Jamie Griffiths, Author at Matinee Musicals

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 […]

January 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 […]

January 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 […]

January 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 […]

January 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 […]

January 20, 2026

Latest

Jonathan Bailey and Ariana Grande to star in Sunday in the Park with George

14-01-26 A new production of Sunday in the Park with George has been announced for London, with Jonathan Bailey and Ariana Grande confirmed to star. The production will open at the Barbican Centre in summer 2027. The musical features music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by James Lapine. It will be directed by Marianne Elliott, with design by Tom Scutt. The production is produced by Empire Street […]

January 14, 2026

Cast News

MTFestUK 2026 Reveals Full Line-Up

13-01-26 MTFestUK returns in early 2026 with a vibrant and ambitious programme of six original musicals, presented at The Other Palace Studio from 27 January to 15 February. Now firmly established as a vital platform for new musical theatre, the festival continues its mission to champion innovative writing, emerging voices and boundary-pushing ideas, inviting audiences into the creative process as shows take shape. This year’s line-up brings together an exceptional […]

January 13, 2026

Cast News

Cast News: Choir of Man UK & Ireland Tour

13-01-26 After becoming a much-loved fixture of the West End and a consistent Matinee favourite, The Choir of Man is preparing to raise a glass to its next chapter. Producers have announced full casting for the show’s first ever UK and Ireland tour, which opens at New Wimbledon Theatre on Saturday 14 March 2026, direct from the West End. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17B36vWFFR0 Alongside the touring announcement comes the launch of a new […]

January 13, 2026

Cast News

Cast News: The Battle

12/01/26 London, 1995. Two of the country’s biggest bands release singles on the same day, setting off a chain reaction that would become one of the most talked-about moments in British music history. What followed was not simply a chart race, but a cultural flashpoint that spilled far beyond record shops and radio playlists, dividing audiences, fuelling headlines and cementing Britpop as a defining movement of the decade. The Battle […]

January 12, 2026