Another week brings the promise of another whirlwind of stagey announcements and interesting news stories. From long-awaited tours and casting news, to yet another audience etiquette debate, the theatre world remains as vibrant as ever. If you have spent the last fortnight touching grass instead of scrolling social media, don’t worry – I’ve got you covered. Here are some of the standout stagey headlines from the past couple of weeks.

HADESTOWN ANNOUNCES FIRST EVER UK & IRELAND TOUR

Arguably my favourite stagey announcement of the fortnight, Hadestown is finally heading out on a UK & Ireland tour. Following huge success both on Broadway and in the West End, the Tony Award-winning musical will begin touring from February 2027, with further venues and casting yet to be announced.

Blending Greek mythology with folk, jazz and blues influences, Hadestown intertwines the stories of Orpheus and Eurydice with those of Hades and Persephone. It has become one of the most beloved musicals of the last decade, and the announcement has been met with overwhelming excitement from theatre fans across the country.

I, for one, will absolutely be securing tickets the moment they become available.

KEVIN CLIFTON TO LEAD THE FULL MONTY TOUR

The boys are back! Casting has been announced for the 30th anniversary tour of The Full Monty, with former Strictly Come Dancingchampion Kevin Clifton set to lead the company as Gaz.

Based on the iconic 1997 film, the show follows a group of unemployed steelworkers who decide to form an unlikely striptease act in an effort to make money. At once equally hilarious and heartfelt, it has remained entrenched in the theatrical zeitgeist for decades.

Joining Clifton will be Stewart Wright, James Gaddas, Ben Onwukwe, Jon-Paul Bell and Zrey Sholapurkar, with further casting expected to be announced in due course.

COMPLETE CAST ANNOUNCED FOR HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL

Following news of its transfer to London’s Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, High School Musical has now revealed its full company.

Among the recently announced cast are Olivia O’Connor, Simeon Beckett, Jordan Benjamin, Char Burnett, Yna Tresvalles, and Curtis Patrick among others.

Featuring iconic songs including Breaking Free, We’re All In This Together and Get’cha Head in the Game, this production continues to prove that Wildcats spirit is very much alive and well in 2026.

ROSAMUND PIKE SPARKS THEATRE ETIQUETTE DEBATE

In the past couple of weeks, Rosamund Pike has made headlines after calling out an audience member for texting on their phone during a performance of Inter Alia at Wyndham’s Theatre. Following the curtain call, Pike returned to the stage to address the disruption, explaining how visible phone use can impact performers and break the connection between actor and audience.

The incident has reignited ongoing discussions surrounding theatre etiquette, with many audience members and industry professionals weighing in on social media. While opinions vary on how such situations should be handled, one thing seems clear: theatre-goers remain rightfully passionate about proper audience behaviour.

KIMBERLY AKIMBO REVEALS ITS LEADING COMPANY

Further casting has been announced for the UK premiere of Kimberly Akimbo, one of the most acclaimed new musicals in recent years.

Following its success on Broadway, where it picked up multiple Tony Awards including Best Musical, the show is set to make its highly anticipated UK debut. The musical follows Kimberly, a teenager living with a rare condition that causes her to age rapidly, navigating family chaos, friendship and first love.

Joining the previously announced Maria Friedman in the title role will be Alice Fearn as Debra, Peter Hannah as Buddy Levaco, Gilli Jones as Seth Weetis and Niamh Perry as Pattie Levaco. They will be joined by Sara Hajizadeh as Teresa Benton and Ronav Jain as Aaron Puckett, both making their professional stage debuts, alongside Robin Simões da Silva as Martin Doaty and Aviva Tulley as Delia McDaniels.

With anticipation continuing to build around the production, this is undoubtedly one of the most exciting upcoming premieres on the theatrical calendar.

SIX EXTENDS WEST END RUN

The producers of Six have announced this week that audiences will be able to enjoy the smash-hit musical in the West End for even longer, in the face of a new booking extension.

Since first taking the theatre world by storm, the Tudor-inspired pop concert has become one of Britain’s greatest musical theatre success stories, spawning international productions and developing an enormously dedicated fanbase. Six is now booking until November 2027!

There you have it – a fortnight’s worth of stagey news condensed into one weekly roundup. Personally, the Hadestown tour announcement may have stolen the crown this week, but there is certainly plenty to look forward to over the coming weeks!