Huge crowds take in the sun and a dazzling array of acts as West End LIVE turns 21

Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 June 2026

WestEndLive.co.uk 

• Hailed as ‘Glastonbury for theatre lovers’, Europe’s largest free musical theatre festival returned to Trafalgar Square on Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 June
• The weekend featured over 60 performances from top shows from the West End and beyond
• Presenting this year’s event were Mathilde Barker, Shanay Holmes and Tobias Turley on Saturday, and Courtney Bowman and Tosh Wanogho-Maud on Sunday

MORE than 70,000 people gathered around Trafalgar Square for the West End LIVE weekend as the UK’s most unique free musical festival entered its 21st year. 

The event – featuring more than 60 shows including some of the most famous productions from across the West End and beyond – has now become a landmark of the theatrical year with theatre fans flocking from across the world to enjoy the musical menu. 

Productions ranged from established hits like Les Misérables, Mamma Mia! and Oliver! to new shows like the Olivier Award-winning Paddington The Musical and Into The Woods, and the yet-to-open Sinatra The Musical. Fans were also delighted by the unexpected, with performances from English National Opera and Showstopper! The Improvised Musical proving to be highlights of the weekend. The square and surrounding streets were packed from early on Saturday and Sunday as fans braved soaring temperatures into the high 20s to support London’s theatre scene. 

Launched in 2005, West End LIVE – presented by Official London Theatre (the not-for-profit ticketing platform run by the Society of London Theatre) and Westminster City Council – has established itself as an important curtain raiser not only for the amazing array of choice in West End’s theatreland, but also as a showcase for central London’s other attractions. 

Cllr Paul Swaddle, Leader of Westminster City Council, said: 

“West End LIVE is a curtain raiser for the capital and a showcase for the creative industries which support around 80,000 jobs in London.

“People travel from across the world to attend West End LIVE. It is a springboard for tourism with visitors heading into the West End to enjoy our galleries, museums, bars and restaurants.   

“In this 21st year it was great to once more put on this jewel in this creative crown with the Society of London Theatre and many generous sponsors. With a stellar line-up, once again it proved essential viewing for fans of West End theatre.”

VIP guests attending included not only the Lord Mayor of Westminster but even the Mayor of Phoenix, Arizona! 

Emma D’Souza MBE, Executive Director (Audiences & Commercial) at Society of London Theatre & UK Theatre, said:

“Each year, West End LIVE showcases the incredible breadth and quality of theatre on offer in the West End and beyond, and this year’s line-up has been one of our most exciting yet. From the multi-Olivier Award-winning Paddington The Musical to brand-new productions yet to open, including Sinatra The Musical and One Day, alongside many of the West End’s best-loved favourites, audiences have been delighted by the weekend’s spectacular performances.

“West End LIVE would not be possible without Westminster City Council, our sponsors, and all of the shows involved – we are incredibly grateful for their ongoing partnership and support.”

West End LIVE would not be possible without the ongoing commitment shown by Westminster City Council and Official London Theatre, with special thanks to Art of London, ATG Entertainment, Delfont Mackintosh Theatres, Gascoyne London, Heart of London Business Alliance, London Heritage Quarter, LW Theatres, and New West End Company. With the additional support of Conway, Criterion Theatre, Crowdguard, The Crown Estate, Disney on Stage, Lynne & Land Foundation, Mayor of London, Nederlander Theatres, Nimax Theatres, Nimbus, The Noël Coward Foundation, The Portman Estate, Regent Street and St James’s, Shaftesbury Capital, Theatre Royal Haymarket, Theatrical Rights Worldwide, Trafalgar Entertainment, and Veolia.   

Catch up on the weekend’s performances and exclusive backstage content on Official London Theatre’s YouTube and social media channels. 

WestEndLive.co.uk | X | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | YouTube 

TIM RICE AND ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER’S

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

STARRING SAM RYDER

TO OPEN MAJOR UK TOUR IN 2027
STARTING AT MANCHESTER PALACE THEATRE
ON 11 FEBRUARY 2027

FOLLOWING WEST END ENGAGEMENTS AT

THE LONDON PALLADIUM (NOW PLAYING – 5 SEP 2026)

THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE (16 OCT 2026 – 9 JAN 2027)

 uktour.jesuschristsuperstar.com
 

Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals is today delighted to announce Jesus Christ Superstar will tour the UK following the conclusion of its West End engagements at The London Palladium (now playing until Saturday 5 September 2026) and Theatre Royal Drury Lane (Friday 16 October 2026 to Saturday 9 January 2027). Sam Ryder brings his highly anticipated take on the iconic role of Jesus to theatres across the UK for the first time. The tour will begin at the Palace Theatre Manchester from Thursday 11 to Saturday 27 February 2027.

Following Manchester the production will go on to visit Cardiff (Wales Millennium Centre); Newcastle (Theatre Royal); Edinburgh (Playhouse); Oxford (New Theatre Oxford); Norwich (Norwich Theatre Royal); Southend (Cliffs Pavilion); Blackpool (Winter Gardens); Birmingham (Hippodrome); Belfast (Grand Opera House); Bradford (Alhambra); Nottingham (Theatre Royal); Woking (Theatre); Milton Keynes (Theatre); Plymouth (Theatre Royal Plymouth); Glasgow (King’s Theatre); Southampton (Mayflower Theatre); Sunderland (Empire); Liverpool (Empire); Aberdeen (His Majesty’s Theatre); Hull (New Theatre) and Bristol (Hippodrome).

Tickets for touring venues go on sale this week. For full details please see: uktour.jesuschristsuperstar.com

Producer Michael Harrison said
“We are absolutely delighted that Jesus Christ Superstar will embark on a major UK tour following the phenomenal response to this extraordinary new production. The tremendous buzz generated by Saturday night’s first performance at The London Palladium underlines just how special this iconic musical remains, and we are thrilled that audiences across the country will now have the opportunity to experience Tim Sheader’s visionary staging, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary score, and Sam Ryder’s electrifying performance.

This is fantastic news for touring theatre and audiences throughout the UK, ensuring that this remarkable production can be enjoyed by many more people following our seasons at The London Palladium and Theatre Royal Drury Lane.”

Full casting will be announced at a later date.

Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic global phenomenon is directed by Tim Sheader with choreography by Olivier Award-winner Drew McOnie and design by Tony and Olivier Award-winner Tom Scutt. Reuniting the creative team of the 2016 production to create a unique staging of their Olivier award-winning, worldwide smash-hit production. The production which was originally created and produced at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, heads out on a tour of the UK following an 11-week season at The London Palladium and a 12-week season at Theatre Royal Drury Lane.

Jesus Christ Superstar follows the events of the last days of the life of Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’, ‘Gethsemane’ and the iconic title number ‘Superstar’.

Originally released as an album, Jesus Christ Superstar opened on Broadway in 1971, at the Mark Hellinger Theatre, where it was nominated for five Tony Awards including Best Original Score. The original London production ran for over eight years. By the time it closed, after 3,358 performances, it had become the longest-running musical in West End history at that time. 

