Le Navet Bete throws open the doors of Hotel Krapios once again
extending Oh Zeus! into 2027 by popular demand
A riotous, hilarious ride through Greek mythology
Kings of comedy Le Navet Bete – one of the UK’s most-loved comedy theatre companies and creators of smash-hit family shows Dracula: The Bloody Truth, King Arthur and Treasure Island – along with Olivier Award nominated comedy writer and director John Nicholson (The Time Machine: A Comedy, Peepolykus), have announced an extension of Oh Zeus!, their riotous, all-out hilarious ride through the world of Greek mythology.
When the stability of Olympus is threatened by the marriage of Zeus’ daughter Hebe to a mere mortal, the King of the Gods hatches a plan to derail the wedding. Three actors play nearly 40 characters in this mythical farce through Ancient Greece, the Underworld and back. Expect sensational physical comedy, outrageous jokes, fast paced chaos, and more togas than you can smash a plate at – perfect for lovers of Fawlty Towers, Bottom and The Play That Goes Wrong.
Behind the chaos, lies a costume rail worthy of Olympus itself: the cast of three race through 39 costumes and a staggering 84 costume changes – 63 of which are lightning-fast quick changes – as they hurtle between gods, mortals and monsters at breakneck speed.
Le Navet Bete is comprised of Al Dunn, Nick Bunt and Matt Freeman. Since 2008, Le Navet Bete has been touring the UK and internationally with their unique and chaotic style of physical comedy and have earned the reputation as one of the UK’s leading midscale theatre companies. Proudly based in Exeter, Devon and supported by organisations such as Arts Council England, the Exeter Northcott Theatre and the Exeter Phoenix they have been on a continuous mission to create and tour hilarious, physical and totally accessible comedy theatre using creative and engaging storytelling for absolutely everyone (ages 4 – 104!).
Oh Zeus! 2026-27 tour will visit: Lowry, Salford (28 July-1 Aug); The Dukes Lancaster (15-19 Sept); Lighthouse Poole (25-26 Sept); Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch (6-10 Oct); New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme (15-17 Oct); Mayflower Studios, Southampton (9-13 Feb); Theatre Royal Plymouth (28 Feb); Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford (11-13 March); Salisbury Playhouse (18-20 March); Gulbenkian Arts Centre, Canterbury (2-3 Apr); Newcastle Theatre Royal (9-10 Apr); Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds (13-17 Apr); Theatre by the Lake, Keswick (27 Apr-1 May); Harrogate Theatre (13-15 May); Everyman Theatre, Liverpool (17-19 June) and Mercury Theatre Colchester (16-19 September). Further dates to be announced.
Whilst Oh Zeus! is suitable for ages 12+, there will be additional ‘no kids allowed’ performances held at many tour venues – expect the same brilliant show but with more adult humour, swearing and added naughtiness.
For more information about Oh Zeus!, visit Le Navet Bete’s website: www.lenavetbete.com.
“Forget Phantom’s chandelier or Miss Saigon’s helicopter: what the DeLorean does in Back to the Future is in a different stratosphere of wonderment.”
Sydney Morning Herald
For the very first time, BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical has released an image of the DeLorean finale, giving people a glimpse of what to expect on the road later this year, with the UK tour opening at the Bristol Hippodrome (8 October – 21 November 2026).
Co-creator of the film trilogy, and book writer for the stage adaption, Bob Gale, said, “The illusions involving the DeLorean are next-level state-of-the-art, and I never get tired of seeing the car in action with an audience. This is truly the definition of stage magic. It’s one of those things you have to see for yourself. One of the highlights for me has been sitting in rehearsal with the cast when they see it from the auditorium for the first time. They absolutely know what they’re about to see and how it’s done, but their jaws still drop!”
Speaking about the creative team’s approach to translating the iconic moments on stage, he adds, “Director John Rando has a management style which I subscribe to: hire the best people you can and get out of their way! These illusions are the product of an amazing confluence of talent: production design, special effects, video effects, lighting, sound and stage management. Every member of the team signed on because they’re all fans of the movie and were willing to give 200% to ensure that what they did would be worthy of being called “Back to the Future.” They succeeded beyond my expectations!”
Following Bristol, the tour will also visit the Edinburgh Playhouse (2 December 2026 – 2 January 2027), Liverpool Empire (12 January – 6 February 2027), Milton Keynes Theatre (9 – 27 February 2027), Birmingham Hippodrome (9 March – 10 April 2027), Sunderland Empire (13 April – 8 May 2027), Alhambra Theatre, Bradford (11 May – 5 June 2027), Mayflower Theatre, Southampton (8 June – 3 July 2027), Manchester Opera House (13 July – 21 August 2027), Theatre Royal, Plymouth (24 August – 11 September 2027) and Wales Millenium Centre, Cardiff (19 October – 13 November 2027). Additional venues are still to be announced.
Australian rising star Axel Duffy will play the role of Marty McFly for the tour. Roger Bart will play the role of Doc Brown at the Bristol Hippodrome and Edinburgh Playhouse. Brian Conley will play the role of Doc Brown at the Milton Keynes Theatre. Further casting for the role of Doc Brown, and the remaining company, is to be announced.
BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical is a global success, with productions currently running in North America, Japan, Royal Caribbean Cruises and Germany, with a French production to follow. The show has been seen by over 5 million people worldwide so far. The critically acclaimed Olivier, WhatsOnStage and Broadway World Award-winning Best New Musical played its final performance in London’s West End on Sunday 12 April 2026 after 5 years at the Adelphi Theatre, where it broke box office records and was seen by over 2.3 million people.
BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical is produced by Colin Ingram, Frankel/Viertel/Baruch/Routh Group, Playing Field, CJ ENM, Universal Theatrical Group, Fin C Gray, Evolution Productions, Nicholson Green Productions, Augury, Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale.
Further 2027 tour dates announced for Just For One Day – The Live Aid Musical
Producers Jamie Wilson Productions (Avenue Q, The Devil Wears Prada, Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York), Mrs Doubtfire) are thrilled to announce further tour dates for Just For One Day – The Live Aid Musical, in association with Curve, Leicester.
