The pipeline from screen to stage and back again is robust, with beloved stories being reimagined for new audiences and formats. From murder mysteries to magical Arthurian legends, let’s explore the stage adaptations of popular TV shows and films coming to Norwich Theatre.
Sherlock Holmes and the Hunt for Moriarty | Norwich Theatre Playhouse | 6 – 8 Oct 2025
While not directly related to the popular BBC series with Benedict Cumberbatch, this exciting stage mystery starring Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous sleuth is set against the backdrop of the British Empire at war. Holmes and Watson are drawn into the nefarious scheme of a shadowy figure planning a deadly move to destabilise Queen and Country, which will have them confronting figures from their past.
Merlin | Norwich Theatre Royal | 12 – 15 Nov 2025
A heartwarming portrayal of friendship, romance and magic, the original BBC series was loved by children and adults alike. While the show lives on through an active online fan base, it has now been officially brought back as a ballet. Choreographed by Olivier Award-winning Drew McOnie (Strictly Ballroom), the show reimagines the origin of the titular wizard, bringing together spectacular sets and mind-boggling special effects, and there might even be a dragon!
Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts | Norwich Theatre Royal | 18 – 22 Nov 2025
With its truly British aesthetic and legendary performance by the late-John Thaw, this adaptation brings everything you loved about the show to the stage. Featuring a play within a play, the murder of a young actress forces Morse and his trusty sidekick, DS Lewis, to embark on a gripping investigation that links back to sinister events from the inspector’s very own past. This is the first time Morse has been adapted for the stage since it aired in 1987.
Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift | Norwich Theatre Royal | 17 – 21 Mar 2026
The endless murders of TV’s fictional Midsomer are being resurrected once again. Based on the book by Caroline Graham, Badger’s Drift premiered on stage in 1997, before being adapted for the popular ITV series. The untimely death of a beloved spinster and the friend who was adamant it wasn’t an accident, puts DCI Tom Barnaby and Sergeant Gavin Troy on the case. Uncovering a world of hidden passions, secrets and rivalries.
Priscilla Queen of the Desert: The Musical | Norwich Theatre Royal | 30 Mar – 4 Apr 2026
With all the colour and spectacle of the original, it makes sense to bring the outback conquering bus, Priscilla, and her fabulous cargo to the stage in this adaptation of the heart-warming road movie starring an early-career Guy Pearce. Now a musical, it explores diversity and the journey towards self-acceptance by challenging societal norms. It’s a true celebration of the power of love, friendship and being unapologetically yourself.
Fawlty Towers: The Play | Norwich Theatre Royal | 9 – 13 June 2026
“Don’t mention the war!” as you head back to the late-1970s to visit the chaotic Fawlty Towers B&B and its cast of crazy characters. Adapted for the stage by original star John Cleese (Monty Python), Fawlty Towers: The Play is an amalgamation of all 12 episodes of the short-lived but much-loved BBC series. With sharp wit, chaos and calamity at every turn, the 18-strong cast relive all the best moments.
Matilda: The Musical | Norwich Theatre Royal | 6 Aug – 6 Sep 2026
After receiving a run on the stage of the Royal Shakespeare Company, this delightful reimaging of Roald Dahl’s novel follows a precocious five-year-old who escapes a life of neglect through her imagination, and some pretty incredible telekinetic powers! With music and lyrics written by comedian Tim Minchin, this award-winning musical brings everything you loved about the book and the film to the stage.
Legally Blonde: The Musical | Norwich Theatre Royal | 22 – 26 Sept 2026
The ultimate story of not knowing what you’re capable of until your mettle is tested, this much-loved film launched Reese Witherspoon into the powerhouse she is today. The musical is ‘girl power’ personified, as Elle Woods proves she’s more than blonde ambition. Entering Harvard with an outlandish scheme to win back her now-engaged ex-boyfriend, Warner, she soon realises she might actually be pretty good at this whole law thing.
Mean Girls: The Musical | Norwich Theatre Royal | 13 – 17 Oct 2026
This ’00s classic went from endlessly quotable teen comedy to stage musical adaptation back to a movie of the musical based on the movie. Are you confused yet? Penned by legendary Tina Fey (30 Rock) and loosely based on the book Queen Bees and Wannabes by Rosalind Wiseman, the story follows home-schooled Cady Heron who gets wrapped up in a scheme to bring down the leader of the notorious Northshore clique “The Plastics”. It’s survival of the hottest in this musical comedy that’s “So fetch!”.
For more information or to visit, norwichtheatre.org or call the Box Office on 01603 630 000.
