Roll up, roll up! The long-awaited stage adaptation of The Greatest Showman is finally making its way to the theatre, and it’s set to make a spectacular debut right here in the UK. The brand-new musical, based on the 2017 blockbuster film, will premiere at the Bristol Hippodrome in Spring 2026 before heading to the West End and Broadway. With its captivating story, unforgettable music, and a creative team packed with award-winning talent, this production is shaping up to be a theatrical sensation.
A Star-Studded Creative Team
Bringing The Greatest Showman to the stage is an impressive team of theatre heavyweights. Two-time Tony Award-winning director and choreographer Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon, Aladdin, Mean Girls) is at the helm, ensuring the production is filled with high-energy spectacle and dazzling choreography. The musical’s book is penned by Emmy nominee Tim Federle (High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, Tuck Everlasting), promising a fresh and engaging adaptation of the beloved film.
Of course, it wouldn’t be The Greatest Showman without its iconic soundtrack. The stage production will feature the GRAMMY® Award-winning and Academy Award®-nominated songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (La La Land, Dear Evan Hansen), including fan-favourites like The Greatest Show, A Million Dreams, Come Alive, Rewrite the Stars, and the Golden Globe® Award-winning This Is Me. But that’s not all—Pasek and Paul have also composed five brand-new songs exclusively for the stage, adding even more magic to an already show-stopping score.
From Silver Screen to Stage
When The Greatest Showman hit cinemas in 2017, it became an instant phenomenon. The film, starring Hugh Jackman as circus visionary P.T. Barnum, was a box office triumph, with its soundtrack dominating music charts worldwide. Given its theatrical nature and larger-than-life storytelling, it’s no surprise that fans have been eagerly anticipating a stage adaptation.
Unlike many musicals that begin life on stage before being adapted for film, The Greatest Showman started on screen and is now making the transition to theatre. It follows in the footsteps of other successful movie-to-musical adaptations, but with the added twist that its cinematic presentation always felt like a Broadway show in the making. This stage version will bring the story to life in an entirely new way, giving audiences a fresh perspective on the magic of Barnum’s world.
A UK Premiere Before a Global Journey
Disney Theatrical Group, which now holds the rights to The Greatest Showman following Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox, has chosen the UK as the starting point for this exciting production. The musical will debut at the Bristol Hippodrome in Spring 2026, with rehearsals beginning in December 2025. Following its UK premiere, the production is expected to move to London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane before heading across the Atlantic to Broadway.
Casting for the show is currently underway, with a wide search taking place across the UK and Ireland. Open auditions will be held in major cities, including Dublin, Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Leeds, Manchester, Exeter, Newcastle, and London. While it’s likely that fresh talent will take on many of the leading roles, rumours are swirling about more established stage stars potentially joining the cast.
What to Expect
Audiences can expect a theatrical extravaganza filled with breathtaking performances, stunning visuals, and an electrifying score. With Casey Nicholaw’s signature dynamic choreography and a mix of beloved songs and new musical numbers, The Greatest Showman on stage is set to be a must-see event. Fans of the film will relish the opportunity to experience the story in a new light, while newcomers will be drawn into its heartwarming themes of ambition, acceptance, and the power of dreams.
If you want to be among the first to witness this spectacular new production, keep an eye out for ticket announcements. With the film’s massive following and the sheer scale of this theatrical venture, tickets are sure to be in high demand.
The Producers Speak
Since the official announcement, producer Thomas Schumacher of Disney Theatrical Productions has shared his excitement about bringing The Greatest Showman to the stage. “The film’s incredible success showed us just how much audiences connect with its message of resilience, inclusion, and the power of dreams. We are thrilled to work with this extraordinary creative team to make something truly spectacular for the theatre.”
Composer Justin Paul has also teased that the new songs written for the stage adaptation will “dig deeper into the characters’ emotional journeys” while still delivering the high-energy spectacle that fans adore.
With all these exciting developments, it’s clear that The Greatest Showman musical is set to be one of the most talked-about productions in recent years. Whether you fell in love with the film or are new to its world, this promises to be a theatrical experience unlike any other. So, will you be there when the curtain rises?
Get ready to step into the spotlight—because The Greatest Showman is about to take centre stage!
Be among the first to hear about this highly anticipated limited engagement by signing up at the link: Disney Tickets - The Greatest Showman Musical."
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