HULL NEW THEATRE LISTINGS 2025/2026

One of the most romantic pantos of all time, Beauty and the Beast will be a spectacular and enchanting production for all the family.  
Dreaming of a happier life, Belle finds herself transported to a cursed castle and held captive by a terrifying beast. 
Can Belle see beyond the monster and fall in love with her captor before the last petal falls from the enchanted rose? 

The Hull-based ELO Experience are the world's foremost tribute to The Electric Light Orchestra.
With a sensational string section, a stunning light show and large screen projection to further enhance the experience, why not come along and enjoy this incredible show which accurately reproduces the songs and sounds and takes you on a magical musical journey through time.

Michael Harrison in association with Cameron Mackintosh presents a spectacular new production of Miss Saigon as Boublil and Schönberg’s legendary musical is reborn. In the last days of the Vietnam War, 17-year-old Kim is forced to work in a Saigon bar run by a notorious character known as The Engineer. There she meets and falls in love with an American GI named Chris but they are torn apart by the fall of Saigon. For three years Kim goes on an epic journey of survival to find her way back to Chris, who has no idea he's fathered a son.

20th January - 24th January 2026

When 16 year old Percy Jackson discovers that he is the half-blood son of the Greek God, Poseidon, his life takes a dramatic turn as he is plunged into a world much bigger than he could possibly have imagined. With newly-discovered powers he can’t control, a destiny he doesn’t want and a whole mythology textbook's worth of mythical monsters on his tail, Percy must learn what it means to be a hero.
The future of the world hangs in the balance as Percy and his friends embark on an epic adventure that will have you on the edge of your seat.

28th January - 1st February 2026

Ellen Kent's Farewell Opera Tour

A tragic tale of searing passion and memorable music, La Traviata is Verdi's outstanding interpretation of one of the most popular love stories of the 19th century, La Dame aux Camelias. Based on a true story, it tells of the passionate loves and life of the consumptive courtesan, Violetta. There are many echoes of Verdi's own life in Traviata and he threw himself into the music. The highlights include the Brindisi, the best known drinking song in opera, the duet Un Di Felice and Violetta's haunting aria Addio Del Passato.

Bizet Carmen
Ellen Kent's Farewell Opera Tour
An evening of passion, sexual jealousy, death and unforgettable arias. This dazzling production with orchestra features Bizet's unforgettable melodies including 'The Toreador's Song', Carmen's enticing 'Habanera', and Don José's lyrical 'Flower Song' in a setting evoking the stunning architecture of Seville and its main square with Roman and Moorish influences.

WINNER 'BEST OPERA AWARD’

Liverpool Daily Post Theatre Awards

Back by overwhelming public demand, this award-winning Opera returns in a new production with exquisite sets including a spectacular Japanese garden and fabulous costumes including antique wedding kimonos from Japan. One of the world's most popular operas, Puccini's Madama Butterfly tells the heart-breaking story of the beautiful young Japanese girl who falls in love with an American naval lieutenant – with dramatic results.
Highlights include the melodic 'Humming Chorus', the moving aria 'One Fine Day' and the unforgettable 'Love Duet'.

Steve Steinman returns with Vampires Rock Eternal Love after its triumph in 2025, the new hilarious rock musical. Join Steve Steinman and his incredible cast as they take you on an epic journey into a fantastical, dark thrilling world filled with Vampires, where the love-struck Vampire Baron searches for eternal love and takes his new bride. Critics love it, audiences giving it standing ovations - grab your tickets now for an unforgettable night of rock, laughter, and gothic romance!

Discover the next generation of performers and choreographers as Creative Voice and Hull Dance take over Hull New Theatre.
The evening showcases work by youth dance companies from Hull and the East Riding and the inclusive city-wide programme Move Together

That'll Be The Day – 40th Year Anniversary Tour
Don't miss this unforgettable performance celebrating the 40th Anniversary of That'll Be The Day and Trevor's farewell tour.
Experience a unique blend of rock 'n' roll, pop, and comedy, featuring timeless hits from the 50s through to the 80s.

This sensational multi award-winning West End show first opened in 1989 and has been thrilling audiences around the world ever since. Now it triumphantly returns to Hull as part of its 2025/26 UK Tour.Forget feel good, Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story is FEEL GREAT! Experience the drama, passion, and excitement as a multi-talented cast of actor-musicians tell Buddy Holly's story, from his Texas rockabilly beginnings to international stardom and his legendary final performance at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, before his tragic death at the age of just 22.
Featuring two terrific hours of the greatest songs ever written, including 'That'll Be The Day', 'Oh Boy', 'Rave On', 'La Bamba', 'Chantilly Lace', 'Johnny B. Goode', 'Raining In My Heart', 'Everyday', 'Shout' and many many more, this show is just 'Peggy Sue'-perb!