Joining Tim Sheader, choreographer Drew McOnie and designer Tom Scutt on the creative team are musical supervisor Tom Deering,lighting designer Lee Curran, sound designer Adam Fisher, wigs, hair and makeup designers Sam Cox & Maria Johal, fight director Kate Waters and casting directors Grindrod Burton Casting.

Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals’ recent productions include the smash hit double Olivier-Award winning Evita at The London Palladium last summer which transfers to Broadway in spring 2027, the seven-time Olivier-Award and three-time Tony-Award winning revival of SUNSET BLVD. and the award-winning Starlight Express, which will embark on a World Tour in spring 2027 after recently concluding its London run. They have just opened CATS: The Jellicle Ball on Broadway to huge critical acclaim and three Tony-Award wins; and this summer bring a brand-new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s global sensation CATS to Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre ahead of a major UK Tour.

Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals presents the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production by arrangement with LW Entertainment. 

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR UK TOUR 2027 LISTINGS

MANCHESTER, PALACE THEATRE
Thursday 11 – Saturday 27 February 2027
atgtickets.com/venues/palace-theatre-manchester

CARDIFF, WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE
Tuesday 2 – Saturday 13 March 2027
wmc.org.uk/en

NEWCASTLE, THEATRE ROYAL
Tuesday 16 – Saturday 27 March 2027
theatreroyal.co.uk

EDINBURGH, EDINBURGH PLAYHOUSE
Tuesday 30 March – Saturday 3 April 2027
atgtickets.com/Edinburgh

OXFORD, NEW THEATRE OXFORD
Tuesday 13 – Saturday 17 April 2027
atgtickets.com/venues/new-theatre-oxford

NORWICH, NORWICH THEATRE ROYAL
Tuesday 20 – Saturday 24 April 2027
norwichtheatre.org

SOUTHEND, CLIFFS PAVILION
Tuesday 27 April – Saturday 1 May 2027
thecliffspavilion.co.uk

BLACKPOOL, WINTER GARDENS
Tuesday 11 – Saturday 15 May 2027
wintergardensblackpool.co.uk

BIRMINGHAM, HIPPODROME
Tuesday 18 May – Saturday 5 June 2027
birminghamhippodrome.com

BELFAST, GRAND OPERA HOUSE
Tuesday 15 – Saturday 26 June 2027
goh.co.uk

BRADFORD, ALHAMBRA THEATRE
Tuesday 29 June – Saturday 3 July 2027
bradford-theatres.co.uk

NOTTINGHAM, THEATRE ROYAL
Tuesday 6 – Saturday 17 July 2027
trch.co.uk

WOKING, WOKING THEATRE
Tuesday 20 – Saturday 24 July 2027
atgtickets.com/Woking

MILTON KEYNES, MILTON KEYNES THEATRE
Tuesday 27 – Saturday 31 July 2027
atgtickets.com/MiltonKeynes

PLYMOUTH, THEATRE ROYAL PLYMOUTH
Tuesday 3 – Saturday 14 August 2027
theatreroyal.com

GLASGOW, KING’S THEATRE
Tuesday 17 – Saturday 28 August 2027
atgtickets.com/venues/kings-theatre-glasgow

SOUTHAMPTON, MAYFLOWER THEATRE
Wednesday 1 – Saturday 11 September 2027
mayflower.org.uk

SUNDERLAND, EMPIRE
Tuesday 14 – Saturday 18 September 2027
atgtickets.com/Sunderland

LIVERPOOL, EMPIRE
Tuesday 21 September – Saturday 2 October 2027
atgtickets.com/Liverpool

ABERDEEN, HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE
Tuesday 5 – Saturday 9 October 2027
aberdeenperformingarts.com

HULL, NEW THEATRE
Tuesday 12 – Saturday 16 October 2027
hulltheatres.co.uk

BRISTOL, HIPPODROME
Tuesday 19 – Saturday 23 October 2027
atgtickets.com/Bristol

NEW CAST ANNOUNCED
FOR THE MAJOR UK TOUR
OF THE WORLDWIDE SMASH HIT MUSICAL
MAMMA MIA!
TOURING UNTIL 2027

The sensational feel-good musical MAMMA MIA! whichis currently touring the UK announces new cast.

Joining the tour are Lauren Woolf (Rosie), Richard Taylor Woods (Sam Carmichael), Simon Victor (Bill Austin), Arvid Larsen (Harry Bright), Hazel Baldwin (Sophie Sheridan), Samuel George Downey (Sky), Rachel Seirian (Ali), Lex Richardson (Lisa), Ashton Sharp (Pepper) and Albert Green (Eddie).

Also joining the cast are Rubi-mai Bown, Georgia Gillam, Bethany Lythgoe, Sullivan Martin, Adam Stickler and Luke Stone.

Jenn Griffin (Donna Sheridan), Ashleigh Jones (Alternate Donna Sheridan), Sarah Earnshaw (Tanya) continue in their roles, alongside Richard Vorster (Father Alexander), Brook Blackford-Jenkins, James Brice, Aled Davies, Ryan Ebbrell, Marisa Harris, Jay Jobarteh, Sarah McFarlane, Rachel Oates, Megan Speirs and Maisy Wignall who complete the cast.

MAMMA MIA! is currently playing at Leeds Grand Theatre until 27June, where it continues to tour to Norwich Theatre Royal (30 June –11 July), Eastbourne Congress Theatre (14 –19 July), Bournemouth Pavillion Theatre (28 July – 2 August).

The new cast will join from King’s Theatre Glasgow (13 – 29 August) and play at SSE Arena Belfast (9 – 12 September 2026),  Sheffield Lyceum Theatre (15 – 26 September), Nottingham Royal Concert Hall (29 September – 10 October), Milton Keynes Theatre (13 – 24 October), Wolverhampton Grand Theatre (27 October – 7 November), Alhambra Theatre, Bradford (10 – 21 November), Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff (30 November – 5 December), Liverpool Empire (8 December 2026 – 3 January 2027), and Plymouth Theatre Royal (12 – 30 January 2027).

For more information and to book visit mamma-mia.com.

From West End to global phenomenon, MAMMA MIA! is Judy Craymer’s ingenious vision of staging the story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs with a sunny, funny tale of a mother, a daughter and three possible dads unfolding on a Greek island idyll.

Judy Craymer, Creator and Producer of MAMMA MIA!, said “I’m excited to welcome some new cast members into the MAMMA MIA! UK Tour family and can’t wait for them to join us on the journey, bringing their talent to these roles through until 2027. Our much-loved musical tells the story of a mother, a daughter and three possible dads, inspired by ABBA’s irresistible hits, and continues to delight audiences of all generations as they escape to our Greek island idyll.”

This irresistibly funny show has been thrilling audiences all around the world and now there’s never been a better time to see this unforgettable musical. Whatever age you are, you can’t help but have the time of your life at MAMMA MIA!