Heading out on a major tour, opening at Curve in Leicester in March 2027, before visiting the previously announced Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff; Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury; Opera House, Manchester; New Theatre, Oxford; Playhouse, Edinburgh; Theatre Royal, Plymouth; Empire, Sunderland; Alexandra, Birmingham; New Theatre, Hull; Grand, Leeds; Theatre Royal, Nottingham; King’s Theatre, Glasgow; Empire, Liverpool and Mayflower Theatre, Southampton.
Further venues and dates announced today include Woking Theatre, Bromley Churchill, Milton Keynes Theatre, Belfast Grand Opera House, Southend Cliffs Pavilion, Wolverhampton Grand, Sheffield Lyceum and Newcastle Theatre Royal. For further information, visit theliveaidmusical.com.
41 years ago today on 13 July 1985, music united the world. Now, audiences can discover the behind-the-scenes story of Live Aid in a whole new way. Just For One Day – The Live Aid Musicalis the story behind the greatest concert in music history.
With hit songs by Bob Dylan, David Bowie, The Who, U2, Queen, Madonna, The Police, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Diana Ross and more. Experience classic tracks from the iconic artists who made history at simultaneous charitable concerts in London and Philadelphia in a completely new way.
Live Aid was an unprecedented global music event that brought 1.5 billion people together, and they all have a story to tell about ‘the day rock ‘n’ roll changed the world’.
Just For One Day – The Live Aid Musical finished its run in Londonon Saturday 7 February 2026. The West End production opened in May 2025 following a successful North American run at CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre in Torontoand a record-breaking world premiere at London’s The Old Vic theatre where it became the theatre’s fastest selling musical ever.
Celebrating the iconic Live Aid concerts in London and Philadelphia, Just For One Day – The Live Aid Musical will continue to support the work of TheBand Aid Charitable Trust with £1.6million raised to date.
Just For One Day – The Live Aid Musical is written by John O’Farrell and directed by Luke Sheppard, with musical supervision, arrangements and orchestration by Matthew Brind, choreography by Ebony Molina and casting by Stuart Burt CDG.
JUST FOR ONE DAY – The Live Aid Musical was originally presented at The Old Vic theatre, London in January 2024 and was produced in the West End by Jamie Wilson Productions, Kevin McCollum, Sonia Friedman Productions, Gavin Kalin Productions, Kenny Wax, ATG Entertainment, David & Hannah Mirvish, Nederlander Presentations, Stephen C Byrd, Tilted, No Guarantees Productions, Burnt Umber Productions, Willette & Manny Klausner, Nicole Eisenberg, Hornos/Moellenberg and The Old Vic by permission of The Band Aid Charitable Trust.
Arresting chunky pink neon letters light our backdrop aptly spelling out Chunkyz, the Shisha Lounge setting for Mohamed-Zain Dada’s latest Olivier nominated play, Blue Mist. First shown at the Royal Court Upstairs in 2023, it’s touring England and currently playing in the heart of East London for five nights only.
In Chunkyz lounge, three childhood friends ascend from beneath the floorboards, through the mists of time, landing balletically on the bright green sofas of this community space to share a hookah and some gossip. A simple, clean set from designer Tomas Palmer pairs artfully with Elliot Grigg’s ethereal lighting design, enhancing the many unearthly sequences which seem intended to reflect protagonist Jihad’s inner turmoil.
Jihad, played with a light touch by Omar Bynon, is an aspiring journalist on the verge of giving up on his dreams when the opportunity to pitch a documentary idea for a podcast enters his realm. Friends Rashid – a wonderfully physical, funny and moving performance from Azan Ahmed – and Asif, played with great comic timing and physicality by Kashif Ghole, encourage him to be their success story. We’re in ends, West London where opportunities don’t grow on trees. Rash is a baggage handler at Heathrow and Asif has clawed his way up to assistant manager at a car rental firm. But as Jihad goes about finding his angle little do his old friends know that the ambitious reporter is about to exploit their shared and personal stories, told in the sanctity of Chunkyz. Will their friendship survive this gross breach of trust?
Chunky himself is present only through occasional voice over from the legendary Sanjeev Bhaskar but his journey is just as important to the story as the friends speculate on matters such as why Chunkyz is closed on Thursdays.
Milli Bhatia’s precise direction makes strong use of the clownish dynamic between Rash, Sif and Jihad to build in plenty of comic moments and there’s a standout scene where budding fitness trainer Rash delivers a boxing class to some aunties. It’s Asif who gets some of the best lines though with zingers like a date ordering half a chicken at Nando’s being a red flag for wifey material!
A deep affection for the uncles and aunties of the South Asian community represented shines through as Dada (Speed, Bush Theatre) once again unearths uncomfortable truths about the perceptions and reality of migrants living in Britain. This time he’s asking what the price is for gaining a stake in society and questioning the role the media plays in willfully misrepresenting young Muslim men.
Complex issues for complex times but not without a dash of charm and humour.
The season of five new plays, largely set in contemporary America
and exploring globally relevant themes, is directed by Andy Sandberg.
The Mainstage Season launches with three World Premieres:
Affluenza by Andy Sandberg runs 26 September to 21 November 2026
Tickets on sale from 11 am today
Sacrilegious by Academy Award winner Tom Schulman runs 5 December 2026 to 23 January 2027
Expecting by Scott Elmegreen & Drew Fornarola runs 30 January to 27 March 2027
Further productions, casting and creatives to be announced
Tickets from £25. Plus all seats £25 at the first preview of each production
Mainstage Season 26/27, a major season of five new plays directed by Andy Sandberg, will be performed at Riverside Studios from this September, launching with three world premieres. Affluenza, written and directed by Andy Sandberg, runs from 26 September to 21 November 2026 (press night 5 October), with tickets on sale today. Sacrilegious, by Tom Schulman, the Oscar-winning writer of the films Dead Poets Society and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, runs from 5 December 2026 to 23 January 2026 (press night 15 December). Expecting, by Scott Elmegreen & Drew Fornarola, runs from 30 January to 27 March 2027 (press night 9 February). Further productions and casting will be announced soon.
