The Greatest Showman Musical to Dazzle UK Audiences with New Songs in 2026
The magic of The Greatest Showman is set to jump from the big screen to the stage, and UK theatre fans have reason to celebrate. A new stage musical, featuring five fresh songs alongside all the beloved hits, is slated to make its debut in Bristol around March 2026 before transferring to London’s West End and eventually Broadway.
From Cinematic Success to Stage Sensation
Back in 2017, The Greatest Showman premiered in cinemas to a mix of reviews and modest box office numbers. Despite this, word of mouth soon revealed the film as a hidden gem. Audiences flocked to sing along, turning the movie into a phenomenon that eventually claimed the No. 1 spot at the box office—a first for a film of its kind since Titanic. More importantly, the film’s soundtrack struck a chord, spending an impressive 28 non-consecutive weeks at No. 1 and drawing comparisons to The Beatles’ iconic Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
A Fresh Take with Brand-New Tunes
Following Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox, it was only a matter of time before the cinematic favorite was reimagined for the stage. The new musical adaptation not only revisits the popular songs that have captured hearts around the globe but also introduces five new tracks. Among these is a rousing anthem titled “Show Goes On,” set to provide a powerful finale to Act One. The additional songs are penned by the acclaimed duo Pasek and Paul, who originally crafted the movie’s memorable musical numbers.
A New Creative Vision
While Hugh Jackman’s charismatic portrayal of P.T. Barnum lit up the screen, the stage version will bring its own creative flair under the direction of Tony Award-winning Casey Nicholaw, best known for his work on The Book of Mormon. Despite Jackman’s absence from the stage cast, the production aims to capture the same exuberance and wonder that made the film a global hit.
The Road to the West End and Broadway
After an initial run at the Bristol Hippodrome in March 2026, the production is expected to transfer to London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane later that year. Open auditions are already set to kick off next month across the UK and Ireland, offering aspiring performers a chance to be part of what promises to be one of the most exciting musical events of the year.
As anticipation builds, The Greatest Showman musical is poised to become a dazzling fusion of spectacle and song—a true celebration of imagination and showmanship that promises to captivate audiences both on and off the stage.
Stay tuned for further updates on audition dates and casting details as the show gears up for its highly anticipated UK debut.
