Blog horizontal - Matinee Musicals

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

Cast News

Nicole Scherzinger Joins West End Stars for Love Life: Unites Against Cancer at Drury Lane

09-01-26 The West End is set to unite for an extraordinary night of music and solidarity as Nicole Scherzinger joins the already glittering line-up for Love Life: West End Unites Against Cancer, a one-night-only charity concert in aid of One For The Boys. The landmark event takes place at Theatre Royal Drury Lane on Sunday 1 February 2026, just days ahead of World Cancer Day. Nicole’s addition elevates what was […]

January 10, 2026

Cast News

Cast News: Legally Blonde UK & Ireland Tour

05-01-25 The pink powerhouse is getting even bigger. Full casting has now been revealed for the 2026 UK and Ireland tour of Legally Blonde The Musical, with Hannah Lowther, George Crawford, Karen Mavundukure and Adam Cooper joining previously announced star Amber Davies in the brand-new Made at Curve production. Produced by ROYO and Curve, the tour opens at Leicester’s Curve theatre on 7 February 2026 before heading across the UK […]

January 5, 2026

Latest

Rehearsal images released for major new folk musical Ballad Lines

02-01-25 Rehearsal images have been released for Ballad Lines, a major new folk musical making its London premiere at Southwark Playhouse Elephant from 23 January to 21 March 2026. The newly revealed photography offers a first glimpse at this unique musical production in the rehearsal room. Co-created by award-winning Scottish singer-songwriter Finn Anderson (Islander, Streets) and award-winning director Tania Azevedo (Mayflies, But I’m a Cheerleader), Ballad Lines is a heart-opening […]

January 3, 2026

General

Matinee’s Top 40 Greatest Shows of 2025 – The Top Ten!

=10. Benjamin Button Fresh from its Olivier win, this British original stood out for its storytelling ambition and performances that anchored its fantastical premise. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ay_uBvmyR-o&list=RDAy_uBvmyR-o&start_radio=1 =10. Operation Mincemeat Operation Mincemeat has amassed SO MANY five star reviews they keep having to update their posters - Made it’s Broadway transfer this Spring and won Tonys to add to it’s Oliviers! UK tour in 2026! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sd3fScD3Gc 09. Cabaret at the Kit Kat […]

December 31, 2025

General

Matinee’s Top 40 Greatest Shows of 2025 19-11

= 19. Kinky Boots Touring once again in 2025, the show’s central performances, particularly in Lola’s show-stopping numbers (performed by Strictly's Johannes!), reminded audiences why Kinky Boots remains such a beloved hit. Heading to the West End in 2026 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Wdc0iTfbSk =19. The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry Passenger's spellbinding musical remained a Matinee favourite throughout the summer of 2025 and we cannot wait for the 2026 West End transfer! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VNkl3nYMr8 […]

December 31, 2025

General

Matinee’s Top 40 Greatest Shows of 2025 29-20

29. Back to the Future Still playing at the Adelphi Theatre in London while wrapping up its Broadway run, the show continued to impress with its technical wizardry and high-energy cast performances. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ck27i9TfdE&list=RD5ck27i9TfdE&start_radio=1 28. Kiss of the Spider Woman This critically acclaimed big screen revival starring J-Lo has been praised for lush visuals, emotional intensity and vocal strength. We're still waiting for it to be released in the UK though! […]

December 31, 2025

General

Matinee’s Top 40 Greatest Shows of 2025 40-30

2025 proved that musical theatre is thriving on every scale, from intimate two-handers to blockbuster West End transfers and UK tours that packed houses night after night. Here’s how Matinee’s Top 40 Musical Highlights of 2025 counted down, with the performers and venues that helped make each moment land. 40. The Addams Family The national tour brought Gomez, Morticia and the whole macabre clan to packed regional theatres across the […]

December 31, 2025