND NEW TRACK RELEASED ON VIDEO, PERFORMED BY

DANIELLE STEERS AS EARTH and MORGAN GREGORY AS HUMANITY

LINK TO ‘LET IT OUT’ VIDEO HERE

Tickets and more information available here

Producers Vicky Graham, Birmingham Hippodrome, and Aria Entertainment are delighted to announce the release of “Let It Out” an exclusive video of one of the tracks of the multi-award-winning 5-star new musical Hot Mess, starting previews tomorrow, Saturday 13 June at The Other Palace, and running until Sunday 6 September 2026, with a national press night on Tuesday 23 June 2026.

Created by the award-winning duo behind 42 Balloons, Jack Godfrey and Ellie Coote, Hot Mess is a high-energy original romcom that reimagines the climate crisis as a turbulent love story between Earth and Humanity.

Let it Out takes place right on the cusp of the Industrial Revolution. Earth and Humanity’s relationship has hit its first rocky patch, with Humanity’s ambitious plans exhausting Earth’s supplies. In this song, Earth decides to offer some additional resources buried underground – fossil fuels – which just might be the answer to all their problems…

Video credits:

Produced by And That’s Strategy

Starring Danielle Steers and Morgan Gregory

Music & Lyrics: Jack Godfrey

Orchestrations: Jack Godfrey & Joe Beighton

Mix Engineer: Sam Featherstone

Original Staging: Ellie Coote & Alexzandra Sarmiento

Video Rehearsal Director: Taz Hoesli

Intimacy Coordinator: Lex Kaby

Director: Katharine Quinn

Videographer & Editor: Macaulay Nicholson

Production Assistant: Aeron James

Hair and Makeup: Jackie Saundercock

Stylist: Charlotte Godfrey

Filmed in The Studio at The Other Palace

Studio Technician: Callum Farthing

Technical Manager: Ashley Pickles

Deputy Technical Manager: James Pheby

HOT MESS

Returning to the role of ‘Earth’ is Danielle Steers (Just for One Day, Six the Musical, Bat Out of Hell) following her acclaimed performances in the show’s sell-out Edinburgh Fringe premiere and subsequent Southwark Playhouse transfer. Joining the company as ‘Humanity’ is Morgan Gregory, whose recent theatre credits include The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, UK tour, Back to the Future, original West End cast at the Adelphi, 42 Balloons, Lowry, and Newsies, Troubadour Wembley Park.

Also joining the company are Mia Quimpo (Pippin, Upstairs at the Gatehouse) as cover ‘Earth’ and Nathan Shaw (Mamma Mia! The Party, and The Rocky Horror Show UK and International tour) as cover ‘Humanity’.

After a billion years of bad dates, Earth has finally found the one… Humanity. Sparks fly. Seeds are sown. Ground is broken. But what begins as a passionate love affair between the universe’s most iconic couple quickly descends into a hot mess.

An original pop musical about love, hope, and the ultimate break up.

Danielle Steers’ theatre credits include Just For One Day (The Old Vic), The Cher Show UK Tour, Six the Musical (West End), Bat out of Hell (New York City Center/West End/Toronto), Sweet Charity (Donmar Warehouse) and Beautiful – The Carole King Musical (West End).

Morgan Gregory’s theatre credits include Freaky Friday (HOME Manchester), The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical (The Other Palace), 42 Balloons (The Lowry), Newsies (Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre), Elf the Musical (Dominion Theatre) and Back to the Future: The Musical (Original West End Cast).

Following its world premiere at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025 and subsequent London transfer to Southwark Playhouse last September, the show has quickly become one of the most exciting new British musicals, winning a Fringe First Award, the Popcorn Writing Award and Musical Theatre Review’s Best Musical Award, alongside widespread critical acclaim.

The production features music supervision and co-orchestrations by Joe Beighton, choreography by Alexzandra Sarmiento, set design by Shankho Chaudhuri, lighting design by Ryan Joseph Stafford, audio production and sound design by Paul Gatehouse, costume design by Sarah Mercadé, musical direction by Sara De Sanctis, casting by Pearson Casting CDG and intimacy coordination by Lex Kaby. The dramaturg is Deirdre O’Halloran, with Lydia Cook as Associate Director and Taz Hoesli as Associate Choreographer, Phil Burke as Associate Lighting Designer, Charlie Smith and Richard Pomeroy as Associate Sound Designers, and Ciéranne Kennedy-Bell as Costume Supervisor. Rosie Morgan is Company Stage Manager, with James Anderton as Production Manager and Byron Ladd-Carr as Sound No.1.

Hot Mess is produced by Vicky Graham Productions, Birmingham Hippodrome, and Aria Entertainment, with Pascal Ultee Productions, Broadway Asia International, TRW Production, and Willette Klausner, and RJG Productions as General Managers.

Instagram: @hotmessmusical

Tiktok: @hotmessmusical

Original cast recording available here: https://slinky.to/HotMess 

Glasgow, Citizens Theatre – until 20th June 2026

Reviewed by Marcus Richardson

5*****

There is a rich tapestry of history in the West-Coast of Scotland, and Glasgow in particular. A dynamic mix of labourers, gangs, and faith, told as stories with a signature style of humour. ‘The Long Drop’, written as a book by Denise Mina, is a perfect example of a dark tale, but trough a weegie lens. Adapted to stage by Linda McLean, this play feels hard to give a genre, which works well in its favour. It’s not quite a thriller, nor comedy, but somehow both at the same time. The story follows a real-life murder case in 1956 in Lanarkshire of members of the Watt family, as two men go drinking around pubs to figure out how to remove all the heat that has come from the murders.

The Artistic Director of the Citizens, Dominic Hill, breathes life into the already rich text, with a cast of seven performers, with some playing multiple roles. What really stands out is the ‘Scottishness’ of the play, not the overacted stereotype that would roll eyes, but in the way the characters speak and interact. The two central characters to this play are William Watt (Keith Fleming), and Peter Manuel (Brain Vernel). Vernel plays this unhinged character who at times feels more dramatic than the theatre, unsettling and equally ridiculous. His ability to switch between camp and sinister was fascinating to watch, it felt at times that two scenes that he was in could’ve come from two very different plays. My highlight for Vernel was in the second act towards the end, as he delivers a hysterical monologue that had me trying not to cry with laughter. I don’t know if Fleming balances this out, but he certainly does compliment it. Fleming works so well with the character of Watt; to create this lad-ish man whose selfishness brings around the murder of his wife and daughter. He takes his character to really low points, which reminds us that we are actually watching something really dark. The rest of the cast made up of Andy Clark, Martin Donaghy, George Drennan, Mary Gapinski, and Robert Jack, took on multiple roles throughout the play. I cannot stress enough how good each of them are, however Gapinski really stood out, the only woman in the cast, has some incredible moments in the show that ended up being small highlight moments, from being a foul-mouthed landlord, to a devout catholic mum. Jack also gave a really good performance as Dandy McKay, a notorious criminal, who’s larger than life persona really aided in the outstanding mix of humour and drama.

