There’s never a dull month when it comes to theatre in the Midlands. Check out our selection of shows coming to venues across the region during the next few weeks...

MRS DOUBTFIRE

When a messy divorce leaves devoted dad Daniel Hillard faced with the prospect of no longer being able to see his children on a daily basis, he decides to take drastic action. An out-of-work thespian, Daniel makes use of his acting skills to create an alter-ego - the splendidly named Euphegenia Doubtfire, a Scottish ‘supernanny’ - to look after his beloved kids... 

That’s the basic premise of both this hit stage musical and, of course, the original much-loved 1993 film starring Robin Williams.

“I learned a lot of comedy from watching people like Robin, Steve Martin and Jim Carrey,” says Gabriel Vick, who’s playing Daniel/Mrs Doubtfire. “There’s a lot of Jim Carrey in what I do. You kind of borrow from these people, and then bring your own thing to it.” 

Birmingham Hippodrome, until Sunday 20 September

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THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHTTIME

The National Theatre stage adaptation of Mark Haddon’s award-winning novel bagged an impressive seven Olivier Awards in 2013 and was met with almost universal acclaim. The story is here being told in a brand-new production presented by Birmingham Rep and Melting Pot. And there’s every reason to believe the show will prove to be just as impressive as that original stage version.    

At the centre of the action is the character of teenager Chris, who self-describes as “a mathematician with some behavioural difficulties”. Initially coming under suspicion after discovering the lifeless body of the neighbour’s dog, Chris decides to investigate the crime - and in so doing embarks on a journey that will ultimately see some truly shocking family secrets being revealed... 

Charlie Brooks and Joe McFadden top-bill. 

The Rep, Birmingham, until Saturday 19 September; Theatre Severn, Tuesday 6 - Saturday 10 April

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WILKO: LOVE AND DEATH AND ROCK 'N' ROLL

A play with live music, Wilko: Love And Death And Rock’n’Roll recounts the remarkable story of musician Wilko Johnson. Having been told he had inoperable cancer and less than a year to live, the Dr Feelgood star later discovered that the diagnosis was wrong and that his life could be saved...

Belgrade TheatreMalvern Theatres, Tuesday 22 - Saturday 26 September; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Thursday 22 - Saturday 24 October

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HEATHERS THE MUSICAL

Although far from being an unqualified success with the critics, Heathers The Musical did great business in the West End, and is equally likely to pack them in on this latest UK tour. 

Based on the cult 1989 movie starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, the show follows the character of Veronica Sawyer, a high-school student who’s tired of being part of a feared and popular clique with three girls named Heather... 

Eager to opt out, she finds herself drawn to new student Jason ‘JD’ Dean, a rebellious young man with murder in mind...

Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Tuesday 15 - Saturday 19 September; The Alexandra, Birmingahm, Tuesday 16 - Saturday 20 March

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A BRIEF CASE OF CRAZY

A silent love story told via a blend of mime, choreography, clowning and puppetry, this co-production from Skedaddle and Shoddy Theatre focuses on the character of Thomas, an awkward and introverted office worker who has a quiet crush on his equally shy colleague, Daisy... 

Tugging a forelock in the direction of Mr Bean, Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton, the show has garnered plenty of five-star reviews since premiering in Edinburgh a couple of years back. 

Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Wednesday 16 September; Lichfield Garrick, Saturday 19 September; Swan Theatre, Worcester, Sunday 20 September; Wolverhamptoon Arts Centre, Tuesday 6 October

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HORRIBLE HISTORIES

If you love the Horrible Histories series - and why the heck wouldn’t you?! - then Terrible Tudors and Awful Egyptians are two shows well worth catching. 

Audience members attending the former will find out all about the fate of Henry’s headless wives and his punch-up with the Pope... Families checking out the latter will be asked whether they’re ready to rumble with Ramesses and - somewhat more alarmingly - if they dare to enter through ‘the gates of the afterlife’!... 