12 February - 14th February 2026

Little Red Riding Hood is a kind little girl who loves her family. On the way to visit her grandmother, she meets a very hungry wolf in the woods – but is he really as 'big and bad' as the stories say?  A reimagining of the much-loved fairy tale, Little Red Riding Hood is the perfect opportunity for your little ones to enjoy the magic of live ballet, music, and theatre.  With sell-out performances and a series of hugely successful CBeebies TV adaptations, Northern Ballet's productions for children continue to delight audiences year after year.

The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be? What they certainly don't expect to see at the door is a big, stripy tiger!  Join the tea-guzzling tiger in this delightful family show; packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos. Don't miss this stunning stage adaptation of the classic tale of teatime mayhem... expect to be surprised!

17th February - 18 February 2026

Jaw-dropping dance-circus
Internationally renowned dance-circus company Motionhouse returns to Hull New Theatre, with its latest multimedia production Hidden.
Thought-provoking and poignant, Hidden explores how, in an increasingly divided world, light can come out of darkness in times of crisis. At the cutting edge of live performance and digital integration, Hidden is a powerful blend of artforms.  Gravity-defying choreography, an emotive soundscape and a shape-shifting set combine with ground-breaking projections to create an immersive world on stage.  The fearless performers throw, catch and lift each other with immense precision, thrilling audiences with heart-in-the-mouth moments in this action-packed new production.

20th February - 21st February 2026
 

Founded in 1947, the critically acclaimed Varna International Ballet returns to the UK. Renowned for its award-winning soloists and magnificent corps de ballet, the company has been delighting audiences for decades at home and abroad with its performances of the highest quality.
The greatest romantic ballet of all time is brought to life by Tchaikovsky's haunting and unforgettable score. From the impressive splendour of the Palace ballroom to the moon-lit lake where swans glide in perfect formation, this compelling tale of tragic romance has it all. From Odile, the temptress in black tulle as she seduces the Prince by spinning with captivating precision, to the spellbound purity of the swan queen Odette, as she flutters with emotional intensity. The dual role of Odette/Odile is one of ballet's most unmissable technical challenges.

26th February - 27th February 2026

Founded in 1947, the critically acclaimed Varna International Ballet returns to the UK. Renowned for its award-winning soloists and magnificent corps de ballet, the company has been delighting audiences for decades at home and abroad with its performances of the highest quality.
Step into the enchanting world of Cinderella, where dreams come true in a dazzling tale of magic and romance. With Prokofiev's exhilarating score, stunning choreography, and vibrant costumes, this beloved fairy tale springs to life on stage. As her cruel stepfamily readies for the Royal Ball, Cinderella can only dream - until a magical fairy grants her a night to remember. A whirlwind romance begins, but at midnight, one lost crystal slipper sparks a royal quest. Experience the magic, the music, and the timeless story where kindness, hope, and love lead to a happily ever after.

FRIENDS! The Musical Parody, the hit New York and Las Vegas sensation, is a side-splitting musical comedy packed with iconic moments from all ten seasons of the beloved television series.  Featuring an entirely original musical score, the show follows the escapades of the world's most famous group of twenty-somethings.  Join Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe—as they navigate love, friendship, and life's ups and downs in 1990's New York City.

2 March - 7 March 2026

One of the most enduring shows of all time, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat has been performed the world over and introduced generations to the joy of musical theatre.  Combining Tim Rice's fresh and funny lyrics, with Andrew Lloyd Webber's catchiest music, it's a timeless story of the importance of family in fulfilling your dreams.  Featuring innovative video technology and a choir of local children, this sparkling new production by award-winning Hessle Theatre Company, will delight young and old alike. With wall to wall hits, including 'Any Dream Will Do' and 'Close Every Door', this colourful retelling of the classic bible story follows Joseph on his uplifting journey from humble beginnings to becoming Pharaoh’s right-hand man.

