UK Theatre News Round-Up: 25 January – 1 February 2026

This is your weekly UK theatre news round-up. This article covers everything that’s been happening on and around UK stages between 25 January and 1 February, from West End shake-ups and major casting announcements to new musicals, regional premieres, and slightly unhinged future projects. Whether you’re booking ahead or just like to know what’s going on, here’s what you need to know.

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Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Is Getting Shorter

Good news for anyone who has ever loved Harry Potter and the Cursed Child but quietly questioned their stamina. From 6 October 2026, the West End production at the Palace Theatre will officially become a single, condensed 175-minute performance, replacing the current two-part format. This streamlined version has already proven successful in the US, Germany, and Japan, and promises to deliver the full story without requiring audiences to sacrifice an entire day. Same magic, significantly less back pain.

Placebo to Compose for the RSC’s The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui

In one of the more intriguing announcements of the week, the Royal Shakespeare Company has confirmed that Placebo will compose the music for its upcoming production of Brecht’s The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui. The production stars Mark Gatiss and premieres on 11 April. A politically charged satire scored by a British alternative rock band feels like either inspired chaos or absolute genius, and it’s already shaping up to be one of the RSC’s most talked-about projects this year.

Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts Premieres in Oxford

Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts has premiered this week in Oxford, adding another chapter to Britain’s enduring love affair with cosy murder. While the jury is very much still out critically, its arrival alone feels like a cultural inevitability. If atmospheric crime drama with familiar IP is your thing, this one is firmly on the radar.

The Outsiders Confirms West End Transfer

The hit Broadway musical The Outsiders has officially been confirmed for a West End transfer. While dates and a venue are still to be announced, the move feels inevitable given its success in New York. Expect emotional storytelling, soaring harmonies, and a fanbase already preparing to descend on London in force once tickets are released.

Leeds Playhouse Announces How the Grinch Stole Christmas! for 2026

Looking ahead to next year, Leeds Playhouse has announced it will produce How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical in 2026. A festive favourite with broad family appeal, the show feels well-placed in a venue known for high-quality large-scale productions. File this one away early; it’s almost certainly going to sell well.

Tom Allen Joins Titanique as Ruth

Casting news that feels genuinely inspired: Tom Allen has been cast as Ruth in Titanique. Anyone familiar with the show knows that this role requires razor-sharp comic timing and a fearless performance style, both of which Tom Allen has in abundance. It’s a casting decision that makes complete sense and should be an absolute highlight.

Claire Sweeney Takes Over as Miss Hannigan in Annie

More casting news, this time on tour. Claire Sweeney will take over the role of Miss Hannigan in the UK tour of Annie from 7 July. It’s a role with huge comic potential, and one that benefits from a strong, characterful performer at its centre.

Carrie Hope Fletcher Announces The Ghost Light Tour

Carrie Hope Fletcher has announced a new tour for October, titled The Ghost Light Tour. The tour, described as an evening of music and storytelling, will visit a range of venues, mostly cathedrals. If you’re a fan, it might be worth checking your local listings now; she could genuinely be coming to a very large, echoey building near you.

World Premiere of The Pianist Set for Southampton

A major new adaptation is heading to the south coast later this year. The Pianist will receive its world premiere at Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre this September. The production is set for a limited run, making it one to watch for anyone interested in literary adaptations and new large-scale drama.

Sylvia Reveals New Artwork and Behind-the-Scenes Content

New artwork, trailers, and behind-the-scenes footage have been released for Sylvia, the musical starring Beverley Knight. The production opens in Leicester on 24 September before transferring to the Royal Albert Hall for its final performances. Visually and thematically bold, this is one that’s building momentum well ahead of its opening.

New Musical Alert: Flyology at the Union Theatre

For fans of new writing and fringe theatre, Flyology will premiere at the Union Theatre on 5 May. Described as part sci-fi, part feminist riot, the show is exactly the kind of experimental new musical that smaller venues do best — and one to keep firmly on your radar.

The Traitors Is Heading to the Stage

In news that has split opinion, The Traitors has announced plans to become a theatre production in 2027. Whether this turns into a genuinely gripping psychological thriller or a slightly hollow piece of IP-driven theatre remains to be seen. Either way, it’s happening — and people will absolutely buy tickets.

Burlesque Announces a UK Tour

The stage adaptation of Burlesque has announced a UK tour, bringing the high-glamour, high-energy musical to audiences beyond London. With its built-in fanbase and bold aesthetic, it’s likely to become a major touring draw once dates and venues are fully revealed.

Sweeney Todd UK Casting Announced

Casting has been announced for the upcoming UK production of Sweeney Todd, adding fresh momentum to one of musical theatre’s darkest and most beloved titles. With strong creative interest already building, this production is shaping up to be a significant moment for fans of classic, operatic musicals.

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

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