The Staging (Jen McGinley) and Lighting (Stuart Jenkins) of the play really help set the scene, whether it be a pub, or a courtroom. While these scenes felt deep and dynamic, we a reminded throughout that we are watching a performance on a stage, from the exposed back wall to lighting cues that highlight the horrors of the events in the play.

This was a fantastic piece of theatre, I am so glad I had the opportunity to be able to review it, so thank you to the Citizens Theatre for inviting me. My final note for this play, it that it is not shy, it’s raw explicit, and really taps into the dark nature of Glasgow’s criminal past. Extreme and graphic language is used, perfectly well I should point out, but it’s not something that makes this show suited for families with children. Well Done to the cast and crew of ‘The Long Drop’, it really makes me proud to live in Glasgow and have access to such stellar theatre.

The Watermill Theatre, Newbury – until 13 September 2026

Reviewed by Marcia Spiers

5*****

Amazing, Fun and Nostalgic

This brilliant production is a joy from the moment you arrive. The Watermill sets the scene with the bustle and colour of a funfair, complete with popcorn, sweets, ice cream and games. Once seated, the audience is transported into the home of Caractacus Potts as the much-loved story begins to unfold.

Adapted for the stage by Jeremy Sams, based on the MGM motion picture script adapted by Ray Roderick with music and lyrics by Robert M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, Directed by Paul Hart

Based on Ian Fleming’s novel and the 1968 film, with clever alterations by Roald Dahl and Ken Hughes, this well-loved musical carries a warm sense of nostalgia. Set in the English countryside, it evokes childhood memories, familiar songs and the comforting promise of a happy ending. Wouldn’t that be lovely in the world we live in right now?

The Watermill has once again pulled together an excellent production. Creating the famous floating and flying Chitty in such an intimate space is a real triumph, and the effect is both convincing and magical. The puppetry is equally impressive, bringing dogs, seagulls, Grandpa and Chitty herself vividly to life. Katie Lias and her design team must have had sleepless nights creating these imaginative feats of staging, set and props.

The costumes capture everything we remember, from the poverty of the Potts family to the extravagance of Vulgaria. I particularly loved the Samba scene, where the colour and flamboyance of carnival filled the stage. For a moment we could have been in Rio, even though we were locked in Baron’s Castle.

The music, led by Stuart Morley, is as often at the Watermill — superb. Cast members play instruments, and some switch effortlessly between acting, singing and multiple instruments. Led by Anjali Mehra, the ensemble of dancers and musicians gives the production energy and cohesion, with all the children, adding real sparkle. Credit must also go to the backstage teams for the seamless transitions, lighting and sound, despite the odd prop mishap easily resolved.

During the first half, the audience is transported outdoors into a marquee for the funfair scenes. With audience interaction, wonderfully energetic Morris dancing and a dodgy invention that helps Potts make his first sale, this shift adds to the production’s distinctive charm before the action returns to the main stage. It made for a memorable experience on a lovely, if unseasonably chilly, June evening.

Christian Edwards makes a credible and loving Caractacus Potts, ably supported by his children, Jemima, Sophie George, and Jeremy, Elijah Bailey. Both are young stars in the making. Theo Diedrick is relaxed and engaging as scrap metal dealer Coggins, while Mark Curry clearly relishes the eccentricity of Grandpa Potts, attacking the role with gusto. Lydia Louise brings a feistier take to Truly Scrumptious, and her beautiful vocals are ideally suited to solos such as “Doll in a Music Box.”

Suzannah Van Den Berg gives the traditional Childcatcher a new perspective: still deeply uncomfortable, but not as overtly creepy as the film version. She also remains on stage throughout, contributing to ensemble roles and highlighting her talents as a musician.

The Vulgarians are among my favourite characters in this production. Alexander Zane and Sam Pay give fantastic comic performances as the two hapless spies Goran and Boris, winning plenty of laughs while also playing musical instruments throughout the production.

Samuel Morgan-Grahame and Mairi Ikegami are excellent as the spoilt, childlike Baron Bomburst and his tyrannical, conniving wife Baroness Bomburst. They are both comical and unsettling at the same time. The Samba routine is a particular highlight.

A big shoutout to everyone involved in this wonderful production. Make sure you see it over the summer: the show is full of heart, humour and invention, and the stunning location is a bonus.

LUCIE JONES

TO RETURN TO THE ROLE OF

‘JENNA’

IN

THE SMASH HIT ROMANTIC MUSICAL COMEDY

ALONGSIDE

EVELYN HOSKINS ‘DAWN’

AND

LES DENNIS ‘OLD JOE’

Producers Barry & Fran Weissler and David Ian for Crossroads Live are delighted to announce that West End star Lucie Jones will return to reprise the role of Jenna in the UK and Ireland tour of the smash hit romantic musical comedy WAITRESS, playing King’s Theatre, Glasgow, Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield and Lowry, Salford.

Lucie Jones returns to Waitress having previously played Jenna in both the West End and on tour, for which she was nominated for Best Performer in a Musical at the What’s On Stage Awards. Her numerous theatre credits include the role of Fantine in Les Misérables at the Sondheim Theatre and as part of the Les Misérables Arena Concert Spectacular world tour, Jenna Rink in the world premiere of 13 Going On 30 – The Musical at the Manchester Opera House, Molly in Ghost at the Adelphi Theatre and the international tour, Genevieve in The Baker’s Wife at the Menier Chocolate Factory, Elphaba in Wicked at the Apollo Victoria, for which she won Best Takeover at the What’s On Stage Awards and West End Wilma Awards, Maureen in RENT at The Other Palace and UK tour, Elle Woods in Legally Blonde at Curve, Leicester and on tour, Victoria in American Psycho at the Almeida, Meatloaf in the international arena tour of We Will Rock You and Cosette in Les Misérables at the Queen’s Theatre.

The production currently stars Carrie Hope Fletcher as Jenna, Sandra Marvin as Becky, Evelyn Hoskins as Dawn, Les Dennis as Joe, Dan Partridge as Dr Pomatter, Mark Anderson as Ogie, Mark Willshire as Earl and Dan O’Brien as Cal.