Both productions show at Theatre Severn on each of the three days. Visit the venue’s website to check starting times.

Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Thursday 17 - Saturday 19 September

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DEAR ZOO

A production that's sure to delight all those who have read the book (both young and old) as it unfolds with child-engaging puppets (a cheeky monkey, a jumpy frog and of course a perfect puppy), music and lots of audience interaction.

Rod Campbell’s best-selling lift the flap book has delighted generations of young readers since it was first published in 1982, with more than 8 million copies sold worldwide.

Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Thursday 17 - Sunday 20 September; Swan Theatre, Worcester, Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 September; Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 March; Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Wednesday 24 & Thursday 25 March; Birmingham Hippodrome, Thursday 8 - Sunday 11 April; The Core Theatre, Solihull, Wednesday 21 & Thursday 22 April; Crewe Lyceum Theatre, Saturday 29 May   

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WOODHILL

Documentary theatre and ‘gut-punching’ choreography combine to thought-provoking effect in this ‘explosive’ true story from multi-award-winning company Lung. 

Suitable for audience members aged 16-plus and with a running time of 80 minutes, the production focuses on events at Woodhill prison, where three deaths leave the families of the deceased desperate for answers. 

The show is being promoted as ‘a call to arms about the crisis facing prisons’. 

The performance at the Belgrade on the 22nd will be followed by a Q&A with the company.     

Midlands Arts Centre (MAC), Birmingham, Friday 18 & Saturday 19 September; Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Tuesday 22 & Wednesday 23 September

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THE HAUNTING OF BLAINE MANOR

When Doctor Roy Earle - a renowned American parapsychologist famous for discrediting hauntings and exposing fake mediums - accepts an invitation to attend a seance at ‘the most haunted building in England’ (the Blaine Manor of the title), he finds himself, along with his companions for the evening, temporarily cut off from the outside world by a raging storm... And as every lover of the ghost/horror genre very well knows, where there’s a raging storm and a haunted house, there are also, inevitably, things that go bump in the night...

An award-winning love letter to both the Golden Age of Hollywood and the era of Hammer Horror movies here in the UK, The Haunting Of Blaine Manor is described by its publicity as the new Woman In Black - only scarier.

Stourbridge Town Hall, Sunday 20 September

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TWELVE ANGRY MEN

Reginald Rose’s gripping courtroom drama makes a welcome return to the region. 
Best known from the 1957 film starring Henry Fonda, Twelve Angry Men tells the story of one juror’s battle to save the life of a man on trial for the murder of his father. 

Initially a lone voice in the wilderness, Juror Eight is faced with the monumental challenge of persuading his 11 fellow jurors to spare the defendant’s life. His task is made all the harder by the other men’s prejudices and preconceptions about the trial. 

The cast includes soap-opera veterans Gray O’Brien and Bill Ward.

The Rep, Birmingham, Monday 21 - Saturday 26 September 

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MURDER SHE DIDN'T WRITE

Don your deerstalker, grab your magnifying glass and get your ‘finger of suspicion’ at the ready because Edinburgh Fringe favourites, Degrees of Error, are bringing back their multiple sell-out show for your sleuthing pleasure.

They’ll create a classic murder mystery on-the-spot in this ingenious improvised comedy. You, the audience, become the author as the cast act out your very own Agatha Christie-inspired masterpiece live on stage. At each show this extraordinarily talented company use audience suggestions to create a unique, original and extremely comical murder mystery just for you. All you have to do… is solve it!

Ms Gold poisoned at a synchronised swimming gala? Dr Blue exploded by cannon during a hot air balloon race? Professor Violet crushed to death at a Love Island recoupling? You decide!

But will you guess whodunnit before the killer is revealed?

Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Monday 21 September; Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Saturday 10 October; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Wednesday 13 January; Lichfield Garrick, Tues 19 January; Swan Theatre, Worcester, Tuesday 2 & Wednesday 3 February; Crewe Lyecum, Mon 15 February

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AS YOU LIKE IT

Royal Shakespeare Company Co-Artistic Director Daniel Evans directs an all-male cast in this brand-new version of the bard’s highly likable comedy. 

