You can’t get more comprehensive than this, here’s a preview of all the 2018 musical theatre openings we know about so far in the West End, on the London Fringe and across the UK.
Shirley Henderson and Michael Shaeffer in Girl From the North Country. Picture: Manuel Harlan
JANUARY
Girl From the North Country – Noel Coward Theatre, London
The Old Vic’s critically-acclaimed world premiere production of Girl From the North Country transfers to the West End for a strictly limited season. Written and directed by multi award-winning playwright Conor McPherson (The Seafarer, The Weir) and featuring the songs of Bob Dylan, the production features a 20-strong company of actors and musicians. The press night will be at the Noel Coward Theatre on 11 January and the season will run until Saturday 31 March. The cast includes Sheila Atim, Ron Cook, Bronagh Gallagher, Shirley Henderson and Ciaran Hinds.
Tickets for Girl From the North Country are available HERE
The Rat Pack – Live from Las Vegas featuring Ella Fitzgerald Centenary Celebration – Theatre Royal, Haymarket London and Touring
The West End production of the Olivier Award-nominated The Rat Pack – Live from Las Vegas continues at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket for a strictly limited season until 3 February. Nicola Emmanuelle will join the show from 9 January to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of the First Lady of Song and Queen of Jazz, Ella Fitzgerald. The cast also features Garrett Phillips as Frank Sinatra, Nigel Casey (Dean Martin) and David Hayes (Sammy Davis Jr), with Joanna Walters, Amelia Adams-Pearce, Rebecca Parker and Laura Darton as The Burrelli Sisters.
Tickets for The Rat Pack – Live From Las Vegas are available HERE
Eugenius! – The Other Palace, London
The Warwick Davis and Kevin Wood produced British musical Eugenius! will follow up its world premiere concert performance with a full-scale production at The Other Palace. Written by Ben Adams and Chris Wilkins, the show will run form 22 January until 3 March with a press night on 30 January. American Liam Forde will make his UK theatre debut in the central role of Eugene opposite Laura Baldwin. Set in the 1980s, the full-scale production of the show will once again feature the voice of Brian Blessed as ‘Prince Vultan’. Ian Talbot directs.
Tickets for Eugenius! are available HERE
Rothschild & Sons – Park Theatre, London
The UK premiere of the musical Rothschild & Sons will open the new season at the Park Theatre. Written by Broadway songwriters Sheldon Harnick and Jerry Bock (creators of Fiddler On the Roof, She Loves Me) and Tony-nominated writer Sherman Yellen, Rothschild & Sons traces the journey of the Rothschild family from humble beginnings in Germany to internationally successful banking dynasty. Directed by Jeffrey B. Moss, the re-imagined version of the show will include several newly added songs and will play Park200 from 24 January until 17 February.
SiX – Arts Theatre, London
The London premiere of the new British musical SiX sees the six wives of Henry VIII singing their way out of the history books and into the West End spotlight. Following a successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe, SiX continues on 15 and 22 January 2018.
From Tudor queens to pop princesses, and with songs including ‘Ex Wives’, ‘Haus of Holbein’ and ‘Don’t Lose Ur Head’, the show remixes 500 years of historical heartbreak into one hour of 21st century sass. Written by university friends Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, the musical was nominated for Musical Theatre Review’s inaugural Best Musical Award at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Tickets for SiX are available HERE
Jodie Jacobs and Matthew McKenna in Bananaman The Musical. Picture: Pamela Raith
Bananaman The Musical – Southwark Playhouse, London
The stage incarnation of British comic book creation Bananaman brings his own eccentric brand of crime-fighting style to South London with a press night on 4 January. Produced by SightLine Entertainment with Beano Studios, Bananaman The Musical has been written by Leon Parris, composer of the musicals Stig of the Dump and Monte Cristo. Matthew McKenna heads a cast that includes Marc Pickering as Doctor Doom; Jodie Jacobs as Eric’s loyal sidekick, Crow; Mark Newnham as Eric; Carl Mullaney as General Blight, TJ Lloyd as Chief O’Reilly, Lizzii Hills as Mrs Wimp, Brian Gilligan as Mad Magician and Emma Ralston as Fiona
Tickets for Bananaman The Musical are available HERE
Vault Festival – The Vaults, Network Theatre, Waterloo East Theatre, London
Now in its sixth year, Vault Festival returns from 24 January to 18 March with 300 individual shows, championing new writing, immersive experiences, comedy, film and late night entertainment. Writer Isla van Tricht and composer Guy Woolf present Great Again, a musical exploring the sensitivities of Trumpian America; while in The People’s Rock: A Musical from Nevertheless She an impressionable young woman navigates a dystopian landscape with only 2020 US presidential candidate Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson to guide her. Fat Rascal Theatre presents Tom and Bunny Save the World, a zombie apocalypse musical which places women in the roles usually taken by men: the soldier, the scientist and the sexual instigator.
Dietrich – Natural Duty – The Vaults, London
Hollywood legend Marlene Dietrich is the subject of this new theatrical cabaret show created for the Vault Festival 2018. Created and performed by actor, dancer and choreographer Peter Groom, Dietrich – Natural Duty will play The Vaults from 24 to 28 January. Co-written by Oliver Gully, the one-man show will reveal details of the iconic star’s extraordinary commitment to the American war effort and the fight to free her German homeland from Hitler. The show will be directed by Bethany Pitts.
