Our 2026 Programme
Here are some of the productions we're launching in 2026. Keep an eye on our social media for the latest updates!
See what we did in 2025
The Ragged Child
Book and lyrics by Jeremy James Taylor and Frank Whately | Music by David Nield
The plight of the homeless is examined through the eyes of abandoned children in mid-nineteenth-century London.
Broadcast on the BBC in 1988, The Ragged Child became a flagship production and title for the UK's National Youth Music Theatre. Critics have largely hailed The Ragged Child as "moving" and "stirring."
The dire straits of the poor and destitute of 1850's London is mirrored in the tragic lives of siblings Joe & Annie Cooper. As they are fighting in the streets for survival and reprieve from the deadly cholera outbreak, Lord Shaftesbury is fighting in the House of Lords for the education of the ignorant, illiterate poor. As Lord Shaftesbury's quest has a successful outcome, the Coopers are not so lucky. They're the last of the unfortunate souls to slip through the fingers of necessary charity.
FUSE International, Kingston Rose, London | 5 July 2026
For rehearsal dates, see our Take Part pages.
West Side Story
Based on a conception of Jerome Robbins
Booky by Arthur Laurents | Music by Leonard Berstein | Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Young lovers are caught between prejudice and warring street gangs in this seminal retelling of Romeo and Juliet.
From the first notes to the final breath, West Side Story is one of the most memorable musicals and greatest love stories of all time. Arthur Laurents' book remains as powerful, poignant and timely as ever. The score by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim is widely regarded as one of the best ever written. The world's greatest love story takes to the streets in this landmark Broadway musical that is one of the theatre's finest accomplishments.
Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is transported to modern-day New York City, as two young idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs, the "American" Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks. Their struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence and prejudice is one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching and relevant musical dramas of our time.
Patrick Studio, Birmingham Hippodrome | 6–8 August 2026
For rehearsal dates, see our Take Part pages.
Just So
National Youth Music Theatre
by arrangement with Cameron Mackintosh Ltd
presents
Stiles and Drewe's
Just So
Music by George Stiles | Book and lyrics by Anthony Drewe
Five of Rudyard Kipling's tales weave together into a wonderous tale of personal courage, individuality and friendship.
A twenty-five year project that began with a series of inspirational stories, Stiles and Drewe (Honk! and Mary Poppins) bring us an imaginatively empowering piece of theatre in Just So. Set to an eclectic, upbeat score, Kipling's Just So stories are woven with wit and imagination into a song-filled journey through the jungle.
'Before the High and Far-Off Times…came the Time of the Very Beginnings' when everything was just so, until Pau Amma the Crab, started playing with the ocean. This caused the lands to flood, disrupting the other animals and putting them in danger. While the rest of the animals accept their sad fate, however, Elephant's Child embarks on a journey to challenge and overcome the disobedient crab. Along the way, he meets other animals and discovers how the mysteries of their phenomenon came to be.
Patrick Studio, Birmingham Hippodrome | 13–15 August 2026
For rehearsal dates, see our Take Part pages.
Every Day
A new musical by Nick Barstow and Martha Geelan, in association with DEM Productions
‘What would it be like to be a person who grew up without gender, race, sexual orientation, parents, friends, and all of the other things we usually classify ourselves by, and, second, what would it be like to be in love with someone who changed every day – would it be possible?’ Author, David Levithan
Every Day is a new musical with a contemporary pop score for an ensemble cast. Every day ‘A’ wakes up in a different teenager’s body with no warning of where or who it will be. Exploring the inner thoughts and feelings of their host, A’s only goals in life are to not intervene and to give each host a good day. That is until they meet Rhiannon and suddenly their transitory world isn’t enough...
Patrick Studio, Birmingham Hippodrome | 20–22 August 2026
For rehearsal dates, see our Take Part pages.
NEW MUSICAL WORKSHOPS IN 2026
We are delighted to be working on five new musicals this year as part of our series of New Musical Workshops.
During our residential and non-residential workshops, our Young Company Members have the opportunity to work alongside composers, writers and our professional creatives in developing brand new music theatre, while at the same time further developing their own skills in acting, singing and dance.
Take partOUR RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS IN 2026
These are our residential productions and workshops in 2026.
These opportunites will be open to young actors, instrumental musicians and young creative and production assistants. To take any role in one of our productions, you'll need to attend an audition or interview.