The company is completed by Will Arundell, Yochabel Asante, Alice Croft, Jamie Doncaster, Daniel George-Wright, Will Hardy, Bayley Hart, Olivia Lallo, Emma Lucia, David Mairs-McKenzie and Ellie Ruiz Rodriguez.

Emma Lucia is scheduled to play the role of Jenna for Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre (24-29 August) and Hull New Theatre (1-5 September).

Carrie Hope Fletcher’s final performance will be Saturday 29 September 2026. Sandra Marvin’s final performance will be Saturday 22 August 2026. Casting for the role of Becky for the rest of the tour to be announced.

WAITRESS is based on the 2007 movie written by Adrienne Shelly. Music and lyrics are written by GRAMMY award-winning, singer-songwriter sensation Sara Bareilles. With a book by Jessie Nelson, direction by Tony-award winner Diane Paulus and choreography by Lorin Latarro, Waitress has garnered multiple awards and nominations in both America and the UK, receiving acclaim from both audiences and critics alike.

Celebrating 10 years of production, WAITRESS opened on Broadway on 24th April 2016 at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre, where it ran until 5th January 2020. Waitress celebrated its official opening night at the Adelphi Theatre in London’s West End on 7th March 2019. The show has gone on to global success with further productions in North America, Japan, Holland, a French language production in Canada, a Spanish language production in Mexico, and coming this spring of 2026 an Australian production in Melbourne and Sydney.

WAITRESS tells the story of Jenna, an expert pie maker in a small town, who dreams of a way out of her loveless marriage. A baking contest in a nearby county and the town’s new doctor may offer her a chance at a new life, while her fellow waitresses offer their own recipes to happiness. But Jenna must find the courage and strength within herself to rebuild her life. This beautiful musical celebrates friendship, motherhood, and the magic of a well-made pie.

Book by Jessie Nelson

Music and Lyrics by Grammy Award-winner Sara Bareilles

Based upon the motion picture written by Adrienne Shelly

Directed by Tony Award-winner Diane Paulus

WAITRESS was originally produced by Barry & Fran Weissler and Norton and Elayne Herrick. The tour is produced by Barry & Fran Weissler and David Ian for Crossroads Live.

LISTINGS

WAITRESS UK & IRELAND TOUR 2026

MONDAY 8 – SATURDAY 13 JUNE 2026

WALES MILLENIUM CENTRE, CARDIFF

https://www.wmc.org.uk/en

ON SALE NOW

WEDNESDAY 17 – SATURDAY 20 JUNE 2026

CLIFFS PAVILION, SOUTHEND

https://trafalgartickets.com/cliffs-pavilion-southend/en-GB

ON SALE NOW

MONDAY 29 JUNE – SATURDAY 4 JULY 2026

NEW THEATRE, OXFORD

https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-theatre-oxford

ON SALE NOW

MONDAY 6 – SATURDAY 11 JULY 2026

REGENT THEATRE, STOKE-ON-TRENT

https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/regent-theatre

ON SALE NOW

MONDAY 13 – SATURDAY 18 JULY 2026

OPERA HOUSE, BLACKPOOL

https://www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk/

ON SALE NOW

*Sandra Marvin will not be performing on Friday 17 and Saturday 18 July.

MONDAY 20 – SATURDAY 25 JULY 2026

LEICESTER CURVE

https://www.curveonline.co.uk/

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 28 JULY – SATURDAY 1 AUGUST 2026

GRAND OPERA HOUSE, BELFAST

https://www.goh.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 4 – SATURDAY 8 AUGUST 2026

BRISTOL HIPPODROME

https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/bristol-hippodrome

ON SALE NOW

MONDAY 10 – SATURDAY 15 AUGUST 2026

ROYAL CONCERT HALL, NOTTINGHAM

https://trch.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

MONDAY 17 – SATURDAY 22 AUGUST 2026

VENUE CYMRU, LLANDUDNO

https://www.venuecymru.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

MONDAY 24 – SATURDAY 29 AUGUST 2026

BOURNEMOUTH PAVILION THEATRE

https://www.bournemouthpavilion.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

Casting for the role of ‘Becky’ to be announced. 

TUESDAY 1 – SATURDAY 5 SEPTEMBER 2026

HULL NEW THEATRE

https://www.hulltheatres.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

Casting for the role of ‘Becky’ to be announced. 

MONDAY 7 – SATURDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 2026

LIVERPOOL EMPIRE

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

ON SALE NOW

Casting for the role of ‘Becky’ to be announced. 

MONDAY 14 – SATURDAY 19 SEPTEMBER 2026

CONGRESS THEATRE, EASTBOURNE

https://trafalgartickets.com/eastbourne-theatres-eastbourne/en-GB

ON SALE NOW

Casting for the role of ‘Jenna’ and ‘Becky’ to be announced. 

TUESDAY 22 – SATURDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 2026

MILTON KEYNES THEATRE

https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/milton-keynes-theatre

ON SALE NOW

Casting for the role of ‘Becky’ to be announced. 

TUESDAY 6 – SATURDAY 10 OCTOBER 2026

KINGS THEATRE, GLASGOW

https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/kings-theatre-glasgow

ON SALE NOW

Casting for the role of ‘Becky’ to be announced. 

TUESDAY 13 – SATURDAY 17 OCTOBER 2026

SHEFFIELD LYCEUM

https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

Casting for the role of ‘Becky’ to be announced. 

TUESDAY 27 – SATURDAY 31 OCTOBER 2026

LOWRY, SALFORD

https://thelowry.com

ON SALE NOW

Casting for the role of ‘Becky’ to be announced. 

FURTHER DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED

WOLK TRANSFER COMPANY 

BY SPECIAL PRODUCTION ARRANGEMENT WITH ANDREAS SZPILMAN

PRESENTS
 

DANIEL KRIKLER

TO STAR AS WLADYSLAW SZPILMAN

IN THE WORLD PREMIERE OF

THE PIANIST

A NEW MUSICAL STAGE ADAPTATION OF SZPILMAN’S LANDMARK MEMOIR, FEATURING HIS ORIGINAL MUSIC, OPENING IN LONDON THIS AUTUMN

WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY THOM SOUTHERLAND

NEW MUSICAL ARRANGMENTS BY SIMON LEE

Alongside an award-winning creative team

PARK THEATRE

Thursday 15 OCTOBER – Saturday 28 NOVEMBER 2026

 TICKETS AND MORE INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND HERE

The producers of the world premiere of The Pianist, are delighted to announce that Daniel Krikler will star as Wladyslaw Szpilman in the new musical stage adaptation of Szpilman’s internationally acclaimed memoir, the inspiration behind Roman Polanski’s Academy Award-winning film.