Doodle – The Musical! – Waterloo East Theatre, London
Doodle – The Musical! is a new all-singing all-dancing comedy musical written by American Idol’s Andy Street and actor Jonathan Kydd, and directed by Olivier Award nominee Jonathan Moore. The show is a loving pastiche of Second World War action movies, with cameo impersonations including Charles Bronson, David Niven, and Sam Kydd, Jonathan’s father, who was in 240 films between 1945 and 1982 (more than any other English actor) in dozens of which he played members of the armed forces. Doodle – The Musical! runs at the Waterloo East Theatre from 11-28 January.
Oranges and Elephants – Hoxton Hall, London
The world premiere of Oranges and Elephants is the first production in the London venue’s all-female spring season Female Parts. With a book and lyrics by Lil Warren and music by Jo Collins, the story of two rival female gangs in Victorian London will play Hoxton Hall from 23 January until 10 February 2018 with a press night on 25 January. Susie McKenna will direct actor-musicians Kate Adams, Rebecca Bainbridge, Susannah van den Berg, Rosalind Ford, Liz Kitchen, Natasha Lewis, Sinead Long, Kate Marlais, Christina Tedders and Sarah J Warren.
The Toyboy Diaries – Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester
The world premiere of new British musical The ToyBoy Diaries is the first production staged in 2018 at the critically-acclaimed Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester. The production, adapted from the best-selling memoirs by Wendy Salisbury, runs from 18 January to 10 February 2018 and is the first of five in-house musicals next year from the successful collaboration between Joseph Houston and William Whelton, co-founders of Hope Mill Theatre, and producer Katy Lipson, of Aria Entertainment. The lead role of Lily will be played by Johanne Murdock. The Toyboy Diaries has a book by Simon Warne with music and lyrics by Andy Collyer. The production will be directed by Tania Azevedo.
Teddy – Watermill Theatre, Newbury and Touring
Tristan Bernays and Dougal Irvine’s award-winning musical Teddy will open at the Watermill Theatre, Newbury in January 2018, ahead of a national tour and a London season at The Vaults. Teddy will run at the Watermill from 11 January to 10 February (press night is 15 January), while the season at The Vaults will run from 29 March to 5 May. Following the recent success of their hit production Boudica at The Globe, Bernays reunites with director Eleanor Rhode and choreographer Tom Jackson Greaves for the 1950s rock‘n’roll musical.
The Threepenny Opera – Lyric Theatre, Belfast
Northern Ireland Opera and the Lyric Theatre present Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill’s The Threepenny Opera, featuring classic songs like ‘The Ballad of Mack the Knife’ and ‘Pirate Jenny’. Directed by Northern Ireland Opera artistic director Walter Sutcliffe, and conducted by Hard Rain soloist ensemble conductor Sinead Hayes, The Threepenny Opera features some of Northern Ireland’s best musical theatre talent including Mark Dugdale, Jayne Wisener and Kerri Quinn, internationally renowned baritone Steven Page, and local favourite Matthew Cavan. The show runs from 27 January to 10 February.
(left to right) Declan Egan, Michael Watson, Simon Bailey and Lewis Griffiths will star in the UK and Ireland tour of Jersey Boys. Picture: Matt Martin
Jersey Boys – Touring
Hit show Jersey Boys heads back on the road for its second UK and Ireland tour. Staged by the entire original Broadway creative team led by director Des McAnuff and choreographer Sergio Trujillo, the touring version of the multi award-winning show continues at the Liverpool Empire (9-20 January), Milton Keynes Theatre (23 January-3 February), Stoke Regent Theatre (6-17 February), Hull New Theatre (20 February-3 March), Sunderland Empire (20-31 March), Glasgow King’s Theatre (3-14 April) and beyond until March 2019. In the cast are Michael Watson as Frankie Valli, Simon Bailey as Tommy De Vito, Declan Egan as Bob Gaudio and Lewis Griffiths as Nick Massi.
Crazy For You – Touring
Claire Sweeney takes over the role of Irene in the national tour of the Watermill Theatre’s acclaimed production of the George and Ira Gershwin musical Crazy For You. Sweeney joins Tom Chambers who plays Bobby and Charlotte Wakefield who plays Polly from 16 January 2018 at the Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury.
Blood Brothers – Touring
The 2018 tour of Bill Kenwright’s production of Blood Brothers opens on 16 January at the Theatre Royal Bath. This iconic musical visited theatres across the country throughout 2017 in celebration of its 30th anniversary. Critically-acclaimed actress and singer Lyn Paul returns to the seminal role of Mrs Johnstone, following her first performance back in 1997. Paul has played the role on numerous UK tours and also starred as Mrs Johnstone in the final West End performances at the Phoenix Theatre in 2012.
Laura Main, Steffan Harri, Samuel Holmes and Marcus Ayton star in Shrek the Musical UK and Ireland tour
Shrek – Touring
Steffan Harri steps into the title role in the touring production of the hit fairy tale with the green-tinged twist, Shrek The Musical. Harri performs opposite Call the Midwife’s Laura Main as his Princess Fiona [from April 2018 Amelia Lily will share the role of Princess Fiona while Main is away filming the hit BBC series). Marcus Ayton plays Shrek’s sidekick Donkey and Samuel Holmes takes on the role of pint-sized villain Lord Farquaad. Nigel Harman once again takes charge of the touring production of the show. Having launched with a Christmas season at the Edinburgh Playhouse, Shrek then visits Manchester (16-28 January), Sunderland, Birmingham, Aberdeen, Northampton, Sheffield, Cardiff, Stoke, Blackpool, Woking, Liverpool, Canterbury, Milton Keynes, Bristol, Llandudno, Nottingham, Belfast, Dublin, Plymouth, Southampton and Leeds.