Now in its 28th year, MAMMA MIA! has been seen by over 11 million people and has played over 10,000 performances in London’s West End. The MAMMA MIA! International Tour has visited 42 countries in the past 20 years, performed more than 4,000 shows and has been seen by over 7.7 million people. MAMMA MIA! became the 9th longest running show in Broadway history where it played a record-breaking run for 14 years and returned to Broadway last summer playing at the Winter Garden Theatre. In 2011, it became the first Western musical ever to be staged in Mandarin in the People’s Republic of China. MAMMA MIA! has been seen live on stage by over 70 million people across the world and turned into two record-breaking movies.

Produced by Judy Craymer, MAMMA MIA! The Movie became the highest grossing live action musical film of all time upon its release in 2008. A second film, MAMMA MIA! HERE WE GO AGAIN, opened in July 2018 and became the most successful live musical movie sequel of all time. Both films starred Meryl Streep, Christine Baranski, Julie Walters, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgård, Amanda Seyfried and Dominic Cooper, with Lily James, Andy Garcia and Cher joining them in the second film.

With music & lyrics by Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus, MAMMA MIA! is written by Catherine Johnson, directed by Phyllida Lloyd and choreographed by Anthony Van Laast. The production is designed by Mark Thompson, with lighting design by Howard Harrison, sound design by Andrew Bruce & Bobby Aitken, and musical supervision, additional material & arrangements by Martin Koch.

The MAMMA MIA! UK Tour is produced by Judy Craymer, Richard East & Björn Ulvaeus for Littlestar in association with Universal Music Group and NGM.

DEAR DIARY…

GERARDINE SACDALAN IS 

VERONICA SAWYER

HEATHERS THE MUSICAL ANNOUNCES FULL

LONDON AND TOUR CASTING

It has just been announced on stage at West End Live that Gerardine Sacdalan will be playing the role of Veronica Sawyer in London and on the UK & Ireland tour of Heathers the Musical. Gerardine wowed audiences as Juliet in the UK tour of @Juliet with her performance earning a nomination for Best Professional Debut at last year’s WhatsonStage Awards.

She joins the previously announced Louis Hearsey (I Was a Teenage She-Devil) who will be playing Jason ‘J.D’ Dean, Liberty Stottor (Six the Musical) as the incomparable Heather Chandler, with Jessica Ibadin, making her professional debut, as Heather Duke and Lou Henry (Six the Musical) as Heather McNamara.

Also on the register are Veronica Carabai (Black Power Desk) as Ms. Fleming/ Veronica’s Mom, Sophie Manners(professional debut) as Martha Dunnstock, Markus Södergren (Here and Now – The Steps Musical)as Kurt Kelly, Beau Jackson(professional debut)as Ram Sweeney,John Gurdían (West End debut)as Ram’s Dad/Big Bud Dean/Coach Ripper, Reuben Browne (School of Rock) as Kurt’s Dad/Veronica’s Dad/Principal Gowan, with Christian De-Gallerie (Midnight) as Preppy Stud/Officer, Ellouise Delooze (The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical) as New Wave Party Girl, Caitlin Garcia (West End debut)as Drama Club Drama Queen, Alexander Howarth (West End debut) as Hipster Dork, Charlotte O’Rourke(Cruel Intentions The Musical) as Midwestern Surfer Punk, Thomas Oxley (Bonnie & Clyde) as Beleaguered Geek, Tola Sokoya(professional debut)as Young Republicanette and Carys Taylor(professional debut) as Stoner Chick.

Following record breaking seasons in London, New York and Melbourne, Heathers the Musical returns to London for 52 performances only this summer. Heathers will be the opening show at the Arts at Marble Arch, London’s newest theatre situated next to one of the capital’s most iconic landmarks, Marble Arch. The 594 seat semi-permanent theatre is the Arts Theatre’s temporary home while their current building undergoes a transformational upgrade. Heathers is at the Arts at Marble Arch from 9 July – 22 August. 

After its summer in the capital, audiences up and down the UK and Ireland will be able to join the Heathers as they head off on their Autumn 2026 and Spring 2027 tour. Westerberg High will open its doors at Windsor’s Theatre Royal on 26 August 

2026 before travelling to Leeds, Nottingham, Coventry, Darlington, Poole, Leicester, Peterborough, Sheffield, Blackpool, Cheltenham, Chichester, Dublin and Oxford in 2026.

Then in Spring 2027 class will resume in Hull, Liverpool, York, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Bradford, Chelmsford and Torquay, with further dates to be announced. 

Welcome to Westerberg High, where popularity is a matter of life and death, and Veronica Sawyer is just another of the nobodies dreaming of a better day.

But when she’s unexpectedly taken under the wings of the three beautiful and impossibly cruel Heathers, her dreams of popularity finally start to come true.

That is, until J.D., the mysterious teen rebel, turns up and teaches her that it might kill to be a nobody, but it’s murder being a somebody…

Based on the iconic 1989 cult film starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, Heathers first premiered in Los Angeles in 2013 to sold-out audiences before transferring to New York’s New World Stages in 2014. The show was reimagined for its 2018 London debut, featuring new songs and updated script.

With three smash-hit West End runs and three record-breaking UK and Ireland tours under its belt, Heathers has become a fan-favourite. It won the 2019 WhatsOnStage Award for Best New Musical and was filmed for streaming on The Roku Channel in 2022.

Heathers the Musical is also making its way across Australia and New Zealand this year, with stops in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Canberra, Perth, Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.

The current New York production at New World Stages opened in June 2025 to the largest advance in the venue’s history. Originally planned to run until 28 September 2025, the show has been extended to 6 September 2026 due to overwhelming demand. Looking ahead, Heathers the Musical will embark on a year-long tour across North America from Spring 2027. 

Heathers the Musical is directed by acclaimed American screen and stage director Andy Fickman, with choreography by Gary Lloyd, design by David Shields, lighting by Ben Cracknell, sound by Dan Samson, musical supervision by Jeremy Wootton and Will Joy and is produced by Bill Kenwright Ltd and Paul Taylor-Mills.

LISTINGS

BILL KENWRIGHT LTD & PAUL TAYLOR-MILLS PRESENT 

HEATHERS THE MUSICAL 

Book, Music and Lyrics Kevin Murphy & Laurence O’Keefe

Based on the film by Daniel Waters

Directed by Andy Fickman

Choreographer and AssociateDirector Gary Lloyd

Design by David Shields

Lighting Design by Ben Cracknell

Sound Design by Dan Samson

Music Supervisors Jeremy Wootton and Will Joy

www.heathersthemusical.com

LONDON

09 July – 22 August 2026

The Arts at Marble Arch

Performance schedule: 
W/C 6 July:                   Thursday and Friday 7.30pm 

                                     Saturday 2.30pm and 7.30pm

W/C 13 and 20 July:     Monday – Thursday 7.30pm

                                      Friday 4.30pm and 8pm 

                                       Saturday 2.30pm and 7.30pm 

From 27 July:                Monday – Saturday 7.30pm

                                      Wednesday and Saturday matinees 2.30pm 

Ticket Prices: From £25

Address: Marble Arch, London W1H 7DX

Website: heathersthemusical.com/London

AUTUMN 2026 TOUR DATES

Windsor Theatre Royal                                              theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk

Wed 26 – Sat 29 August

Leeds Grands Theatre                                                leedsheritagetheatres.com

