The Octagon Theatre is delighted to reveal a vibrant and ambitious\u00a0new season for 2026\u201327, bringing together modern classics, brand-new touring productions, powerful new writing, and a spectacular festive show. The season showcases a rich mix of comedy, drama, musicals and Shakespeare, alongside continued collaborations with leading theatres across the UK and some of the most exciting directors and creatives working today.<\/p>\n
The season launches in June with the riotously entertaining\u00a0MURDER FOR TWO, a fast-paced musical whodunit packed with piano-driven comedy. When acclaimed crime novelist Arthur Whitney is found dead at his own birthday party, an investigation begins that sees just two actors play thirteen characters\u2026and the piano. As amateur sleuth Marcus Moscowicz races to solve the case before a \u201creal\u201d detective arrives, audiences are treated to a hilariously clever evening of musical mayhem. The production stars\u00a0Lucy Keirl, recently seen in the Octagon\u2019s acclaimed 2025 production of\u00a0A Christmas Carol, alongside\u00a0Tom Babbage\u00a0(The Play That Goes Wrong, Peter Pan).<\/p>\n
Over the summer, the Octagon\u2019s Young Company takes centre stage with a bold production of\u00a0THE TRIALS\u00a0by\u00a0Dawn King. Set in a near-future world ravaged by climate collapse, the play imagines a courtroom where children act as jurors, judging the adults who failed to protect the planet. Provocative, urgent and emotionally charged,\u00a0The Trials\u00a0interrogates justice, responsibility and generational reckoning. Originally performed in D\u00fcsseldorf in 2022 and a finalist for the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize, the production will be directed by Young Octagon Director\u00a0Ruth Allison\u00a0and\u00a0Artistic Director Lotte Wakeham, with adult community actors performing alongside the Young Company.<\/p>\n
We kick off autumn with a major revival marking the thirtieth anniversary of\u00a0Ayub Khan-Din\u2019s\u00a0modern classic\u00a0EAST IS EAST.\u00a0First premiered in 1996, this razor-sharp, deeply human comedy-drama remains as relevant as ever. Set in 1970s Salford, the play explores the tensions of family, identity and belonging within a British\u2011Pakistani household caught between tradition and change. This new production is a co-production with Citizens Theatre Glasgow and Wiltshire Creative, in association with Derby Theatre, and will be directed by Olivier Award-nominated director\u00a0Kash Arshad.<\/p>\n
The autumn season continues with a revival of the much-loved hit\u00a0CALENDAR GIRLS: THE MUSICAL. Based on the true story of a group of Yorkshire women who create a nude calendar to raise money for charity, the show celebrates friendship, bravery and the extraordinary impact of ordinary people. With music and lyrics by\u00a0Gary Barlow\u00a0and\u00a0Tim Firth, this award-winning musical has captivated audiences worldwide and will be directed by\u00a0Paul Robinson.<\/p>\n
In November, the\u00a0John Godber Company\u00a0returns to the Octagon with\u00a0THE HIGHWAYMAN, following recent successes including\u00a0Black Tie Ball, Do I Love You?\u00a0and the currently touring\u00a0Teechers. This rousing historical adventure, set in 18th-century Yorkshire, blends swashbuckling drama with heartfelt romance, delivering\u00a0Godber\u2019s\u00a0trademark pace, humour and emotional depth.<\/p>\n
As always, the season culminates in a dazzling festive production.\u00a0CINDERELLA: A FAIRYTALE\u00a0reimagines the classic story with contemporary energy, heartfelt storytelling and infectious live music. When Ella\u2019s world is upended by her father\u2019s remarriage, she finds solace in the woods and an unexpected connection with a mysterious boy. But a royal invitation changes everything. Created by\u00a0Sally Cookson, Adam Peck and the Original Company, with music and lyrics by\u00a0Benji Bower, the production will be directed by\u00a0Sarah Punshon, returning to the Octagon following\u00a0Peter Pan\u00a0and\u00a0The Jungle Book.<\/p>\n
The season concludes in 2027 with a return to\u00a0Shakespeare, following the Octagon\u2019s critically acclaimed production of\u00a0Macbeth\u00a0earlier in 2026. In co-production with Hull Truck Theatre and Derby Theatre, the Octagon presents a powerful new staging of\u00a0ROMEO AND JULIET. Balancing the intoxicating beauty of young love with the devastating consequences of conflict, this timeless tragedy will include school\u2011friendly performances, ensuring students across the North West can experience the plays they study live on stage.<\/p>\n