A Pacifist’s Guide to the War on Cancer – Touring
A Pacifist’s Guide to the War on Cancer, Complicité’s collaboration with performance artist Bryony Kimmings, will embark on a UK tour to Liverpool Playhouse (26 January to 3 February), Northern Stage Newcastle (7-10 February) and the Belgrade Theatre Coventry (14-17 February) before touring to Australia. First seen in 2016 at HOME, Manchester, Exeter Northcott and the National Theatre, the production will be revived and re-worked for UK and Australian touring in 2018. Kirsty Housley will direct, with writer Kimmings performing in the production. A Pacifist’s Guide to the War on Cancer is written by Kimmings, Housley and Brian Lobel, with music by Tom Parkinson.
FEBRUARY
All Or Nothing – The Mod Musical – Arts Theatre, London
Following a third sell-out tour, All Or Nothing – The Mod Musical, based on the story of the Small Faces, will play a limited West End season at the Arts Theatre, London from 6 February to 11 March, with a press night on 8 February. Written and directed by the award-winning actress Carol Harrison, All Or Nothing is the story of four charismatic young kids from East London with humour, attitude, passion and, above all, talent. They became the Small Faces and were rocketed into the big time, only to discover the path to success was paved with exploitation, betrayal and, ultimately, tragedy. The cast at the Arts Theatre will be led by Carol Harrison as Kay Marriott and Chris Simmons as the older Steve Marriott.
Tickets from All Or Nothing – The Mod Musical are available HERE
Pippin – Southwark Playhouse, London
Jonathan O’Boyle’s production of Stephen Schwartz and Roger O. Hirson’s Pippin transfers to Southwark Playhouse’s Large space from 23 February to 24 March (press night on 28 February). A soul-searching exploration of one man’s journey to find himself, his place and purpose in life, Pippin is a musical about an ordinary man on an extraordinary journey. Pippin will be the third production from Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre to transfer to London’s Off-West End in under a year. Co-produced by Guy James, Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment and Joseph Houston and William Whelton for Hope Mill Theatre.
Carmen! – Union Theatre, London
‘Bizet’s unforgettable tunes, re-conceived as musical theatre’ – a new musical theatre adaptation of Carmen is the second production in the Union Theatre’’s Essential Classics 2018 season (all topical productions from the Phil Willmott Company in which great playwrights and composers of the past have reflected on issues similar to those we face today). Rachel Lea-Gray plays Carmen in the production which is adapted and directed by Willmott. The show runs from 7 February to 10 March (press nights are 9 and 10 February).
Company – Aberdeen Arts Centre
Aberdeen Arts Centre will follow up last year’s hit version of Cabaret with a new production of Stephen Sondheim’s Company. With a cast of West End stars, the show – featuring the music and lyrics of Sondheim and a book by George Furth – will play Aberdeen from 1-10 February. Company will be directed by the director of the acclaimed production of Cabaret, local-born Derek Anderson. Leading roles will be played by Oliver Savile, Anita Louise Combe and Ashleigh Gray, who will return to the city following her well-received performance as Elphaba in the touring version of Wicked.
My Land’s Shore – Theatr Soar, Merthyr Tydfil
My Land’s Shore is due to head home for its Welsh premiere run at Theatr Soar in Merthyr Tydfil from 20 February to 4 March. Based on the true story of the tragic hero of the Merthyr Rising of 1831 when iron workers and coal miners were involved in bloody clashes with soldiers drafted in to protect industrialists, My Land’s Shore features a book and lyrics by Robert Gould and music and lyrics by Christopher J Orton. Presented by All Star Productions, the new Welsh production will reunite the original creative team of director Brendan Matthew, musical director Aaron Clingham and choreographer Charlotte Tooth.
Aaron Sidwell (Fiyero), Helen Woolf (Glinda) and Amy Ross (Elphaba) will lead the cast of the UK and Ireland tour of Wicked. Picture: Darren Bell
Wicked – Touring
Amy Ross and Helen Woolf join Aaron Sidwell in the touring version of the hit musical Wicked, making a return to cities in the UK and and Ireland. Ross, who most recently appeared in the West End in Kinky Boots, will step into the role of Elphaba alongside Woolf as Glinda. The latter appeared in the West End production of Wicked and was part of the original 2013 UK and Ireland touring company. Also in the cast are: Steven Pinder (The Wizard and Doctor Dillamond), Kim Ismay (Madame Morrible), Emily Shaw (Nessarose), Iddon Jones (Boq) and Nikki Bentley (Standby for Elphaba). The production will begin at the Bristol Hippodrome (5 February until 3 March).
Purple Rain – Touring
Purple Rain – a new theatrical event celebrating the music of one of the world’s greatest pop artists, Prince – will tour the UK from February 2018 (kicking off from 1 to 10 February at the Churchill Theatre, Bromley). Directed by Gary Lloyd, director of hit production Thriller Live, the show is billed as an ‘exhilarating journey’ through Prince’s entire career. A 26-strong group of musicians, singers and dancers will bring Prince’s music to life for an evening that showcases his songwriting genius and pays homage to his imagination and showmanship.
A Spoonful of Sherman – Touring
A Spoonful of Sherman, the celebration of the work of Robert B. Sherman and Richard M. Sherman, will begin a tour of the UK in February. Directed by Stewart Nicholls, who previously directed the cabaret version of the show in London in August 2017, Robert J. Sherman’s tribute to his illustrious father and uncle will take to the road from 14 February 2018. The tour will star: Sophie-Louise Dann, Glen Facey, Jenna Innes, Mark Read and Ben Stock (also the show’s musical director). The tour opens at the EM Forster Theatre in Tonbridge.