The Mainstage Season 26/27 at Riverside Studios will feature five original plays, each running for limited eight-week engagements between September 2026 and July of 2027. Andy Sandberg, Artistic Director of the Hermitage Artist Retreat in the U.S., serves as Season Artistic Director for the Mainstage and will be directing each production. It is expected that each play in the season will be a world premiere or a UK premiere; the final two plays in the season will be announced in the coming months. The plays are largely set in America while exploring globally relevant themes. A mix of comedies and dramas, the plays in the season are all intended to keep the conversation going long after the curtain falls.
The Mainstage at Riverside Studios is a 400-seat theatre in West London. In recent years, it has been home to Ulster American (starring Woody Harrelson & Andy Serkis), Second Best (starring Asa Butterfield), and Operation Mincemeat, among others.
Mainstage Season Artistic Director Andy Sandberg said today, ‘New writing has always been my passion, and there is nothing more exciting than discovering and nurturing a brilliant original play. Our hope is that each of these stories will resonate with audiences and become part of the theatrical canon for years to come. These are all timely and thought-provoking scripts designed to entertain while also inviting audiences to engage more deeply. I absolutely love working in the UK, and I am honoured to be working alongside a brilliant team of UK colleagues to bring this season to life. The experiences I have had directing in London have been some of the most gratifying of my career, and I can’t wait to launch these new productions at Riverside Studios.’
The Mainstage Season at Riverside Studios is presented by ABS Productions, Whitney Edwards, Flora Major, Judith Manocherian, Sondra Biller, and Berman-Cohen Productions. DEM Productions serves as General Manager.
World Premiere
Affluenza
Written and Directed by Andy Sandberg
26 September – 21 November 2026
Monday – Saturday at 7.30 pm
Thursday and Saturday matinees at 2.30 pm
(No performance, 1 October. Extra performance 4 October at 7.30 pm)
Captioned performance – 7th Nov at 2.30 pm
Privilege is inherited. So are the consequences.
When a teen’s drunken car ride ends in devastation, the verdict comes down to one question – is it possible to be too affluent to know the difference between right and wrong? Inspired by true events surrounding a shocking legal defence, Affluenza explores the ripple effects of power and privilege.
Set against the ultra-wealthy social haven of the Hamptons, Affluenza raises thought-provoking questions about moral accountability, family legacy, and the American justice system. Do any of us truly understand the cost and generational impact of privilege and opulence?
The world premiere of Affluenza is the first of five plays launching the Mainstage 26/27 season at Riverside Studios, each for a limited eight-week run. This biting and darkly funny new play is written and directed by Andy Sandberg.
Andy Sandberg (Director / Mainstage Season Artistic Director) is a New York-based director, writer, and Tony Award-winning producer. He is currently Artistic Director and CEO of the Hermitage Artist Retreat, a leading national arts incubator in the United States. Sandberg’s theatrical work has been represented in New York, London, and throughout the U.S. He directed the UK premieres of Alan Brody’s Operation Epsilon and Jeannette Bayardelle’s Shida, earning multiple Off-West End Award nominations, including Best Director and Best Musical. Additional world premieres as director in New York include Straight (NY Times Critics’ Pick); Application Pending (also co-author; BroadwayWorld Award: Best Off-Broadway Play, Drama Desk nom: Outstanding Solo Show, Winner: Book Pipeline Prize); Shida (Ars Nova and A.R.T., four AUDELCO noms., including Best Director, Best Musical), Craving for Travel (also co-author); and the Off-Broadway musicals The Last Smoker in America and Neurosis, among others. In New York, London, and at the Hermitage, he has directed dozens of workshops and readings of new plays and musicals, including works by Pulitzer Prize, Tony Award, Olivier Award, and Academy Award winners and nominees. He has also written the feature-length screenplays for the films Five More Minutes and Haul Out the Holly, two of Hallmark’s most highly rated Christmas movies. In 2009, at the age of 25, Sandberg became the youngest producer to win a Tony Award. Broadway and West End producing credits include the hit revival of Hair (2009 Tony Award, also West End); the Broadway revival of Gore Vidal’s The Best Man, starring James Earl Jones and Angela Lansbury (2012 Tony nom.); and Will Eno’s The Realistic Joneses, starring Toni Collette, Michael C. Hall, Tracy Letts, and Marisa Tomei. In his role as Artistic Director and CEO of the Hermitage, Sandberg has established the organisation as one of the preeminent new works incubators in the United States, celebrating and elevating the voices of diverse and accomplished artists spanning theatre, music, visual art, dance, film, literature, and more. He recently directed a workshop of Chris Bush’s Hermitage-commissioned play Orlando (FL) at London’s National Theatre. Sandberg is a graduate of Yale University, where he managed and performed with the Whiffenpoofs, the Dramat, and the Yale Alley Cats. He is a member of the Stage Directors & Choreographers Society (SDC), Actors Equity Association (AEA), and the Writers Guild of America (WGA).
World Premiere
Sacrilegious
A New Comedy by Tom Schulman
Directed by Andy Sandberg
5 December 2026 – 23 January 2027
Who says money can’t buy morality?
On the holiest day of the year, an idealistic young rabbi does the one thing nobody saw coming – he dares to challenge the billionaire president of his congregation, questions a multi-million-dollar donation, and ignites a battle for the hearts and minds of the entire community.
What follows is a razor-sharp contest between principle and power. As reputations unravel and loyalties are tested, the community congregation must decide whether morality can survive when there’s $30 million on the table.
Sacrilegiousis a smart, funny, and provocative new comedy that raises questions about what money can or can’t buy. Power, promiscuity, charity, and true love… it’s going to be one hell of a High Holy Days!
This world premiere, directed by Andy Sandberg, is written by Tom Schulman, the Academy Award-winning author of Dead Poets Society, What About Bob?, and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. Sacrilegious is the first original play from this Oscar-winning writer, who previously adapted his Dead Poets Society screenplay for the stage.