Written and directed by Thom Southerland (Titanic the Musical), The Pianist will run at Park Theatre, London, from 15 October to 28 November 2026, with a national press night on Thursday 22 October. Before its London opening, the production will play a limited run at Mayflower Studios, Southampton, from 9 to 12 September 2026.

This landmark new production brings his story and music together on stage for the first time, featuring Szpilman’s own compositions with new musical arrangements by Simon Lee, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s long-time Musical Director.

The creative team is led by adaptor and director Thom Southerland, with new arrangements, musical supervision, and orchestrations by Simon Lee, choreography & movement direction by Karen Bruce, set and video design by Andrzej Goulding, lighting design by Robbie Butler, sound design by Gareth Tucker for Autograph Sound, costume design by Jonathan Lipman, musical direction by Malcolm Forbes-Peckham, assistant direction by Josh Whatsize, casting by Ginny Schiller CDG and casting assistance by Ben Armstrong. Executive producing and general management by DEM Productions.

Daniel Krikler said, “I couldn’t be more honoured and excited to be bringing Wladyslaw’s life to the stage, especially in a way that truly celebrates his own compositions through phenomenal live musicians and orchestrations. As well as being a timely reminder of what happens when we dehumanise a particular section of society, Szpilman’s story demonstrates the true universality and power of music.”

Best known worldwide through his memoir and the Academy Award-winning film it inspired, Wladyslaw Szpilman was not only a Holocaust survivor, but one of Poland’s most celebrated composers and pianists.

The production will feature new lyrics by an international group of writers and musicians, bringing fresh voice to Szpilman’s original compositions. The lyricists and songwriters include two-time Grammy nominee Carol Connors, acclaimed songwriter David Batteau, jazz singer Wendy Lands and collaborator Jim Gillard, Grammy-nominated Michael Ruff, Szpilman’s son Andreas Szpilman, and award-winning lyricist Marcy Heisler. Together, their work allows Szpilman’s music to sit at the heart of the production, not simply as accompaniment, but as another voice in the telling of his story.

Thom Southerland said, “The Pianist is a story that has lived with me for many years, and I feel deeply honoured to be bringing it to the stage. At its heart is Wladyslaw Szpilman’s extraordinary journey of survival, but what moves me most is the humanity that shines through the darkest of circumstances. It is a story about compassion, courage, and the moments of kindness that can change the course of a life.

“Throughout this process, it has been a genuine privilege to collaborate with the Szpilman family. Their trust in us to tell Wladyslaw’s story is something I carry with great responsibility, and their insight has been invaluable in helping us bring him to life not only as a survivor, but as an artist, a father, and a man whose music was inseparable from who he was.

“I have also been incredibly fortunate to work alongside an exceptional team of creatives. Collaborating with Karen Bruce, Simon Lee, Robbie Butler, and the extraordinary Daniel Krikler, who embodies Szpilman with such sensitivity and depth, has been a constant source of inspiration. Every person involved has brought immense passion and care to this production, united by a desire to honour the truth of this story.

“One of the aspects of the production I am most excited to share is the music. Beyond the story that many people know, there exists a wealth of beautiful and often overlooked music composed by Szpilman himself. To unearth these works and allow audiences to experience them in the context of his life feels incredibly special. His music becomes another voice in the telling of this story, one that speaks of loss, hope, memory and ultimately survival.

“As we prepare to share The Pianist with audiences, I am reminded of why this story continues to resonate across generations. In a world that can often feel divided, it reminds us of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of art to sustain us, connect us, and, at times, save us. I hope audiences are moved not only by what Szpilman endured, but by what he created, and by the enduring belief that even in the darkest moments, humanity and beauty can prevail.”

Producer Michael Wolk said, “I’ve been delighted to see how melding Wladyslaw Szpilman’s brilliant melodies with his riveting memoir makes THE PIANIST a completely new experience.  The movie and book tell Szpilman’s story, but  Szpilman’s score reveals his heart and soul, which gives our production a remarkable immediacy and intimacy.”

A cast of virtuoso actor-musicians conjures the golden age of Jewish Warsaw in all its warmth and wit: the packed concert halls, the candlelit cafés, the irrepressible spirit of a city that loved music above all else.

Original compositions from the so-called “Polish Gershwin” score his story: popular songs that had Warsaw humming, compositions that made him a star.

At its heart, this is a love letter to culture, to the artists and dreamers who carried it, and to the extraordinary power of creativity to outlast even the most turbulent chapters of history. Szpilman’s music doesn’t merely accompany this story; it breathes life into it, binding past to present and reminding us that some things, once made, can never truly be silenced.

Szpilman’s memoir became known worldwide as the basis for Roman Polanski’s Academy Award-winning film, but this production marks the first time his music and story are brought together in a major musical for the stage.

Further casting to be announced.

JINKX MONSOON

TO MAKE HER WEST END DEBUT

REPRISING HER CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED PERFORMANCE

AS MARY TODD LINCOLN

IN

THE OLIVIER AWARD-WINNING SMASH HIT COMEDY

WRITTEN BY TONY^® AWARD-WINNER

COLE ESCOLA

DIRECTED BY TONY^® AWARD-WINNER

SAM PINKLETON

FOR SIX WEEKS ONLY

FROM 17 AUGUST TO 26 SEPTEMBER 2026

Producers Kevin McCollum & Lucas McMahon and Mike Lavoie & Carlee Briglia are delighted to announce that Jinkx Monsoon will make her West End debut, reprising her critically acclaimed performance as Mary Todd Lincoln in OH, MARY!, a role she sold-out during her 8-week run on Broadway and subsequent encore engagement which was heralded as one of the Best Performances of 2025 in the New York Times. Jinkx will play a strictly limited 6-week season at Trafalgar Theatre from 17 August until 26 September 2026.

The Olivier and Tony Award-winning smash hit comedy OH, MARY! recently extended its West End run and is now booking until 2 January 2027.

Jinkx Monsoon (Hera Lilith Hoffer) can currently be seen as Judy Garland in Peter Quilter’s End of the Rainbow at Soho Theatre, Walthamstow. She is an award-winning actress, comedian, recording artist, and the first and only drag queen to win RuPaul’s Drag Race twice. In just two years, she has become a Broadway breakout star and box office draw with critically acclaimed performances including Mary Todd Lincoln in the Tony-winning smash hit, Oh, Mary!, Matron “Mama” Morton in Chicago (where she broke box office records during an extended 10-week run), Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors off-Broadway opposite Corbin Bleu, and Ruth in the Tony-nominated revival, Pirates! The Penzance Musical – which landed Jinkx her first Drama League Award nomination. Variety hailed her performance as a “triumph” adding, “Broadway should be honoured to have her gracing the boards, as she is sure to be canonized as one of the all-time comedy greats.”