Tues 1 – Sat 5 September

Nottingham Theatre Royal                                        trch.co.uk

Tues 8 – Sat 12 September

Coventry Belgrade Theatre                                       belgrade.co.uk

Tues 15 – Sat 19 September

Darlington Hippodrome                                             darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk

Tues 22 – Sat 26 September

Poole Lighthouse                                                        lighthousepoole.co.uk

Tues 29 September – Sat 3 October

Leicester Curve Theatre                                             curveonline.co.uk

Tues 6 – Sat 10 October

Peterborough New Theatre                                       newtheatre-peterborough.com

Tues 13 – Sat 17 October

Sheffield Lyceum Theatre                                          sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

Tues 20 – Sat 24 October

Blackpool Grand Theatre                                           blackpoolgrand.co.uk

Tues 27 – Sat 31 October

Cheltenham Everyman Theatre                                everymantheatre.org.uk

Tues 3 – Sat 7 November

Chichester Festival Theatre                                       cft.org.uk

Tue 10 – Sat 14 November

On sale 12 September

Dublin Bord Gais Energy Theatre                              bordgaisenergytheatre.ie

Tues 17 – 21 November

Oxford New Theatre                                                    atgtickets.com/Oxford

Tues 24 – Sat 28 November

SPRING 2027 TOUR DATES

Hull New Theatre                                                       hulltheatres.co.uk

Tues 16 – Sat 20 February 

Liverpool Empire                                                        atgtickets.com/Liverpool

Tues 23 – Sat 27 February

York Grand Opera House                                           atgtickets.com/York

Tues 9 – Sat 13 March

Birmingham The Alexandra                                       atgtickets.com/Birmingham

Tues 16 – Sat 20 March

Edinburgh Festival Theatre                                        capitaltheatres.com

Tues 23 – Sat 27 March

Glasgow King’s Theatre                                             atgtickets.com/Glasgow

Tues 30 March – Sat 3 April

Aberdeen His Majesty’s Theatre                               aberdeenperformingarts.com

Tues 6 – Sat 10 April

Bradford Alhambra Theatre                                      bradford-theatres.co.uk

Tue 13 – Sat 17 April

On sale 20 July

Chelmsford Theatre                                                   chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk

Tues 20 – Sat 24 April

Torquay Princess Theatre                                          atgtickets.com/Torquay

Tues 27 April – Sat 1 May

Age Recommendation: 14 years+

Socials:

HeatherstheMusicalUK (Instagram)

HeathersMusicalUK (Facebook) 

HeathersMusicalUK (TikTok)

#HowVery

Birmingham Repertory Theatre – until 21st June 2026

Reviewed by Emma Millward

4****

Bringing Zanib Mian’s much-loved children’s books to the stage, Planet Omar arrives at Birmingham Rep as a lively and engaging family production packed with humour, adventure and heart. While the show is firmly aimed at younger audiences, it also offers plenty for adults to enjoy, with entertaining storytelling and an important message about acceptance.

The story follows Omar, a British-Pakistani boy, as he navigates the challenges of family life, friendship and uncertainty after moving to a new house. Through his vivid imagination, ordinary situations become extraordinary adventures. At the centre of the production is an engaging performance from Justin Kendal-Sadiq as Omar, who captures the character’s curiosity with ease. Zoe Iqbal and Mustafa Chaudhry bring warmth and authenticity as Omar’s parents, creating a believable family dynamic at the heart of the story.

The wider cast takes on several roles throughout the production. Emaan Durrani deserves particular praise for the contrast between Maryam and the school bully Daniel. With little more than a change in posture, attitude and a hoodie, the transformation is so convincing that it genuinely feels like two different actors are playing the characters. Izzy Coward and Joanna Holden also bring frenetic energy and humour to their multiple roles.

Adapted for the stage by Asif Khan and directed by Sameena Hussain, the production moves with energy and confidence. Nikki Charlesworth’s set, costume and puppet design create a vibrant world that feels as though it has stepped straight from the pages of the books. The clever set transforms seamlessly between locations. The colourful costumes add character and personality, while Sam Osborne’s lighting design and Helen Skiera’s sound design help distinguish between reality and Omar’s fantasy world.

The puppetry is a standout feature. Omar’s little brother Esa is brought to life by a cleverly operated puppet. Full of personality and charm, Esa quickly becomes one of the most endearing characters on stage, drawing laughter and affection from the audience. Equally delightful is H2O, the orange dragon puppet, whose adorable appearance and expressive movements add an extra touch of magic to the production. The dancing food items in one of Omar’s hunger-induced fantasies were another playful highlight. I have never left a theatre craving pain au chocolat quite so much!

The cast works well together to create an entertaining experience. Some of the jokes lean towards toilet humour, but that is very much in keeping with the show’s target audience and generated plenty of laughter from younger theatre-goers. One particularly relatable moment comes when Esa becomes distracted at the mosque and attempts to get his mother’s attention by blowing a whistle. It was met with knowing smiles and nods from parents around the auditorium, many of whom appeared to recognise the behaviour all too well.

Beyond the fun and adventure, Planet Omar has an important message at its heart. Themes of friendship and the challenges of prejudice are handled with sensitivity and warmth. The first half occasionally feels slightly longer than necessary, with some scenes taking time to build momentum. However, the stronger second half brings the various storylines together and delivers an enjoyable and satisfying conclusion. Charming, colourful and thought-provoking, Planet Omar leaves audiences smiling while giving them plenty to think about long after the final curtain.

York Theatre Royal – until Saturday 20th June 2026

Reviewed by Michelle Richardson

4.5****

La Navet Bete has once again returned to York Theatre Royal, with their newest production, Oh Zeus!. I have been lucky enough to have seen their previous performances in York. They are a high-energy, physical comedy theatre company, formed in 2008 by three friends, Al Dunn, Matt Freeman and Nick Blunt, through a shared passion for physical theatre and clowning. They now have a long-standing creative partnership with director John Nicholson, which continues with this production.

Taking inspiration from Greek mythology, and in their own words, looking for the maddest thing a Greek god had ever done. Considering how bonkers Greek mythology is and put Le Navet Bete into the mix, you just know that a madcap performance awaits you.

The stability of Olympus is threatened by the proposed marriage between Zeus’s daughter, Hebe and a mere mortal Gregg, or as Zeus likes to call him, Greggs. Zeus hatches a plan to thwart this marriage, insisting that she marries her brother, ant the God of War, Ares instead. This is pretty twisted I know, but Zeus is married to his sister Hera, who is Hebe’s mother, and trust me it isn’t the worst thing you hear about the what the gods got up to. This attempt of sabotage leads to chain of slapstick lunacy, involving gods, mortals, fates and monsters, plus a member of the audience, in our case Pete.

Over 30 characters are played by Dunn, Freeman and Bunt, switching roles and costumes at breakneck speed, this is amazing to witness. You can always distinguish the separate characters with a change of accent, clothing and demeanour.

