Henry, whose credits include Kinky Boots and The Devil Wears Prada, will play teacher Rick Braithwaite in the production, which opens at Leeds Grand Theatre on 15 April before visiting Hull, Manchester and London.
The tour marks the 60th anniversary of the 1967 film starring Sidney Poitier and follows two sold-out concert performances at London's Gillian Lynne Theatre in November 2025, which featured Lulu and Wayne Brady.
Joining Henry are Amy Di Bartolomeo (The Devil Wears Prada, SIX) as Ms Blanchard, Lucy Benjamin (EastEnders) as Ms Dale-Evans, Ben Richards (The Bill, Moulin Rouge! The Musical) as Mr Florian and Georgia May Foote (Coronation Street, The Rocky Horror Show) as Pamela Dare.
LtoR Georgia May Foote, Ben Richards, Matt Henry, Amy Di Bartolomeo & Lucy Benjamin in To Sir With Love, credit Richard Lakos
Based on E.R. Braithwaite's memoir, To Sir, With Love tells the story of a Cambridge-educated engineer and former RAF fighter pilot who faces prejudice while trying to establish himself in post-war Britain.
Taking a teaching position, Braithwaite finds himself responsible for a group of young people approaching adulthood. Rather than dismissing them as troublesome pupils, he challenges them to take responsibility for their futures, gradually earning their respect. The story became internationally recognised through Poitier's performance in the 1967 film, which also featured Lulu's memorable recording of the title song. That song, written by Don Black and Mark London, will feature in the new stage adaptation alongside original music and lyrics by John Farrar and Kara DioGuardi.
Farrar's credits include Grease and Xanadu, while DioGuardi is a songwriter and former American Idol judge.
The musical features a book by producer Kris Lythgoe and is directed by two-time Tony Award nominee Sheldon Epps, with choreography by Kieran Donovan. Speaking about the production, Epps said: "This moving and wonderful story is personally meaningful to me for so many reasons. It is a joy and an honour to bring it to the stage, through the expressive power of musical theatre." He added that the creative team had found ways to use music to heighten the story's emotional impact while retaining its relevance to contemporary audiences.
Matt Henry
Producer Kris Lythgoe said the production also aims to celebrate the influence of teachers. "We all remember a teacher who made a difference in our lives, and we want this musical to encourage people to show them how much they are appreciated."
Lucy Benjamin
The creative team includes orchestrations by Joseph Joubert, set and costume design by Andy Walmsley, video design by Aaron Rhyne and sound design by Paul Smith. Shereen Jasmin Phillips provides dramaturgy, with casting by Debbie O'Brien. The production has been developed through the Ogunquit Playhouse New Works Program.
An official opening night gala will take place in Leeds on 21 April 2027, supporting the Ben Kinsella Trust.
For Henry, the role provides another leading opportunity following his Olivier Award-winning performance in Kinky Boots and his acclaimed work as Nigel in the West End production of The Devil Wears Prada.
Further casting and creative announcements are expected.
To Sir, With Love is produced by Kris Lythgoe, with Willette and Manny Klausner, Jennifer Yaek, and Chris and Viv Day as co-producers. General management is by QUBE Theatricals. Tickets are now on sale through participating theatres and the official To Sir, With Love musical website.