UK Theatre News Round-Up: 15th - 22nd February

This is your UK Theatre News Round-up, covering the biggest theatre news from 15th February to 22nd February 2026. From major announcements by the Royal Shakespeare Company to exciting new musicals, touring productions, and major extensions in the West End, it’s been another busy week across the UK.

Watch the UK Theatre News Round-up

Game of Thrones: The Mad King

The biggest announcement this week is that the Royal Shakespeare Company will stage Game of Thrones: The Mad King in Stratford-upon-Avon in summer 2026.

The production will tell a brand-new story set before the events of George R. R. Martin’s novels and the television series, focusing on the reign of Aerys II Targaryen. The RSC is already anticipating extremely high demand, with ticket purchases limited to four per person.

Priority booking opens on 14 April 2026, with public booking opening shortly afterwards. Given the global popularity of the franchise and the RSC’s reputation for large-scale productions, this is expected to be one of the most in-demand theatre tickets of the year.

The Last Man

The musical The Last Man will have its UK premiere at Southwark Playhouse on 8 May 2026. Set during a zombie apocalypse, the show blends horror and musical theatre storytelling in a genre combination rarely seen on UK stages. The production marks an unusual and inventive addition to the London theatre scene and will be one to watch for audiences interested in new musical theatre writing.

New Stage Adaptation of 1984

A new stage adaptation of George Orwell’s 1984 will tour Scotland beginning on the 29th of August 2026. The production will preview in Glasgow before touring to Dundee, Aberdeen, and Edinburgh. Orwell’s novels have proven popular with theatre-makers over the years, especially with Animal Farm. Full casting and creative team details are expected to be announced closer to the opening date.

Operation Mincemeat Extends… Again!

West End hit Operation Mincemeat has extended its run at the Fortune Theatre until 20 February 2027.

Originally intended as a temporary West End placement before planned refurbishment work at the theatre, the show’s continued success has pushed those plans back. The musical has built a strong audience and has become one of the West End’s most reliable long-running productions… whilst also being on a UK tour!

Other Tour Extensions

Long-running musical Blood Brothers has announced additional UK tour dates for 2027. The Willy Russell musical has been a staple of the UK touring circuit for decades and continues to attract audiences nationwide. The new dates extend the production’s ongoing touring schedule, ensuring the show remains widely accessible outside London.

Back to the Future: The Musical has added further stops to its ongoing UK and international touring schedule. The production's popularity has been reflected not only in ticket sales but also in the success of its cast recording, which is the 10th-most-streamed Original Cast Recording on Spotify. 

Jeezus! comes to London

Following an award-winning run at the 2025 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the extended production of Jeezus! will come to the New Diorama Theatre from 21 April 2026. Fringe transfers often build momentum, and Jeezus! is already generating early interest ahead of its London opening.

Broadcast of Pro-Shot Theatre

The National Theatre will stream The Importance of Being Earnest for FREE on YouTube from 12 March 2026 for one week. Audiences across the UK can watch a major theatre production at no cost, from the comfort of their sofa.

The award-winning 2016 production of Funny Girl, starring Sheridan Smith as Fanny Brice, will return to cinemas from 30 April 2026.

The stage adaptation of Stanley Kubrick’s Dr Strangelove, starring Steve Coogan, will be broadcast on Sky Arts on 25 February 2026 at 9 pm.

Much Ado About Nothing Transfers to Broadway

The Jamie Lloyd production of Much Ado About Nothing, starring Tom Hiddleston and Hayley Atwell, is transferring to Broadway. That is all the information I have, and all the information I can give.

London Theatre Week Offers Discounted Tickets

London Box Office is currently offering discounted theatre tickets starting at £15. More than 80% of West End shows are taking part, including major productions and long-running hits. The promotion runs until 8 March 2026 and offers one of the most accessible ways to see theatre in London at reduced prices.

Tickets and participating shows can be found at: https://www.londonboxoffice.co.uk/london-theatre-week