Plays to see on tour in 2026

The theatre world can only thrive if it hops out of London and find audiences out on the road – those who don’t have the means or motives to coming to he capital. In this list, we’ve decided to only include plays that open next year – there’s a raft of further work that is already touring – that we’ve detailed here. Want a musicals list? Check here.

The Constant Wife

W Somerset Maugham’s glittering 1926 comedy is presented in a new version by Olivier Award-winning writer Laura Wade (Home, I’m Darling). The production is directed by RSC co-artistic director Tamara Harvey and stars Kara Tointon as the eponymous, unflappable Constance. From 16 January 2026 at Blackpool Grand Theatre, Blackpool

Our Town

Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning classic is staged by a fully Welsh cast and creative team, marking the inaugural production of the Welsh National Theatre. Star Michael Sheen plays the Stage Manager in this powerful new version, directed by Francesca Goodridge, with Russell T Davies as creative associate. Begins on 16 January 2026 at Swansea Grand Theatre, Swansea

Prima Facie

This gripping one-woman drama is written by Australian playwright Suzie Miller. It features WhatsOnStage Award, Tony and Olivier winner Jodie Comer in a solo tour de force as Tessa, a barrister whose view of the law changes dramatically. The production is directed by Justin Martin, and has maxed out waiting lists for almost every venue it’s visiting – so good luck getting a spot. Begins on 23 January at Richmond Theatre

Double Indemnity

James M. Cain’s iconic crime novel is adapted for the stage by Australian playwright Tom Holloway. Mischa Barton (The OC) makes her UK stage debut as the dangerously seductive Phyllis Nirdlinger. The production is directed by Oscar Toeman, with further casting to be announced. From 5 February 2026 at Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne

The Last Picture

A brand-new play by Catherine Dyson, directed by John R Wilkinson for English Touring Theatre (ETT), York Theatre Royal, and An Tobar and Mull Theatre. This thought-provoking work explores empathy, imagination, and collective memory when a group of Year 9 students and their emotional support dog are drawn into the story of 1939 Europe. Begins on 6 February at York Theatre Royal

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)

This chaotic comic phenomenon is written by Adam Long, Daniel Singer, and Jess Winfield of The Reduced Shakespeare Company. The classic show, which parodies all 37 of the Bard’s plays with only three actors, is being presented in a new, updated version for the 2026 tour. From 18 February 2026 at The Theatre Chipping Norton

Hamlet

William Shakespeare’s tragedy is presented by the RSC in a critically acclaimed, high-concept production directed by multi-award-winner Rupert Goold. The creative team includes revival director Sophie Drake and set designer Es Devlin. Full tour casting is to be announced, but the Stratford production starred Luke Thallon as Hamlet. Begins on 25 February at Hall For Cornwall, Truro

Small Island

Andrea Levy’s award-winning novel is adapted by Helen Edmundson and directed by award-winner Matthew Xia for a new, powerful co-production. This intimate staging, exploring the Windrush story of Hortense, Gilbert, Queenie, and Bernard, premieres outside of London for the first time. From 11 March 2026 at Leeds Playhouse

The Spy Who Came in from the Cold

John le Carré’s Cold War novel is adapted by David Eldridge and directed by Jeremy Herrin, hitting the open road after its winter West End season. Casting for the tour is to be revealed. Begins on 12 March at Curve, Leicester

The Last Laugh

This tribute to comedy legends is written and directed by Paul Hendy. The three-strong cast features Steve Royle as Eric Morecambe, Damian Williams as Tommy Cooper, and Simon Cartwright as Bob Monkhouse, who reprise their roles from the West End run. From 28 April 2026 at Malvern Theatres