The story revolves around the character of Rosalind, banished by her usurping uncle to the Forest of Arden, where her exiled father is already living. Revelling in the naturalness of the surroundings, Rosalind and her devoted cousin, Celia, find a happiness they hadn’t known existed... 

Tony and Grammy Award-winning American actor Jonathan Groff (pictured) makes his RSC debut in the role of Rosalind. 

Daniel Evans directs an all-male cast in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, Saturday 26 September - Saturday 7 November

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THE MOUSETRAP

Not only has everybody heard of Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap, everybody’s also actually seen the show... haven’t they? 

Okay, maybe not, but as the play debuted some 75 years ago and has been running non-stop in the West End ever since (Covid disruption aside, of course), it’s fair to say its capacity to put bums on seats is absolutely beyond question. 

Not surprisingly, the play is the world’s longest-running show, and has been performed in excess of 30,000 times. 

This touring version stars Nicholas Bailey and Susan Penhaligon.

Crewe Lyceum Theatre, Tuesday 6 - Saturday 10 October; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Monday 1 - Saturday 6 March; Lichfield Garrick, Monday 8 - Saturday 13 March; Malvern Theatres, Tuesday 4 - Saturday 8 May

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LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL

Based on the hit movie starring Reese Witherspoon, this critically acclaimed musical follows the story of college sweetheart and homecoming queen Elle Woods, a girl who just doesn’t take no for an answer. So when her boyfriend, Warner, announces that he’s dumping her for someone more serious, Elle puts down the credit card, hits the books and heads for Harvard Law School. 

Amber Davies (Pretty Woman, 9 to 5 The Musical) takes the lead role in a production directed by Nikolai Foster, the artistic director at Curve, Leicester. Commenting on the show, Nikolai and Curve’s chief executive, Chris Stafford, said: “Legally Blonde is firmly established in the musical theatre repertoire as a contemporary classic. Laurence O’Keefe, Nell Benjamin & Heather Hach’s electrifying musical about empowerment, equality and the folly of judging a book by its cover remains pitch-perfect and as relevant as ever.”

*Please note, Amber Davies will not be performing at the matinee performance at The Alexandra, Birmingham on Thursday 2 April at 2.30pm; she will not be performing at the matinee performance at Wolverhampton Grand on Thursday 15 October at 2.30pm; and she will not be performing at the matinee performance at The Regent on Thursday 19 November at 2.30pm.

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tuesday 13 - Saturday 17 October; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Tuesday 17 - Saturday 21 November

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ANNIE

Cabaret star La Voix takes on the coveted role of the tyrannical Miss Hannigan when Annie visits Birmingham this month.

Telling the heart-warming rags-to-riches story of a little girl who finds herself transported from a New York orphanage to the luxurious world of a millionaire, the oft-touring Broadway musical features plenty of memorable songs, including It’s A Hard Knock Life, I Don’t Need Anything But You, Easy Street, and of course the legendary Tomorrow.

The show’s Stoke and Wolverhampton dates will see familiar television face and musical theatre favourite Claire Sweeney taking over from La Voix in the role of Miss Hannigan. 

Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Tuesday 13 - Sunday 18 October; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tuesday 16 - Sunday 21 February 2027

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BURLESQUE THE MUSICAL

Christina Aguilera not only provides powerhouse songs for this acclaimed and relatively new musical but also executive-produces it. The story focuses on the character of small-town dreamer Ali Rose, whose New York-located search for her biological mother sees her stumbling into the cut-throat world of burlesque. 

Based on the hit 2010 movie of the same name, which co-starred Aguilera and Cher, the show has made a significant splash in the West End and stops off in the Midlands as part of its first UK tour.   