10 March - 14 March 2026

Prepare to be astonished! The multi award-winning master of mind control and psychological illusion, Derren Brown, returns to Hull New Theatre with his brand new live show, Only Human. The content of Only Human is still under wraps, but we can guarantee you a mind-blowing experience that’ll take your breath away!  "Be brainwashed into joy by one of the world's best magicians" - New York Times

17 March - 21 March 2026

Mozart's comic masterpiece is a match made in mayhem!  It's supposed to be the happiest day of Figaro and Susanna's lives, but this is opera, so there’s plenty of time for some plot twists before they say "I do". With Count Almaviva looking set to make a move on the bride-to-be, the young couple must hatch a shrewd plan to secure their happy ending. Cue a whirlwind of secret scheming and surprise revelations.

26 March - 28th March 2026

Few musicals have received quite such acclaim as the multi-award winning Blood Brothers. The production ran for more than 10,000 performances in London's West End, one of only five musicals ever to achieve that milestone. It has been affectionately christened the 'Standing Ovation Musical', as inevitably it "brings the audience cheering to its feet and roaring its approval" (The Daily Mail).  The superb score includes 'Bright New Day', 'Marilyn Monroe' and the emotionally charged hit 'Tell Me It's Not True'.

31st March - 4th April 2026

Join us at MAMMA MIA! and enjoy the ultimate feel-good factor at the world’s sunniest and most exhilarating smash-hit musical in Hull New Theatre for two weeks only!  Set on a Greek island paradise, a story of love, friendship and identity is cleverly told through the timeless songs of ABBA.
This irresistibly funny show has been thrilling audiences all around the world and now there's never been a better time to see this unforgettable musical in Hull.

7th April - 18th April 2026


 

Happiness is only a heartbeat away with Here & Now, the hilarious and heart-warming new musical based on the songs of the multi-million-selling pop phenomenon, Steps. Don't miss this sparkling celebration of love and friendship when it comes to Hull after its record-breaking world premiere in 2024!
Welcome to seaside superstore Better Best Bargains, where it's Friday night, the vibe is right, and everyone's dancing in the aisles. But when Caz discovers the shelves are stocked with lies and betrayal, the summer of love she and her friends dreamed of suddenly feels like a tragedy. Have they all lost their chance of a 'happy ever after'? Or does love have other plans in store…?

21st April - 26th April 2026

The 'Greatest British Sitcom of All Time' (Radio Times) is back – this time on stage!
Fresh from a SOLD-OUT West End season! This laugh-out-loud production was universally acclaimed by every London and national critic, selling out every single performance during its record-breaking West-End run.
Join Basil (Danny Bayne), the delightfully bumbling Major (Paul Nicholas) and Polly (Joanne Clifton), with an 18-strong cast as they bring to life all your favourite moments from the show's unforgettable twelve episodes. With sharp wit, chaos, and calamity at every turn, this is the comedy event of the year!

12th May - 16th May 2026

The crowning glory of Broadway, the West End and beyond, the international smash hit musical SIX makes its royal return to Hull following three previous sold out runs!  Winner of over 35 international awards including the Tony Award for 'Best Original Score' and 'Best Costume Design' double winner of the WhatsOnStage Award for 'Best West End Show' and a Gold-Disk winning album, this sell-out Tudor take-off has 'an incredibly strong and powerful message' (The Australian) and is 'pure entertainment' (New York Times).
19th May - 23 May 2026
 

Winner of 'Best New Musical' (WhatsOnStage Awards) and direct from the West End, Mean Girls is the hilarious smash-hit musical comedy from an award-winning creative team including writer Tina Fey (30 Rock), composer Jeff Richmond (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), lyricist Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde) and director and choreographer Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon).  Expect iconic characters, razor-sharp wit, and killer songs. Grab your friends, this is going to be fetch – and YES HULL, we're making it happen!

25th May - 30th May 2026
 

Step right up and enter the dazzling world of P.T. Barnum, where imagination and ambition know no bounds. Hand in hand with wife Charity, Barnum's life and career twists and turns as he schemes and dreams his way to headier heights.
West End favourite and TV star Lee Mead will take centre stage as the legendary 19th century showman P.T. Barnum. Lee shot to stardom with his breakout win on Any Dream Will Do and acclaimed performances in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Wicked, and Legally Blonde.  This spectacular production directed by Jonathan O'Boyle and choreographed by Oti Mabuse will feature an extraordinary ensemble cast of over 20 actor-musicians, acrobats and amazing circus acts. Audiences are certain to delight at every sight, wonder and miracle that the name Barnum stands for!

