UK Theatre News Round-Up: 1 – 7 February 2026

This is your weekly UK theatre news round-up, covering all the biggest casting announcements, tour news, premieres and industry updates from 1st February to 7th February. It’s been another busy week across the West End and beyond, with major musical announcements, new tours confirmed, and some exciting developments for the future of theatre production in the UK.

Watch the Weekly UK Theatre News Round-Up Video:

Casting has been announced for the West End concert premiere of the new musical Rosie. Concert stagings are often used to showcase new works before a full production, so fingers crossed for future development.

Full casting has also now been confirmed for Kiss of the Spider Woman, following Layton Williams’ withdrawal from the production. This musical is one of the shows I’m most excited for in 2026. With its strong score, expectations are high as production progresses with the newly announced company.

At Southwark Playhouse, The Jonathan Larson Project has unveiled its casting. The show celebrates the work of the late Rent composer Jonathan Larson and features rarely heard material alongside familiar favourites. Southwark Playhouse continues to champion musical theatre and intimate revivals, making this a great event for musical theatre fans when it opens.

A new musical, Life Line, has announced its London premiere. While details remain limited, its arrival adds to an increasingly strong line of new musical development across London. The biographical musical Sinatra, which has unveiled its casting. Jukebox biographical musicals are a strong draw for UK audiences, and this production will generate massive interest, no doubt.

Fans of British comedy legend Victoria Wood will be pleased to hear that casting has been announced for the musical Fourteen Again, based on her work. The show celebrates Wood’s humour and songwriting.

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is returning for a 10-year anniversary UK tour, celebrating a decade since the Sheffield Theatres premiere that launched the show to global success. The anniversary production is expected to revisit major UK venues and reconnect audiences with the beloved show.

Also heading on a UK Tour is Burlesque: The Musical, which will introduce the production to new regional venues across the country. Meanwhile, the Dolly Parton musical 9 to 5 has extended its current UK tour due to high demand.

Legally Blonde The Musical opened at the Leicester Curve, and Nottingham Playhouse’s production of The Beekeeper of Aleppo both opened on the 7th of February. Looking ahead, both The Choir of Man and Operation Mincemeat will begin touring next week.

Dance company BalletBoyz have announced their 25th anniversary tour, Still Pointless, opening at Sadler’s Wells on 12th May before touring the UK. Known for their contemporary choreography and innovative collaborations, the company will celebrate its influential work over the past quarter-century.

Finally, the producers behind Burlesque The Musical have announced the launch of Stagelight Capital, a new theatre crowdfunding platform designed to connect productions with potential investors. The initiative aims to create new funding pathways for theatre projects and could represent a significant development in how UK theatre is financed.

That’s your UK theatre news round-up for the week.