Category: TheatreThings to do

Theatre fans are in for a brilliant year at Theatre Royal Plymouth, with big-name musicals, powerful drama, laugh-out-loud comedy and family favourites taking to the stage across 2026!                                

Musicals

The Lyric is welcoming an impressive run of major touring productions which are often only seen on the West End stages.  

Matilda the Musical, 13 January to 7 February 

Roald Dahl’s much-loved story bursts onto the stage with Tim Minchin’s clever, catchy songs and the tale of one extraordinary little girl taking on the grown-ups. Matilda the Musical has hundreds of international awards behind it (for very good reason!), this is one you will want to book before it’s gone. 

Miss Saigon, 17 to 28 February 

A powerful tale of love, sacrifice and hope set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, this legendary musical returns with a sweeping story that pulls at the heartstrings. The show features unforgettable songs like The Movie in My Mind and Last Night of the World, with incredible performances, striking staging and lighting, and a story that will stay with you long after the curtain comes down.  

Here & Now – The Steps Musical, 24 to 29 March  
Get your glitter on for a brand-new jukebox musical packed with all the Steps hits you know and love, from 5, 6, 7, 8 to Tragedy. This feel-good celebration of love, friendship and full-on party vibes is made for a big night out with friends. 

Buddy, 7 to 11 April  

The original jukebox musical tells the story of rock ’n’ roll legend Buddy Holly, filled with classic hits like That’ll Be The Day and Peggy Sue. In Buddy, you can expect high-energy performances, live band numbers and plenty of toe-tapping all the way through. 

Legally Blonde The Musical, 2 to 6 June  

Elle Woods swaps pink heels for the courtroom in this funny, feel-good musical about backing yourself and surprising everyone along the way. With big dance numbers such as Bend and Snap, plenty of laughs and a whole lot of heart, it is a brilliant choice if you want to leave the theatre grinning.  

The Ballad of Johnny & June, 16 to 20 June 

A new musical exploring the music and love story of Johnny Cash and June Carter, packed with iconic songs and a live-on-stage band. Fans of country, Americana and great storytelling will be right at home here. 

Annie, 22 to 27 June 

The sun comes out at TRP with the much-loved musical Annie, featuring favourites like Tomorrow and It’s The Hard Knock Life. It is a heartwarming choice for families and anyone who enjoys a classic feel-good show. 

Operation Mincemeat, 29 June to 4 July 

The award-winning, razor-sharp musical comedy about an outrageous real-life Second World War mission heads to Plymouth. Smart, funny and packed with fast-paced songs, it is ideal if you like your theatre a bit quirky and clever. 

The Bodyguard, 6 to 11 July  

Featuring a soundtrack of Whitney Houston hits including I Will Always Love You and I Wanna Dance With Somebody, this thriller-romance musical delivers big vocals and big drama. A great pick for a glitzy date night or friends’ trip. 

FAME the musical 28 July to 15 August 

Following a group of talented students at New York’s High School for the Performing Arts, this iconic show is full of energy, dance and ambition. With its famous title song and dynamic choreography, it is a real summer crowd-pleaser. 

Moulin Rouge! The Musical 19 August to 19 September 

Step into a spectacular world of glamour, excess and pop anthems as the multi-award-winning Moulin Rouge! The Musical arrives in Plymouth. With jaw-dropping sets, costumes and a mash-up of huge hits, it is one of the biggest theatrical events of the year. 

CATS, 6 October to 17 October 

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s beloved musical returns, bringing T. S. Eliot’s Jellicle Cats to life with memorable songs including Memory. Atmospheric design and inventive choreography make this a real treat for musical theatre fans. 

Mrs Doubtfire 20 October to 7 November 

Everyone’s favourite unconventional nanny arrives on stage in a heartwarming and hilarious musical based on the hit film. Expect big laughs, big songs and a family story with a lot of warmth

Cinderella (Pantomime), Christmas 2026  

You shall go to the ball with TRP’s 2026 pantomime, packed with all the traditions audiences love: big musical numbers, sparkly costumes, laughs, boos and plenty of “he’s behind you!”. It is a lovely festive trip for families and friends alike! 

                      

Amateur 

It’s a Wonderful Life, 14 to 17 January 
A stage version of the classic story about second chances and the impact one person can have. It's a Wonderful Life packed with warmth and festive spirit to brighten the start of the year. 

1984, 20 to 24 January 
George Orwell’s chilling vision of a surveillance state comes to the stage in a gripping adaptation that feels timely, tense and thought-provoking. 

Sweeney Todd, 27 to 31 January 
The darkly comic tale of the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, featuring Sondheim’s rich score and a mix of gothic atmosphere, humour and horror. 
                             

Comedy 

Josh Widdicombe – Not My Cup of Tea, 21 April 
Josh Widdicombe brings his latest show to Plymouth, packed with sharp observations, everyday frustrations and stories that build into big, rolling laughs.  

The Last Laugh, 5 to 9 May 
A hit comedy play that imagines comedy greats sharing one final night together, blending gags, pathos and backstage secrets for fans of classic British humour. 

                       

Dance 

Into the Light, 12 to 13 February 
A striking dance piece that blends powerful movement, music and design to explore hope and new beginnings.  

MÁM, 3 to 4 March 
A unique mix of Irish dance, live music and theatre from an acclaimed choreographer, creating an intense and uplifting experience.  

BLOOM, 10 March 
Richard Chappell Dance showcases the energy and creativity of the South West dance scene in a bold, contemporary work.  

Don Quixote, 18 to 21 March 
A joyful production of the classic story, filled with dazzling dancing, colourful costumes and comic moments for ballet and dance fans alike.  