2nd June - 6th June 2026

So it's time to prepare yourselves for two amazing shows with Horrible Histories live on stage! Using actors and eye-popping 3D special effects, these astounding shows are guaranteed to thrill you and your children. Historical figures and events will come alive on stage and hover at your fingertips!  TERRIBLE TUDORS: From the horrible Henries to the end of evil Elizabeth, hear the legends (and the lies!) about the torturing Tudors. Find out the fate of Henry's headless wives and his punch up with the Pope. Meet Bloody Mary and see Ed fall dead in his bed. Survive the Spanish Armada as it sails into the audience!  It’s Tudor history with the nasty bits left in!

25th June - 27th June 2026

So it's time to prepare yourselves for two amazing shows with Horrible Histories live on stage! Using actors and eye-popping 3D special effects, these astounding shows are guaranteed to thrill you and your children. Historical figures and events will come alive on stage and hover at your fingertips!  AWFUL EGYPTIANS: From the fascinating Pharaohs to the power of the pyramids, discover the foul facts of death and decay with the meanest mummies in Egypt. Are you ready to rumble with Ramesses the Great?  Dare you enter through the Gates of the afterlife?

25th June - 27th June 2026

Operation Mincemeat is the 2024 Olivier Award-winning Best New Musical. It's London's biggest hit with 88 Five-Star reviews, making it the best-reviewed show in West End history. Now also a Tony Award®-winning musical on Broadway!
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.   Bursting at the seams with the kind of chaos you couldn't invent, the question is: how did a dead body, a fake love letter, and - of all people - Ian Fleming come together to wrong-foot Hitler?

6th July - 11 July 2026

Lord of the Dance, the global phenomenon that redefined Irish dance, is set to return to Hull in 2026 to celebrate its 30th Anniversary with an extraordinary new tour. This milestone event promises to be a grand celebration of the production's legacy, captivating over 60 million fans in 60 countries since its debut in 1996.  Since its inception, Lord of the Dance has transformed Irish dance into a global cultural phenomenon, setting new standards for creativity and theatrical productions. Michael Flatley's visionary show has been celebrated as a "showpiece extravaganza" and continues to awe audiences worldwide with its captivating blend of dance, music, and storytelling.  The 30th Anniversary Tour will feature brand-new choreography, stunning costumes, state-of-the-art special effects, and cutting-edge lighting, ensuring that the production continues to push boundaries and deliver an unforgettable experience.

22nd July - 25th July 2026

Meet Jenna, a waitress and expert pie-maker who dreams of some happiness in her life. When a hot new doctor arrives in town, life gets complicated. With the support of her workmates Becky and Dawn, Jenna overcomes the challenges she faces and finds that laughter, love and friendship can provide the perfect recipe for happiness.  
Brought to life by a ground-breaking, female-led creative team by the Grammy award-winning Sara Bareilles ('Love Song', 'Brave'), a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson (I Am Sam) and direction by Tony® Award-winner Diane Paulus (Pippin, Finding Neverland) this West End and Broadway, smash-hit heads to Hull for one week only.

1st September - 5th September 2026

The smash-hit West End production of ANNIE, the world's favourite family musical, returns to Hull for one week only.
Set in 1930s New York, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery at Miss Hannigan's orphanage. Her luck soon changes when she's chosen to spend a fairytale Christmas with famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. Meanwhile, spiteful Miss Hannigan has other ideas and hatches a plan to spoil Annie's search for her true family..

8th September - 13th September 2026

A spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's multi award-winning musical CATS is embarking on a major UK & Ireland Tour.  Based on T.S. Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, and with a legendary score which inspired generations featuring, 'Old Deuteronomy', 'Macavity: The Mystery Cat', 'Jellicle Ball' and the chart-topping hit 'Memory', this brand-new production of CATS, directed and choreographed by Drew McOnie (Brigadoon, Jesus Christ Superstar), is a magical musical like no other.

20th October - 24th October 2026

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!
This ultimate feel-good rom-com, based on the award-winning film starring Reese Witherspoon, follows Elle Woods on her transformation from It Girl fashionista to legal ace at Harvard Law School, all in the name of love.
Elle must prove she is more than blonde ambition, swap the changing rooms for the courtroom and learn that 'being true to yourself never goes out of style.'

27th October - 31st October 

Dirty Dancing returns to Hull New Theatre as part of a UK and Irish tour. Exploding with heart-pounding music, breath-taking emotion and sensationally sexy dancing.
Seen by millions across the globe this worldwide smash hit tells the classic story of Baby and Johnny, two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds, who come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives.

10th November -14th November 2026