MARCH
Chicago – Phoenix Theatre, London
The world’s longest-running American musical, the multi award-winning Chicago, returns to London’s West End after a five and a half year absence. Following a successful UK and international tour, Chicago will be transferring into London, with performances at the Phoenix Theatre from 26 March. Chicago, which is based on the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins, has a book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander and lyrics by Ebb. The 1996 Broadway revival of Chicago was choreographed by Ann Reinking in the style of Bob Fosse, directed by Walter Bobbie, and produced by Barry and Fran Weissler.
Tickets for Chicago are available HERE
Caroline, or Change – Hampstead Theatre, London
Tony Kushner’s and Jeanine Tesori’s celebrated musical Caroline, or Change will transfer to the Hampstead Theatre, following its run at Chichester Festival Theatre with Sharon D Clarke reprising her role as Caroline Thibodeaux. Caroline, or Change, directed by Michael Longhurst, has book and lyrics by Tony Kushner, with music by Jeanine Tesori. The production will run at Hampstead from 12 March to 21 April, with a press night on 19 March. Sharon D Clarke will reprise her role as Caroline Thibodeaux.
Misty – Bush Theatre, London
Stage and screen actor and writers Arinzé Kene delivers an “epic, lyrical journey through the pulsating heart and dark soul of inner city London”. An inventive blend of gig theatre, spoken word, live art and direct address, Misty confronts the assumptions and expectations underpinning the act of telling a story. A world premiere, Misty is directed by Bush Theatre associate director Omar Elerian and will feature an original musical score performed live during the show. The production runs from 15 March 21 April.
Chocolate Cake – Polka Theatre, London
On the Polka Theatre main stage, the 2018 season opens with an adaptation of Michael Rosen’s classic poem Chocolate Cake. This new musical version adapted by Peter Glanville and Barb Jungr runs from 23 March to 13 May. Follow the adventures of two brothers and the night-time disappearance of a chocolate cake in this new musical adaptation by the creators of We’re Going On a Bear Hunt and How to Hide a Lion.
Spring Awakening – Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester
Directed by Luke Sheppard, Spring Awakening will run from 19 March until 3 May and is the second of three in-house productions from the highly successful partnership between Manchester’s award-winning Hope Mill Theatre and London arts producer Aria Entertainment. Based on Frank Wedekind’s controversial play, the multi award-winning show has a book and lyrics by Steven Sater and music by Duncan Sheik.
Matilda The Musical – Touring
The Royal Shakespeare Company’s multi award-winning Matilda The Musical takes to the road across the UK and Ireland. Launching at Leicester Curve in March, the 2018-2019 tour of the hit musical version of Roald Dahl’s much-loved book will visit Dublin, Sunderland, Milton Keynes, Birmingham, Manchester and Cardiff. The touring version of production of Matilda The Musical will play Curve from 5-24 March before moving on. Craige Els will reprise the role of Miss Trunchbull, having played her in the West End for three years between 2014 and 2017. He will be joined by Carly Thoms as Miss Honey and Sebastien Torkia as Mr Wormwood, as well as former West End cast-mate Rebecca Thornhill as Mrs Wormwood.
Jimmy Nail, Sting and director of The Last Ship Lorne Campbell. Picture: Mark Savage
The Last Ship – Touring
Sting’s highly personal debut musical The Last Ship will head home to Newcastle with screen star Jimmy Nail at the helm. Produced by Northern Stage in association with Karl Sydow and Kathryn Schenker, the production will be directed by Northern Stage’s artistic director Lorne Campbell. A four-week launch season at Northern Stage in Newcastle, beginning on 12 March, will be followed by a major UK and Ireland tour which will include runs in Birmingham, Cardiff, Liverpool, Salford and York. Featuring music and lyrics by The Police frontman, the show which was inspired by the singer’s own childhood experiences and his 1991 album ‘The Soul Cages’, has a book by John Logan and Brian Yorkey.
Bingo! – Touring
Grid Iron Theatre Company and Stellar Quines Theatre Company present Bingo!, a new musical comedy focusing on lives of six characters and one fateful night at the bingo. Bingo! tours Scotland in March and April. With original songs, the musical is co-written by Anita Vettesse and Johnny McKnight, with music by Alan Penman and directed by Stellar Quines’ artistic director Jemima Levick.
Thoroughly Modern Millie – Touring
Former soap star Hayley Tamaddon takes on the title role in the 2018 UK touring production of the musical comedy of Thoroughly Modern Millie. Following on from a successful tour in 2016, the production will be back on the road, opening at the Richmond Theatre on 27 March. Tamaddon will take on the central role of the farm girl hoping to make it big in New York in the production directed and choreographed by Racky Plews. With a book by Richard Morris and Dick Scanlan, based on the original story and screenplay by Richard Morris for the Universal Pictures film, the multi award-winning show features new music by Jeanine Tesori and new lyrics by Dick Scanlan.
Tina Turner, actress Adrienne Warren and Tina director Phyllida Lloyd
APRIL
Tina – Aldwych Theatre, London
Tina, a new musical based on the life of legendary artist Tina Turner, opens at the Aldwych Theatre in April. Performances will begin on 21 March with press night on 17 April. Written by Katori Hall with Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins, Tina is directed by Phyllida Lloyd, with choreography by Anthony van Laast. Adrienne Warren, who plays the title role, will make her West End stage debut as Tina. Her most recent theatre credit was in Shuffle Along on Broadway. Kobna Holdbrook-Smith plays Ike Turner, with Madeline Appiah as Tina’s mother Zelma Bullock, and Jenny Fitzpatrick as the alternate Tina. Tina is produced by Stage Entertainment, Joop van den Ende and Tali Pelman, in association with Tina Turner.
