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Matthew Harvey’s New Musical Unbound Releases Haunting Live Album for London Theatre Fans
Thursday, 16 October 2025
Composer and writer Matthew Harvey has announced the release of a live cast recording of his spellbinding new musical Unbound, captured during its concert staging at London’s Hoxton Hall. The album will be released on Halloween, adding a touch of musical magic to the spooky season.
Featuring a powerhouse West End cast including Courtney Stapleton, Lauren Byrne, Evelyn Hoskins, and Jodie Jacobs, Unbound tells the story of Iris, a home-schooled teenager whose high school prank accidentally unleashes an ancient witch. With a darkly comic edge and a thrilling pop-rock score, the show has already earned a cult following among London theatre fans.
Originally commissioned by British Youth Music Theatre, Unbound first premiered at Birmingham Hippodrome before its London concert production. The live album, produced with Spiritland Productions, captures the raw energy and excitement of that performance.
Harvey shared:
“Revisiting this concert through the recording feels incredibly special, the music, the story, the cast, it’s all pure magic.”
With its mix of humour, heart, and haunting melodies, Unbound continues to prove why new British musicals are thriving in London’s vibrant theatre scene.
Priscilla Queen of the Desert Musical Returns with Kevin Clifton and Adèle Anderson in Dazzling London Theatre Revival
A sparkling new cast has been revealed for the upcoming UK and Ireland tour of Priscilla Queen of the Desert- The Musical, promising sequins, heart, and disco anthems galore. Kevin Clifton (Strictly Come Dancing) stars as Tick/Mitzi, alongside Adèle Anderson (Fascinating Aïda), Nick Hayes, and Peter Duncan in this joyous celebration of self-expression and friendship.
Directed by Olivier Award-nominated Ian Talbot OBE, with choreography by Olivier winner Matt Cole, the production features over 100 eye-catching costumes designed by Strictly favourite Vicky Gill. Expect dazzling feathers, glitter, and glamour in every scene.
Based on the Oscar-winning 1994 film, Priscilla follows three friends on a road trip across Australia in a battered bus, discovering love, acceptance, and the courage to be themselves along the way. With its iconic soundtrack featuring "It’s Raining Men", "I Will Survive" and "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun", it’s a feel-good party wrapped in heart and humour.
Kevin Clifton shared,
“This show is pure joy from start to finish, it’s bold, unapologetic, and full of love.”
A celebration of identity, friendship, and the power of being unapologetically you, Priscilla Queen of the Desert is set to dazzle audiences across the country.
photo credit: Matt Crockett
Nicola Coughlan Leads National Theatre’s New Production of The Playboy of the Western World
The National Theatre has revealed the full cast for its upcoming production of The Playboy of the Western World, directed by Caitríona McLaughlin, Artistic Director of Ireland’s National Theatre. This new staging of J.M. Synge’s iconic play promises a fresh, dynamic take on a timeless tale of youth, identity, and rebellion.
The star-studded cast includes Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton), Éanna Hardwicke, Siobhán McSweeney, Declan Conlon, Lorcan Cranitch, Megan Cusack, and Marty Rea, with a talented ensemble completing the lineup.
Set in a small rural pub, the story follows Pegeen Mike, whose world is turned upside down when Christy Mahon arrives claiming to have killed his father. Rather than facing condemnation, he becomes an unlikely local hero... until reality begins to unravel.
This new production combines McLaughlin’s bold direction with design by Katie Davenport and a haunting original score by Anna Mullarkey, creating an atmosphere that’s both rich in tradition and thrillingly modern.
With wit, darkness, and a touch of romance, The Playboy of the Western World captures the wild spirit of Ireland’s west coast while speaking to universal questions of truth and self-discovery.
photo credit: Josh Shinner
The Greatest Showman Musical Announces Star-Studded Cast for Spectacular UK Stage Premiere
Wednesday, 15 October 2025
The stage is set for one of the most anticipated musical theatre premieres in recent memory, The Greatest Showman is officially coming to the UK stage. The spectacular new adaptation of the 2017 hit film will debut at the Bristol Hippodrome, bringing the story of P.T. Barnum to life with all the energy, heart, and magic that made the movie a global phenomenon.
Leading the cast is acclaimed West End star Oliver Tompsett (& Juliet, We Will Rock You) as showman P.T. Barnum, alongside Samantha Barks (Frozen, Les Misérables) as Charity Barnum. Joining them are Lorna Courtney (& Juliet Broadway) as Anne Wheeler, Ben Joyce (Jersey Boys) as Phillip Carlyle, Vajèn van den Bosch as Jenny Lind, and Malinda Parris (Standing at the Sky’s Edge) as Lettie Lutz.
The musical will feature a powerhouse creative team, including Tony Award-winning director and choreographer Casey Nicholaw, whose dynamic work on The Book of Mormon and Aladdin has dazzled audiences worldwide. The beloved score by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (Dear Evan Hansen, La La Land) and a new book by Tim Federle promise to bring both familiarity and freshness to this dazzling stage spectacle.
In a statement, Nicholaw shared:
“It’s an absolute joy to finally share our incredible cast with the world — led by the brilliant Oliver Tompsett and Samantha Barks. Together with a world-class creative team, we are so excited to bring this story to life for the first time on stage.”
The full company features a remarkable ensemble of singers, dancers, and circus performers, including Mia Raggio, Angelica Pearl Scott, Harly Gill, Ellie McArdle, Eleanor Sebastian, Max Bispham, and Joel Tennant Clark Young. Josh St. Clair serves as the P.T. Barnum alternate, with Katie Tonkinson as the standby Anne Wheeler.
Behind the scenes, the creative lineup includes Alex Lacamoire (music supervision and orchestrations), David Korins (scenic design), Gregg Barnes and Sky Switser (costume design), Natasha Katz (lighting design), and Peter Hylenski (sound design), alongside a host of award-winning designers and choreographers ensuring every moment shines.
This world-premiere production of The Greatest Showman is poised to deliver everything audiences love about the original film- breathtaking visuals, heart-stirring music, and an inspiring story of courage and self-belief- now reimagined for the stage.
photo credit: Sebastian Nevols
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