The Alexandra, Birmingham, Tuesday 6 - Saturday 17 October; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tuesday 6 - Saturday 10 April 2027

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THE CHOIR OF MAN

A huge success in the West End, with an Olivier Award nomination further proving its credentials, The Choir Of Man is no conventional theatre production. Set in a pub, featuring ‘a wildly talented group of incredible instrumentalists, world-class wordsmiths, and sensational singers’, it’s brimming with hits from artists including Queen, Luther Vandross, Paul Simon, Adele and Katy Perry. There’s no story to follow as such - the show maybe feels more like a gig than a play - but there’s certainly plenty to enjoy across its near two-hour running time.

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tuesday 20 - Saturday 24 October 

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​BLOOD BROTHERS

You know what you’re going to get with a Willy Russell production. From Educating Rita to Shirley Valentine, his work is always sharp, refreshing, poignant and funny. And Blood Brothers doesn’t buck the trend. It’s effectively a class-driven Scouse melodrama, but to simply describe it as such is to vastly underestimate the emotional response it routinely produces within its audience. 

Running for more than 10,000 performances in London’s West End - one of only five musicals ever to achieve that milestone - it tells the story of an unfortunate mother compelled to give away one of her twins. It also has adult actors playing children and boasts a sharp social awareness to counteract the sticky sentimentality. And if the measure of a musical’s success is being able to hum the songs when you come out of the theatre - without having known them all that well before you went in - then this is unquestionably one of the best.

Birmingham Hippodrome, Tuesday 20 - Saturday 24 October; Malvern Theatres, Tuesday 17 - Saturday 21 November

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MINISTRY OF SCIENCE LIVE

A refreshingly anarchic approach to science communication is the name of the game when the Ministry of Science comes to town. As well as taking a look at the inventors and engineers who’ve shaped and inspired the modern world, the show’s presenters will be conducting clever demonstrations aplenty - so brace yourself for the occasional loud bang! 

Giant liquid hydrogen clouds, exploding oxygen and hydrogen balloons, fire tornados, hydrogen bottle rockets, ignited methane and even a self-built hovercraft all feature.

Lichfield Garrick, Monday 26 October

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THE UTTERLY REVOLTING SCIENCE SHOW

Brace yourselves for the Rude Science team’s hilarious, high-tech, highly explosive new journey through the human body, packed with ‘burp biology, fart physics and revolting edible chemistry’.
At a very basic level, it’s a rollercoaster ride through a series of disgusting experiments built to delight young audiences; but scratch beneath the surface and you’ll discover a brilliantly constructed curriculum-driven adventure designed to gift Britain’s kids with a lasting fascination for science.
The show is the brainchild of Stefan Gates, high-octane presenter of 20 TV series (five for CBBC), award-winning author of 13 books (including Rude Science) and internationally renowned producer of world-class science stage shows.

Kidderminster Town Hall, Monday 26 October 

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MAMMA MIA!

This legendary show is of course a nicely contrived vehicle for the chart-topping music of 1970s Super Troupers Abba. Back in the day, the Swedish Fab Four scored mega-hit after mega-hit with catchy numbers including Waterloo, Dancing Queen, The Name Of The Game, The Winner Takes It All and Take A Chance On Me (all of which are present and correct in this blockbuster offering). 

Set in a Greek-island paradise, Mamma Mia! tells the story of single mum Donna and her 20-year-old daughter, Sophie, who’s soon to get married. Formerly the lead singer of a three-piece girl group called The Dynamos, Donna led something of a crazy, carefree existence when she was a younger woman. As a result, Sophie’s never known who her father is... and if truth be told, Donna’s not entirely sure either. After stealing a sly glimpse at her mum’s old diary, sneaky Sophie identifies three possible candidates.

Masquerading as Donna, she sends messages inviting each of the men to attend her wedding. Hijinks, chaos and confusion inevitably ensue, all of which are best experienced to a pulsating Abba soundtrack, of course...

