Pinocchio musical to return to Shakespeare’s Globe in 2026

Shakespeare’s Globe has confirmed that Pinocchio will return later this year.

Based on Carlo Collodi’s original stories, the new musical is directed by Sean Holmes, with a book and lyrics by Charlie Josephine and music and lyrics by Jim Fortune. It premiered over the past festive season, earning a glowing five-star review from WhatsOnStage.

Take a listen to a number from the piece here:

The director commented: “I’m thrilled that our production of Pinocchio will live again next year. It’s been a labour of love for so many of us and we are thrilled at how warmly audiences have embraced this new family musical – a musical infused with a joyful communal spirit unique to the Globe.“

The original run continued the Globe’s tradition of winter shows in its open-air theatre. It was designed by Grace Smart, with Peter O’Rourke as puppetry director and designer, Tony Gayle as sound designer, Zac Gvi as orchestrator, Roberta Zuric as associate director, Vicki Igbokwe-Ozoagu as choreographer, and Benjamin Holder as musical director.

Casting and dates are to be confirmed.