Keen to jump into the New Year… or even just gently submerge yourself in it? We get it! We also know that having something to look forward to is always the key to starting a New Year.
Yes, keep on with your resolutions, but we recommend sprinkling in some exciting outings to keep the spirit of the New Year and new excitement going. And where better than right at your doorstep here in Norwich?
From soliloquies to comedies right through to musicals, Norwich Theatre has a range of shows coming in 2026. Not only will it spark that creative joy, but it will give you a good reason to say ‘oh yeah, my yeah has been really fun so far!’ and really mean it. Find our expertly (yes, they are experts) crafted selection of shows to sink your teeth into for 2026.
2:22 A Ghost Story | 26 – 31 Jan | Royal
“THERE’S SOMETHING IN OUR HOUSE. I HEAR IT EVERY NIGHT, AT THE SAME TIME” Jenny believes her new home is haunted, but her husband Sam isn’t having any of it. They argue with their first dinner guests, old friend Lauren and new partner Ben. Can the dead really walk again?
Why we recommend: Merging the eerie unknown with the thrill of theatre, this show recreates the excitement of old campfire stories on stage.
Carlos Acosta’s Nutcracker in Havana | 10 – 11 Feb | Royal
Set to an exuberant Cuban newly commissioned version of the magnificent Tchaikovsky score, arranged by Cuban composer Pepe Gavilondo, the timeless story is brought to life with ballet at its core, enriched with Acosta Danza’s unique style and with Cuban dance traditions beautifully woven throughout the much-loved and joyful family tale.
Why we recommend: This classical ballet gets a modern, vibrant twist, infused with the flash of Cuban heat and contemporary composition.
Jordan Gray: Is That a C*ck In Your Pocket or Are You Just Here to Kill Me? | 1 Mar | Playhouse
When Jordan stripped off live on Channel 4 (and won a BAFTA in the process), bigots around the globe went ballistic. Luckily… so were her tits. Is the cost of success worth it? How do you live up to your own sky-high expectations? And most importantly, should you even be a comedian when your bum looks this good? Join Jordan as she explores all this and more in her rootinest, tootinest, shootinest hour of musical comedy yet.
Why we recommend: It’s a raunchy, rebellious hour of musical comedy that also thoughtfully explores the existential crises of an artist.
Hamlet | 10 – 14 Mar | Royal
Hamlet’s mother has married his uncle, and at a less than decent interval since the death of his father. As he pulls at the threads of his not-so-happy new family, Hamlet unravels a web of deceit and immorality that leads to the ultimate crisis of conscience.
The bold seaborne concept of this production from the RSC and director Rupert Goold, as The Guardian says it, “really pushes the boat out”.
Melanie Bracewell – A Little Treat | 1 Mar | Stage Two
Bad day? Time for a little treat. Good day? I think that deserves a little treat.
With the end of her twenties rapidly approaching, one of New Zealand’s most popular comics unpacks the last decade of her life.
As seen on Taskmaster NZ, and after complete sell-out seasons at Edinburgh Fringe and Melbourne Festivals.
Why we recommend: Finally, a chance to enjoy sharp comedy from one of New Zealand’s most popular international comics.
Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift | 17 – 21 Mar| Royal
When well-loved spinster Emily Simpson is found dead in the picturesque village of Badger’s Drift, her friend Lucy Bellringer refuses to accept that it was an accident. DCI Tom Barnaby and Sergeant Gavin Troy are called in to investigate, uncovering a world of hidden passions, long-buried secrets and deadly rivalries.
Why we recommend: Enjoy classic English countryside elegance paired with dramatic murder, all over a good cup of tea.
Lovett | 21 Mar | Stage Two
An origin story set before her infamous partnership with Sweeney Todd, we discover what would later lead her to turn into a pie-maker. Newly-widowed Mrs Lovett needs to find a way to survive. Using skills learned from a whaler father, a courtesan mother and a butcher husband, Eleanor “recalibrates” her life – and her relationship with God.
Why We Recommend: This show reconsiders the beloved musical’s story, offering a fresh origin tale with a new, delicious (pie) filling.
Voice of My Own | 4 Apr | Stage Two
This show tells the inspiring true story of Daniel Jillings, the Lowestoft D/deaf teenager who campaigned for the British Sign Language GCSE. From the Suffolk coast to the steps of Parliament, Daniel’s remarkable story is one of courage, resilience and the power of youth to create change.