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tuesday 27 October - Saturday 7 November

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​BARNUM

This Watermill Theatre revival might well strike a chord with long-in-the-tooth theatre-goers, calling to mind memories of 40-plus years ago, when the show was the talk of the town. Telling the story of ‘America’s Greatest Showman’, Phineas T Barnum, the musical premiered on Broadway in 1980, with one-time Carry On cast member Jim Dale taking the title role. The West End version opened the following year, and established Some Mothers Do ’ave ’em star Michael Crawford as one of the UK’s brightest theatrical talents.

Featuring hit numbers Come Follow The Band, The Colours Of My Life and There Is A Sucker Born Ev’ry Minute, this critically acclaimed production stars musical theatre favourite and one-time Joseph star Lee Mead in the title role. Acrobats, circus acts, and an ensemble cast of over 20 actor-musicians - playing 150 instruments between them - further add to the show’s appeal.

Malvern Theatres, Tuesday 27 - Saturday 31 October   

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​THE DINOSAUR THAT POOPED: A ROCK SHOW

Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter are promising their brand-new production will come complete with new songs, a lot of laughs and (not surprisingly given the show’s title) a whole load of poo! 

Based on Tom and Dougie’s bestselling children’s books, The Dinosaur That Pooped follows Danny and Dino as they try to get hold of the last two tickets to their favourite rock band’s last-ever concert. But with a villainous band manager lurking, nothing goes to plan... Will the band perform? Will Danny rock out? Or will Dino’s rumbling tummy save the day?...

The Alexandra, Birmingham, Sunday 8 November 

MR SLEEPYBUM'S DREAM MACHINE

With accolades and glittering gongs aplenty to recommend it, Mr Sleepybum was a show well worth checking out. Now, the title character - a fella who has ‘stupid, silly dreams’ at night - is making a welcome return with this brand-new production.

Running for one hour and suitable for children aged between three and eight, the show sees Mr Sleepybum invent a machine that magically brings to life all manner of dreams, including ones featuring dinosaurs, robots, car chases and, er, the world’s largest blanket! 

Little Theatre, Donnington, Shropshire, Saturday 21 November

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THE GRUFFALO'S CHILD

With millions of copies having been sold in double-quick time after it was published in 1999, it’s fair to say that Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler’s picture book The Gruffalo captured the hearts and minds of children everywhere. So it was no surprise when the dynamic duo then produced this sequel story five years later... 
Despite her dad’s warning to stay away from the deep, dark wood, the Gruffalo’s child decides it’s time to go and explore, caring not a jot about the legend of the Big Bad Mouse...
Award-winning theatre company Tall Stories, who certainly know a thing or two about adapting Donaldson/Scheffler books for the stage, here present a production that brings together ‘songs, laughs and scary fun for everyone aged three to 103’. 

Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Saturday 28 November - Sunday 27 December

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THE BIG PANTS PARTY

If you’re long overdue a carefree night out, then why not grab yourself a ticket for this nostalgia-drenched get-together and dance your socks off in the aisles...  

The Big Pants Party is described by its publicity as ‘the ultimate ladies night out, celebrating the iconic soundtrack of a lifetime of fun, love and friendship’. 

Taking the form of a concert, the show has been specially designed to get its audience singing and dancing along. Big pants are optional. 

Tamworth Assembly Rooms, Saturday 12 December; The Albany Theatre, Coventry, Saturday 6 March 2027; Walsall Arena, Friday 12 March 2027  

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MEAN GIRLS

Mean Girls proved to be a defining movie for a whole generation when it was released more than 20 years ago, so it’s no surprise that the story has since had theatrical life breathed into it.  

The plotline follows the adventures of student Cady Heron as she engages with an elite group of popular high-school girls called The Plastics, whose queen bee, Regina George, is ably assisted in her conniving ways by her minions, Gretchen and Karen... 

Steps star Faye Tozer takes top billing when the show visits Wolverhampton this month, playing three characters: Ms Heron, Ms Norbury and Mrs George.  

The Alexandra, Birmingham, Monday 14 December - Saturday 2 January

Photo features previous West End cast.