Dunn played Zeus wonderfully, a bit of a bumbling, narcissist idiot, who has a conscious somewhere inside. He isn’t afraid to show off his physique as Poseidon, in his silver budgie smugglers, and his outfit during the finale, I don’t want to give the game away and I will say no more, except he works out!

Freeman excels in his roles, with Cerebus and Moussaka — or is it Tzatziki, perhaps even Banana Split? — drawing some of the biggest laughs. His Hera is all glamour, with a flawless bob, oversized shades, a gold dress and attitude to spare, while Maria, the indifferent and inept receptionist, is another comic highlight. Freeman throws himself into each transformation, whether barely dressed or fully bewigged, using his long, slim legs and sharp sense of character to brilliant effect.

Bunt is endearingly almost ordinary as Gregg/Greggs, full of boyish charm. Then he transforms into Nestor, Zeus’s centaur servant. This topless, half-man, half-horse character has a habit of “messing” on stage, though he keeps a bag close at hand, and his unruly back legs provide plenty of laughs. He later becomes Hades, God of the Underworld, styled like a voodoo doctor.

Fi Russell’s set design was wonderfully inventive, shifting smoothly from Mount Olympus to a hotel and then to the underworld. The stage also offered plenty of entry and exit points, allowing the actors to dash off and reappear moments later in new roles. Russell’s superb costumes worked just as effectively, supporting the rapid changes throughout.

This is classic Le Navet Bete, but on steroids. Oh Zeus! isn’t your traditional tale from Greek mythology, it is wildly silly, chaotic, entirely bonkers and packed with mayhem, yet somehow perfectly controlled. It is a masterclass in physical comedy, with the same madcap spirit that made Blackadder, if you can remember that iconic television series, so memorable. The humour occasionally sails close to the wind, but that edge is part of what makes it so entertaining.

Oh Zeus! is another triumph for Le Navet Bete, and long may their success continue. A must for all fans of physical comedy. Make sure you get your tickets for this show, touring on selected dates until October.

STAR LINE UP OF KING HERODS ANNOUNCED FOR TIM RICE AND ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER’S

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
AT THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE 

MATT BOMER (16 – 31 Oct)
ROB BRYDON (2 – 7 Nov)
REECE SHEARSMITH (9 – 14 Nov)
BOB THE DRAG QUEEN (16 – 21 Nov)
MICHAEL BALL (23 Nov – 5 Dec)
SIMON RUSSELL BEALE (7 – 12 Dec)
OMID DJALILI (14 – 19 Dec)
LAYTON WILLIAMS (21 Dec – 2 Jan)

Joining Sam Ryder as Jesus
for a strictly limited season at Theatre Royal Drury Lane from
Friday 16 October 2026 to Saturday 9 January 2027

following summer season at The London Palladium from
Saturday 20 June to Saturday 5 September 2026

london.jesuschristsuperstar.com

Friday 19 June, London, 2pm: Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals is today thrilled to announce further casting for Jesus Christ Superstar at Theatre Royal Drury Lane this autumn. Joining Sam Ryder as Jesus are an all-star line-up of King Herods. They are Matt Bomer from 16 – 31 October; Rob Brydon from 2 – 7 November; Reece Shearsmith from 9 – 14 November; Bob The Drag Queen from 16 – 21 November; Michael Ball from 23 November – 5 December; Simon Russell Beale from 7 – 12 December; Omid Djalili from 14 – 19 December; and Layton Williams from 21 December 2026 to 2 January 2027, who returns to the stage having played 2 weeks at The London Palladium in August. One final King is to be announced for the final week of performances (4 to 9 January 2027).

Jesus Christ Superstar begins preview performances at The London Palladium this week and plays for 11 weeks from Saturday 20 June to Saturday 5 September 2026 with an opening night scheduled for 7 July. The production has extended performances for a limited 12-week engagement at Theatre Royal Drury Lane from Friday 16 October 2026 to Saturday 9 January 2027. Tickets are available via london.jesuschristsuperstar.com.

Matt Bomer is a Golden Globe Award-winning, Emmy Award-nominated actor. He is known for his role as charismatic con artist Neal Caffrey in the hit series White Collar, and for his acclaimed performance in Fellow Travelers. His theatre work includes the Broadway production of The Boys in the Band. Jesus Christ Superstar marks Bomer’s West End debut. 

Rob Brydon MBE is an Award-winning actor, comedian and presenter. He is best known for his role as Uncle Bryn in Gavin and Stacey and as host of the comedy panel show Would I Lie to You? He has also starred alongside Steve Coogan in the celebrated series The Trip.

Reece Shearsmith is a BAFTA Award-winning actor, writer and comedian, best known as a member of The League of Gentlemen. He co-created and starred in Psychoville and the nine-series BAFTA Award-winning anthology Inside No. 9. His stage credits include Ghost Stories and the stage adaptation of Inside No. 9 – Stage/Fright.

Bob The Drag Queen / Caldwell Tidicue is an Award-winning comedian, actor and drag performer. Best known for winning Season 8 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, where he was crowned America’s Next Drag Superstar. He co-hosts HBO’s We’re Here and the acclaimed podcast Sibling Rivalry with Monét X Change. Bob made his Broadway debut earlier this year as Harold Zidler in Moulin Rouge! The Musical.

Michael Ball OBE is a double Olivier Award-winning singer, actor and broadcaster. He won the Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his performances as Edna Turnblad in Hairspray and in the title role of Sweeney Todd. He originated the role of Marius in Les Misérables and Alex in Aspects of Love, the latter of which he also performed on Broadway.

Sir Simon Russell Beale is one of the UK’s most distinguished actors, with three Olivier Awards, two BAFTAs, one Tony Award and a knighthood for services to drama to his name. His screen work includes: The Death of Stalin, Mary Queen of Scots and The Choral.

Omid Djalili is an Award-winning comedian and actor. His film credits include Gladiator, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again and The Mummy. His theatre work includes starring as Fagin in Oliver! at Theatre Royal Drury Lane. 

Layton Williams is an Olivier Award-winning and Tony Award-nominated actor, singer and dancer, celebrated for his performances in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Cabaret and Titanique, the latter earning him an Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical in 2025 and a Tony Award-nomination in 2026. He is also widely known for reaching the final of Strictly Come Dancing and for his role as Stephen in TV series Bad Education.

Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic global phenomenon is directed by Tim Sheader with choreography by Olivier Award-winner Drew McOnie and design by Tony and Olivier Award-winner Tom Scutt. This reunites the creative team of the 2016 production 10 years on to create a unique staging of their Olivier award-winning, worldwide smash-hit production. The production which was originally created and produced at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, will play a limited 11-week season at The London Palladium followed by a 12-week season at Theatre Royal Drury Lane.

Jesus Christ Superstar follows the events of the last days of the life of Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’, ‘Gethsemane’ and the iconic title number ‘Superstar’.

Originally released as an album, Jesus Christ Superstar opened on Broadway in 1971, at the Mark Hellinger Theatre, where it was nominated for five Tony Awards including Best Original Score. The original London production ran for over eight years. By the time it closed, after 3,358 performances, it had become the longest-running musical in West End history at that time. 