In addition to Broadway, Jinkx blew audiences away last year with her masterful and frightening performance as Maestro on the beloved British sci-fi series Doctor Who (BBC / Disney+). She has toured the world performing original cabaret shows with music partner Major Scales, including the hit Off-Broadway sensation The Vaudevillians, as well as six international tours of the wildly successful The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show with longtime collaborator and RuPaul’s Drag Race alum BenDeLaCreme. In 2023, she embarked on her first major concert tour with a live band titled “Jinkx Monsoon: Everything at Stake” which performed in sold-out theatres across 44 cities, and in 2025 she headlined her first Carnegie Hall concert which also sold out. Jinkx is due to tour the UK later this year with her new show, Speaking of Witch.

Additional accolades include the Gregory Award for her portrayal of Hedwig in Hedwig and the Angry Inch and The MAC Award for original show, The Ginger Snapped. As a recording artist, Jinkx has released three critically-hailed albums of original music written by Major Scales including The Virgo Odyssey, The Inevitable Album and The Ginger Snapped.

As a voice actor, Jinkx has voiced characters for animated shows such as “Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake” (playing the iconic character Lemongrab), “Steven Universe” (playing Emerald), “Helluva Boss,” “Mighty Magiswords,” “Bravest Warriors,” and more.

Jinkx first garnered an international fan base following her win on RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 5 (2013) and continued her winning streak on RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 7 (2022) where she was crowned “Queen of All Queens,” winning the competition against all previous winners.

OH, MARY! currently stars Catherine Tate as Mary Todd Lincoln, Kate O’Donnell as Mary’s Chaperone, Oliver Stockley as Mary’s Husband’s Assistant, with Dino Fetscher as Mary’s Teacher, and Scott Karim as Mary’s Husband.

Catherine Tate’s final performance as Mary Todd Lincoln will be Saturday 18 July. Cole Escola will then reprise their Tony Award-winning role as Mary Todd Lincoln for a strictly limited 4-week season from 20 July until 15 August 2026. Casting for the role of Mary Todd Lincoln from 28 September 2026 onwards is to be announced.

OH, MARY! is a dark comedy about a miserable, suffocated Mary Todd Lincoln in the weeks leading up to Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. Unrequited yearning, alcoholism, and suppressed desires abound in this 80-minute one-act play that finally examines the forgotten life and dreams of Mrs. Lincoln, through the lens of an idiot (playwright Cole Escola).

Declared “one of the best comedies in years” by The New York Times, OH, MARY! received Tony^® Awards for Best Leading Actor in a Play (Cole Escola) and Best Direction of a Play (Sam Pinkleton), Drama League Awards for Outstanding Play and Outstanding Direction of a Play, as well as a special citation from the New York Drama Critics’ Circle. It was named a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

OH, MARY! premiered off-Broadway at the Lucille Lortel Theatre in January 2024, before a Broadway transfer to the Lyceum Theatre in July 2024, where it broke box office records and continues to play to sold out audiences. It had its West End premiere at Trafalgar Theatre on 3 December 2025 and won Best Entertainment or Comedy Play at this year’s Olivier Awards. This Autumn, OH, MARY! will also launch a US National Tour.

In addition to Cole Escola (Writer) and Sam Pinkleton (Director), the full creative team includes dots (Scenic Designer), Holly Pierson (Costume Designer), Cha See (Lighting Designer), Daniel Kluger (Sound Design and Music), Drew Levy (Sound Designer), Leah J. Loukas (Wig Designer), David Dabbon (Arrangements) with Casting by Stuart Burt CDG. 

Associate creatives include Zoë Hurwitz (Scenic), Debo Andrews (Costume), Tom Turner (Lighting), Chris Reid (Sound), Kim Kasim (Wigs), and Caitlin Morgan (Music Direction).

OH, MARY! is produced in the West End by Kevin McCollum & Lucas McMahon and Mike Lavoie & Carlee Briglia with Bob Boyett, The Council, Jean Doumanian Productions, Nicole Eisenberg, Jay Marcus & George Strus, Irony Point, Richard Batchelder/Bradley Reynolds, Tyler Mount/Tommy Doyle, Nelson & Tao, Palomares & Rosenberg, ShowTown Productions, Jamie Wilson Productions and Wessex Grove.

The Executive producers of OH, MARY! at Trafalgar Theatre are Wessex Grove.

LISTINGS

OH, MARY!

Trafalgar Theatre, 14 Whitehall, London, SW1A 2DY

BOOKING UNTIL SATURDAY 2 JANUARY 2027

ohmaryplay.co.uk

Socials

Facebook, Instagram and X – @ohmaryplayuk

TikTok – ohmaryplay

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Monday          7.30pm

Tuesday           7.30pm

Wednesday    7.30pm

Thursday          5.30pm and 8.45pm

Friday              7.30pm

Saturday         3.30pm and 7.30pm

CHRISTMAS PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Monday 21 December           5.30pm and 8.45pm

Tuesday 22 December            7.30pm

Wednesday 23 December     3.30pm and 7.30pm

Thursday 24 December           2.00pm

Friday 25 December               NO PERFORMANCE

Saturday 26 December          NO PERFORMANCE

Sunday 27 December             2.00pm and 6.00pm

Monday 28 December           3.30pm and 7.30pm

Tuesday 29 December            7.30pm

Wednesday 30 December     3.30pm and 7.30pm

Thursday 31 December           4.00pm

Friday 1 January                      NO PERFORMANCE

Saturday 2 January                 3.30pm and 7.30pm

TOM STOPPARD’S JUMPERS TO BE REVIVED AT HAMPSTEAD THEATRE PLUS THREE PREMIERES ANNOUNCED

Tom Stoppard’s Jumpers will be revived at Hampstead Theatre later this year, alongside the premieres of three new plays. 

Stoppard’s dazzling 1972 comedy of murder, marriage and metaphysics has not been seen in London for more than 20 years. Directed by Blanche McIntyre, this new production of Jumpers follows Hampstead Theatre’s record-breaking revivals of Stoppard’s Indian Ink, The Invention of Love, Rock ‘n’ Roll and Hapgood. It will play Hampstead’s Main Stage from 25 November 2026 to 23 January 2027. A Gala performance of Jumpers will be held on Saturday 16 January 2027 as a fundraiser for Hampstead Theatre.