Playwright Tom Schulman wrote Dead Poets Society, for which he received an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. He subsequently adapted the film as a play, and the stage version premiered at Classic Stage Company in New York. He has written the screenplays to What About Bob?, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, Medicine Man, and Holy Man. He wrote and directed Eight Heads in a Duffle Bag, and he was an executive producer on Indecent Proposal and Me, Myself & Irene. He was the writer/producer of Welcome to Mooseport. With J.J. Abrams and Rafael Yglesias, he co-wrote and co-produced The Anatomy of Hope, a pilot for HBO. He wrote and directed Double Down South, a gambling thriller available on Amazon Prime. Most recently, he co-wrote and co-produced the upcoming podcast series One Lane Road with Callie Khouri, Trae Crowder, and T Bone Burnett. Schulman graduated from Vanderbilt University with a B.A. in Philosophy. He studied theatre and film with Jack Garfein at the Actors and Directors Lab, Los Angeles, and with director Joan Darling; he also directed the Actors’ Studio’s first West Coast production, Harold Pinter’s The Caretaker. Schulman has served on the board of directors and as Vice President of the Writers Guild of America; he is on the board of the Writers Guild Foundation, where he is a past President.
World Premiere
Expecting
By Scott Elmegreen & Drew Fornarola
Directed by Andy Sandberg
30 January – 27 March 2027
“Baby, we need to talk…”
Zoey and Ethan are deciding whether or not to have a baby. The rest of their lives are figured out, but there’s nothing sexier than family planning, right? Meanwhile, Zoey’s younger sister Trish already has her hands full with two kids – or three if you count her new boyfriend Matt.
Amidst falling birthrates and the ever-present chaos of adulthood, two couples who were once convinced they can ‘have it all’ find themselves asking what they truly want… and if there’s ever an opportunity to reframe. Career ambitions, brunch plans, and the fate of humanity hang in the balance – not to mention the daunting considerations of legacy, parenting, and ‘expectations.’ Is it ever really the right time?
Directed by Andy Sandberg, Expecting is a new play by Scott Elmegreen & Drew Fornarola that explores why couples are waiting longer to have kids… or debating whether to have them at all.
Playwright Scott Elmegreen is a writer and composer based in Brooklyn and Chicago. He teaches playwriting, musical theatre writing, and songwriting at the University of Chicago. His work has premiered on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and around the world, and has been adapted to film for theatrical release, HBO, and streaming on Hulu and Disney+. Scott’s plays and musicals include Straight, Tiananmen, Thucydides, Ghost of John McCain, Hip Hop Cinderella, Ivy+Bean, and The Magic School Bus.
Playwright Drew Fornarola has written for DreamWorks’ Shrek and VeggieTale franchises and is the founding artistic director of Starring Buffalo. He has written eight Off-Broadway shows, including Straight (NY Times Critics’ Pick) and Tilly the Trickster (with SNL’s Molly Shannon), and several films, including VeggieTales: Noah’s Ark, starring Wayne Brady (Netflix). He is the recipient of a 2026 NYSCA Support for Artists Grant, a Biller Social Impact Grant, the 2024 Artie Award for Best New Play, and 10 MAC Award Nominations for songwriting.
BILLY NEVERS ‘COLLINS’, LAZY VIOLET ‘MAUREEN’, DANIELLE FIAMANYA ‘JOANNE’,
JEEVAN BRAICH ‘ANGEL’ AND JOAQUIN PEDRO VALDES ‘BENNY’
JOINING THE PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED
GATEN MATARAZZO AS ‘MARK’
AT LONDON’S DUKE OF YORK’S THEATRE
FROM 26 SEPTEMBER 2026
DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND
BOOKING NOW EXTENDED UNTIL 27 MARCH 2027
Chris Harper Productions and Sonia Friedman Productions in association with Hope Mill Theatre are delighted to announce principal casting for the new production of Jonathan Larson’s Tony Award® and Pulitzer Prize winning musical RENT, directed by Olivier Award winner Luke Sheppard.
Joining the previously announced Gaten Matarazzo as Mark, will be Travis Ross as Roger, Bella Brown as Mimi, Billy Nevers as Collins, Lazy Violet as Maureen, Olivier Award nominee Danielle Fiamanya as Joanne, Jeevan Braich as Angel and Joaquin Pedro Valdes as Benny. Further casting to be announced soon.
It was also announced today that due to popular demand, booking for the show has now been extended until Saturday 27 March 2027.
Celebrating 30 years since the musical premiered on Broadway, RENT will begin performances at the Duke of York’s Theatre (soon to be renamed The Tom Stoppard Theatre) on 26 September 2026 with an opening night on 8 October 2026.
Producers Chris Harper and Sonia Friedman said, “One of the greatest privileges of producing theatre is discovering and championing exceptional new talent, and that’s exactly what this extraordinary young company represents. This remarkable group of actors embodies everything that has made Jonathan Larson’s RENT so enduring: individuality, honesty, fearlessness and generosity of spirit.
Nearly thirty years after it first changed the landscape of musical theatre, RENT remains as vital, urgent and life-affirming as ever. Its story of love, friendship, community and resilience continues to speak powerfully to every new generation, which is why it felt so important that this production should be led by the voices, vitality and authenticity of the artists performing it today. We can’t wait for audiences to discover these exceptional performers and experience the thrilling chemistry they’ve created together as they honour Jonathan Larson’s extraordinary legacy.”
Travis Ross’ (Roger) theatre credits include the role of Bobby in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, Cake: The Marie Antoinette Playlist, 42 Balloons and West Side Story. On screen, Travis is due to appear in the upcoming Apple TV series The Wanted Man.
Bella Brown (Mimi) most recently starred as Rapunzel in Into The Woods at the Bridge Theatre. Her previous theatre credits include Mistress/Alternate Evita in Jamie Lloyd’s Evita at the London Palladium, for which she received a WhatsOnStage Award nomination for Best Supporting Performer in a Musical, Fate in Hadestown at the Lyric Theatre, and Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends at the Gielgud Theatre.