Sam Ryder’s brand-new recordings of Gethsemane and What’s The Buzz? are now available to listen to on all streaming platforms. With lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, the record was produced by music legend Fraser T. Smith (Adele, Raye, Dave) alongside Andrew Lloyd Webber and Sam Ryder, recorded live to tape at British Grove Studios earlier this year.

Joining director Tim Sheader, choreographer Drew McOnie and designer Tom Scutt on the creative team are musical supervisor Tom Deering,lighting designer Lee Curran, sound designer Adam Fisher, wigs, hair and makeup designers Sam Cox & Maria Johal, fight director Kate Waters and casting directors Grindrod Burton Casting.

Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals’ recent productions include the smash hit double Olivier-Award winning Evita at The London Palladium last summer which transfers to Broadway in spring 2027, the seven-time Olivier-Award and three-time Tony-Award winning revival of SUNSET BLVD. and the award-winning Starlight Express, which will embark on a World Tour in spring 2027 after recently concluding its London run. They have just opened CATS: The Jellicle Ball on Broadway to huge critical acclaim and three Tony-Award wins; and this summer bring a brand-new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s global sensation CATS to Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre ahead of a major UK Tour.

Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals presents the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production by arrangement with LW Entertainment. 

EUROPEAN PREMIERE OF NEW MUSICAL

“PRIVATE JONES”

TO RUN AT

SOUTHWARK PLAYHOUSE ELEPHANT

FOR A LIMITED ENGAGEMENT FROM

14 DECEMBER 2026 – 30 JANUARY 2027

Seth A. Goldstein and Isaac Robert Hurwitz of Hugo Six in association with Thomas Hopkins Productions are delighted to announce that the European Premiere production of new musical PRIVATE JONES will run at Southwark Playhouse Elephant from 14 December 2026 – 30 January 2027 with a national press night on 17 December 2026.

Tickets on sale now.Casting to be announced.

PRIVATE JONES is a thrillingly theatrical, completely original new musical set in WW1 about the journeys that transform us and the friendships that remind us we’re not meant to go it alone. 

Gomer Jones is restless to find where he belongs, but the recent loss of his hearing has left him feeling shut out of the world he longs to join. Amid a company of misfit young men, he becomes an unlikely hero, only to discover that the prize he’s been chasing may not be the one that matters. 

A coming-of-age story told with grit, heart, and a touch of irreverence, PRIVATE JONES is written and directed by acclaimed creative, Marshall Pailet (Marcel and the Train, Who’s Your Baghdaddy), with choreography by Misha Shields (Who’s Your Baghdaddy); artistic sign language direction by Alexandria Wailes (CODA film); music direction by Máth Roberts (Merrily We Roll Along, Oxford Playhouse); set design by Anna Kelsey (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Ambassadors Theatre); lighting design by Tim Deiling (Ride The Cyclone, Southwark Playhouse Elephant); sound design by Yvonne Gilbert (The Code, Southwark Playhouse Elephant); video design by Ben Glover (Little Shop of Horrors, Northern Stage and Derby Theatre); associate direction by Alice Eklund (The Last Five Years, Porters Theatre Cardiff); casting direction by Rob Kelly (Hadestown, Lyric Theatre West End); BSL direction by Daryl Jackson (The Rule And The Exception, Young Vic); Welsh language consultancy by Lowri Morgan (S4C presenter); music consultancy by Myrna Conn (Death Becomes Her, Broadway); production management by Sam Kelly (Manic Street Creature, Kiln Theatre) and dramaturgy Jac Moore (Associate Director of New Work Development at The Public Theater).

The production, which weaves together sign language, live captioning, a Foley soundscape, and a sweeping original score, will feature a cast of hearing, hard-of-hearing, and deaf performers – to be announced

Marshall Pailet said “Private Jones is a full-hearted, heart-pounding, and hopefully pretty funny story about valuing life inside a world where lives are stripped for value. It has been the joy of my life to collaborate with so many talented and passionate artists in its creation, especially Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Welsh-speaking artists, in the attempt to create a storytelling that feels authentic in its use of language and representation of culture, and one that is fully accessible to all audiences. Every time I spend time with it, it fills my heart, breaks it a little bit, then puts it back together stronger. I hope you love it as much as I do. And if you don’t, please tell my bubby you loved it, I’m still trying to convince her I can do this for a living.”

PRIVATE JONES has been in development since 2021 and was first presented in October 2023 at Goodspeed Musicals in Chester, Connecticut. The February 2024 World Premiere production at Signature Theatre in Arlington, Virgina won four Helen Hayes Awards including Outstanding New Musical. The musical has since been reworked with consultation and input from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff, Wales where it was workshopped in 2025.

PRIVATE JONES is produced by Hugo Six in association with Thomas Hopkins Productions.

Website: privatejonesmusical.com

Instagram: @privatejonesmusical

TikTok: @privatejonesmusical

Facebook: @privatejonesmusical

X: @privatejmusical

LISTINGS INFORMATION

PRIVATE JONES

14 December 2026 – 30 January 2027

Preview performances 14 – 16 December

Southwark Playhouse Elephant

1 Dante Place,

London,

SE11 4RX

How to get to Elephant Venue: the nearest stations are Elephant & Castle and Kennington.

Performances:

Monday – Saturday 7pm

Thursday & Saturday 2.30pm

Please note there will be no performances on the Thursday 24 December, Friday 25 December, Thursday 31 December & Friday 1 January. Additional performances are available on Tuesday 22 December, Wednesday 23 December, Tuesday 29 December, Wednesday 30 December & Tuesday 05 January at 2:30pm.

Captioned performance – Open captions are available at every performance

Running time: 2 hours and 30 minutes including 15-minute interval

Age guidance: 15+

Content Guidance: This show is recommended for mature teens and up and has strong language, derogatory and ableist terms, gunshot/explosive sounds, depictions of war and death, harm to animals and will use strobe lights and theatrical haze.

Box Office

020 7407 0234

Box Office opens Mon – Sat, 10am – 6pm.

Tickets

Off Peak Standard tickets from £20 | Off Peak Concession tickets £16 | Pioneers Preview tickets from £10 | Preview tickets from £16

PRIVATE JONES was originally conceived, developed and produced at GOODSPEED MUSICALS

Donna Lynn Hilton, Artistic Director; David B. Byrd, Managing Director.

World Premiere Produced at Signature Theatre, Arlington, Virginia, February 2024.

Matthew Gardiner, Artistic Director; Maggie Boland, Managing Director.

ASHCON RAHMANI AND REBECCA TREHEARN

TO PLAY JAMIE AND MARGARET NEW IN

EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE

10^TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR

FROM JANUARY 2027

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is pleased to announce that Ashcon Rahmani and Rebecca Trehearn will be playing the much-loved roles of Jamie and Margaret New for the 10^th Anniversary tour commencing in January 2027.  Following a record-breaking three-year West End residency, two sold-out UK & Ireland Tours and Amazon Studios award-winning film, the smash-hit critically acclaimed musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie will feature a brand-new song from Dan Gillespie Sells and Tom MacRae.  The tour will open in Leeds 10 years after the original opening at the Sheffield Crucible prior to the West End, national tours and playing across the world including USA, Korea, Japan and Italy. Jamie is coming home to the UK again for possibly the last time.