Receiving its world premiere is The Urmetazoan by Alex Rugman, a graduate of Hampstead’s INSPIRE programme for emerging playwrights. Directed by Anna Ledwich, the play explores the complex bond between two very different sisters who reconnect while facing an unimaginable goodbye. It will play Hampstead Downstairs from 18 September to 24 October.

Following the sell-out success of Bellringers in 2024 playwright Daisy Hall returns to Hampstead Downstairs with the world premiere of Dogstar – a darkly comic tale set aboard an icebound whaling ship where the crew are dropping like flies, mutiny brews and strange visions spread. Performances are from 30 October to 5 December.

Multi-award-winning writer Lauren Yee‘s acerbic comedy Mother Russia receives its UK premiere following a smash-hit run at New York’s Signature Theater earlier this year. Set in St. Petersburg in 1992, in the aftermath of the collapse of the Soviet Union, the play follows two friends who stumble into working in surveillance. It plays Hampstead Downstairs from 11 December to 30 January.

Hampstead Theatre’s Producer and Chief Executive, Greg Ripley-Duggan said;

“Bringing Jumpers back to London after more than 20 years is tremendously exciting, particularly as we continue to celebrate an extraordinary playwright whose work has become such a vital part of Hampstead Theatre’s recent history. Alongside it, we’re proud to present three brilliantly original new plays by playwrights who are beginning to make a name for themselves. Together they reflect everything we strive for at Hampstead Theatre and speak to our enduring commitment to great writing.”

These four productions join the previously announced European premiere of the Tony Award-winning musical, Kimberly Akimbo by David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori. Starring Maria Friedman and directed by Michael Longhurst it plays on the Main Stage from 28 August to 7 November.

Alongside these productions, Hampstead Theatre’s ENGAGE programme for adults at risk of loneliness and isolation in Camden will present a large-scale community production on the Main Stage this summer. Dragonflies is a heartfelt new play by Juliet Gilkes Romero about grief, resilience, belonging and the transformative power of community. Directed by Jennifer Davis the production combines a professional cast with a community chorus of Camden residents. It will have two performances on 31 July and 1 August.

 Tickets for Jumpers go on sale to Patrons from today, Thursday 11 June, to Friends Plus on Friday 12 June and to Friends on Monday 15 June. Public booking opens on Thursday 18 June. Tickets for The Urmetazoan, Dogstar and Mother Russia go on sale to Patrons and Friends on Monday 6 July with public booking opening on Friday 10 July.

For more information and tickets visit hampsteadtheatre.com

CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR THE RETURN OF THE WEST END’S HIT SCARE-FEST

RETURNING TO THE AMBASSADORS THEATRE FROM TUESDAY 11 AUGUST 2026 FOLLOWING A FOURTH EXTENSION

www.paranormalonstage.com

Written by acclaimed playwright Levi Holloway

and directed by Felix Barrett, visionary director behind Punchdrunk

Based on the Paranormal Activity films, first written and directed by Oren Peli and brought to the screen by Blumhouse and Solana Films

Following the recent announcement that Paranormal Activity is set to return to its West End home, the Ambassadors Theatre, this summer, producers Melting Pot are today delighted to announcecasting for its fourth extension. From Tuesday 11^th August, the masterclass in supernatural suspensewill star Ty Fanning (Othello,Ethel Barrymore Theatre, opposite Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal)as ‘James’, Ami Okumura Jones (My Neighbour Totoro, Barbican; Hostage,the Netflix political drama) as ‘Lou’, Kirsty Bushell (BBC, Motherland; King Lear, Chichester Festival Theatre) as ‘Etheline Cotgrave’ and welcomes the return of Pippa Winslow in her role as ‘Carolanne’ following her celebrated runs in the Leeds Playhouse and first West End season.

Tickets for the new booking period, Monday 5 October – Saturday 7 November are on sale now at www.paranormalonstage.com. From Tuesday 11 August 2026, the show’s performance schedule will be evenings Monday –Saturday at 7.30pm with Friday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm.

Blurring the line between cinema and live theatre, Paranormal Activity has been hailed as a ‘relentlessly frightening – arm-clutchingly, stranger-embracingly so’ (Metro) theatrical experience— leaving audiences jumping out of their seats and questioning what’s lurking in the dark long after the curtain falls.

Praised for its inventive storytelling and terrifying atmosphere, Paranormal Activity is a must-see event for thrill-seekers and theatre lovers alike. Following its original run at Leeds Playhouse and its first West End engagement, which saw the show play at the Ambassadors Theatre from Friday 5 December 2025 – Saturday 25 April 2026, Paranormal Activity began a North American tour last autumn, with dates including the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Center Theatre Group, Ahmanson Theatre, Shakespeare Theatre Company, Washington DC and American Conservatory Theatre, San Francisco. Paranormal Activity marks its Canadian premiere at the CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre, Toronto this June, ahead of a run at Boston’s Emerson Colonial Theater in July, before embarking on a 20-week Broadway season at the August Wilson Theatre from August 14 2026.

James and Lou move from Chicago to London to escape their past, but they soon discover that places aren’t haunted, people are… Inspired by the iconic, terrifying film series, Paranormal Activity is a new story live on stage.

Ty Fanning makes his West End debut as ‘James.’ Broadway: Othello, alongside Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal. Off-Broadway includes SPAIN (Second Stage) and Crooked Cross (Mint Theater). Regional credits include the title role in Hamlet (DCPA), Lindiwe (World Premiere, Steppenwolf), The First Lady of Television (World Premiere, Northlight), McNeal (Regional Premiere, Milwaukee Rep), Teenage Dick (Chicago Premiere, Theater Wit), Death of a Salesman (Palm Beach Dramaworks), Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (Indiana Rep), 5 seasons at American Players Theatre, 2 seasons at the Utah Shakespeare Festival, and multiple productions at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. TV/Film: ‘Chicago Med’ (NBC), ‘Search Party’ (HBO), ‘Hot Mess Holiday’ (Comedy Central), and the upcoming ‘Bolio: Spirit of the Mustang’ with Tony Shalhoub. BFA Acting, Oklahoma City University.

Ami Okumura Jones is ‘Lou’. Ami originated the breakout leading role of ‘Satsuki’ in the RSC’s Olivier award-winning production of My Neighbour Totoro, playing the role from its sell-out debut at the Barbican Theatre through to its West End run at the Gillian Lynne Theatre. On screen, she can be seen starring in Matt Charman’s high-stakes Netflix series Hostage as ‘Zadie’, Acorn’s Art Detectives, and the BBC’s gritty Rebus reboot opposite Richard Rankin. She also leads the cast as Steph in the short film Shrike. An alumnus of East 15 Acting School, her early career includes television roles in EastEnders as ‘Mieko Yoshi’ and Midsomer Murders as ‘Erin Turner’, followed by starring stage roles in Scandaltown (Lyric Hammersmith) and Wendy & Peter Pan (Leeds Playhouse).

