2024 saw the arrival of many shows that captivated the audiences of the UK. As we enter a new year, 2025 will be another year filled with incredible shows.
In this feature we share 12 shows that are embarking on a UK tour this year from thrillers, to Children's theatre, world premieres and also returning fan favourites - which you won't want to miss.
Touring shows are vital for the theatre industry, as it gives individuals who do not usually have access to West End theatre the opportunity to view shows more locally to them. There are many barriers as to why individuals are unable to access theatre, such as income and travel costs. Tours allow for smaller venues to portray shows, bringing in more funding for underfunded areas. Therefore, bringing shows to local theatres not only helps theatregoers in local communities, but it also funds local arts venues. Therefore, if you're usually a London West End theatregoer, perhaps you could consider supporting local theatres on tour too!
Here are some of the incredible new shows that are coming to your doorstep in 2025:
1 - Calamity Jane
Carrie Hope Fletcher is back centre-stage in 2025 as she embarks in her role in the classic whip crackin' musical. The tour embarks on a UK & Ireland tour, kicking off in Aylesbury on the 14th of January 2025. With dates scheduled up to September 2025, this show is one that is not to be missed. Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield, Milton Keynes and Dublin to name a few notable locations - this is going to be unmissable. Carrie Hope Fletcher previously has astounded audiences in her roles in Heather's and Les Mis - so it's no doubt she is going to excel in her Calamity Jane debut.
2 - Kinky Boots
Kinky Boots embarks on a tour this year with Johannes Radebe from Strictly taking centre-stage. Starting off in Leicester in January 2025, visiting Norwich and Leeds to name a few, this iconic tale starring a Strictly legend is bound to be a hit. Based off a real-life tale, Charlie Price has inherited his family's failing shoe factory and feels hopeless, until he meets drag queen Lola. This show celebrates individuality and is a feel-good classic, so make sure you don't miss the tour.
3 - The Girl On The Train
This play is adapted from the Paula Hawkins novel, which has sold over 20 million copies worldwide. Described as a gripping new play that will keep the audience guessing and on the edge of their seats. The story follows Rachel who finds herself as a suspect in a thrilling mystery. With unexpected twists, turns and revolutions, this show will be captivating. The cast is stellar, with Giovanna Fletcher, Louisa Lytton and Laura Whitmore rotating the role of Rachel, depending on the location. All three female powerhouses blew us away during 2:22 Ghost Story, so we are sure they will captivate us once again in this brand new play. You can catch the tour on various locations in the UK, starting with Richmond Theatre on the 14th of January.
4 - Miss Saigon
The legendary musical is set to become the show of Autumn 2025 - featuring original hit songs such as ‘The Heat is On in Saigon.’ The story follows 17 year old Kim who works in a Saigon bar during the last days of the Vietnam War. The story takes audience's on an epic journey of survival. Starting off in Newcastle in October 2025 - with dates scheduled through to early 2026 - this show will be the perfect end to your 2025.
5 - Friends the Musical Parody
Fans of the hit show will not want to miss this one, Summer 2025 will see Friends the Musical parody hit out a Major new UK and Ireland tour, the show has had runs across the pond in New York and Las Vegas, the parody musical has original music and has comedy moments from iconic shows 10 seasons, starting in Cirencester's Barn Theatre Friends the Musical Parody will tour the UK and Ireland right up until March 2026.
6 - Kim's Convenience
After two critically-acclaimed runs at London's Park Theatre and Riverside Studios, Kim's Convenience heads out on a tour across the UK, with James Yi taking on the role of Appa, written by Ins Choi and directed by Esther Jun the show inspired the hit CBC and Netflix series with the same name, with it also winning 'Best New Play' at Toronto Fringe hits the road from March 12th opening at Leeds Playhouse.
7 - The Koala Who Could
Based on the children's book by Rachel Bright and Jim Field with the same name The Koala Who Could embarks on a UK tour from 13th February at Kingston Rose Theatre making its world premiere. Adapter and Director Emma Earle said, “It’s a thrill to be bringing this empowering and chuckle-out-loud story about embracing change — whether we like it or not — to life on stage.” the show has music and lyrics writer by Eamonn O’Dwyer, and will have your little ones in love.
Search the show title for tickets your local theatre
8 - Here & Now - The Steps Musical
After wowing audiences in Birmingham in 2024, the brand new musical based on the music of the iconic pop group Steps is back and will tour the UK from 29th August, starting at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre and then will travel to theatres including Manchester (Opera House) Dublin (Bord Gais Energy Theatre) Edinburgh (Playhouse) and Cardiff (Wales Millennium Centre). Here & Now tells the story of a seaside supermarket worker Caz and her friends who, amongst lies and betrayal, all wonder if they will have the summer of love they hoped for.
9 - Pig Heart Boy
Pig Heart Boy makes its world premiere at the end of the month, at the Unicorn Theatre in London from the 26th of January. The show which is based on Malorie Blackman's novel, that follows the crucial decision that 13 year old Cameron has to make. Cameron is waiting for an important heart transplant, when finally offered the all important transplant a decision has to be made on how far Cameron will go to get his life back, the show highlights childhood illness, identity, and survival but also raises talks of many themes relevant today.
10 - Tina - The Tina Turner Musical
The show that has been running in London's west end for 5 years at the Aldwych Theatre is heading out on its first-ever UK tour in March 2025 beginning at the Curve theatre in Leicester. Tina is a jukebox musical which tells the story of the life of the late artist Tina Turner, the show has had multiple productions across the world which include Broadway and Australia, Tina - The Tina Turner Musical opens Thursday 6th March.
11 - There's a Monster in Your Show
Mcfly's Tom Fletcher's book 'There's a Monster in Your Show' will be heading out on tour this year. This children's show is an adaption of the book series Who's In Your Book? has music by Barry Bignold and Miranda Larson, There's a Monster in your show is a 50 minute show packed full of energy following a group of performers getting ready for a show only to find they are not alone, described as "the perfect introduction to live theatre for youngsters" There's a Monster in Your Show promises fun for your little ones, and opens its tour from the 15th of February at the Leeds Playhouse.
12 - Moulin Rouge
Baz Luhrmann's Moulin Rouge is heading out on a world tour, Moulin Rouge the musical has been playing in London's West End at the Piccadilly theatre since 2021 this spectacular show has had audiences stunned and now has the chance to go to other parts of the UK with it opening its first-ever World tour in Edinburgh at the Playhouse theatre from the 22nd of April before heading to Manchester, Birmingham, Dublin and Bristol with more venues to be announced, the show will still run in London and plays through till 24th of May this year.
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