Bursting with excitement, exclusivity and firsts, Hull Theatres kicks off 2026 in style with a spectacular new production of Miss Saigon at Hull New Theatre and performances from two of the biggest names in comedy, Jason Manford and Sue Perkins, at Hull City Hall.
In the last days of the Vietnam War, a Vietnamese bar girl and an American soldier fall desperately in love only to be torn apart by war, fate, and a heartbreaking sacrifice that echoes long after the final curtain. The legendary musical Miss Saigon is reborn from 20 – 24 January.
Other highlights at Hull New Theatre this season include The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical (28 January – 1 February), an incredible adventure for gods and mortals of all ages based on the best-selling books by Rick Riordan.
Also receiving a stage makeover is FRIENDS! The Musical Parody (2 – 7 March) which follows the escapades of the world’s most famous group of twenty-somethings packed full of iconic moments from all 10 seasons of the beloved television series.
Meanwhile, the multi-award winning master of mind control and psychological illusion, Derren Brown promises to take your breath away with his mind-blowing new show, Only Human (17-21 March).
Moving on to April as two jukebox juggernauts fill the theatre with pure pop perfection. The sunniest of all musicals MAMMA MIA! (7 – 18 April) returns with all the biggest hits from ABBA and it’d be a Tragedy to miss Here & Now: The Steps Musical (21 – 26 April), the hilarious and heart-warming new musical based on the songs of Steps.
There’s plenty of laughs to be had when Fawlty Towers (12-16 May) recreates the chaos and calamity of John Cleese’s legendary sitcom on stage and features an incredible cast including Joanne Clifton, Danny Bayne and Paul Nicholas. Later in the month, things are about to get totally fetch with Mean Girls (25-30 May). Based on Tina Fey’s classic film, expect iconic characters, razor-sharp wit and killer songs.
The chaos continues with the best-reviewed show in West End history, Operation Mincemeat (6 – 11 July). Discover how a dead body, a fake love letter and – of all people – Ian Fleming came together to help win World War II in this hilarious, fast-paced and unbelievable true story.
Another true story gets a musical makeover as Barnum: The Circus Musical (2 – 6 June) comes to town starring West End and TV star Lee Mead as the legendary showman P.T. Barnum. With choreography by Oti Mabuse, expect to delight at every sight, wonder and miracle that the name Barnum stands for.
Other world-class productions heading to Hull include Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story (12 – 14 February), Blood Brothers (31 March – 4 April), SIX (19 – 23 May), and The Ballad of Johnny and June (14 – 18 July).
Fasten your seatbelts for stunning dance as Matthew Bourne returns with one of the most thrilling and instantly recognisable scores in New Adventures’ repertoire, The Car Man (30 June – 4 July), Varna International Ballet & Orchestrareturn with two beautiful ballets Swan Lake (26 and 27 February) and Cinderella (28 February), internationally renowned dance-circus company Motionhouse presents its jaw-dropping production Hidden (20 & 21 February) while Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance (22 – 25 July) celebrates the very best of Irish dance.
Opera fans are in for a treat as Ellen Kent’s Farewell Opera Tour brings three stunning operas to Hull; La Traviata (3 February), Carmen (4 February) and Madama Butterfly (5 February) and Leeds-based Opera North present Mozart’s comic masterpiece The Marriage of Figaro (26 and 28 March).
The younger generation are also well catered for as Horrible Histories returns to share the legends (and lies!) of the Terrible Tudors (25 – 27 June) and the Awful Egyptians (25 – 27 June) while pre-schoolers can enjoy an afternoon with The Tiger Who Came to Tea (17 and 18 February) and Northern Ballet’s enchanting child-friendly production of Little Red Riding Hood (16 February).
Hull City Hall boasts a spectacular and varied programme packed full of incredible experiences. Kevin Sinfield (9 April) shares his story of inspiration, motivation and friendship, the cast of RuPaul’s Drag Race Series 7 (23 April) werk their way to Hull with an eleganza-extravaganza and Strictly Come Dancing’s Nikita Kuzmin (30 June) shines brighter than ever in Supernova.
There’s comedy to suit all tastes from some of the biggest names in the industry with The Eternal Shame of Sue Perkins (17 January), Jason Manford: A Manford All Seasons (22 January), Mike Wozniak: The Bench (19 March), Chris McCausland: Yonks (16 May) and Henning Wehn: Acid Wehn (17 May) and the ever-popular monthly LOL Comedy Club (from 16 January).
In addition, the music programme features artists of all genres including The Very Best of Frankie Valli starring Peter Andre (5 February), Boyband in the Buff starring Gareth Gates (11 April), folk legends Steeleye Span(22 April), one of Britain’s most celebrated and best-loved tenors, Alfie Boe (24 April), Jake Quickenden (2 May) pays tribute to Wham! and George Michael and an unexpected fusion of organ music and contemporary metal with Organic Metal: Two Worlds Collide (23 May).
Fans of classical music won’t be disappointed as the Hull City Hall Classicsseries continues with visits from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (7 February, 26 March and 11 June), Hull Philharmonic Orchestra (28 February and 9 May) and the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra (21 May). Plus, our popular Lunchtime Organ Showcase (from 7 January) and the Afternoon Tea Dance (11 March & 3 June) with Blackpool Tower Ballroom organist John Bowdler both make welcome returns.
For younger audiences, there’s non-stop giggles with Fun For Little Ones – A Tribute to Ms Rachel (28 March), fearless and volatile science with Brainiac Live! (2 April), a celebration of all things K-Pop with K-Pop Party (14 April) and a visit from a dinosaur with a rumbly tummy in Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter’s The Dinosaur That Pooped A Rock Show (10 May).
Discover more about exciting subjects as wildlife photographer and filmaker Gordon Buchanan recounts thrilling adventures with Lions And Tigers And Bears (23 February), Emma Kenny returns to probe some of the darkest corners of humanity with Murderous Minds (28 March), Dr Louise Newson delves into the neglected science of hormones with Breaking The Cycle: The Power of Hormones (20 May) and astronomer and author Adrian West delivers a thought-provoking experience in The Night Sky Show (30 May).
Claire Elsdon, Theatres and Halls Manager, said “This season, we’re thrilled to play host to
a dazzling line-up of exceptional productions at Hull New Theatre that promise to captivate and inspire. Whilst over at Hull City Hall, the stage is set for laughter and music of all kinds with big names, big moments and something for absolutely everyone.
“Whether you’re a seasoned theatregoer or discovering the magic for the first time, we invite you to join us and make memories – together.”