Kirsty Bushell as ‘Etheline Cotgrave’ Theatre includes: In Case of Emergency (Southbank Centre), A View From The Bridge & Angels In America (Headlong, UK Tour), The Tempest (Jermyn Street), Richard III, The White Devil, Twelfth Night, The Tempest, The Comedy of Errors (RSC); King Lear (Chichester & West End); Romeo and Juliet (Shakespeare’s Globe); Edward II, 13, Edgar and Annabel, There is a War, Danton’s Death, The Voysey Inheritance, The Two Gentlemen of Verona (National Theatre); Antigone (Barbican & International Tour), The Cherry Orchard (Bristol & Royal Exchange); Torn (Royal Court); Boys Will Be Boys, Disgraced, 2000 Feet Away (Bush Theatre); A Thousand Stars Explode in the Sky, Don Juan (Lyric Hammersmith); Fen, Far Away, Plenty (Sheffield Crucible) Pornography, Testing The Echo (Tricycle) Belongings, I Know How I Feel About Eve (Hampstead) Hedda Gabler (Salisbury Playhouse), The Seagull (Northampton), The Importance of Being Ernest (The Watermill); An Inspector Calls (West End) Blue Heart (Out of Joint). Television includes: Run Away, Ellis, Inspector Lynley,Tom Jones, Murder in Provence, The Dark Tower, Motherland, This Way Up, Silk, Pulling, Injustice, Casualty, Pornography, Midsomer Murders, Eastenders, FM Radio Takeover, Tumanba. Law & Order, Is This Love, Pulling, Talk To Me, Family Business, Holby City, Midsomer Murders, The Bill, Life Isn’t All Hee Ha Ha, EastEnders, Roger Roger.

Pippa Winslow performs as‘Carolanne.’ Theatrical credits include: Bonnie & Clyde (Garrick and Arts Theatres); Eureka Day, Other Desert Cities (Old Vic); Strangers on a Train (Gielgud Theatre); Buried Child (Trafalgar Studios); Paranormal Activity: A New Story, Live on Stage (Leeds Playhouse); Follies (Grand Opera House, Belfast); Flowers for Mrs Harris (Riverside Studios); Mame, Perfectly Ordinary, The Exonerated (Hope Mill Theatre); Oklahoma!, Hairspray, Sister Act, Cougar the Musical, 9 to 5 the Musical, Phantom, The Sound of Music (UK and Ireland tour). TV includes: The Bombing of Pan Am 103 (BBC/Netflix); Silo (AppleTV+); The Crown and Rebecca (Netflix); The King’s Man (Disney+); Ten Percent, The Piper, Jericho Ridge (Amazon Prime); Revolution X; Dead Island 2 (video game).

A new story inspired by the worldwide horror phenomenon, Paranormal Activity, is directed by immersive theatre pioneer and Punchdrunk’s Founder and Artistic Director, Felix Barrett and written by playwright Levi Holloway, whose pulse-pounding theatrical thriller Grey House chilled Broadway audiences.

Paranormal Activity reimagines the modern ghost story with an unsettling intimacy only theatre can provide. Immersing audiences in an atmosphere of creeping dread, unseen forces, and psychological tension, Levi Holloway’s script offers a bold reinterpretation of the original, blending domestic horror with mind-bending theatricality. Felix Barrett, known for breaking boundaries between audience and performer, brings his signature visionary style to the production. With innovative staging and chilling soundscapes, Paranormal Activity invites audiences to witness the inexplicable up close—and feel the fear in real time.

The creative team also includes Fly Davis as Set and Costume Designer, Illusions by Chris Fisher, Anna Watson as Lighting Designer, Gareth Fry as Sound Designer, Video Design by Luke Halls and Casting Direction by Stuart Burt CDG and Ginny Schiller CDG and Associate Director, Anna Marshall.

‘Will I be scared? Yes. How scared? Very. Cleverly, too.’ 

Chicago Tribune

Released by Paramount Pictures in 2009, the original Paranormal Activity is a master class in psychological terror.  Reimagining the found footage genre for a new generation, the film became a global sensation, grossing nearly $200 million worldwide and kicking off a blockbuster franchise spanning seven feature films.  Now, the legacy of fear comes to the intimate world of the theatre as the terrifying phenomenon transitions to the West End stage. Get ready to experience Paranormal Activity in real life.

Paranormal Activity is produced by Simon Friend & Hanna Osmolska for Melting Pot in association with Gavin Kalin, Ken Davenport, Jenny King, Patrick Gracey, Jonathan & Rae Corr and Leeds Playhouse.

Age recommendation – 15 +

ATC Music Group, Vivek J. Tiwary for TEG+ and Nate Koch present

the Royal Shakespeare Company and Factory International production
 

• Shakespeare meets Radiohead as Hamlet Hail to the Thief has its London premiere at the Barbican Theatre from 31 October 2026 to 23 January 2027 following sold out runs at the Royal Shakespeare Company and Aviva Studios, home of Factory International last year.

• Thom Yorke, Christine Jones and Steven Hoggett have collaborated on a dynamic new version of Hamlet where Shakespeare’s words are illuminated by Radiohead’s celebrated album Hail to the Thief re-worked by Yorke and performed live by a cast of musicians and actors.  
• Samuel Blenkin will reprise his role as  Hamlet alongside Ami Tredrea as Ophelia. The returning cast also includes Paul Hilton as Claudius/ Ghost, Claudia Harrison as Gertrude, Alby Baldwin as Horatio, Brandon Grace as Laertes, Felipe Pacheco as Guildenstern, Romaya Weaver as Barnarda/ Player Queen and Marienella Phillips as Offstage Swing. Further casting is to be announced.
• Tickets for the Barbican Theatre go on sale to the public at 10am on Friday 26 June at www.hamlethailtothethief.com 

Following an acclaimed world premiere at Aviva Studios home of Factory International and the Royal Shakespeare Company last year, where it captivated sold out houses, Hamlet Hail to the Thief will have its London premiere at the Barbican Theatre from 31 October 2026 to 23 January 2027.  Shakespeare’s great tragedy collides with Radiohead’s 2003 album in this frenetic production co-created by Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke, and directors, Steven Hoggett and Christine Jones. 