Body & Soul, 30 April to 2 May 
A powerful programme exploring emotion, connection and the human spirit through expressive, high-level dance.  

Matthew Bourne’s The Car Man, 14 to 18 July 
Matthew Bourne’s award-winning The Car Man reimagines Bizet’s Carmen as a steamy, pulpy thriller set in a 1950s American garage-diner, with gripping storytelling and a dramatic, instantly recognisable score. 

                 

Drama 

2:22 A Ghost Story, 9 February to 14 February  
A modern supernatural chiller that follows a couple convinced something is visiting their baby’s room every night at 2:22. 2:22 A Ghost Story is full of jump‑scares, sharp dialogue and big twists, it is a brilliant one to see! 

Al, Al, Oh..., 10 February  
Inspired by the much‑loved TV sitcom, this stage version serves up larger‑than‑life characters, outrageous accents and endless misunderstandings in wartime France. It is light, silly and perfect if you just want an evening of pure escapism.  

Meet Fred, 23 to 24 February  
A clever and surprisingly moving show about a puppet who just wants an ordinary life, but finds the world is not set up for someone like him. Mixing humour with sharp social commentary, it is the kind of piece that has audiences laughing one moment and quiet the next.  

Life Before You, 26 February to 28 February  
An intimate drama that looks at relationships, missed chances and the stories people tell about their past. With a small cast and close‑up emotions, it is ideal if you enjoy character‑driven theatre.  

Smalltown Boy, 5 and 6 March  
A coming‑of‑age story about identity, home and the pull between staying put and striking out somewhere new. Expect a strong soundtrack influence and a lot of heart.  

To Kill a Mockingbird, 10 to 14 March 
Harper Lee’s classic novel is brought to the stage in a powerful adaptation that follows Scout Finch as she witnesses her father, Atticus, defend a Black man falsely accused of a crime. To Kill a Mockingbird is an emotional, beautifully told story that still feels hugely relevant.  

A Grain of Sand, 17 and 18 March  
A thoughtful piece that zooms in on small moments with big consequences, showing how tiny decisions can ripple out through people’s lives.  

Glitch, 26 to 28 March  
A contemporary play about technology, truth and how easily reality can be distorted when everything is filtered through a screen. With a tense, slightly eerie tone, it is a good pick for fans of Black Mirror‑style storytelling.  

Punch, 14 to 18 April  
A punchy, provocative new work that tackles big themes – from anger and justice to community and responsibility – head on.  

The Last Laugh, 5 to 9 May  
A comedy with real depth, this play revisits legendary comics near the end of their careers and asks what happens when the spotlight starts to dim.  

Death on the Nile, 19 to 23 May 
Agatha Christie’s classic mystery takes you on a glamorous cruise down the Nile that quickly turns deadly. Death on the Nile is packed with suspects, secrets and twists, it is perfect for anyone who loves a good whodunnit. 

                      

Family 

The Little Prince, 19 to 21 February  
A heartfelt retelling of the classic tale of a young prince who meets a stranded aviator in the desert and shares stories of distant planets and curious grown‑ups, using imaginative staging to charm children and adults alike.  

The Enormous Turnip, 31 March to 18 April 
The classic story gets a playful new spin in this lively, family‑friendly show with songs, silliness and plenty of chances for little ones to join in as everyone tries to pull up that giant turnip.  

Play Opera Live, 25 April  
A relaxed, welcoming introduction to opera that mixes live singing, storytelling and interactive moments so families can enjoy big voices up close without anything feeling too formal.  

The Tiger Who Came to Tea, 11 to 13 June 
The much‑loved picture book springs to life with music, magic and just the right amount of chaos when a very hungry tiger arrives for tea with Sophie and her mum.  

Concert 

The Carpenters Story, 6 March  
A warm, nostalgic celebration of The Carpenters’ timeless songs, with a live band and a vocalist capturing Karen Carpenter’s distinctive sound across all the big hits.  

That’ll Be the Day, 7 March  
A rock ’n’ roll variety night packed with hit songs, impressions and comedy sketches spanning several decades in one high‑energy show.  

Country Roads, 11 March  
A feel‑good evening of country favourites inspired by artists like John Denver, perfect for fans of big choruses and storytelling lyrics.  

Radio GaGa, 12 March  
A high‑energy Queen tribute cramming in all the anthems, big guitar solos and plenty of sing‑along moments for the whole audience.  

Fastlove, 13 March  
A slick celebration of George Michael’s music, from Wham! classics to solo hits, backed by a full live band and big production sound.  

Sky Full of Stars, 14 May 
A concert packed with modern pop and rock hits that brings a fun, festival‑style atmosphere indoors with lights, choruses and a party feel.  

Legend – The Music of Bob Marley, 15 May 
A feel‑good tribute to Bob Marley and The Wailers, with a live band performing reggae classics like One Love, No Woman No Cry and Three Little Birds.  

Thank You for the Music, 16 May  
A party night of ABBA anthems and disco favourites, complete with harmonies, sparkle and plenty of dancing‑in‑your‑seat moments.  

          

Opera 

Gianni Schicchi, 21 March  
Puccini’s sharp, comic one‑act opera about a family scheming over a will, full of big characters, fast plotting and memorable music.  

Blaze of Glory, 23 April  
A bold, contemporary opera‑style piece mixing drama, humour and powerful choral writing into a spirited night of music theatre.  

The Flying Dutchman, 24 April  
A dark, atmospheric opera telling the story of a cursed sea captain doomed to sail forever, with stormy orchestral writing and striking stage images. 

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