Tickets for Tina are available HERE
Strictly Ballroom The Musical – Piccadilly Theatre, London
Strictly Ballroom The Musical makes its West End debut at the Piccadilly Theatre. Following the success of its UK premiere at the West Yorkshire Playhouse in 2016, Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom The Musical will open on11 April (previews from 16 March). Based on the multi award-winning movie, the first instalment from Baz Luhrmann’s acclaimed Red Curtain Trilogy, the musical production will be directed and choreographed by Drew McOnie. Will Young (as band leader Wally Strand), Jonny Labey (as Scott Hastings) and Zizi Strallen (as Fran) will lead the cast.
Tickets for Strictly Ballroom The Musical are available HERE
Finding My Voice – Kathleen Turner – The Other Palace, London and Touring
Screen and stage star Kathleen Turner brings her new one woman show to the UK, beginning with a three-week run at The Other Palace Theatre. Presented by Fane Productions, Finding My Voice combines classic songs from the American songbook with stories about the actress’ life and career. Directed by Andy Gale, the Hollywood star is accompanied by Mark Janas. Running from 17 April until 6 May at The Other Palace, the show will then travel to Salford, Bury, Horsham, Colchester, Worthing and Edinburgh.
Moonfleet – Salisbury Playhouse
The premiere of a major new musical based on classic adventure story Moonfleet is set to be one of the highlights of the spring/summer season at the Salisbury Playhouse. Based on J Meade Falkner’s Dorset-set story of 18th century smugglers, Moonfleet features a book and lyrics by the Playhouse’s artistic director Gareth Machin and music by Russell Hepplewhite. Running from 19 April until 5 May, the production is supported by Salisbury Playhouse’s newly formed Commissioning Circle. First published in 1898, Falkner’s Moonfleet has been the source material for various film, radio and television productions dating as far back as the 1950s.
The Assassination of Katie Hopkins – Theatr Clwyd
Chris Bush, the writer best known for the 2007 TONY! The Blair Musical, has turned her attention to TV personality and controversial broadcaster/columnist Katie Hopkins with a new musical to launch at Theatr Clwyd. With words by Bush and music by Matt Winkworth, The Assassination of Katie Hopkins uses the fictional off-stage murder of the outspoken celebrity who first found fame on TV’s The Apprentice to offer an exploration of free speech and public outrage in the digital world. Directed by James Grieve, the show will play the Emlyn Williams Theatre from 20 April until 12 May with a press night on 26 April.
Sunshine On Leith – West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds and Touring
A major new production of Sunshine On Leith will be the final show to play the West Yorkshire Playhouse’s Quarry Theatre before it closes for redevelopment. Directed by the venue’s artistic director James Brining, the feel-good musical which features the music of The Proclaimers will launch in Leeds from 20 April until 19 May with a press night on 26 April, ahead of a UK tour. Written by Stephen Greenhorn for Dundee Rep, Sunshine On Leith was first performed in 2007. The tale of two servicemen returning home from war overseas, the hit show was transformed into a film in 2013.
An Officer and a Gentleman – Touring
A major musical version of the 1980s classic movie An Officer and a Gentleman receives its world premiere at Leicester Curve ahead of a UK and Ireland tour. Directed by Curve’s artistic director Nikolai Foster and produced by Jamie Wilson and Curve, the show makes its debut in Leicester on 6 April before heading off on tour from 24 April until 15 September. Three years in the making, the musical has a book by the writer of the movie’s screenplay Douglas Day Stewart, co-written with Sharleen Cooper Cohen. Foster will head a creative team that includes ZooNation founder Kate Prince and musical supervisor Sarah Travis.
www.officerandagentlemanmusical.com
Titanic The Musical – Touring
The eagerly-anticipated UK and Ireland tour of Titanic The Musical will open at Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre on 12 April, in the week of the Titanic’s 106th anniversary (Southampton was the city where the RMS Titanic began its fateful maiden voyage). The production will play the Mayflower until 21 April before heading for Belfast’s Grand Opera House from 23-28 April. The tour will then visit Cardiff, Salford, Sheffield, Glasgow, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Plymouth, Northampton, Nottingham, Blackpool, and Bromley. Thom Southerland directs.
MAY
Chess – London Coliseum
Chess, the epic musical love story set amidst the tensions of a world championship chess match, will play at the London Coliseum for a strictly limited five-week run from 26 April, with a press night on 1 May. The musical, written in 1984 by Abba songwriters Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, and Tim Rice, will feature the English National Opera’s award-winning Orchestra and Chorus. The production will be directed by Laurence Connor, with choreography by Stephen Mear.
Tickets for Chess are available HERE
Son of Rambow The Musical – The Other Palace
Nuffield Southampton Theatres’ diverse 2018 programme includes a workshop production of Son of Rambow The Musical, produced in association with The Other Palace. Based on the cult family film, the musical Son of Rambow will involve chart-topping songwriter Miranda Cooper who provides the music, along with her regular songwriting partner Nick Coler, and the lyrics with the writer of the book – playwright and performer Richard Marsh. Directed by Nuffield Theatres’ Samuel Hodges, the work-in-progress production will be part of the venue’s popular development programme from 22 May until 2 June.
www.nstheatres.co.uk/whats-on/son-of-rambow
The Rink – Southwark Playhouse
The first London revival in 20 years of The Rink by John Kander (music) and Fred Ebb (lyrics) will play at the Southwark Playhouse for a limited season from 25 May to 23 June, with a national press night on 29 May. This new production will be directed by Adam Lenson and choreographed by Fabian Aloise. The Rink (with a book by Terence McNally) originally premiered on Broadway on 9 February 1984, starring Chita Rivera as Anna and Liza Minelli as Angel.
