A look at eight must-see theatre shows and West End musicals touring the UK and Ireland this autumn and winter
As the early nights draw in and Christmas waits just around the corner, what better excuse is there for a trip to the theatre? Here are some of the many exciting shows touring around the UK this autumn and winter:
‘That’ll Be the Day’
The exciting and energetic rock’n’roll variety show is travelling up and down the country. Milton Keynes, Yeovil, Llandudno, York and Glasgow are just a few of the towns they’ll be swinging into this winter.
The show features songs from the 1960s to the 1980s, including music from the likes of Whitney Houston, Elvis, Tina Turner and Cliff Richard. Audiences are encouraged to sing along, have a dance and join in with the fun.
And if that isn’t enough, That’ll Be the Day will be doing a special Christmas edition from 7 November 2023 in High Wycombe to 17 December 2023 in Bournemouth.
‘Aladdin the Musical’
After its hugely successful run on both the West End and Broadway, Disney’s Aladdin the Musical is hitting the road on a UK and Ireland tour. The spectacular musical features classic songs from the beloved Disney film, as well as several new additions for the stage – and breathtaking on-stage magic.
Spotlight members Gavin Adams and Desmonda Cathabel will lead as Disney royalty ‘Aladdin’ and ‘Jasmine’ – while being supported by a hugely talented cast, including Spotlight member Yeukayi Ushe as ‘Genie’.
The tour kicks off in Edinburgh on 24 October 2023 and will be flying its magic carpet into theatres up and down the country, including Dublin, Cardiff, Manchester and Birmingham before finishing up in Liverpool in January 2025.
Disney’s Aladdin the Musical tour dates
‘Calendar Girls: The Musical’
The stage adaptation of the beloved 2003 film of the same name features songs written by Take That’s Gary Barlow and is jam-packed with comedy, cakes and calendars! Calendar Girls tells the story of the Women’s Institute which set out to make and sell a comical calendar to raise funds for a local hospice.
Currently on at The Alexandra in Birmingham with stops in Wimbledon, Peterborough, Darlington and Hull, among others, Calendar Girls: The Musical is travelling up and down the country until the first week of December 2023.
Calendar Girls: The Musical tour dates
‘Jesus Christ Superstar’
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ground-breaking rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar has gone on the road with the reimagined version of the production that was so successful at London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre last summer.
Telling the famous story of Jesus and his disciples in the days leading up to his crucifixion, the powerful music of Lloyd Webber drives the dramatic storytelling.
This exciting new production will travel around the country until August 2024, with stops in Aberdeen, Bradford, Inverness and Truro, among others.
Jesus Christ Superstar tour dates
‘Edward Scissorhands’
Matthew Bourne’s ballet adaptation of the beloved 1990 Tim Burton hit film is setting out on a nationwide tour this November 2023.
Loved by audiences around the world since its premiere in 2005, Edward Scissorhands stuns all who witness it with its breathtaking choreography from Bourne and beautiful original music from Danny Elfman.
The tour will stop off at Woking, Bristol, Cardiff, Norwich and Edinburgh, with a pit-stop at Sadler’s Wells in London in December.
Edward Scissorhands tour dates
‘Giovanni Pernice: Let Me Entertain You’
In light of Strictly Come Dancing’s return to the BBC, professional dancer and Spotlight member Giovanni Pernice is going on tour.
In a stage show packed with dance, music and pure entertainment, Pernice will be joined by an ensemble of professional dancers and West End performers for a night like no other.
After his previous sell-out tour and rave reviews, Pernice will be travelling up and down the country, stopping at more than 50 locations, including Oxford, Durham, Southend, Chester and Ipswich.
Giovanni Pernice: Let Me Entertain You tour dates
‘Cluedo 2 – The Next Chapter’
Following the huge success of the first tour, Cluedo is going nationwide again with a sequel, preparing to thrill and entertain audiences around the country.
Set in the 1960s, this original story features all the favourite characters of the timeless board game.
Cluedo 2 – The Next Chapter will be kicking off its tour in Richmond in February 2024, stopping at Bath, Sheffield and Salford, among others.
Cluedo 2 – The Next Chapter tour dates
‘Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’
After its phenomenal success on the West End, the story of Jamie New and his debut into the drag world is now on tour.
Featuring a star-studded cast, including Spotlight members Giovanna Fletcher, John Partridge, Sam Bailey, Kevin Clifton, Darren Day and stepping into the red heels, West End star Ivano Turco leads the cast as Jamie himself.
Everybody will have the opportunity to talk about Jamie as it’s stopping at over 20 locations between now and the end of July 2024.
Watch Jamie and his friends in Northampton, Plymouth, Blackpool, Jamie’s hometown Sheffield and many more.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie tour dates
This small selection celebrates some of the fresh and exciting talent showing up all over the country this autumn and winter. With a wide variety of dance, musicals, plays and comedy, there’s sure to be something for everyone.
Join Spotlight to see castings for stage shows, musical theatre and more. Find out more about our membership options and start looking for auditions today!
