Musicals to see on tour in 2026

While the West End may present cutting-edge work and exciting premieres, the theatre world always needs to reach audiences out on the road – those who don’t have the means or motives to coming to London. In this list, we’ve decided to only include musicals that open next year – there’s a raft of further work that is already touring – that we’ve detailed here. We’ve also omitted tours that have yet to confirm their 2026 tour stops – like the award-winning Heathers, or Clueless. If you’re a play fan – expect more soon!

Barnum

This show is a vibrant musical that tells the story of P T Barnum, focusing on his life as “the greatest showman.” It features a rousing score by Cy Coleman with lyrics by Michael Stewart and a book by Mark Bramble, blending classic musical theatre with circus spectacle. Lee Mead leads the opening dates, with Matt Rawle taking over. Opens at Friday, 30 January at the Theatre Royal, Windsor

Legally Blonde

Based on the film, this musical follows Elle Woods as she chases her ex-boyfriend to Harvard Law School and discovers her true potential. The pink-themed legal adventure has music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin, with a book by Heather Hach. Amber Davies will be donning the blonde wig for the tour! Opens on Saturday, 7 February at the Curve, Leicester

Operation Mincemeat

The critically acclaimed, multi-award-winning comedy musical about the WWII deception plan that used a dead body and a briefcase to fool the Nazis has become a West End and Broadway sensation. The book, music, and lyrics are all the sharp-witted work of the comedy troupe SpitLip (David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson, and Zoë Roberts). Opens on Monday, 16 February at the Lowry, Salford

Priscilla Queen of the Desert

Grab your heels and pack the glitter! This feel-good musical follows three friends – a drag queen and two transgender women – who journey across the Australian outback in a battered old bus named Priscilla. It’s a dazzling show full of classic disco hits and fantastic costumes – and this time is led by the legendary Adèle Anderson! Opens on Thursday, 19 February at the Palace Theatre, Manchester

Mean Girls

Direct from the West End, the WhatsOnStage Award-winning musical comedy is based on the iconic film. It tells the story of Cady Heron, who goes from being home-schooled to navigating the savage world of high school, taking on the Plastics, North Shore High’s ruling clique. The creative team includes writer Tina Fey, composer Jeff Richmond, and lyricist Nell Benjamin. Casting was recently revealed. Opens on Monday, 23 February at the Opera House, Manchester

The Choir of Man

Did someone say free beer? Incredible harmonies, high-energy dance, and a lot of heart, all set in a working pub, the show has been a bona fide London hit for a number of years. It features nine male cast members who sing everything from pub classics to rock anthems. Opens on Saturday, 14 March at the New Wimbledon Theatre

Waitress

Featuring original music and lyrics by pop superstar Sara Bareilles and a book by Jessie Nelson, the uplifting musical comedy is about Jenna, a waitress and expert pie-maker who dreams of a way out of her small town and a loveless marriage. With the help of her co-workers, she enters a baking contest, finding her voice and the courage to change her life. Carrie Hope Fletcher will lead the first set of tour stops in a dream role of hers! From Saturday, 28 March at the New Wimbledon Theatre

Annie

The sun will come out on tour! Set in 1930s New York during The Great Depression, the show follows little orphan Annie as she tries to find her parents, winning the hearts of millionaire Oliver Warbucks and a whole nation along the way. Opens on Saturday, 23 May at the New Wimbledon Theatre

Mrs Doubtfire

Based on the beloved film, this heartfelt comedy features a book by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell, and music and lyrics by Wayne and Karey Kirkpatrick. It follows Daniel Hillard, an out-of-work actor who, following a messy divorce, disguises himself as the mature, Scottish nanny “Euphegenia Doubtfire” just to spend time with his children. Opens at the Birmingham Hippodrome on 13 August

Dirty Dancing

Here’s one to give you a lift! The show follows Baby and Johnny, two fiercely independent young spirits from two different worlds, who come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives. It features all the hit songs from the film, including “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life”. Opening at Thursday, 27 August at Milton Keynes Theatre

Back to the Future the Musical

Great Scott! This smash-hit musical adaptation of the classic 1985 film sees teenager Marty McFly accidentally transported back to 1955 in a time-travelling DeLorean. It’s been an award-winning sensation in the West End and we expect the same on tour. From Thursday, 8 October at Bristol Hippodrome