Michelle Visage Returns to the West End in New Fantasy Musical Sea Witch
Michelle Visage is set to return to the West End in a major new musical, starring in Sea Witch, a prequel inspired by The Little Mermaid. The production opens at Theatre Royal Drury Lane on 1 March, marking a high profile addition to London’s 2026 theatre calendar.
Visage, best known to global audiences as a judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race, will play Tante Hansa, a sea witch figure inspired by Sarah Henning’s novel. Her character serves as a guide and mentor within a world where magic is outlawed, shaping the journey of the story’s central figure.
The musical follows Evie, portrayed by Natalie Paris, a young witch navigating persecution and secrecy. As the narrative unfolds, Evie encounters Annemette, a mermaid with a hidden truth, played by Amy Di Bartolomeo. Their meeting sets off a chain of events that challenges established ideas of good and evil, framed by the production as a reimagining of myth and the rebirth of a villain.
Joining Visage and Paris is Jay McGuiness, winner of Strictly Come Dancing and member of The Wanted, who will play the role of Iker. The cast also includes Mazz Murray as Queen Charlotte, Natalie Kassanga as Malvina, and Di Bartolomeo, recently seen in The Devil Wears Prada.
Speaking about the project, Visage said it was a rare opportunity to originate a role in a new musical, describing Sea Witch as exciting and dynamic, and expressing enthusiasm about bringing the story to life with the cast and creative team. McGuiness echoed that sentiment, noting his excitement at working on an original fantasy story making its first appearance on stage.
The production is created and directed by Kristopher Russell, who said the team is aiming to push musical theatre in a new direction through contemporary storytelling and design. Writer and co creator Michael Glover described the show as a challenge to traditional ideas of heroes and villains, calling it daring, emotional, and unapologetic in its approach.
Choreography will be led by Dean Lee, known for his work as lead choreographer for Janet Jackson, bringing a high energy, modern movement style to the West End stage.
Produced by Russell and Glover Theatrical and Pictures alongside the Nedelander Organization, the Shubert Organization, the John Gore Organization, and Willette Klausner, Sea Witch positions itself as a bold new entry in the fantasy musical genre.
Tickets for Sea Witch are now on sale through LW Theatres, ahead of what is shaping up to be one of the most talked about West End openings of the year.
