14th November – 28th November 

42 Balloons – A New Musical

The Vaudeville Theatre

From the producers of the smash-hit SIX, be the first to see a staged concert version of this extraordinary new musical. Written by Jack Godfrey.

The 2nd of July 1982. Larry Walters, a truck driver, flies sixteen thousand feet above Los Angeles, using a lawn chair and 42 helium-filled weather balloons.

No, seriously.

42 BALLOONS tells the story of how Larry, with the help of his girlfriend Carol, defied gravity and FAA airspace regulations to make his lifelong dream a reality.

Inspired by a highly improbable true story, and featuring an original 80s-pop-inspired score, 42 BALLOONS is an exhilarating new musical about stupid dreams and doing whatever it takes to achieve them.

21st November – 5th December 

Catch Me

Stream online

Five friends attempt to come to terms with the recent and unexpected death of Dean. Gathered on the eve of his funeral they cry, laugh, and reminisce. Though one question remains: why did he kill himself?

With book, music, and lyrics by award winning writers Arnoud Breitbarth and Christian Czornyj, Catch Me is an intimate musical with a hard hitting story that will make you smile, question, and cry. 

Filmed live in London’s West End at the iconic Stone Nest, the all star cast and live band present a uniquely different piece of musical theatre that can’t afford to be missed.

8th October – 19th November 

Local Hero

Chichester Festival Theatre

It’s 1983 and hotshot Texan oil executive Mac MacIntyre is dispatched to the tiny Scottish fishing village of Ferness with $30million in his pocket. The bay may have views to die for but it’s the only place that can take the tankers from an offshore oil field, so it’s up to Mac to seal a deal on the locals’ homes and put a refinery in their place.

The villagers aren’t averse to cashing in on the black gold and Gordon, the local hotelier-lawyer-accountant-ceilidh organiser, proves a surprisingly tough negotiator.

But they’ve all overlooked one very important person. And as the northern lights dance in the skies, Mac comes to realise that not everything of value is for sale.

David Greig’s book, based on Bill Forsyth’s iconic film, features new songs by the legendary Mark Knopfler (formerly of Dire Straits). This new musical version of Local Hero will win devotees from admirers of the beloved film as well as those coming fresh to this funny and enchanting story. It’s directed by Daniel Evans.

14th November – 16th November 

Glory Ride – A New Musical

The Other Palace

How did a Cyclist, an Accountant, and the Cardinal of Tuscany join forces to pull off one of the most remarkable rescue operations of the Second World War? 

A new musical based on the true story of a heroic conspiracy to rescue children from fascist Italy via bicycle, Glory Ride will have its world premiere next month at The Other Palace in a staged concert performance. Backed by some of the original producers of Jersey Boys, Glory Ride tells the story of Gino Bartali, a Tour de France-winning cyclist in Mussolini’s Italy who finds himself at the crossroads of fame, fortune, and hundreds of lives that he alone can save. 

Combining heist, history, humour, and humanity, Glory Ride transports its audience to the golden hills of Tuscany for a journey more timely today than ever before.  

Featuring book, music, and lyrics by daughter-father team, Victoria Buchholz and Todd Buchholz, and direction by Shaun Kerrison (The Osmonds, Les Mis in Concert), Glory Ride’s World Premiere will feature some of the West End’s biggest stars. 

This show is a staged concert performance.

Streaming from the 28th September for 3 months

Scene Unseen
www.scene-unseen.co.uk

As part of its Made in Northampton season, Royal & Derngate has today launched Scene Unseen, an intimate cabaret by Jessica Walker and Joseph Atkins, captured on film with illustrations by award-winning illustrator Thomas Hicks and directed by the theatre’s Artistic Director James Dacre.

A Royal & Derngate, Northampton and English Touring Opera co-production, Scene Unseen is a cutting-edge new musical about identity, sexuality, and what makes us who we are, available to view online now.

