Universal Theatrical Group and Working Title Films have announced that the original award-winning production of Billy Elliot the Musical will embark on a new national tour and make its long-awaited return to London. This marks the production’s first West End season in over a decade, with a limited run scheduled at the Adelphi Theatre from 12 February to 31 July 2027. Prior to its London return, the production will tour nationally, including a festive engagement at the Palace Theatre Manchester from 2 December 2026 to 9 January 2027. While full touring dates and casting details are yet to be revealed,…
Author: The Reviews Hub
The Reviews Hub
The Reviews Hub was set up in 2007. Our mission is to provide the most in-depth, nationwide arts coverage online.
The Access Manifesto has officially launched as a pioneering movement and an urgent call to action for the UK arts sector. Developed by a coalition including 20 Stories High, Graeae Theatre Company, Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse, and LEEDS 2023, the manifesto aims to dismantle the systemic barriers that prevent Deaf, Disabled, and Neurodivergent young people from accessing cultural spaces. This initiative grew from the lived experiences of young activists like Maisy Gordon and Ayzah Ahmed, who collaborated on the award-winning production High Times and Dirty Monsters. Recognising that many arts venues were failing to meet the needs of the disabled…
After captivating audiences across the globe, the celebrated stage adaptation of Private Peaceful is set to return for an extensive tour of the United Kingdom in Autumn 2026 . This production brings fresh energy to a timeless story, offering a powerful exploration of memory, family and the realities of the First World War. From the pen of Michael Morpurgo, the beloved author of War Horse, comes the unforgettable tale of Tommo Peaceful. As a young soldier stationed on the front lines, Tommo spends a sleepless night reflecting on the moments that defined his life. His journey takes the audience from…
Producers have today unveiled a star-studded company of over 30 performers for the highly anticipated world premiere of Sea Witch, set to take over the Theatre Royal Drury Lane for two exclusive performances on Sunday 1 March 2026. This ambitious new musical, which reimagines the origin story of one of the ocean’s most iconic villains, is bringing together a powerhouse of talent from the worlds of musical theatre, pop, and dance. Leading the principal cast as Nik is Djavan Van De Fliert (Frozen, Les Misérables). He is joined by an impressive line-up including Drag Race icon Michelle Visage as Tante…
It is time to go the distance one last time as the West End production of Disney’s Hercules has announced a final booking extension, confirming it will conclude its run at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on 5 September 2026. Based on the beloved 1997 animated film—which won Best Animation Feature at the Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards and received an Academy Award nomination for “Go the Distance”—this stage adaptation opened last summer to a mixed critical response. The production features music by Alan Menken, lyrics by David Zippel, and a new book by Robert Horn and Kwame Kwei-Armah,…
Ben Platt to Lead UK Premiere of Midnight at The Never Get at Menier Chocolate FactoryTony, Emmy, and Grammy Award winner Ben Platt (Dear Evan Hansen, Parade) is set to make his Menier stage debut this summer. The acclaimed performer will star in the UK premiere of Midnight at The Never Get, a musical featuring book, music, and lyrics by Mark Sonnenblick. Sonnenblick is a Golden Globe and Grammy Award winner, as well as an Academy Award nominee, known for works such as “Golden” and KPop Demon Hunters. This brand-new staging will be directed by Drama Desk and Tony Award…
Writer: Alex Maslin Directors: Alex Maslin and Alex Fernandes This play tells a dark tale. There are moments of dark humour, but the subject matter is grim. A young dead girl hangs frozen in the icy falls on the Isle of Skye. When the temperature warms, she will fall, being swept away by the water beneath. Monty Bulmer, attempting to rescue the body, falls himself and injures his leg. The play begins as he crawls on stage while choir music plays in the background. The man is deeply religious and begs God for two miracles: to heal his leg and…
Writer: Henry Naylor Director: Darren Lee Cole Monstering the Rocketman is a one-act, solo show telling the true story of The Sun vs Elton John. Set during the 80’s AIDS crisis, The Sun falsely accuses Elton John of “sordid rent boy sex sessions”. What follows is a year-long campaign of media harassment against the Rocketman, who fights back with a whopping multi-million-pound lawsuit. It’s an interesting story. However, even if the audience is unaware of these events, we know Elton John remains a national treasure, so we know how the story ends. This, along with the underworked script, means the…