Let us help you fill your 2026 diary with theatre! We’ve got an exciting year of shows ahead.

From Owain & Henry, our co-production with Welsh National Theatre, to magical musicals, powerful plays and dazzling dance, we’re bound to have something you’ll enjoy.

POWERFUL PLAYS

Based on Stephen King’s 1982 novella, a thrilling stage production of The Shawshank Redemption, examining friendship and hope behind the claustrophobic bars of a maximum-security facility, comes to our Donald Gordon Theatre this month with Joe McFadden, Ben Onwukwe and Bill Ward.

The world premiere stage production of Single White Female is a bold and modern reimagining of the best-selling book and hit movie, that coined a phrase and led a generation to fear a stiletto heel! Starring Kym Marsh and Lisa Faulkner. 

For the first time ever, a novel by John le Carré – the undisputed master of the modern spy genre – is brought to life in a thrilling stage adaptation of The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, a riveting journey through the fog-shrouded terrain of Cold War espionage, deception, and moral compromise.

Nearly 50 years since it first graced our TV screens, Fawlty Towers is now a brand-new stage play adapted by comedy legend John Cleese. With sharp wit, chaos, and calamity at every turn, this is the comedy event of the year!

MAGICAL MUSICALS

Following a record-breaking run in London, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is coming to Cardiff this month. Adapted from Rick Riordan’s best-selling novel by Joe Tracz, writer of Be More Chill, and with an electrifying rock score by Rob Rokicki, it’s the perfect adventure for gods, half-bloods and mortals!

Come and stomp the night away in the hilarious Here & Now: The Steps Musical in February. Produced by Steps, ROYO and Pete Waterman, it includes the hits One for Sorrow, Better The Devil You Know, Deeper Shade of Blue, 5, 6, 7, 8 and more. It'd be a tragedy to miss it.

In March, West End favourite and TV star Lee Mead will take centre stage as the legendary 19th century showman in Barnum. This spectacular new staging will feature an extraordinary ensemble cast of over 20 actor-musicians playing 150 instruments, acrobats and amazing circus acts.

A spectacular new production of the legendary musical Miss Saigon arrives in June. The soaring score features hit songs including; 'The Heat is On in Saigon', 'The Movie in My Mind', 'Last Night of the World' and 'The American Dream'.

MUSICAL BIOPICS

Set to the pulse-pounding soundtrack of her iconic hits, including The Best, What’s Love Got To Do With It?, Private Dancer and River Deep, Mountain High, discover the heart and soul behind the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll in Tina – The Tina Turner Musical in February. 

Forget feel good, Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story is feel great! Experience the drama, passion and excitement in May as a multi-talented cast of actor-musicians tell Buddy Holly’s story, from his Texas rockabilly beginnings to international stardom. 

Sunny Afternoon, charting the euphoric highs and agonising lows of The Kinks, celebrates their raw energy, passion, and timeless sound, telling their story through an incredible back catalogue of chart-toppers, including You Really Got Me, Lola and All Day and All of the Night. 

The boys are back as the original Tony®-winning sensation Jersey Boys returns in August for its 20th Anniversary Tour! Go behind the music and inside the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons in this true-life musical phenomenon.

DAZZLING DANCE

An intoxicating drama where life imitates art with fateful consequences, Matthew Bourne's Production of The Red Shoes will dazzle your senses and break your heart in March. 

In May we welcome Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo (affectionately known as The Trocks) – the all-male comedy ballet company where every performance frivolously froths with tutus and testosterone, blush-pink ballet pumps, fierce false eyelashes and prima ballerina attitude. 

MUSICAL MOVIE ADAPTATIONS

Expect iconic characters, razor-sharp wit, and killer songs in Mean Girls in March. Starring Faye Tozer from Steps playing three different roles, grab your friends, this is going to be fetch. 

Priscilla Queen of the Desert, based on the Oscar-winning groundbreaking film, is back with a dazzling, brand new 30th anniversary tour production in April. This musical extravaganza is packed with an iconic soundtrack full of your favourite 80s and 90s disco and dance anthems.

Carrie Hope Fletcher stars as Jenna in Waitress in June. Don't miss this musical comedy which is a ‘joyously life-affirming celebration of love and friendship’ (Express). 

The iconic international West End and Broadway smash hit musical comedy Legally Blonde The Musical is back in fashion with a huge new production starring Wales' own Amber Davies as Elle!

The international, award-winning smash-hit musical The Bodyguard is back in July! This breathtakingly romantic thriller features a whole host of irresistible classics including Queen of the Night, I Have Nothing, I Wanna Dance With Somebody and of course, I Will Always Love You.

The Karate Kid - The Musical brings the legendary 1984 film to life on stage. Don’t miss the unforgettable theatrical experience of the season as this heartfelt coming-of-age story takes flight with spectacular musical numbers and dazzlingly inventive choreography. 

Dirty Dancing returns to Cardiff in October, exploding with heart-pounding music, breath-taking emotion and sensationally sexy dancing. See the hit film come to life before your eyes with this fantastic, emotional and triumphant live stage show.

OUTSTANDING OPERA

Get ready for a toe-tapping, heart-warming adventure in Welsh National Opera's Blaze of Glory! in April – an uplifting tale set in a 1950s Welsh Valleys community. It's a jubilant celebration of the Land of Song and a tribute to how community spirit can triumph over adversity. 

WNO also present a gripping reimagining of Wagner's The Flying Dutchman. Inspired by the sublime beauty of the Welsh coast, the sea is the opera’s canvas, and both a compulsion and prison for its characters.

FANTASTIC FAMILY SHOWS

Back by popular demand – Bluey, Bingo, Bandit and Chilli are returning in May in the Olivier award-nominated live stage show, Bluey’s Big Play. Featuring brilliantly created puppets, this theatrical adaptation of the Emmy® award-winning children’s television series is packed with music, laughter, and fun for the whole family.

The smash-hit West End production of Annie arrives in July. With its Tony® award-winning book and score, including the unforgettable songs It’s The Hard-Knock Life, Easy Street, I Don’t Need Anything But You and Tomorrow, you can bet your bottom dollar that you’ll love it!

Matilda The Musical, inspired by the beloved book by Roald Dahl, returns to Wales Millennium Centre next Christmas. With music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, Matilda is the story of an extraordinary little girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny.

A HISTORICAL EPIC

Written by Olivier Award-winning Welsh playwright Gary Owen and starring Michael Sheen, Owain & Henry is an historical epic charged with poetic power. This ambitious new co production between Wales Millennium Centre and Welsh National Theatre brings to life one of Wales’ most defining stories, where the fight for the existence of a nation hangs in the balance. Tickets are selling quickly for this one so don't miss out!