An hour-long song-cycle weaves a path from cabaret artist Jessica Walker’s emotionally complex childhood right up to her very particular wedding day, with songs about early gender confusion, sexual assault, first love and betrayal, and family secrets. It is a powerful, personal story with universal themes, expressed through Atkins and Walker’s uncategorisable musical mix of humour, classicism, torch, and a touch of Eighties synth.

Scene Unseen was filmed by David Lefeber, with animations by Tom Hicks and titles by Phil Bearman.

14th – 22nd December

Realms of Glory

53two Manchester

Set at Christmas 1940, to a toe-tapping score inspired by the golden age of wartime music, this brand-new musical tells the story of Lizzie, a munitions worker who is caught in the air raids of the Manchester Blitz. Trapped beneath the streets, she takes us on a whistle-stop tour of her life in Manchester; through her formative years, life with the lively locals and a whirlwind romance with her RAF pilot husband. However, all is not as it seems, and the show provides a heart-warming narrative on grief and fighting for second chances. 

Beneath the iconic brickwork of 53two’s 150-year-old arches, expect a Christmas tale like no other that will warm your cockles and fill your hearts.

24th – 28th January 2023

In Clay

The Vaults Festival
Based on a true story, IN CLAY is a new one-woman musical told from a small kitchen in the suburbs of Paris in the late 1930s

Coloured canvases and vases litter the space. A well-used foot-pedalled pottery wheel is visible to one side. Marie-Berthe Cazin, a ceramist in her early 40s, eagerly awaits the arrival of her closest friend, Henrietta Tirman, a celebrated artist.

As Marie prepares for the joyous evening ahead of them, she is transported back to their first meeting as students. The chasm between who she was and who she is now prompts Marie to reminisce, and dream about what could have been.

Directed by Grace Taylor (SIX Associate Director, Stay Awake Jake), IN CLAY combines jazz manouche with contemporary musical theatre in a story of near misses, unfulfilled potential, and the joy of creating art.

1st – 5th February 2023

The Railway Children – A Musical
The Electric Theatre, Guildford

Award-winning British writing team Alex Parker and Katie Lam have adapted the beloved story in a brand new musical, which will debut at The Electric Theatre in Guildford.

Bobbie, Peter and Phyllis live an idyllic life with their parents in Edwardian London until, one evening, two mysterious men take Father away. Forced to move to the countryside with Mother, they find themselves in the middle of all manner of adventures. Their new life on the railway may not be so bad, but why does Mother keep returning to London? Why aren’t the villagers more welcoming? And will Father ever come home?

Directed by Deborah Crowe, with musical direction by Alex Parker, musical staging by Jordan Lee Davies, set design by Ethan Cheek
and orchestrations by Martin Higgins.

14th – 19th February 2023

The Unconventionals

The Vaults Festival

Once upon a time, Wilfred and their exclusive clique of ‘unconventional’ friends could often be found absorbed in a whirlwind of fabulously indulgent evenings across London’s West End – but now, they are trapped in present day London, unwilling to move on from past mistakes, and quite literally trapped outside of Heaven (in Charing Cross, that is).
As they take a rather theatrical wander through their memories one last time accompanied by an eccentric old mentor, they reflect on their extraordinary experiences of navigating the 1930s queer scene in London and beyond, and the people, places and stories that once made them who they are.
THE UNCONVENTIONALS is an intimate, joyous musical comedy inspired by the true stories of the queer friends who loved, lived and partied across 1930s London.

23rd – 26th February 2023

A Mother’s Song
Macrobert Arts Centre

Co-created by award-winning Scottish composer Finn Anderson (Islander) and award-winning director Tania Azevedo (& Juliet, But I’m A Cheerleader), A Mother’s Song – A New Folk Musical is a new transatlantic musical spanning centuries and continents.

From 17th century Stirling to 21st century New York City, themes of identity, motherhood, and choice collide in a bold and life-affirming story which follows three remarkable women at different moments in history, and traces the incredible journey of Scottish folk music across the Atlantic.