The 10^th Anniversary tour of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie opens at Leeds Grand Theatre on 15 January 2027 before visiting Chester, Shrewsbury, Sunderland, Edinburgh, Wolverhampton, Wycombe, Sheffield, Manchester, Wimbledon, Liverpool, Truro, Eastbourne, Glasgow, Southampton, Cheltenham, Birmingham, Aylesbury, Cardiff, Nottingham, Oxford, Woking, Bradford and Newcastle.

Nica Burns, Producer,said “We are absolutely delighted to be celebrating the tenth anniversary of this joyous contemporary musical, Everybody’s Talking AboutJamie which has been such a success all over the world. Ashcon Rahmani making his stage debut as Jamie is a three-strike talent – he can act, sing and dance – and is real find.  Rebecca Trehearn as his mother Margaret is a much-loved staple of the West End.  We are so lucky to have these talented players in the central roles of mother and son.”

Jonathan Butterell, Director, said “We could not be more thrilled and delighted to celebrate the announcement of our 10th Anniversary tour with Ashcon and Rebecca as Jamie and Margaret. Our story tells of the courage of a glorious 16-year-old stepping out into the world. How fitting that this is Ashcon’s debut and he will be held in the arms of the extraordinary Rebecca Trehearn. We are so excited to send them off together on their journey around the country spreading the joy of our show.”

Ashcon Rahmani said “I am beyond thrilled to be making my professional debut playing Jamie in the 10th Anniversary tour of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. I grew up with this show, it was the representation I needed as a young queer boy from the north of England to know this could all be possible for me one day, so to step into those stilettoes and become the representation I once had is truly a dream come true. Jamie is iconic and I feel incredibly grateful and excited to start this journey and be sharing the stage with the wonderful Rebecca Trehearn playing my onstage mum.”

Rebecca Trehearn said “I’m thrilled to be joining the UK tour cast of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie to play Margaret, and to be reuniting with a creative team I adore. The relationship between Margaret and Jamie is truly special and I’m so looking forward to performing alongside Ashcon and the rest of the company. The musical’s celebration of courage, acceptance and being unapologetically yourself feels as relevant now as it did 10 years ago and I can’t wait to be part of this beautiful and uplifting show.”

Ashcon Rahmani, originally from Rotherham, is a recent graduate of The Urdang Academy.

After training extensively in musical theatre for the past 6 years, he is thrilled to be making his professional debut as Jamie New in the 10th anniversary production of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.

Rebecca Trehearn is an Olivier Award-winning actress. Her extensive theatre credits include Aunt Betty in Ballad Lines (Southwark Playhouse); Gertrude Lawrence in Noel and Gertie (The Mayflower Theatre Trust); Beverly in Indigo (Curve Theare, Leicester); Kath Starr in Becoming Nancy (Birmingham Rep); Mrs Cratchit in A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story (Nottingham Playhouse/Alexandra Palace); The Queen in Cinderella (Gillian Lynne Theatre); Donna/Oolie in City Of Angels (Garrick Theatre/Donmar Warehouse); Belle in A Christmas Carol (Old Vic), Lilli/Kate in Kiss Me, Kate (Watermill, Newbury); Rebecca Hershkovitz in Rags (Hope Mill Theatre); Charity in Sweet Charity (Nottingham Playhouse); Fantine in Les Misérables (Pimlico Opera); Charlotte Goetz in Diary of a Teenage Girl (Southwark Playhouse); Mother in The Night Before Christmas (Salisbury Playhouse); Belinda Fezziwig in A Little of What You Fancy (Salisbury Playhouse); Nellie Collins in Floyd Collins (Wilton’s Music Hall); Julie in Showboat (Sheffield Theatres, Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical); Marcy in Dogfight (Southwark Playhouse); Molly in Ghost (UK National Tour); Martirio in Bernarda Alba (Union Theatre); u/s Jenny Cavilleri in Love Story (Duchess); u/s Rose Vibert in Aspects Of Love (Menier Chocolate Factory); Dirty Dancing (Aldwych); u/s Meat/Killer Queen in We Will Rock You (Dominion); Annie in Alfie the Musical (Palace Theatre, Watford).

Television And Film credits include : Cheryl in Pobol Y Cwm (BBC Wales); Peggy Roberts in The Nan Movie (Great Point Media); Karen McKay in Dim Ond Y Gwir (S4C); Carla Hewson in Casualty (BBC); Angharad in A470 (S4C). Audio work includes: The Warrior’s Princess (2020 recordings); Whispers Of A Scandal (The Audiobook Producers); Violets (Granta); Drift (Penguin Random House UK); Anna in Torchwood: Thirst Trap (Big Finish).

Jamie New is sixteen and lives on a council estate in Sheffield.

Jamie doesn’t quite fit in.

Jamie is terrified about the future.

Jamie is going to be a sensation.

Supported by his brilliant loving mum (Rebecca Trehearn) and surrounded by his friends, Jamie (Ashcon Rahmani) overcomes prejudice, beats the bullies and steps out of the darkness, into the spotlight.

This ‘Funny, outrageous, touching’ (Daily Telegraph), musical sensation is to be experienced by all the family and not to be missed! With an original score of catchy pop tunes that will ‘blow the roof off the Theatre’ (Mail on Sunday) by lead singer-songwriter of The Feeling, Dan Gillespie Sells and writer Tom MacRae (Doctor Who), this ‘Sparkling coming-of-age musical’ (The Times) will have everybody talking about Jamie for years to come. Sixteen: the edge of possibility. 

Time to make your dreams come true

★★★★★

Time Out, The Stage, WhatsOnStage, The Times, Financial Times, The Independent

Music by Dan Gillespie Sells

Book and Lyrics by Tom MacRae

From an idea by Jonathan Butterell

Directed by Jonathan Butterell

Tour directed by Matt Ryan

Design by Anna Fleischle

Choreography by Kate Prince

Lighting design by Lucy Carter

Sound design by Paul Groothuis

Musical Supervision by Theo Jamieson

Casting by Will Burton

Facebook and Instagram:      Jamie Musical

HEATHER, HEATHER AND HEATHER…

HEATHERS THE MUSICAL ANNOUNCES 

LONDON AND TOUR CASTING

Producers Bill Kenwright Ltd and Paul Taylor-Mills are delighted to announce Westerberg High’s Class of 2026!

Casting for Veronica Sawyer will be revealed at West End Live at 2.55pm on Sunday 21 June. Louis Hearsey (I Was a Teenage She-Devil) will play Jason ‘J.D.’ Dean.

Liberty Stottor (Six the Musical) leads the trio of Heathers as the incomparable Heather Chandler, with Jessica Ibadin, making her professional debut, as Heather Duke and Lou Henry (Six the Musical) as Heather McNamara.