Billy Nevers (Collins) is currently playing the role of Simon/Alternate Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar at the London Palladium, having previously starred in the production at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. His further theatre credits include the roles of Aaron Burr and Lafayette/Jefferson for the first UK and Ireland tour of Hamilton, Fred in Groundhog Day at The Old Vic, Francois in &Juliet at the Shaftesbury Theatre, and Legally Blonde at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.
Lazy Violet (Maureen) is no stranger to the role, having previously starred as Maureen in Landmark Theatre’s production of RENT. Their other credits include Katherine Howard in SIX The Musical for Norwegian Cruise Line, the UK tour and at the Arts Theatre, and Laura in Public the Musical at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Danielle Fiamanya (Joanne) recently starred as Fiona MacLaren in Brigadoon at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, for which she received an Olivier Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical. Her other stage credits include Lily in Otherland at the Almeida Theatre, Second Witch in the UK tour of Macbeth alongside Ralph Fiennes and Indira Varma, May in The Secret Life of Bees at the Almeida Theatre, Winnie Mandela in Mandela at the Young Vic, the original West End cast of Frozen at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, the original West End cast of &Juliet at the Shaftesbury Theatre and Nettie in the Curve Theatre production of The Color Purple, for which she won the Stage Debut Award for Best Actress in a Musical.
Jeevan Braich (Angel) won the WhatsOnStage Award for Best Professional Debut and the Stage Debut Award for Best Performer in a Musical for his performance as Rusty in Starlight Express at the Troubadour Wembley, as well as being nominated for a Black British Theatre Award.
Joaquin Pedro Valdes’ (Benny) theatre credits include Herakles in The Frogs at Southwark Playhouse, Borough, Alfred Hitchcock Presents at the Theatre Royal Bath, The Lightning Thief at The Other Palace, The Baker’s Wife and Pacific Overtures both at the Menier Chocolate Factory, Death Note at the London Palladium and Lyric Theatre and the UK and Ireland tour of The Lion King.
Gaten Matarazzo (Mark) gained international recognition for playing Dustin Henderson in the Netflix drama series Stranger Things, winning a Screen Actors Guild Award for his performance. On stage he most recently appeared as Tobias in the critically acclaimed production of Sweeney Todd at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on Broadway. His other Broadway credits include Jared Kleinman in Dear Evan Hansen at the Music Box Theatre, Jesus in Godspell at Circle in the Square and Frankie Epps in Parade at New York City Center. He also appeared as Jack in Into the Woods at the Hollywood Bowl.
Set in New York’s East Village, RENT follows a group of young artists, musicians and friends, navigating love, ambition and creativity while trying to build lives on their own terms. Inspired by Puccini’s La Bohème, this iconic musical captures the joy, uncertainty and resilience of a generation determined to make every moment count. Featuring an unforgettable score and a story that continues to resonate, RENT is a powerful celebration of community, connection and a call to live every minute as if it were your last. No day but today.
RENT has music, lyrics and book by Jonathan Larson. Itis directed by Luke Sheppard with choreography by Tom Jackson Greaves. Set design is by David Woodhead, costume design by Gabriella Slade, lighting design by Howard Hudson, audio production and sound design by Paul Gatehouse, video design and cinematography by George Reeve and Nathan Amzi, make-up and hair design by Jackie Saundercock, UK Casting by Pearson Casting CSA, CDG, CDA and US Casting by Jim Carnahan CSA. The musical supervisor is Bill Sherman and the musical director and associate musical supervisor is Katy Richardson, the intimacy director is Asha Jennings-Grant, the associate director is Priya Patel Appleby and the dialect coach is Joe Trill.
This production of RENT will be produced in the West End by Chris Harper Productions, Sonia Friedman Productions, Winkler & Smalberg and Julie Larson in association with the Hope Mill Theatre.
RENT was originally produced on Broadway by Jeffrey Seller, Kevin McCollum, Allan S. Gordon, and the New York Theatre Workshop.
STAGE AND SCREEN STAR BRIAN CONLEY TO RETURN AS ‘DOC BROWN’
FOR THE FIRST EVER UK TOUR
OF
PLAYING MILTON KEYNES THEATRE TUESDAY 9 – SATURDAY 27 FEBRUARY 2027
Lead producer Colin Ingram, together with Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale, the creators of the Back To The Future film trilogy, are delighted to announce that stage and screen star Brian Conley will join the UK tour of BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical when the show plays Milton Keynes Theatre (9 – 27 February 2027), returning to the role of Doc Brown, a role he previously played to great acclaim in the West End. He stars alongside Australian talent Axel Duffy as Marty McFly.
Brian Conley said, “There’s something incredibly special about taking this production on the road and sharing the magic, and I’m looking forward to bringing it to Milton Keynes Theatre – it’s always wonderful to perform there. Whether you’re seeing BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical for the first time or returning for another ride, I promise you’re in for 1.21 gigawatts of fun. Great Scott! I can’t wait to fire up the DeLorean again!”
Brian Conley is no stranger to the role, having starred as Doc Brown in BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical at the Adelphi Theatre. His many other West End credits include Franklin Hart in 9 to 5 The Musical at the Savoy Theatre, Edna Turnblad in Hairspray at the Shaftesbury Theatre, Caractacus Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the London Palladium, the title role in Jolsonat the Victoria Palace, for which he was nominated for an Olivier Award, and Bill in Me and My Girl at the Adelphi Theatre. His touring credits include the title role in Barnum and Fagin in Oliver!. Brian’s TV credits include An Audience with Brian Conley, The Grimleys and The Brian Conley Show, as well as appearing a record eight times on The Royal Variety Performance. Most recently he was on screen as Tom ‘Rocky’ Cotton in BBC’s EastEnders.
Brian Conley will not be performing on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 February 2027.
Roger Bart will play the role of Doc Brown at the Bristol Hippodrome (8 October – 21 November 2026) and Edinburgh Playhouse (2 December 2026 – 2 January 2027). Further casting for the role of Doc Brown, and the remaining company, is to be announced.
BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical is a global success, with productions currently running in North America, Japan, Royal Caribbean Cruises and Germany, with a French production to follow. The show has been seen by over 5 million people worldwide so far. The critically acclaimed Olivier, WhatsOnStage and Broadway World Award-winning Best New Musical played its final performance in London’s West End on Sunday 12 April 2026 after 5 years at the Adelphi Theatre, where it broke box office records and was seen by over 2.3 million people.
Based on the Universal Pictures/Amblin Entertainment film, BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical has a book by Bob Gale and new music and lyrics by Emmy and Grammy Award-winning Alan Silvestri and six-time Grammy Award-winning Glen Ballard, with additional songs from the film including The Power of Love and Johnny B. Goode.
BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical is directed by Tony Award-winning director John Rando (Urinetown, On The Town), alongside the multi Tony and Olivier Award-winning design team of Tim Hatley (set and costume design), Chris Bailey (choreography), Chris Fisher (Illusions), Tim Lutkin and Hugh Vanstone (lighting), Gareth Owen (sound) and Finn Ross (video), with musical supervision and arrangements by Nick Finlow. Orchestrations are by Ethan Popp and Bryan Crook, with dance arrangements by David Chase. Casting is by David Grindrod CDG for Grindrod Burton Casting.
Back to the Future the movie was released in 1985, starring Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly and Christopher Lloyd as Dr Emmett Brown – last year marked the 40th anniversary of the film’s release. The film grossed $360.6 million (£279 million) at the box office worldwide and the total box office for all three films in the Back to the Future franchise was $936.6 million (over $1.8 billion in today’s money).
BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musicalis produced by Colin Ingram, Frankel/Viertel/Baruch/Routh Group, Playing Field, CJ ENM, Universal Theatrical Group, Fin C Gray, Evolution Productions, Nicholson Green Productions, Augury, Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale.
Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody Announces London Transfer and UK Cast
The musical parody of the hit TV series will play at Underbelly Soho in London this Autumn
West End starZheng Xi Yong and newcomer Joseph Dann will play the couple at the heart of the show Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov
The show debuted Off Broadway in May to great critical acclaim and will play at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe next month at Underbelly George Square
There will be three Saturday performances and two Sunday performances a week post opening
7th October – 1st November, Underbelly Soho
‘’The sharpest comedy’’ The Times|“MarcAurele has created something truly special here with mile-a-minute laughs. Funny as puck lyrics, nicely orchestrated catchy songs…all add up to a feel-good treat of a night out at the theatre ” The Queer Review
Fresh off its acclaimed off-Broadway debut and ahead of an eagerly awaited run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody – from the writer behind Fringe hit Pop Off, Michelangelo! Dylan MarcAurele – skates into London, landing at Underbelly Soho from 7th October to 1st November. Leading the cast as ice-hockey’s favourite fictional power couple are Your Lie in April’s Zheng Xi Yong, most recently seen in American Psycho at the Almeida, and newcomer Joseph Dann who will make his onstage professional debut.
Inspired by the hit TV series about the secret relationship between Major League hockey stars Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, a cast of five including ‘wine mom’ narrator Susan and a nightly scene-stealing cameo from characters like “Rose Landry” and “Ilya’s Ass” recreate the show’s main moments. Sporting a bop-infused score with songs such as ‘Big Ass, Cold Heart’ set toballet style hockey choreography, audiences will find themselves hot, bothered and transported back to the ice rink in a camp celebration of the passionate community the show has created.
Zheng Xi Yong — last seen in American Psycho at the Almeida Theatre and Your Lie in April at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane and the Harold Pinter Theatre — plays Shane Hollander, while newcomer Joseph Dann, fresh from his appearance in the National Film Award-winning Hunting Party, plays Ilya Rozanov in his onstage professional debut. Rounding out the cast as Ilya’s Dad and Shane’s Mom are Andrew Berlin (13 Going On 30, Manchester Opera House world premiere; Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 at the Donmar Warehouse; Oklahoma! West End) and Sylvie Stenson (Pop Off, Michelangelo! at the Edinburgh Fringe; Hamilton UK and Ireland tour) and May Tether (Heathers the Musical, Soho Place and Amazon Prime, Gypsy Hope Mill/Manchester/Grand Opera House) will play the show’s narrator Susan.
Dylan MarcAurele and Alan Kliffer said “We couldn’t be more excited to bring Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody to London this Autumn, and there’s nowhere better than Soho for it to be playing in the city. The reaction to our New York run has been incredible, and it’s been amazing to see how many people have connected with its heart and humour. We can’t wait to bring that same energy to the Edinburgh Fringe next month, and then to share it with London audiences at Underbelly Boulevard in October.’’
Ed Bartlam and Charlie Wood, Directors of Underbelly, said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody to Underbelly Soho for its London premiere. The show is a brilliant example of the bold, inventive and entertaining work we love to programme – combining sharp writing, original music and an infectious sense of fun. Following its success off-Broadway we’re excited to give London audiences the opportunity to experience this unique production and to continue showcasing the very best musical theatre at Underbelly Soho.”
Due to popular demand, there will be three performances on a Saturday post opening at 3pm, 7pm and 9.30pm and two on Sunday’s at 2pm and 6pm.
Based on the Game Changers novel series by Rachel Reid, Heated Rivalry became a cultural phenomenon when it premiered on HBO Max and Crave in November last year. Averaging 10.6 million viewers per episode in the US alone, the finale delivered more than four times the audience of the premiere week making it the most-watched scripted title acquired from another platform in HBO Max history. The show has since aired across the world including in the UK. Season 2 is due to air in April 2027.
Written by creator of 2024’s smash Fringe hit Pop Off, Michaelangelo! Dylan MarcAurele, Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody debuted Off Broadway at The Culture Club in March to great acclaim with its run already extended before opening night due to audience demand. It’s directed by Alan Kliffer, whose venue Asylum NYC debuted recent Olivier Award winner and Tony nominee Titanique.
Heated Rivalry is produced by Klif Entertainment with General Management by Wildpark Entertainment.