Sarah comes from a long line of ballad singers, but has severed ties with the folk traditions of her childhood. In modern-day New York City, Sarah’s rediscovery of these songs and the family stories within them, force her to go on an unexpected and life-changing journey across time.

A Mother’s Song – A New Folk Musical features a score of brand-new songs alongside traditional Scottish and Appalachian ballads (including ‘The Four Marys’ and ‘Say Darlin’ Say’), in new arrangements created by Finn in collaboration with fiddler Laura Wilkie, percussionist Signy Jakobsdottir, and guitarist Jenny Clifford.

February 2023 – April 2023

Great British Bake Off -The Musical
Noël Coward Theatre

Follow the trials and tribulations of our bakers as they enter the hallowed tent, including a policeman, a carer, a sixth form student, a retired dinner lady, an environmentalist vegan, an Italian fashionista, and more, as they come together to share their journeys of friendship, love, and laughter.

From your neighbours to your colleagues to your grandparents to your children, everyone is welcome in the Bake Off tent.

Expect a scrumptious signature slice of humour, heart, and abundant joy, with sixteen wonderful new memorable songs.

The Great British Bake Off Musical will rise in London for 12 weeks only from 25th February 2023 at the Noël Coward Theatre. This laugh out loud dose of escapism will leave you savouring every bite.

The Great British Bake Off Musical features an original score, written by multi-award-winning duo Jake Brunger, (Book and Lyrics) and Pippa Cleary (Music and Lyrics) critically acclaimed as “one of musical theatre’s most dynamic writing partnerships”. This adrenaline-fuelled, uplifting production is directed by Rachel Kavanaugh (Wind in the Willows, Half a Sixpence).

7th – 12th March 2023

The Phase

The Vaults Festival

It’s 2014, Gay marriage has just been legalised in the UK, and Rowan and their LGBTQ+ bandmates want to sing it from the rooftops. But their all-girl Catholic secondary school has other ideas. Disbanded and reprimanded, the group has a choice: do they bow down, retreat, and let the school rules divide them? Or, through all the angsty mess of adolescence, do they unite and fight back to make a change?

The Phase is a coming of age story, filled with catchy pop and pop-punk songs that you won’t be able to get out of your head! A hugely exciting piece of new British musical theatre written by two upcoming, award-winning writers Zoe Morris and Meg McGrady.

ACCESS PERFORMANCES: Throughout the week we will be hosting three access performances. Further details can be found on our social media!
WEDNESDAY- Auditory Relaxed
FRIDAY- Visually Relaxed
SUNDAY AFTERNOON- Super Relaxed

17th – 18th March 2023

Public: The Musical

The Vaults Festival

Usually avoid public bathrooms? Here’s one you won’t want to miss!

PUBLIC is a pop/rock musical by new and exciting theatre collective, Stroud & Notes. Watch the story unfold in real-time and laugh your way through, as four unique strangers navigate getting stuck together in a gender-neutral public toilet.

With an hour to wait before maintenance arrives, follow the characters as their patience gets pushed to the limit. Throw in a short-formed feud, plenty of unwelcome surprises and not nearly enough loo roll.
PUBLIC is a musical about identity and connection; things Stroud & Notes believe should be sung about!

Try not to let a bit of wee come out.

29th March 2023 – 9th May 2023

Operation Mincemeat

The Fortune Theatre

The year is 1943 and we’re losing the war. Luckily, we’re about to gamble all our futures on a stolen corpse

Following sold-out runs at the New Diorama Theatre in 2019 and Southwark Playhouse in 2020, 2021 and earlier in 2022, Operation Mincemeat is extending its run at its new home, Riverside Studios.

Previews commence on 3rd May and performances run through until 23rd July 2022. 

Singin’ in the Rain meets Strangers on a Train, Noel Coward meets Noel Fielding, Operation Mincemeat is the fast-paced, hilarious and unbelievable true story of the twisted secret mission that won us World War II. The question is, how did a well-dressed corpse wrong-foot Hitler?