Kiss Me, Kate – Leeds Grand Theatre and London Coliseum
Opera North’s award-winning production of Cole Porter’s classic Kiss Me, Kate will make its debut in the capital at the London Coliseum. Bringing together top talent from the worlds of opera and the West End stage, and featuring the full-scale orchestra and chorus of Opera North, the London run of the lavish Broadway-style production will follow six performances at the Leeds Grand Theatre (23-26 May). The acclaimed production, directed by Jo Davies and conducted by James Holmes who also worked together on last year’s Welsh National Opera run of the production, will play the Coliseum from 20-30 June.
www.kissmekatethemusical.co.uk
Summer Holiday – Touring
A major new production of the musical based on Cliff Richard’s much-loved movie Summer Holiday will take to the road across the UK. Directed and choreographed by Racky Plews, Summer Holiday will make its first stop at the Liverpool Empire on 8 May ahead of a UK tour that will continue through 2018 and into 2019. Based on the 1960s film that famously took Cliff and The Shadows on a lighthearted tour across Europe aboard a red London double decker bus, the movie has been adapted for the stage by Michael Gyngell and Mark Haddigan. After playing the Liverpool Empire until 12 May, the tour is due to visit Milton Keynes, Woking, York, Bromley, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Plymouth, Brighton, Blackpool, Leeds, Southend, Dartford, Chester, Wimbledon, Darlington, Stoke, Aylesbury and Glasgow.
www.summerholidaythemusical.co.uk
JUNE
Fun Home – The Young Vic, London
The Young Vic will host the UK premiere of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Fun Home, by Jeanine Tesori and Lisa Kron, from 18 June to 1 September (press night is 27 June). Fun Home, based on Alison Bechdel’s celebrated 2006 graphic novel, made its debut at The Public Theater, New York in October 2013, followed by a Broadway run that won five Tony Awards, and a successful US national tour. Fun Home introduces us to Alison at three different ages, revealing memories of her uniquely complicated family – her mother, brothers and volatile, brilliant, enigmatic father – that connect with her in surprising new ways. Leading New York theatre director Sam Gold directs with a UK cast.
Miss Littlewood – Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon
Miss Littlewood is a new musical of Joan Littlewood’s life story, told with her own uncompromising candour and revealing a mighty love story at its heart. Joan Littlewood was the anarchic revolutionary of 20th century theatre. Born into poverty, she raged her way to have a lasting influence on British culture. Anti-establishment, communist, visionary, rude and glorious, Littlewood fired the imagination of a generation. Her unique Theatre Workshop was responsible for a raft of successes including Oh What A Lovely War!, and breathed new life into the Theatre Royal Stratford East. Running at the Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon from 22 June to 4 August, Miss Littlewood has book, music and lyrics by Sam Kenyon. Erica Wyman directs.
www.rsc.org.uk/miss-littlewood
Dusty – Touring
Dusty, the new musical based on the authorised biography of Dusty Springfield, will have its world premiere at Theatre Royal Bath in June before dates at The Lyceum in Sheffield, Newcastle Theatre Royal, and The Lowry in Salford. With a script from writer Jonathan Harvey, Dusty will be directed by Maria Friedman and stars Katherine Kingsley. Dusty originates from the notes and memoirs of the late singer’s close friend and manager Vicki Wickham, as well as conversations with her lifelong personal assistant Pat Rhodes, and friend and record company executive Tris Penna.
Ken Watanabe and Kelli O’Hara in The King and I. Picture: Paul Kolnik
JULY
The King and I – London Palladium
The multi Tony Award-winning production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The King and I will transfer from Broadway to London following a critically-acclaimed 16-month run at New York’s Lincoln Center Theater. Opening at the London Palladium, the show will star the two original Lincoln Center Theater lead actors: Kelli O’Hara, who will reprise the role of Anna Leonowens, together with Ken Watanabe, who will star in the title role of The King of Siam. Both will be making their West End debuts. Tony Award-winning Bartlett Sher will once again direct the production which will open on 21 June (press night is 3 July) for a limited engagement.
Tickets for The King and I are available HERE
Weimar Cabaret – Barry Humphries – Barbican Centre, London
Barry Humphries’ critically acclaimed Weimar Cabaret returns to London for a strictly limited season of 22 performances from 11- 29 July at the Barbican Centre. Starring alongside Humphries is renowned artist Meow Meow accompanied by the Aurora Orchestra, led by Satu Vänskä. Weimar Cabaret is a celebration of Humphries’ lifelong passion and fascination with the music of the Weimar Republic. Leading composers represented include Kurt Weill, Ernst Krenek, Erwin Schulhoff, Ernst Toch and Mischa Spoliansky.
www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2018/event/barry-humphries-weimar-cabaret
Aspects of Love – Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester
Based on the novel by David Garnett with music by Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Don Black and Charles Hart, Aspects of Love will run from 5 July until 4 August at the Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester (in association with Aria Entertainment). The new production of the show, which originally starred Michael Ball in the West End and on Broadway, will be directed by Jonathan O’Boyle.