Dylan Marcaurele is a NYC-based writer and composer. Highlights: Jonathan Larson Grant Winner; Richard Rodgers Award; Dramatists Guild Foundation Fellow; NAMT Festival; 2x Frank Young Grant Winner; Manhattan School of Music Musical Theatre Lab Series; Drama Club Camp, 2x JMF Writers Grove at Goodspeed; Johnny Mercer Songwriters Project in Nashville. Book/Music/Lyrics: Pop Off, Michelangelo! (Underbelly Boulevard, London; The Other Palace; 2x Edinburgh Fringe Festival), MEG4N (2024 tour starring Rosé of RuPaul’s Drag Race), The Real Housewives of NYC: The Musical (featured on Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live), The Passion of the Labradoodle (in development). Music: Lewis Loves Clark (Rhinebeck Writers Retreat; Barn on Fire Residency; Village Theater Festival of New Musicals [WA]), Tea with G (ART NY; Theatre 555), The Land of Forgotten Toys (Greenhouse Theater, Chicago). Music/Lyrics: Miley Chase: The Science Ace (licensed by Concord Theatricals), “Say Bravo!” (sung by Andy Cohen and the cast of Vanderpump Rules at the Paris Theatre in Las Vegas).
Alan Kliffer is originally from Canada, and has been producing, writing, directing and teaching comedy for over twenty years. Kliffer was the Artistic Director at Asylum NYC Chelsea for five years, putting the theatre on the map as an NYC comedy hub. He subsequently served as the inaugural Artistic Director of The Second City New York. In addition, Kliffer has produced industry audition showcases for Saturday Night Live,The Tonight Show, and Just For Laughs, as well as award winning plays and musicals. Current productions include: (Palatable) Gay Robot, Don’t Stop I’m About To Jazz, Flop! The Fully Improvised Musical Fiasco and more.
Wildpark Entertainment is an award-winning production company creating work across the West End, on tour and internationally.Current productions include Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch (Edinburgh 2019 & 2022, Southwark Playhouse 2023, UK tour 2024, Lowry 2025, Sweden 2025, The Other Palace 2026), Murder She Didn’t Write (Duchess Theatre West End, UK tours, Australia and Cunard Cruise Line), Margaret Thatcher Queen of Hollywood (Edinburgh Fringe 2026) and Lovestuck: A New Comedy Musical (Stratford East).General Management and Executive Producer credits include I Was A Teenage She Devil (The Other Palace), Swag Age (Gillian Lynne West End), Footballers’ Wives the Musical (Assembly Edinburgh) and Scissorhandz: A Musical Reinvented (Southwark Playhouse Elephant). Wildpark’s founder and producer Laura Elmes is proud to sit on the board for the League of Independent Producers and the Local Theatre Touring Alliance.
Underbelly is a UK-based live entertainment company founded in 2000 by Ed Bartlam and Charlie Wood. The company produces and programmes acclaimed theatrical productions, live events, festivals and cultural experiences across the UK and internationally, often in site-specific and unconventional locations. Alongside ATG Productions, Underbelly is co-producer of the Olivier Award-winning Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club. Other recent productions include Macbeth alongside Wessex Grove starring Ralph Fiennes and Indira Varma, Nutcracker at the Tuff Nutt Jazz Club with The McOnie Company and Southbank Centre, Cabaret Royale in Charleston, and Tweedy’s Massive Circus. In 2023, the company opened its first permanent venue, Underbelly Boulevard Soho, in London’s West End. The venue presents a year-round programme of cabaret, comedy, circus, music and theatre, alongside free events and artist development initiatives. Artists appearing at the venue have included Steven Frayne, Flo & Joan, James Acaster, John Bishop, Dara Ó Briain, Michelle Wolf, Mason Alexander Park, Tim Key and Laura Benanti. As one of the leading producers at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe for over 25 years, Underbelly has presented landmark productions including Fleabag, SIX, My Son’s A Queer (But What Can You Do?), Kathy and Stella Solve a Murder!, Humans by Circa and work from Mischief Comedy. Underbelly also produces major festivals and events including Underbelly Festival, Christmas in Leicester Square and Skate Leicester Square, and has previously delivered large-scale public events including Pride in London, West End Live, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, Edinburgh’s Christmas, Dubai Expo and The Walk and the first ever swarm drone show as part of Hogmanay’s online celebrations in 2020. Since 2025, Underbelly is also the programming producer for Nevill Holt Festival in Leicestershire.
Beverley Klein, nominated for the 2025 Olivier Award for Best Supporting Performance in a Musical for her role as Yente in Fiddler on the Roof and previously seen as Fraulein Schneider in the award-winning West End production of Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, will play Rivka.
Southwark Playhouse Borough | 19 Oct – 21 Nov 2026 southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/memoriam/
Tangram Theatre Company announces the London premiere of Memoriam, a new play by British-Israeli playwright Noga Flaishon (whose work spans theatre, audio drama and interactive storytelling, including writing for the Doctor Who universe at Big Finish), directed by Daniel Goldman (Artistic Director of Tangram Theatre Company, whose previous productions include OFFIE Award-winning Thebes Land at the Arcola Theatre and The Rage of Narcissus at Pleasance Islington). The production runs at Southwark Playhouse Borough in The Large auditorium from 19 October to 21 November 2026.
Set in the near future, Memoriam imagines a world in which a tech company can extract, package and sell people’s memories as fully immersive VR experiences. Rachel is a buyer for the company – sharp, persuasive and good at her job. When her grandmother Rivka becomes the last living Holocaust survivor, Rachel sees both a professional opportunity and a profound responsibility: to preserve the most important memory the world may never otherwise keep. What begins as a proposition to her grandmother Rivka quickly unravels into a family conflict about ownership, legacy, ethics and what we owe the dead, as Rachel tries to secure Rivka’s memories for preservation. Sharply funny and deeply moving, the play asks who has the right to tell the stories of the past – and who gets to decide how they are remembered
Beverley Klein plays Rivka, Rachel’s grandmother and the last living Holocaust survivor, whose memories become the focus of a profound family conflict about legacy, ethics and ownership. Recently nominated for the 2025 Olivier Award for her performance as Yente in Fiddler on the Roof, Beverley has also appeared as Fraulein Schneider in the award-winning West End production of Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club. Across a career spanning more than 45 years, her stage credits include Indecent, Candide, Romeo and Juliet and the original cast of Les Misérables, with television appearances including Endeavour, Call the Midwife, Mr Selfridge and Inspector Morse.