25th March – 29th April 2023

Berlusconi

Southwark Playhouse Elephant

“I am the Jesus Christ of politics.”

It’s time to set the record straight. Please welcome to the stage the former cruise ship crooner turned multi billionaire and Italian Prime Minister… the much maligned, misunderstood, humble man of the people Silvio Berlusconi!

A hilarious, naughty, noisy expose of the original perma-tanned media mogul and populist politician told through the eyes of the formidable women ready to share their side of the story and break the veneer of that million lira smile. As Silvio tries to enshrine his legacy by writing the opera of his life, his detractors are closing in…

From the Olivier Award-winning Producers of Fleabag and Baby Reindeer, BERLUSCONI is Evita on acid; a modern-day cautionary tale, an urgent and prescient story about a brand of political leadership that has become all too familiar. With soaring melodies and driving beats, this outrageous new musical assembles an award-winning team to tell the astonishing, outlandish, almost true story of one of the world’s most charismatic, charming and morally bankrupt political leaders.

Written by Ricky Simmonds and Simon Vaughan, based on an original idea by Alan Hayling.

Developed by Wishful Thinking Musicals with Richard Buckton and Charli Eglinton.

March 2023 – June 2023

The Lost Spells

Watford Palace Theatre | Polka Theatre | Theatre by the Lake

Based on the book by Robert Macfarlane & Jackie Morris A Goblin, Watford Palace Theatre, Polka & Theatre by the Lake Co-Production

Journey with us into the wild world…
A girl with no name finds a magical book of spells that conjures up a wild world. Moths appear from nowhere; Owls light up the dark; a Red Fox leads the way down a rabbit hole to a brand new wonderland. As she journeys through the wild world, she meets a host of wonderful characters on a fantastical adventure like no other; she learns the dandelion time, meets a boy who turns into a seal, flies with band of jackdaws and battles with conkers – on a quest to find that which was once lost.
A fun, wild and boisterous adventure full of paw-tapping music and dancing, played live on-stage by talented actor-musicians, The Lost Spells is a riot of colour and a new Alice in Wonderland, celebrating the magic, power and wonder of nature that could be just outside your window.
Adapted from the ‘cultural phenomenon’ and bestselling book that has delighted and inspired people of all ages, by globally renowned writer Robert Macfarlane and artist Jackie Morris. Moving, joyful and funny, The Lost Spells is for anyone who wants to celebrate and save the natural world around us – be that in the city or countryside, before it’s lost forever.

28th April – 13th May 2023

Mayflies

York Theatre Royal

MAY AND FLY ARE LOOKING FOR LOVE. WELL, MAY IS LOOKING FOR LOVE. FLY IS JUST LOOKING.

They’ll figure out what they want when they find it, right? After swiping right, left, up and down across the dating apps, May and Fly match. They begin a tentative conversation. Over time their romance grows into something real, something special. Then they meet…

Funny, intimate and relatable, Mayflies tells the story of a romantic relationship from its first flourish to its final goodbye. It explores the different versions of themselves that people become during relationships and how – in the blink of an eye – it can all come crashing down.

The world premiere of a new musical by Gus Gowland, an award-winning composer, lyricist and playwright. Resident artist at York Theatre Royal, Gowland’s first full-length musical, Pieces of String, was The Stage’s Best Regional Musical of the Year.

26th July – 3rd December 2022

The Osmonds

UK Tour

You Loved Them For A Reason. Now, for the first time, you can see this sensational new musical and relive one of the world’s biggest ever boybands. THE OSMONDS: A new musical tells the official story from Jay Osmond about the five brothers from Utah who were pushed into the spotlight as children and went on to create smash hits decade after decade.

THE OSMONDS: A New Musical has a story By Jay Osmond and book by Julian Bigg and Shaun Kerrison, and will be directed by Shaun Kerrison, with choreography and musical staging by Bill Deamer.

