Updated: 11-07-26
One of the biggest children's publishing sensations of recent years is heading to UK stages, with Dog Man: The Musical set to make its European premiere at the Southbank Centre this summer.
Following multiple sold-out Off-Broadway runs and successful US tours, the family musical will bring Dav Pilkey's hugely popular graphic novels to UK audiences for the very first time.
Based on the bestselling Dog Man series, which has sold more than 70 million copies worldwide and been translated into 48 languages, the musical promises an energetic adventure packed with comedy, catchy songs and larger-than-life characters. Pilkey's stories have become a global phenomenon, with five Dog Man titles currently sitting among Amazon UK's 50 bestselling children's books. Earlier this year, the DreamWorks animated film adaptation also proved a major hit with audiences around the world.
The show follows best friends George and Harold, familiar to fans of Captain Underpants, as they attempt to create a musical based on their favourite comic book hero. Their star is Dog Man, the crime-fighting, furniture-chewing hero who is part dog, part policeman and entirely determined to save the day. Along the way he must face off against villainous cat Petey, Flippy the cyborg fish and an army of Beasty Buildings, all while George and Harold race to finish their show before lunchtime.
Dav Pilkey has praised the stage adaptation, saying it "surpassed my highest expectations", adding that it perfectly blends "memorable music, humour, and love". He said he is thrilled the production will finally make its way to London, describing it as a real treat for children and families.
The musical features a book and lyrics by two-time Emmy Award winner Kevin Del Aguila, music by Brad Alexander and direction and choreography by Jen Wineman. For the European premiere, Paul Herbert joins the creative team as Musical Director.
Pilkey's own story is every bit as inspiring as his creations. Diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia as a child, he spent much of his school life drawing comics in the hallway after being sent out of class. Those early sketches eventually became the foundations of Dog Man and Captain Underpants, two of the most successful children's book series of the past three decades.
With its mix of inventive storytelling, laugh-out-loud comedy and heartwarming messages about kindness and courage, Dog Man: The Musical looks set to delight a new generation of young theatre-goers when it arrives in London for its long-awaited European premiere.
Dog Man: The Musical UK Tour 2026
16 - 19 July
Curve, Leicester
21 - 23 July
Lyceum Theatre, Crewe
29 July - 16 August
Southbank Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hall, London
18 - 20 August
Palace Theatre, Southend
24 - 26 August
BEAM, Hertford
28 - 29 August
Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton
4 - 5 September
Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne
11 - 13 September
Darlington Hippodrome
26 - 27 September
Princess Theatre, Torquay
3 - 4 October
Victoria Theatre, Halifax
8 - 10 October
Arts Theatre, Cambridge
16 - 17 October
Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff
23 - 25 October
Fareham Live
26 - 28 October
Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe
Visit the official site HERE