Also on the register are Veronica Carabai (Black Power Desk) as Ms. Fleming/Veronica’s Mom, Sophie Manners(professional debut) as Martha Dunnstock, Markus Södergren (Here and Now – The Steps Musical) as Kurt Kelly, Beau Jackson(professional debut)as Ram Sweeney, Reuben Browne (School of Rock) as Kurt’s Dad/Veronica’s Dad/Principal Gowan, with Christian De-Gallerie (Midnight) as Preppy Stud/Officer, Ellouise Delooze (The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical) as New Wave Party Girl, Caitlin Garcia (West End debut)as Drama Club Drama Queen, Alexander Howarth (West End debut) as Hipster Dork, Charlotte O’Rourke(Cruel Intentions The Musical) as Midwestern Surfer Punk, Thomas Oxley (Bonnie & Clyde) as Beleaguered Geek, Tola Sokoya (We Will Rock You) as Young Republicanette and Carys Taylor(professional debut) as Stoner Chick.

Following record breaking seasons in London, New York and Melbourne, Heathers the Musical returns to London for 52 performances only this summer. Heathers will be the opening show at the Arts at Marble Arch, London’s newest theatre situated next to one of the capital’s most iconic landmarks, Marble Arch. The 594 seat semi-permanent theatre is the Arts Theatre’s temporary home while their current building undergoes a transformational upgrade. Heathers is at the Arts at Marble Arch from 9 July – 22 August. 

After its summer in the capital, audiences up and down the UK and Ireland will be able to join the Heathers as they head off on their Autumn 2026 and Spring 2027 tour. Westerberg High will open its doors at Windsor’s Theatre Royal on 26 August 

2026 before travelling to Leeds, Nottingham, Coventry, Darlington, Poole, Leicester, Peterborough, Sheffield, Blackpool, Cheltenham, Chichester, Dublin and Oxford in 2026.

Then in Spring 2027 class will resume in Hull, Liverpool, York, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Bradford, Chelmsford and Torquay, with further dates to be announced. 

Welcome to Westerberg High, where popularity is a matter of life and death, and Veronica Sawyer is just another of the nobodies dreaming of a better day.

But when she’s unexpectedly taken under the wings of the three beautiful and impossibly cruel Heathers, her dreams of popularity finally start to come true.

That is, until J.D., the mysterious teen rebel, turns up and teaches her that it might kill to be a nobody, but it’s murder being a somebody…

Based on the iconic 1989 cult film starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, Heathers first premiered in Los Angeles in 2013 to sold-out audiences before transferring to New York’s New World Stages in 2014. The show was reimagined for its 2018 London debut, featuring new songs and updated script.

With three smash-hit West End runs and three record-breaking UK and Ireland tours under its belt, Heathers has become a fan-favourite. It won the 2019 WhatsOnStage Award for Best New Musical and was filmed for streaming on The Roku Channel in 2022.

Heathers the Musical is also making its way across Australia and New Zealand this year, with stops in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Canberra, Perth, Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.

The current New York production at New World Stages opened in June 2025 to the largest advance in the venue’s history. Originally planned to run until 28 September 2025, the show has been extended to 6 September 2026 due to overwhelming demand. Looking ahead, Heathers the Musical will embark on a year-long tour across North America from Spring 2027. 

Heathers the Musical is directed by acclaimed American screen and stage director Andy Fickman, with choreography by Gary Lloyd, design by David Shields, lighting by Ben Cracknell, sound by Dan Samson,musical supervision by Jeremy Wootton and Will Joy and is produced by Bill Kenwright Ltd and Paul Taylor-Mills.

LISTINGS

BILL KENWRIGHT LTD & PAUL TAYLOR-MILLS PRESENT 

HEATHERS THE MUSICAL 

Book, Music and Lyrics Kevin Murphy & Laurence O’Keefe

Based on the film by Daniel Waters

Directed by Andy Fickman

Choreographer and AssociateDirector Gary Lloyd

Design by David Shields

Lighting Design by Ben Cracknell

Sound Design by Dan Samson

Music Supervisors Jeremy Wootton and Will Joy

www.heathersthemusical.com

LONDON

09 July – 22 August 2026

The Arts at Marble Arch

Performance schedule: 
W/C 6 July:                   Thursday and Friday 7.30pm 

                                     Saturday 2.30pm and 7.30pm

W/C 13 and 20 July:    Monday – Thursday 7.30pm

                                        Friday 4.30pm and 8pm 

                                       Saturday 2.30pm and 7.30pm 

From 27 July:                Monday – Saturday 7.30pm

                                      Wednesday and Saturday matinees 2.30pm 

Ticket Prices: From £25

Address: Marble Arch, London W1H 7DX

Website: heathersthemusical.com/London

AUTUMN 2026 TOUR DATES

Windsor Theatre Royal                                          theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk

Wed 26 – Sat 29 August

Leeds Grands Theatre                                                leedsheritagetheatres.com

Tues 1 – Sat 5 September

Nottingham Theatre Royal                                        trch.co.uk

Tues 8 – Sat 12 September

Coventry Belgrade Theatre                                       belgrade.co.uk

Tues 15 – Sat 19 September

Darlington Hippodrome                                             darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk

Tues 22 – Sat 26 September

Poole Lighthouse                                                        lighthousepoole.co.uk

Tues 29 September – Sat 3 October

Leicester Curve Theatre                                             curveonline.co.uk

Tues 6 – Sat 10 October

Peterborough New Theatre                                       newtheatre-peterborough.com

Tues 13 – Sat 17 October

Sheffield Lyceum Theatre                                          sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

Tues 20 – Sat 24 October

Blackpool Grand Theatre                                           blackpoolgrand.co.uk

Tues 27 – Sat 31 October

Cheltenham Everyman Theatre                                everymantheatre.org.uk

Tues 3 – Sat 7 November

Chichester Festival Theatre                                   cft.org.uk

Tue 10 – Sat 14 November

On sale 12 September

Dublin Bord Gais Energy Theatre                             bordgaisenergytheatre.ie

Tues 17 – 21 November

Oxford New Theatre                                                     atgtickets.com/Oxford

Tues 24 – Sat 28 November

SPRING 2027 TOUR DATES

Hull New Theatre                                                       hulltheatres.co.uk

Tues 16 – Sat 20 February 

Liverpool Empire                                                        atgtickets.com/Liverpool

Tues 23 – Sat 27 February

York Grand Opera House                                           atgtickets.com/York

Tues 9 – Sat 13 March

Birmingham The Alexandra                                       atgtickets.com/Birmingham

Tues 16 – Sat 20 March

Edinburgh Festival Theatre                                        capitaltheatres.com

Tues 23 – Sat 27 March

Glasgow King’s Theatre                                             atgtickets.com/Glasgow

Tues 30 March – Sat 3 April

Aberdeen His Majesty’s Theatre                             aberdeenperformingarts.com

Tues 6 – Sat 10 April

Bradford Alhambra Theatre                                   bradford-theatres.co.uk

Tue 13 – Sat 17 April

On sale 20 July

Chelmsford Theatre                                                  chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk

Tues 20 – Sat 24 April

Torquay Princess Theatre                                           atgtickets.com/Torquay

Tues 27 April – Sat 1 May

Age Recommendation: 14 years+