23rd September – 15th May 2023

The Famous Five – The Musical
By Elinor Cook and Theo Jamieson

Theatre Clwyd

Join Enid Blyton’s Famous Five for a daring musical adventure!

When George and her dog Timmy find out that her cousins Julian, Anne and Dick are coming to stay, they’re pretty sure the whole summer is ruined. But out in the bay lies Kirrin Island and a ruined castle filled with mysteries to solve. Together they embark on a daring mission with the future of the planet at stake – a mission that might just be the making of the Famous Five…

Based on Enid Blyton’s multi-million-selling novels, this new musical by the award-winning Elinor Cook, with music and lyrics by Theo Jamieson, is an exciting and heart-warming treat.

Directed by Tamara Harvey (Home, I’m Darling).

14 Dec 2022 – 8 Jan 2023

Claus the Musical
By Simon Warne and Andy Collyer

The Lowry, Salford

From the writer of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz comes the world premiere of Claus The Musical. Based on the beloved children’s book The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum, this brand-new musical is as magical as Christmas itself.

With spellbinding songs from Andy Collyer, heart-warming storytelling, enchanting sets, and a whole load of festive fun, discover the story of Claus and how he became a man forever in our hearts, and on Christmas Eve, forever in our skies.

Abandoned as a baby in the magical Forest of Burzee, he is gifted to Necile, a wood nymph, who showers him with love and names him Claus.  With a helping hand from the mystical inhabitants of the forest – Fairies, Knooks and Ryls – she teaches him that kindness is the most important lesson of all, a gift that Claus eventually shares with us, as he embarks on a journey to bring the miracle of Christmas to the whole world.

Adapted for the stage by Simon Warne, Claus will warm the hearts of kids from 1 to 92, and is a truly joyful production for the whole family to cherish and enjoy together.

Tue 13 Sep 2022 – Sat 13 May 2022

Fisherman’s Friends – The Musical

Book by Amanda Whittington

Touring

Based on the true story of the chart-topping Cornish singing sensations and their hit 2019 movie, Fisherman’s Friends: The Musical is a feel-good voyage about friendship, community and music which smashed box office records in Cornwall.

When a group of Cornish fishermen came together to sing the traditional working songs they’d sung for generations, nobody, least of all the fishermen, expected the story to end on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury.  They are spotted by a fish-out-of-water music manager on a trip from London, who must learn that there is more to life than selling your sole for fifteen minutes of fame.

Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World
By Miranda Cooper, Jennifer Decilveo and Chris Bush 

Touring across the UK from Tue 5 April – Sun 12 June 2022.

Join inquisitive heroine Jade as she breaks away from her class to take a peek behind the scenes at the not yet open Gallery of Greatness in the local museum. Along her journey she is surprised to meet the original and incredible Wonder Women: Frida Kahlo, Rosa Parks, Amelia Earhart, Marie Curie, Emmeline Pankhurst to name just a few. 

Six – By Toby Marlow & Lucy Moss

First opened at The Arts Theatre – July 2018

Now playing at the Vaudeville Theatre, West End, as well as playing the Brooks Atkinson Theatre on Broadway, touring the UK and Australia and New Zealand, with US tour dates planned.

From Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses, the six wives of Henry VIII take to the mic to tell their tales, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a 75-minute celebration of 21st century girl power. These Queens may have green sleeves but their lipstick is rebellious red. 

Matilda – Book by Dennis Kelly, Music & Lyrics by Tim Minchin, Authored by Roald Dahl

First opened – November 2011 

Matilda The Musical is the multi-award winning musical from the Royal Shakespeare Company, inspired by the beloved book by the incomparable Roald Dahl. With book by Dennis Kelly and original songs by Tim Minchin, Matilda The Musical tells the tale of an extraordinary girl who is determined to change her own story, even if it means being a little bit naughty… 

Winner of over 85 international awards, including 16 for Best Musical, Matilda The Musical continues to delight audiences in London. Matilda began its first UK & Ireland Tour in March 2018.