Welcome to your round-up of unmissable West End and touring theatre.
This edition of Stage Watch brings the brightest lights of the UK stage straight to your diary. From glittering musical tours to spellbinding West End finales, lyrical reimaginings of classics, toe-tapping pop-inspired shows, and explosive psychological drama, there’s a theatre experience for every taste this season.
Plan ahead, grab tickets early, and get ready to experience unforgettable nights of music, magic, and theatrical brilliance.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Palace Theatre, London. Booking until September 2026
The original two-part staging of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child enters its final chapter in London’s West End. Based on material by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne, and John Tiffany, this award-winning production continues the story as the eighth instalment in the wizarding world, following Harry Potter and his family as new generations navigate magic, legacy, and the unexpected consequences of past decisions. Audiences are immersed in spellbinding stagecraft, from astonishing illusions and time travel sequences to breathtaking theatrical wizardry that brings the world of Hogwarts to life before your eyes.
This production has captivated audiences for a decade, earning multiple Olivier Awards and becoming the most awarded West End play in history. Each performance combines compelling storytelling, intricate stage mechanics, and emotional resonance that appeals to both longtime fans and newcomers alike. Whether you are returning to see beloved characters or experiencing the magical universe for the first time on stage, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child promises a meticulously crafted, awe-inspiring theatrical adventure.
Best for: Devoted Potter fans, lovers of ambitious, large-scale theatre, and anyone seeking spellbinding stagecraft.
Tip: Tickets are sold per part — book both Part One and Part Two to experience the full story. Prepare for a long but unforgettable night of magic and adventure.
Burlesque The Musical
UK Tour – Aylesbury, Birmingham, Glasgow, Liverpool, Stoke, Sunderland, Woking. On sale Friday
Step into a club like no other. Executive produced by Christina Aguilera and written by Steven Antin, Burlesque The Musical is a glittering, high-octane journey into the hidden nightlife of New York City. Audiences follow Ali, a young woman searching for the mother she never knew, who finds herself swept into a vibrant underground world brimming with music, movement, and intrigue. As she discovers her extraordinary voice and newfound family of dreamers, misfits, and schemers, the story builds to a dazzling, heart-pounding climax that celebrates individuality and courage.
Packed with powerhouse songs by Christina Aguilera, Sia, Diane Warren, Todrick Hall, and Jess Folley, this production combines jaw-dropping choreography, glittering costumes, and thrilling story arcs to deliver a night of theatrical spectacle that fuses pop star energy with storytelling finesse. From soaring ballads to high-octane dance numbers, Burlesque offers an immersive experience that dazzles the eyes, moves the heart, and celebrates the transformative power of self-expression.
Best for: Fans of bold vocals, glamorous staging, and feel-good stories of self-discovery.
Tip: Book early — opening weekends in Birmingham and Glasgow are likely to sell out quickly. Arrive ready to be swept into the spectacle.
Cyrano de Bergerac
Noël Coward Theatre, London. From 13 June 2026
Poet. Soldier. Philosopher. Cyrano de Bergerac burns with brilliance in this bold and lyrical reimagining from Simon Evans and Debris Stevenson. Following a sold-out, critically acclaimed run with the Royal Shakespeare Company, this West End transfer showcases Olivier Award-winner Adrian Lester as the titular hero, delivering a performance lauded as “perfect” (The Times) and “hilariously funny and ultimately heartbreaking” (Mail on Sunday). Cyrano’s quick wit, fearless eloquence, and profound vulnerability drive a story of love, honour, and unspoken longing, elevated by striking stagecraft and inventive direction.
The production balances high-energy comedy with deep emotional resonance, exploring the complex interplay of desire, pride, and artistic brilliance. Lester’s magnetic presence, paired with the inventive staging, creates a theatrical experience that is as visually stunning as it is emotionally compelling. Critics have praised its playful yet poignant interpretation, noting the production’s ability to make classic material feel both fresh and urgent. Cyrano de Bergerac promises audiences an unforgettable night of romance, wordplay, and theatrical daring in London’s West End.
Best for: Lovers of classic theatre, charismatic performances, and emotionally intelligent storytelling.
Tip: Book early — this is a strictly limited West End run with high demand expected. Expect sharp wit, lyrical dialogue, and moments of heartfelt intensity.
Here & Now – The Steps Musical
New Theatre Oxford. 17 to 22 February 2026
Step into the seaside superstore Better Best Bargains, where it’s Friday night, the vibe is right, and everyone’s dancing in the aisles! Here & Now – The Steps Musical is a sparkling, hilarious new production that brings the hits of pop phenomenon Steps to life, celebrating love, friendship, and the challenges of chasing happiness. When Caz discovers the shelves are stocked with lies and betrayal, her friends’ dreams of a perfect summer begin to unravel — but love, music, and resilience may have other plans.
Directed by award-winning Rachel Kavanaugh (Half a Sixpence, The Great British Bake Off Musical) and written by Shaun Kitchener (Hollyoaks), this upbeat, joyous musical features iconic Steps hits including 5, 6, 7, 8, Stomp, Better Best Forgotten, and Last Thing On My Mind. Bursting with infectious choreography, witty dialogue, and a storyline that balances humour with heart, Here & Now offers a celebration of life’s ups and downs set to a soundtrack of irresistible pop classics. Produced by Steps, ROYO, and pop legend Pete Waterman, it’s a night of music, laughter, and nostalgia for all ages.
Best for: Fans, families, and anyone seeking a fun, nostalgic, high-energy musical.
Tip: Book early — prime seating will sell fast. Arrive ready to sing and dance along, and soak up the infectious energy of the cast.
Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
Oxford Playhouse. 20 February to 7 March 2026
One evening. Two couples. No place to hide. Edward Albee’s multi-award-winning play Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is a darkly comic, psychologically charged exploration of deception, ego, and human vulnerability. On a seemingly ordinary night, disillusioned professor George and his formidable wife Martha invite a younger couple, Nick and Honey, into their home — a casual encounter that rapidly spirals into emotional games, verbal duels, and raw exposure of long-held truths.
Directed by Oxford Playhouse Artistic Director Mike Tweddle, this landmark production marks a bold new chapter for the venue, celebrating Albee’s razor-sharp dialogue and unforgettable characters. The production coincides with the sixtieth anniversary of the 1966 Oscar-winning film starring Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. Audiences can expect a powerful, high-tension performance that blends dark humour with profound insight, offering a night of theatre that lingers long after the curtain falls.
Best for: Fans of classic drama, psychological thrillers, and intense, character-driven theatre.
Tip: Best suited for adult audiences due to mature themes and strong language. Prepare for a late-evening, emotionally charged performance.
The post Stage Watch: Burlesque, Harry Potter, Cyrano, Here & Now, and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? appeared first on The Oxford Magazine.
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