Why we recommend: It marks the importance of accessibility by telling the inspiring true story of a D/deaf teenager’s campaign for the British Sign Language GCSE.
Here & Now | 14 – 19 Apr | Royal
A brand-new musical based on the songs of multi-million-selling pop phenomenon, Steps. Stay with us…
It’s Friday night, and the vibe is right as Caz and her fabulous friends dream of the perfect summer of love. But when Caz discovers her ‘happy ever after’ is a lie, and the gang’s attempts at romance are a total tragedy, they wonder – will love ever get a hold on their hearts? Or should they all just take a chance on a happy ending?
Why we recommend: This feel-good show is the biggest jukebox hit since Mamma Mia, a guaranteed party while celebrating love and friendship.
Joe Tracini: Ten Things I Hate About Me | 20 – 21 Apr | Playhouse
Joe Tracini is an actor, writer and TV presenter. He’s starred in TV shows including Hollyoaks, Coming of Age and The Great Outdoors, and was the host of the BAFTA-winning The Dengineers on CBBC. Since March 2020, his social media videos have been viewed over 90 million times. The BAFTA-nominated Channel 4 documentary Me and the Voice in My Head explored the frequently debilitating effects that Joe’s Borderline Personality Disorder has on every aspect of his life. His book, Ten Things I Hate About Me is a Sunday Times Bestseller.
Why We Recommend: See a beloved Norwich panto star and genuine gem finally share the deeply personal and moving show he’s spent five years writing.
To Kill a Mockingbird | 28 Apr – 2 May | Royal
Successful lawyer, Atticus Finch, encourages kindness and empathy in his children, but is pushed to the limits of these qualities himself when he resolves to uncover the truth in a town that seems determined to hide it. Set in 1934 Alabama, USA, this play is inspired by the novel of the same name by Harper Lee, which won the Pulitzer Prize for Literature.
Why we recommend: This revolutionary story, with brilliant writing and visionary direction, deserves repeated awareness in today’s age.
Mamma Mia | 30 Jun – 11 Jul | Royal
It’s back! Set on a Greek island paradise, a story of love, friendship and identity is cleverly told through the timeless songs of ABBA. Sophie’s quest to discover the father she’s never known brings her mother face to face with three men from her distant romantic past on the eve of a wedding they’ll never forget.
Why we recommend: Set in the dazzling heat of a Greek summer, it’s a guaranteed transportive experience with love, drama, and classic ABBA hits.
The Handlebards: Macbeth | 28 Jul | Playhouse
Join the troupe at the Norwich Theatre Playhouse for a hilariously high-octane production of Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’ as you’ve never seen before. Forget the tears and tragedy, our Macbeth is chock full of mishaps, mayhem and mirth.
Why we recommend: This troupe brings a hilariously high-octane production of Shakespeare’s tragedy, transforming the grim story into mayhem and mirth.
Legally Blonde The Musical | 22 – 26 Sep | Royal
The iconic international West End and Broadway smash hit musical comedy Legally Blonde The Musical is back in fashion with a huge new production starring Amber Davies (Pretty Woman, 9 to 5 The Musical) as Elle!
Based on the award-winning film starring Reese Witherspoon, that follows Elle Woods on her transformation from It Girl fashionista to legal ace at Harvard Law School, all in the name of love.
Why we recommend: The ultimate feel-good musical comedy is back in fashion, following a brilliant transformation from fashionista to legal ace.
Operation Mincemeat | 5 – 10 Oct | Royal
The year is 1943 and right now we’re losing the war. Luckily, we’re about to gamble all our futures on a stolen corpse.
Singin’ in the Rain meets Strangers on a Train, Operation Mincemeat is the fast-paced, hilarious and unbelievable true story of the twisted secret mission that won us World War II.
Why we recommend: The 88 (and counting) five-star reviews do a lot of the talking with this one, while there’s also plenty for fans of historical drama and comedy to love about this much hyped musical.
SYLVIA | 27 – 31 Oct | Royal
Direct from London’s Old Vic theatre where it played to sold out houses and instant standing ovations, this is the untold story of the rebellious middle child of Emmeline Pankhurst. The irresistible hip hop, funk and soul musical that moves your feet and fires your spirit.
Why we recommend: SYLVIA is more than a musical – it’s a manifesto set to music, a revolution you can dance to, a story that roars and shakes the rafters.
For more information or to book, visit norwichtheatre.org or call the Box Office on 01603 630 000.
