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Show Announcements

Burlesque Is Back!

30-01-26 One of the most talked-about musical theatre productions of recent years is officially returning and this time, it’s coming back bigger than ever! Burlesque The Musical will open in the West End at the brand-new Arts at Marble Arch, while a second production embarks on a major UK tour, bringing the show to audiences across the country from summer 2026 through early 2027. For Matinee, this news lands with particular excitement. When Burlesque played Manchester in 2024, we awarded […]

todayJanuary 31, 2026

Latest

Michelle Visage Releases Sea Witch Showstopper

30-01-26 New music has been released from the upcoming musical Sea Witch, with Michelle Visage featuring on the track Beware of the Storms, unveiled ahead of the show’s world premiere performances at Theatre Royal Drury Lane. The release marks the first music to be shared from Sea Witch, a major new musical created and conceived by Kristopher Russell and Michael David Glover, with music and lyrics by Segun Fawole. The track introduces the sound world of the production, blending cinematic […]

todayJanuary 30, 2026

General

Placebo and the RSC Join Forces for The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui

28-01-26 The Royal Shakespeare Company has announced a striking new collaboration for its 2026 season, with Placebo composing original music for a new production of Bertolt Brecht’s The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui. The production will star Mark Gatiss, a double Olivier Award-winner, in the title role and will premiere at the Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon from Saturday 11 April to Saturday 30 May 2026, with a press night on Tuesday 21 April. Directed by Seán Linnen in a new […]

todayJanuary 28, 2026

Reviews

Review: FRIENDS! The Musical Parody

27-01-26 Alhambra Theatre Tuesday 27 January by Fiona Holleyhead From the first beat, it was clear the audience for Friends! The Musical Parody  was packed with fans ready to laugh, recognise, and relive moments from one of television’s most enduring sitcoms. When you're in good company with like minded fans of a series you grew up with, you know you're in for an uplifting experience. Rather than leaning on surface-level impressions, the show takes a smarter approach, weaving together iconic […]

todayJanuary 27, 2026

Latest

Sparks Set for Major UK Return This Summer

27-01-26 Sparks return to the UK this summer with a run of headline shows in June 2026, bringing their career-spanning live set back to British stages following a rapturously received world tour. For Matinee listeners, Sparks remain a true constant. From the angular pop brilliance of their 1970s breakthrough to their bold, cinematic later work, including the much-loved Annette soundtrack, Ron and Russell Mael’s music continues to feel singular, adventurous and utterly unmistakable. It is little wonder they remain one […]

todayJanuary 27, 2026

General

BYMT Brings Youth Music Theatre Auditions to Manchester

27-01-26 British Youth Music Theatre (BYMT) will bring its youth music theatre auditions to Manchester next month, offering young performers aged 11 to 21 the chance to take part in its 2026 season of original new musicals. The in-person auditions will take place on Sunday 8 February at Hope Mill Theatre, with two sessions available to book: 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm. Places must be booked in advance via the BYMT website. Unlike traditional auditions, BYMT’s process is […]

todayJanuary 27, 2026

Cast News

Cast News: Waitress

22-01-26 Further casting has been announced for the upcoming UK and Ireland tour of Waitress, with Les Dennis confirmed as Joe, Sandra Marvin returning as Becky, and Evelyn Hoskins reprising the role of Dawn. They join the previously announced Carrie Hope Fletcher as Jenna, with the tour opening at New Wimbledon Theatre on Saturday 28 March 2026. Produced by Barry and Fran Weissler alongside David Ian for Crossroads Live, the tour brings the internationally successful musical back on the road […]

todayJanuary 22, 2026

Cast News

Cast News: Pride

20-01-26 Full casting has been announced for Pride, a brand new British musical based on the award-winning film, which will receive its world premiere at the National Theatre in summer 2026, following a preview run at Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. Produced by P&P Productions with the National Theatre in association with Pathé, the production reunites director Matthew Warchus and writer Stephen Beresford, whose collaboration brings the true story of Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners (LGSM) to the stage. The musical […]

todayJanuary 20, 2026

General

First Look: Beautiful Little Fool

20-01-26 Producers have released a new set of production images from Beautiful Little Fool, the brand new musical currently playing at Southwark Playhouse Borough, where it opened last week. The newly released images offer a first look at the London company, led by David Hunter as F. Scott Fitzgerald. Hunter’s previous credits include Waitress, Once, Kinky Boots and The Time Traveller’s Wife. He stars alongside Lauren Ward as Scottie, with Hannah Corneau appearing on stage as Zelda Fitzgerald. Completing the principal […]

todayJanuary 20, 2026