The Real Kyle McCarren, playing at Forth at Pleasance Courtyard, has won Musical Theatre Review’s Best Musical Award at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026.
Stars to celebrate Stephen Sondheim with special candlelit concert
A group of leading Sondheim interpreters will appear alongside a company of 14 young, emerging Sondheim performers chosen from over 260 video submissions for the candlelit concert Colour & Light at St James’s Church Piccadilly on 21 November 2026.
Love Never Dies In Concert – London Palladium
Love Never Dies In Concert was reviewed at the London Palladium. Star rating: five stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Love Never Dies, long mocked as ‘Paint Never Dries’, has found in the concert format the rebirth its original staging never gave it.
The Notebook: A New Musical to open at the Judi Dench Theatre in 2027
The UK premiere of the new stage musical version of Nicholas Sparks’ much-loved debut novel The Notebook will be the first production to open at the newly renamed Judi Dench Theatre (currently the Shaftesbury Theatre) next spring.
The Pianist – Park Theatre
The Pianist continues at the Park Theatre, London until 28 November 2026. Star rating: five stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ The Pianist is an astounding work that will stick with its audience long after their journey home.
High School Musical – Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre
High School Musical continues at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, London until 3 January 2027. Star rating: five stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ What is most endearing is seeing these characters and songs that mean so much to their original audience resonate just as deeply with a younger generation.
Martin Guerre – The Old Vic
Martin Guerre continues at The Old Vic, London until 31 October 2026. Star rating: three stars ★ ★ ★ This version has grown up, matured and deserves to be welcomed.
Five Questions With: Shanay Holmes
Following acclaimed performances as Nancy in Oliver! and Miss Sherman in Fame the Musical, Shanay Holmes has released her debut studio album, ‘BECOMING’ today (16 October 2026).
Mamma Mia! – Milton Keynes Theatre and Touring
Mamma Mia! was reviewed at the Milton Keynes Theatre where it continues until 24 October 2026. The UK leg of the tour continues until 30 January 2027. Star rating: four stars ★ ★ ★ ★ It’s a thoroughly entertaining celebration of love, friendship and family.
Road to the big screen: Hadestown in cinemas
Musical Theatre Review’s Libby O’Connell attended a special screening of the filmed version of Anaïs Mitchell’s record-breaking West End production Hadestown: The Musical. Star rating: five stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Trafalgar Releasing officially gave theatre fans a new way into the Underworld on 13 October, as Hadestown: The Musical arrived in cinemas in a live capture […]
Jersey Boys – Playhouse Theatre, Edinburgh and Touring
Jersey Boys was reviewed at the Playhouse Theatre, Edinburgh where it continues until 17 October 2026. The tour continues until 21 August 2027. Star rating: four stars ★ ★ ★ ★ A remarkable show that leaves the audience with songs in their heads and smiles on their faces.
Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody – Underbelly Boulevard Soho
Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody continues at Underbelly Boulevard Soho, London until 1 November 2026. Star rating: four stars ★ ★ ★ ★ While this musical parody may be unauthorised, its tenacity, rudeness and smart adaptation of Tierney’s TV series make it a great ambassador for the show.
Cats – Theatre Royal Plymouth and Touring
Cats was reviewed at Theatre Royal, Plymouth where it continues until 17 October 2026. The tour continues until 19 June 2027. Star rating: three stars ★ ★ ★ Perhaps the best approach is to not analyse it too deeply, but instead have an open mind. You can then be captivated by the dancing and music with a sense of enjoyment that can’t really be explained.
