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!
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 Interntional, Kingston Rose, London | 4 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 partUnbound
Unbound by Matthew Harvey
7 – 12 April 2026 | Residential Workshop at The King's School, Canterbury
Home-schooled Iris Stone has finally convinced her mother to let her attend Black Lake High. Ready for an ordinary life of friends, parties and school spirit, Iris’ world is turned upside down when she unknowingly frees an ancient witch and finds herself part of the coven.
Will Iris’ newfound powers help her win over her new classmates, or spell disaster for the town of Beggars Hollow? Set to an 80’s fuelled pop-rock score, Unbound explores the nuances of community and what it is to belong.
Lifelines
Lifelines by Hayley Canham
25–29 May 2026 | Non-residential workshop in London
Lifelines is an uplifting new musical about growing up where life stands still - a children’s hospital. On the ward, united by illness and fuelled by imagination, unlikely friendships spark. When quiet newcomer Alfie risks missing his brother’s big day, rebellious Florence convinces him to try and live a little...with life-threatening results. Years later, Florence is back - older, alone, and carrying scars that have never quite healed.
With a contemporary MT/singer-songwriter score, Lifelines is a moving exploration of hope, second chances and the courage of young people to tackle whatever life throws at them.
The Ballad of Raggedy Alice
The Ballad of Raggedy Alice by Robert Messik and Roy Raby
Residential workshop in the Summer of 2026
Every year, five lucky villagers are chosen to sail to Paradise – a place so wonderful no one has ever come back. All Alice has ever wanted is to be on that boat. But when her wish finally comes true, she discovers that Paradise may be anything but.
Set in the gloriously grotesque town of Festerburgh, this darkly funny new musical blends Tim Burton’s gothic whimsy with Sondheim-esque wit and Monty Python absurdity – a riotous fable for anyone who’s ever wondered whether the grass really is greener on the other side.
School Play
School Play by Mat Pritchard and Tom Williams
Residential workshop in the Summer of 2026
School Play is a fast-paced, funny and heartfelt new musical set backstage during a chaotic school production. Taking place in near real time, it follows the Star, their long-suffering Understudy, rebellious members of the Chorus, and the put-upon Stage Crew, as everything that can go wrong does. Overseeing the mayhem are a jaded Director, out-of-place Science Teacher, exasperated Head and interfering Parents. As crises mount – a blackout, a strike, an unconscious lead performer – the Understudy must find their courage to step up and save the show. A love letter to school theatre, School Play celebrates the comic disasters and quiet triumphs that make youth performance so unforgettable – for all sorts of reasons...
The Unstoppable Letty Pegg
The Unstoppable Letty Pegg by Helen Arney and James Hughes
Residential workshop in the Summer of 2026
Take a stand with the Jiu Jitsu Suffragettes as they bring their fight to the stage! The Unstoppable Letty Pegg follows our 11-year-old heroine as she navigates her complicated family life amongst the highs and lows of chaotic Edwardian London. With a working-class policeman father and upper-class Suffragette mother, Lettice Pegg feels confused, unseen and powerless. Until she discovers the Jiu Jitsu Suffragettes of the Golden Square Dojo – and yes, they really did exist! Together they transform Lettice, but has she become unstoppable enough to save her family when danger strikes? Ichi, ni, san, GO!
OUR 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.
The Ragged Child
Easter Rehearsal | 7-12 April 2026 | The King's School, Canterbury (full company)
May Rehearsal | 29-31 May 2026 | London (residential, actors only – dates tbc)
Production Period | 3-4 July 2026 | London (residential)
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.
West Side Story
Easter Rehearsal | 7-12 April 2026 | Monkton Combe School, Bath (actors and creative assistants only)
Summer Rehearsal | 25 July–1 August 2026 | The King's School, Canterbury
Production Week | 3–8 August 2026 | Birmingham
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.
Just So
Easter Rehearsal | 7-12 April 2026 | Monkton Combe School, Bath (actors and creative assistants only)
Summer Rehearsal | 1–8 August 2026 | The King's School, Canterbury
Production Week | 10–15 August 2026 | Birmingham
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.
Every Day
Easter Rehearsal | 7-12 April 2026 | The King's School, Canterbury (actors and creative assistants only)
Summer Rehearsal | 8–15 August 2026 | The King's School, Canterbury
Production Week | 17–22 August 2026 | Birmingham
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...
New Musical Workshops
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.
View all our New Musical Workshops