In this fast-paced distillation of the play, Shakespeare’s words and Radiohead’s songs illuminate one another in thrilling new ways that fuse theatre, music and movement.   Personally reworked by Yorke, the deconstructed album is performed live onstage by a cast of musicians and actors.

Thom Yorke said “I’m into finally bringing ‘Hamlet Hail to the Thief’ to London, and to the Barbican of all places!  It is fascinating and very strange to me how this came to life and how it has worked. When it revealed itself to us over time I was shocked, having never had this kind of experience before.  I am happy for it to be seen by a wider audience in such an intense space.”

Christine Jones said: “Bringing this brutal play into the Barbican’s brutalist space seems fated. I feel fiercely fortunate to regroup with these incisive collaborators and push our work further. Both the play and the album continue to speak urgently to the convulsed world we find ourselves in. For me, working on this project is one way to find the ground beneath me.”

Steven Hoggett said: “The chance to put all the learnings into the next stages of a show is a great privilege. What were guesstimates and hopes become areas we can now push into, knowing we can create more precision.  The fact that this is the process that will find its home on stage at the Barbican is truly thrilling. The show will become richer in its elision of music, movement and text which makes this space a perfect home. I myself have sat in the auditorium on many, many occasions and had the boundaries blown apart as to what theatre might be. We’re following some giants but also many of my personal inspirations. In this way we hope to continue this dazzling tradition – a commitment to theatre that looks to meet the expectations of a multi-generational audience with an intention to be as radical as we are reverential.”

Samuel Blenkin (Alien: Earth, FX; Mickey 17, Warner Bros; Black Mirror, Netflix) reprises his role as Hamlet, alongside Ami Tredrea (The Shitheads, Royal Court; Wendy and Peter Pan, RSC/Barbican) as Ophelia.  Paul Hilton (Mass, Donmar Warehouse; Olivier nominated for An Enemy of the People, West End) returns as Claudius/ Ghost, opposite Claudia Harrison (The Line of Beauty, Almeida Theatre; Princess Anne in The Crown, Netflix) as Gertrude.

The returning cast also includes Alby Baldwin (The Unbelievers, Royal Court; Tender, Bush Theatre) as Horatio, Brandon Grace (Summerfolk and London Tide, National Theatre) as Laertes,  Felipe Pacheco (The Hunger Games, Troubadour Theatre; Metamorphosis, Frantic Assembly) as Guildenstern, Romaya Weaver (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Globe Theatre; The Cabinet Minister, Menier Chocolate Factory) as Barnarda/ Player Queen, and  Marienella Phillips (Love’s Labour’s Lost, RSC; A Christmas Carol, The Lowry) as Offstage Swing. Further casting to be announced.

Olivier award-winner Steven Hoggett recently collaborated with David Byrne as choreographer on Who is the Sky.  His extensive choreography credits include Nye, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime and Black Watch, and he was a founding member of Frantic Assembly. Tony and Olivier award-winner Christine Jones is Creator and Artistic Director of the acclaimed Theatre For One (most recently performed at the Barbican in March 2026), and Co-Creator along with Hoggett and David Byrne of Social Distance Dance Club, the post-pandemic immersive dance experience at the Park Avenue Armory. Steven and Christine’s projects together as choreographer and designer respectively include Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, American Idiot and Let the Right One In.

Elsinore has a new ruler, and the air bites. ‘Hamlet Hail to the Thief’ centres on Hamlet and Ophelia’s awakening to the lies and corruption infecting their war-like state.  In this witching hour, when ghosts reveal wild and hurling truths, hectic pulses through the blood of its citizens. When minds and hearts are overthrown, music speaks loudly. 

Hail to the Thief  (2003) is Radiohead’s sixth studio album with singles including ‘There There’, ‘2+2=5’ and ‘Go to Sleep’. Recorded in the wake of the September 11 attacks and the subsequent ‘War On Terror’, the album underscores a period of paranoia, fear and anxiety, with dystopian themes incorporating Orwell inspired lyrics and theatrical, Brothers Grimm style fables. Inspired by Thom’s preparation work for Hamlet Hail to the Thief, Radiohead released ‘Hail To The Thief – Live Recordings’ last September, revisiting archived tracks from across live shows from 2003 to 2009.

Hamlet Hail to the Thief rounds out the Barbican’s autumn/winter theatre and dance season, which includes exceptional international work from some of the most highly regarded names in theatre, dance and literature, and was announced on Tuesday. For more information visit barbican.org.uk. 

Theatre@41, York – until Saturday 13th June 2026

Reviewed by Michelle Richardson

4****

Theatre@41 in York is currently showing Black Treacle Theatre’s latest production, Educating Rita, by well-known playwright Willy Russell.

Under the direction of Jim Paterson, this two character piece follows the story of Rita (Flo Poskitt), a married working-class hairdresser from Liverpool. She is wanting to find herself, she feels like she needs more, and wants to broaden her horizons. She tentatively enrols in an Open University course in literature. Her tutor, Frank (Jamie McKeller), is a disillusioned university lecturer, who only took her on for the extra money, to waste away on drink and frequenting the pub. He doesn’t want to be there, she does.

The character development throughout the play is particularly impressive. Both their outlooks on life begin to change with their evolving relationship, forming the emotional heart of the play. Rita transforms from someone seeking change into a more confident and independent individual, I suppose just what she was after. This comes at a price though, she loses her identity, becoming someone who we don‘t recognise. At the same time, Frank begins to question his own attitudes and choices and he becomes a better man, until things spiral.

With the help of Set and Prop Designer, Richard Hampton, Lighting Designer, Sage Dunn-Krahn and Stage Technician, Victoria Ryan, the stage is set exactly how it should be, taking place solely in Frank’s office. Quite simple but effective. This means that the audience can focus on Rita and Frank, and their interactions with each other.

Both Poskitt and McKeller are gripping to watch in this dialogue laden work, you can’t help but be fully engaged by their characters. Rita is played with humour, honesty and energy, but underneath there is insecurity. Frank is jaded, sarcastic and intelligent. These qualities create an interesting relationship, exploring themes such as education, class, identity and personal growth. The chemistry between the two is convincing and kept the audience invested in their evolving friendship.

This production of Educating Rita is witty, moving and thought-provoking. Throughout, the play balances comedy and drama effectively, with the hunt for the bottle behind the books drawing the biggest laughs. It fully engrosses the audience in the two characters, highlights the transformative power of education, and keeps the humour sharp. I was thoroughly engaged throughout this emotional rollercoaster of a show.

York has such a strong amateur theatre community, and Black Treacle Theatre continues to uphold this tradition with their excellent production of Educating Rita.