Madasgascar – Touring
Selladoor Worldwide and Hartshorn-Hook have unveiled plans for a major new stage adaptation of the Dreamworks hit animated movie Madasgascar which will debut at the New Wimbledon Theatre on 16 July ahead of a UK tour. Based on the hit movie that spawned a popular animated franchise, Madagascar – A Musical Adventure will transform the comedy about the madcap adventures of the animals who break out of Central Park zoo into a family-friendly stage show. Brought to life by Selladoor Family, Madagascar – A Musical Adventure will be directed by Kirk Jameson. With original music and lyrics by George Noriega and Joe Someillan, and a book by Kevin Del Aguila, the show will feature all the favourite characters from the film including Alex the Lion, Marty The Zebra, Melman the Giraffe and Gloria the hip hip Hippo.
AUGUST
The Little Shop of Horrors – Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, London
Monster musical The Little Shop of Horrors will be the final production in Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre’s 2018 season. Running from 3 August until 15 September, the new production of the musical which features music by Alan Menken and a book and lyrics by Howard Ashman will be directed by Maria Aberg in her Open Air Theatre debut. Based on Roger Corman’s 1960 cult classic movie, the Regent’s Park production will be designed by Tom Scutt, with musical supervision by Tom Deering.
Tickets for The Little Shop of Horrors are available HERE
British Theatre Academy – summer season
The Broadway musical version of hit teen film Bring It On will be one of three major musical productions for the British Theatre Academy’s 2018 summer season. Joining the Tony-nominated tale of duelling cheerleaders in 2018, will be a revival of rock musical Spring Awakening and a new production of the record-breaking Chicago. Bring It On will play The Large at Southwark Playhouse from 2 August to 1 September and will be directed and choreographed by Ewan Jones. The production of Spring Awakening at the Stockwell Playhouse (16-19 August) will be directed by Dean Johnson. Closing the season (from 24-28 September) will be a production of Chicago at the open-air Minack Theatre, the breathtaking external auditorium at Porthcumo near Land’s End in Cornwall.
www.thebritishtheatreacademy.com
The Girls – Touring
Gary Barlow and Tim Firth’s musical comedy The Girls, based on the true story, the film and the award-winning play by Tim Firth, Calendar Girls, will return home to Yorkshire and the Leeds Grand Theatre on 15 August, before touring to 42 theatres across the United Kingdom. The Girls is inspired by the true story of a group of ladies, who decide to appear nude for a Women’s Institute calendar in order to raise funds to buy a settee for their local hospital, in memory of one of their husbands, and have to date raised almost £5 million for Bloodwise.
SEPTEMBER
Company – Gielgud Theatre, London
Actresses Rosalie Craig and Patti LuPone will lead the cast in Marianne Elliott’s production of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s Company at the Gielgud Theatre (beginning for a limited season on 26 September), presented by Elliott & Harper Productions (the company she recently founded with producer Chris Harper). It is the first time the lead character of Bobby (soon to be renamed ‘Bobbie’ for Craig’s performance) will have been played by a woman. LuPone will step into the role of Joanne. Marianne Elliott said: “I really want to make this production contemporary, to explore what it feels like to be a 35-year-old sexually confident woman managing friendships and searching for love.”
Tickets for Company are available HERE
Sylvia – The Old Vic, London
Choreographer Kate Prince’s latest work Sylvia will receive its world premiere at London’s Old Vic. Co-written by the founder of dance company Zoonation, Prince, and Priya Parmar, with music by Josh Cohen and DJ Walde, Sylvia is a modern musical that will celebrate the life of Sylvia Pankhurst and her pivotal role in the Suffragettes’ campaign for women’s rights. An Old Vic, Sadler’s Wells and Zoonation: The Kate Prince Company production, the show – which will be directed and choreographed by Prince – begins previewing on 1 September ahead of a press night on 5 September. Sylvia‘s Old Vic run will end on 22 September.
Tickets for Sylvia are available HERE
Sweet Charity – Nottingham Playhouse
An “ultra-stylish” new production of the hit Broadway musical Sweet Charity (31 August to 22 September), directed by Bill Buckhurst and featuring choreography by Alistair David, will feature in Adam Penford’s first season as artistic director at the Nottingham Playhouse. Penford has announced an ambitious programme for his first year in the post, bringing some of the UK’s best actors, directors and playwrights to the city as well as providing a platform for Nottingham’s artists and theatre makers.
Picture: Matt Crockett
Kinky Boots – Touring
Multi award-winning musical Kinky Boots steps out on a major UK tour from September. The show will hit the road from 19 September, opening at the Royal & Derngate in Northampton where it will run until 6 October. Other confirmed dates include: Wolverhampton Grand Theatre (16-27 October); Newcastle Theatre Royal (29 October-10 November); Manchester Opera House (12 November-1 December); Edinburgh Playhouse (10 December-5 January 2019); Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury (14-26 January); Regent Theatre, Stoke-on Trent (28 January-9 February); and Bristol Hippodrome (25 February-9 March). With a book by Harvey Fierstein and songs by Cyndi Lauper, the production is directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell.
www.kinkybootsthemusical.co.uk
Dirty Dancing – Touring
The touring version of Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage returns to UK theatres in late 2018. Casting has yet to be announced for the production which will open at Brighton Theatre Royal on 20 September. The tour will then head for Dartford, York, Stoke, Hastings, Southend, Birmingham, Preston, London, Plymouth and Oxford. Since its Australian debut in 2004, Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage, productions have been breaking box office records across the world.