Memoriam arrives at an urgent cultural moment. As the last Holocaust survivors age and die, the question is asked – what happens when living history turns into a story?. At the same time, growing debates around AI, data ownership and the commercialisation of personal experience make the play’s central conceit uncomfortably plausible. Recent studies have shown that Holocaust awareness among young Europeans is at a historic low. Memoriam finds a startling new way into one of the most important events of the twentieth century.
“Memoriam was written during the pandemic, but it was also shaped by seeing theatre productions of Jewish stories with no Jewish creatives, the endless stream of Holocaust media centred on gentile protagonists, and the casual appropriation of Holocaust imagery for unrelated causes – not to mention people posing for Instagram in death camps.
The Holocaust, as uncomfortable as it is to say, is immensely useful on the internet. Give any discussion long enough to run and, as per Godwin’s Law, someone will compare something to the Holocaust. It made me wonder whether the people who want our stories actually want to hear us tell them. As the Holocaust turns a lived memory into history, Memoriam asks what kind of story it will become – and who gets to tell it.
I chose to explore these questions through Science fiction, as it lets you push those fears to their limit. The humour of the play came almost accidentally, by writing the character with the voices I recognised from my family and community. Humour is an excellent way to deal with trauma… just ask any Jewish family. – Noga Flaishon, playwright
“My Grandma was a Holocaust survivor. She also loved theatre. She saw it as a space for debate, dialogue and understanding, an experience that made us better humans. With anti-Semitism and Holocaust misinformation on the rise, and AI seeping into our lives, it feels vitally important to be directing this deeply moving, very funny new play by Noga about how we remember and what we pass on to those we love.” Daniel Goldman, director
Memoriam was selected for the Royal Court Theatre’s Open Submissions Festival 2025 – one of five plays chosen from 3,000 applications – where it received a staged reading featuring Maureen Lipman. The play was shortlisted for the Papatango Playwriting Prize, long-listed for the Verity Bargate Playwriting Award in 2024, and named Runner Up in the Jewish Playwrights Prize 2025, which led to its world premiere production at Main Street Theatre in Houston, Texas.
“Noga Flaishon’s astonishing new play Memoriam was a real highlight of the Open Submissions Festival at the Royal Court last year. I’m still thinking about it – and therefore can’t wait to see it again, fully realised by Daniel Goldman, in a full production at Southwark Playhouse Borough.” – David Byrne, Artistic Director & CEO, Royal Court Theatre
The production will introduce a youth ticket initiative, making 40 tickets per night available to under-25s at £10 per ticket. A 2025 study by the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany found that a third of young adults aged 18-29 in the UK were unable to name Auschwitz or any Nazi concentration camp – with nearly a quarter of all UK respondents having encountered Holocaust denial or distortion on social media. (source – Guardian – Jan 25)The production hopes to ensure this vital story reaches the generation that needs it most.
WHO KILLED MARILYN? TO MAKE WORLD PREMIERE AT THE EMERALD THEATRE THIS SUMMER
FROM 15 AUGUST – 29 OCTOBER 2026
WRITTEN BY SHARLEEN COOPER COHEN DIRECTED BY PHILIP WM MCKINLEY
Producer Tegan Summer is today delighted to announce Who Killed Marilyn? a new play that investigates the mysterious circumstances surrounding Marilyn Monroe’s death, will make its world premiere at The Emerald Theatre for eleven weeks from Saturday 15 August to Thursday 29 October 2026. Tickets are available now from whokilledmarilyn.uk.
Who Killed Marilyn? is a bold new play that dares to challenge the most enduring myth surrounding one of the twentieth century’s most iconic women. Drawing on decades of documented evidence, conspiracy, and cover-up, the production presents a vivid and provocative re-examination of the life and death of Marilyn Monroe, placing her at the centre of a web of power, politics, and desire that reached the highest levels of American government and organised crime.
Who Killed Marilyn? restores Marilyn Monroe to her rightful place, not as victim, but as a woman of extraordinary intelligence, wit, and force, whose story has never been fully told. Until now.
Book writer Sharleen Cooper Cohen is the author of seven internationally published novels and three musicals, including An Officer and a Gentleman. She said:“My fascination with the real Marilyn Monroe has occupied me while writing this play. Marilyn’s persona spoke to me, and I have honoured that. I am thrilled to see my play, a validation of Marilyn Monroe, on the 100th anniversary of her birth. I am delighted to be working with Tegan Summer Theatricals at the gorgeous Emerald Theatre.”
Director Philip Wm. McKinley (Elf: The Musical, Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark)commented:“When Tegan Summer invited me to join forces with him and author Sharleen Cooper Cohen for the world premiere of the play exploring the mysterious death of Marilyn Monroe, I answered with a resounding and heartfelt “yes.” As a director captivated by Marilyn’s untold stories and determined to illuminate hidden truths, I am thrilled to bring a bold, investigative lens to unravelling the enigma at the heart of “Who Killed Marilyn Monroe.”
Producer Tegan Summer (Aspects of Love, For Black Boys…)added: “Marilyn Monroe has been with me for many years. Sharleen Cooper Cohen has finally told the story Marilyn was never allowed to tell, and in doing so has reopened a conversation the world closed too soon. When I read this play, I knew it had to be produced on the London stage. Under Philip McKinley’s direction, audiences will question everything they thought they knew about her. Who Killed Marilyn? changes the conversation.”
Joining book writer Sharleen Cooper Cohen and director Philip Wm. McKinley on the creative team are casting director Rob Kelly, set designer Justin Williams, costume designer Jasmine Swan, lighting designer Jack Weir, sound designer Christopher Reid,AV designer Libby Ward and wigs, hair & make-up designer JJ Wigs.
