February Theatre Guide: New Openings & Closing Soon
- lisahylton2
- 2 hours ago
- 5 min read
From headline-making premieres to productions nearing their final curtain, February offers plenty of reasons to book.
NEW ARRIVALS
Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch - Opens Tonight!
A wildly raucous musical parody that flips Disney’s The Little Mermaid on its head — giving Ursula centre stage in a bawdy, satirical retelling of her origin. This production, returning for a limited season at The Other Palace from 6 February, is bigger, bolder and more rude, with new sets, fresh costumes, additional characters, sharper jokes and a hot pop soundtrack that keeps the laughs flowing. Expect plenty of camp, satire and adult humour as Ursula spills the tea on life under the sea, backed by a creative team led by writers Robyn Grant and Daniel Foxx and music by Tim Gilvin.
Dates: 6 February to 5 April at The Other Palace.
To book: unfortunatemusical.com.
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry - Just Opened
The “pitch perfect” new British musical The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, based on Rachel Joyce’s multi-million-selling novel, has arrived in the West End.
Now on at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, the show stars Mark Addy as the quietly determined Harold Fry, Jenna Russell as his wife Maureen, and Noah Mullins as The Balladeer.
Adapted by Joyce herself, the musical features a “ravishing score” (The Times) by chart-topping singer-songwriter Passenger (Let Her Go) and is directed by Katy Rudd (The Ocean at the End of the Lane). Funny, profound and deeply moving, the story follows Harold’s unexpected walk from Devon to Berwick-upon-Tweed, a journey that becomes a life-affirming pilgrimage of hope, love and second chances. As strangers offer kindness along the way, Maureen begins a journey of her own back home. Uplifting and tender, this new musical celebrates the quiet power of human connection and the belief that it’s never too late to begin again.
Dates: Opened last week at Theatre Royal Haymarket.
To book: https://trh.co.uk/whatson/harold-fry/.
The Boy at the Back of the Class - Opens Tonight
Based on Onjali Q. Raúf’s bestselling novel, this joyful and heartfelt family play opens its UK tour on 6 February with a central London run at the Rose Theatre. Adapted by Nick Ahad and directed by Monique Touko, the story follows a class of schoolchildren who befriend Ahmet, a new boy in their class who won’t speak. Learning he’s fled a war-torn country, the friends embark on a spirited, inventive mission to reunite him with his family. Praised for its humour, warmth and big heart, this production balances childlike adventure with powerful themes of empathy, friendship and inclusion — and it’s accessible to ages 7+.
Dates: 6 to 22 February at the Rose Theatre.
To book: www.rosetheatre.org.
Shadowlands - Opened Last Night
Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey, Paddington) stars as C.S. Lewis in the new West End production of Shadowlands, joined by acclaimed actor Maggie Siff (Mad Men) as the spirited American poet Joy Davidman. Playing a strictly limited run at the Aldwych Theatre, this timeless story brings to life a transformative romance that challenges intellect, faith and the heart.
Based on a true story, Shadowlands follows Lewis, the celebrated author of The Chronicles of Narnia, as he opens his life to an unexpected love with Davidman, whose wit and honesty illuminate a world he had long kept orderly. Their deepening bond is tested when Joy faces a terminal illness, offering a moving exploration of love, loss, and the fragile beauty of life.
Written by William Nicholson, adapted from his BAFTA Award-winning TV movie, Shadowlands is a celebrated stage classic, previously winning the Evening Standard Award for Best Play and a Tony Award on Broadway, with a major film adaptation starring Anthony Hopkins and Debra Winger.
Dates: 5 February to 9 May.
To book: https://www.shadowlandsplay.com/.
CURTAIN CLOSING
MJ The Musical - Ends 28 February
Time is running out to catch MJ The Musical, which continues to dazzle audiences at the Prince Edward Theatre until Friday 28 February. Celebrating the life, music, and legacy of Michael Jackson, this dynamic stage show brings the King of Pop’s extraordinary story to the West End with electrifying choreography, iconic hits, and a visually spectacular production.
Featuring a cast of talented performers who capture Jackson’s signature moves and unmatched stage presence, MJ The Musical offers an immersive journey from his early days with the Jackson 5 through his rise to global superstardom. Behind the scenes, the show explores the trials, triumphs, and relentless ambition that shaped both the artist and the man.
Directed and choreographed with precision and flair, the production is a high-energy celebration of Jackson’s music, artistry, and enduring impact. With its unforgettable score and breathtaking performances, MJ The Musical is a must-see for fans of pop, theatre, and legendary storytelling alike.
Dates: Ends 28th February.
To book: https://london.mjthemusical.com.
High Noon - Ends 7 March
The classic 1952 Western has been reimagined for the London stage in a world-premiere West End adaptation by Oscar-winning screenwriter Eric Roth (known for Forrest Gump), running, now ending on 7 March. The tense, real-time drama stars Tony and screen favourite Billy Crudup (Will Kane) alongside Denise Gough (Amy Fowler) in a reinterpretation of the story of duty, courage and community under pressure.
Dates: Ends 7th March at Harold Pinter Theatre.
To book: https://highnoontheplay.com/
Barnum - Ends 7 February
Bill Kenwright Ltd is bringing the razzmatazz to Windsor Theatre Royal with Barnum, the classic Broadway musical that charts the extraordinary rise of showbiz pioneer P.T. Barnum. Featuring music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Michael Stewart and a book by Mark Bramble, the production celebrates the spirit of spectacle, ambition and imagination that made Barnum the world’s greatest showman. Originally produced at the Watermill Theatre, this major new touring revival has opened at Theatre Royal Windsor, before setting off on a UK tour.
Taking centre stage is West End favourite and TV star Lee Mead, who steps into the top hat as Barnum himself. Mead first captured the nation’s attention with his winning turn on Any Dream Will Do and has since built an acclaimed stage career, starring in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Wicked and Legally Blonde. With its toe-tapping score, big-hearted storytelling and circus flair, Barnum promises a crowd-pleasing night of theatrical showmanship as it hits the road.
Dates: Ends tomorrow, 7 February at Windsor Theatre Royal.
To book: www.kenwright.com.
All My Sons - Ends 7 March
Arthur Miller’s All My Sons is currently commanding the West End at Wyndham’s Theatre, where it plays until Saturday 7 March 2026, in a major new production directed by Ivo van Hove. The drama stars Bryan Cranston as self-made businessman Joe Keller, with Marianne Jean-Baptiste as his steely wife Kate and Paapa Essiedu as their idealistic son Chris. They are joined by Tom Glynn-Carney as George Deever and Hayley Squires as Ann Deever, with a strong supporting cast completing the company.
The production reunites Cranston and van Hove following their award-winning collaboration on Network, which earned Cranston both Olivier and Tony Awards. For van Hove, All My Sons marks his third Arthur Miller play, following acclaimed productions of A View from the Bridge and The Crucible. Stark, tense and emotionally charged, this revival lays bare Miller’s devastating portrait of guilt, responsibility and the cost of moral compromise in post-war America.
Dates: Ends 7 March at Wyndham's Theatre.
To book: http://allmysonsplay.com.