Rock of Ages – Touring
A national tour of the musical Rock of Ages will open at the Churchill Theatre, Bromley on 20 September. Rock of Ages (book by Chris D’Arienzo and arrangements and orchestrations by Ethan Popp) is a LA love story lavished with more than 25 classic rock anthems. The dates so far following the Bromley run are Manchester Opera House (25-29 September); Wycombe Swan Theatre (2-6 October); Darlington Hippodrome (8-13 October); Bord Gais Energy Theatre, Dublin (16-20 October); Liverpool Empire Theatre (23-27 October); New Theatre, Cardiff (6-10 November); New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham (13-17 November); Orchard Theatre, Dartford (20-25 November); and Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield (26 November to 1 December).
At Last: The Etta James Story – Touring
At Last: The Etta James Story, starring Vika Bull and the Essential R&B Band, start a 23-date visit, kicking off in High Wycombe on 21 September.. Following its world premiere in Melbourne in 2013, At Last: The Etta James Story has since repeatedly packed theatres throughout Australia and New Zealand. Telling the story of soul legend Etta James’ turbulent life, the show features some of her most beloved songs including ‘Tell Mama’, ‘Something’s Got a Hold On Me’, ‘Sugar On the Floor’, the heart-rending ‘I’d Rather Go Blind’, her iconic signature song ‘At Last’ and more.
Simon Lipkin and Daniel Boys in Nativity! Picture: Richard Davenport
OCTOBER
Nativity! – Touring
Nativity! returns to tour in 2018, beginning at Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre (23 October) and ending in December for an extended run at the Eventim Apollo. Written and directed by the film’s creator Debbie Isitt, with music and lyrics by Nicky Ager and Isitt, the production is choreographed by Andrew Wright. After opening in Coventry, the show will visit Liverpool, Glasgow, Milton Keynes, Nottingham, Edinburgh and Oxford before finishing the tour with its Christmas run at the Apollo from 19 until 31 December.
Floating Festival Stages
A host of the West End’s biggest names are climbing aboard the UK’s first specialist musical theatre festival at sea. Launching on a round trip from Southampton on 15 October, the four-night Floating Festival Stages on board the Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas will feature some of musical theatre’s most popular stars. Michael Ball heads a line-up that will include popular musical theatre group Collabro, soul singer turned stage star Beverley Knight and Les Misérables and The Phantom of the Opera leading man John Owen-Jones. Also taking to the high seas will be two West End favourites, Lee Mead and Sophie Evans, and direct from Broadway, gifted impressionist Christina Bianco. Produced by Floating Festivals with assistance from Royal Caribbean, the Stages cruise will also feature a unique performance of the Olivier Award-winning West End production Showstopper! The Improvised Musical.
NOVEMBER
Billionaire Boy – Nuffield Southampton Theatres
A musical version of David Walliams’ best-selling Billionaire Boy looks set to be one of the highlights of Nuffield Southampton Theatres’ 2018 season. Announced as part of a season that includes inaugural programming for NST’s newly-built city centre theatre NST City, Billionaire Boy features music and lyrics by chart-topping songwriter Miranda Cooper. Directed by Luke Sheppard, the world premiere of the show will run from 19 November 2018 until 6 January 2019, with a press night on 28 November.
Dr Dolittle – Touring
A major new production of Leslie Bricusse’s enduringly popular Dr Dolittle will take to the road as part of the 1960s film’s 50th anniversary celebrations. Presented by Music & Lyrics Limited in association with Churchill Theatre, Bromley, the version of the classic story of the doctor with the magical ability to talk to the animals will launch in Bromley ahead of a UK and Ireland tour. Launching in Bromley from 9-24 November, the show will then visit Salford, Wolverhampton, Newcastle, Hull, Aberdeen Northampton, Nottingham, Sheffield, Edinburgh, Bradford, Dublin, Canterbury, Cardiff, Southampton, Blackpool and Birmingham. Casting will be announced at a later date for the new production which will feature puppetry and a reworked book by multi award-winning writer Bricusse.
The War of the Worlds – Touring
A major arena tour of Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of the Worlds – Alive on Stage will debut at Glasgow SSE Hydro Arena on 30 November. Wayne will return to conduct the nine-piece Black Smoke Band and 36-piece ULLAdubULLA strings with Liam Neeson once again appearing in 3D holographic form as The Journalist. The production will feature an (as yet unconfirmed) all-star cast and full supporting company of performers; a 100-foot-wide Animation Wall with two hours of cutting edge CGI; the iconic three tonne 35-foot-tall Martian Fighting Machine; and a range of spectacular special effects. After Glasgow, the Live Nation Entertainment tour will visit Newcastle, Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Nottingham, Birmingham, Cardiff, Bournemouth, London and Brighton.
DECEMBER
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas – Curve Leicester
A brand new adaptation of festive favourite Irving Berlin’s White Christmas will be the 2018 festive musical at Curve in the year the venue celebrates its 10th birthday. Chief executive Chris Stafford and artistic director Nikolai Foster said: “In the last few years we have forged terrific partnerships with some of the UK’s best theatre producers and we are delighted to once again be working with Jamie Wilson and his team to produce a new production of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. This is the perfect festive show and we very much hope the production we create here in Leicester will be seen around the UK for many Christmases to come.”
Other musicals continuing to tour include: Beautiful – The Carole King Musical, Cilla the Musical, Flashdance the Musical, Evita, Fat Friends, Hairspray, Legally Blonde, Mamma Mia!, Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella, Miss Saigon, Our House, Son of a Preacher Man, Spamalot, Sunset Boulevard, The Band, The Sound of Music and Thriller Live.
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