TRADGE'S TOP PICKS: Summer 2026

Temperatures have been rising (and how), and it seems that summer isn't just on the horizon, it's come charging onto the scene like a bull in a china shop. There is no shortage of terrific, exciting productions coming up in the next few months, so here are my picks for both London and regional productions set to open over the summer...

-----

LONDON

Glengarry Glen Ross - David Mamet

Old Vic: 04/06 - 18/07

Tickets: book here

"‘But what should I tell them?’ ‘The truth, George. Always tell the truth. It’s the easiest thing to remember.’ A fly-by-night office in Chicago. A brutal sales competition: Top dog wins a Cadillac. Second wins a set of steak knives. Third and fourth get fired. Four real estate agents cheat, fight and steal to come out on top — but can any of them win? One of the most influential and thrilling dramatic comedies of the late 20th century, David Mamet’s Glengarry Glen Ross won the 1984 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Considered a modern classic, this production will be staged by Tony Award-winning director Patrick Marber and features an all-female cast, starring Rosa Salazar and Indira Varma." - The Old Vic

Runtime: 1 hour, 30 minutes (no interval)

Content warnings: strong language including racism, misogyny and Anti-Hindu sentiment

Production warnings: haze, onstage smoking (herbal cigarette) and prop firearms

Age guidance: 16+

Accessibility info: click here

Pride

National Theatre: 11/06 - 12/09

Tickets: book here

"Summer 1984. The country is in turmoil. With Thatcher battling to dismantle the coal industry, and a lethal pandemic on the rise, 24-year-old activist Mark Ashton founds an unlikely new alliance with the pit communities of South Wales: Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners - Funny, fierce and filled with joy, what follows is the incredible true story of two disparate communities joining forces – and making history. This brand-new musical unites Matthew Warchus and Stephen Beresford, director and writer of the hit film Pride, with composers Christopher Nightingale, Josh Cohen, and DJ Walde." - National Theatre

Runtime: 2 hours, 40 minutes (incl. interval)

Content warnings: Not yet available

Production warnings: flashing lights, strobe, haze

Age guidance: 16+

Accessibility info: click here

Ride The Cyclone - Jacob Richmond/Brooke Maxwell

Southwark Playhouse Elephant: 19/06 - 22/08

Tickets: book here

"After a record shattering sold out run, it’s back for round two. Ready to ride again? Hold on tight! The critically acclaimed Ride The Cyclone returns to Southwark Playhouse Elephant. Described as “seriously impressive”, “laugh-out-loud funny” (Evening Standard) and “wonderfully eccentric” (The Guardian), this darkly comic, refreshingly weird and strangely life-affirming musical has captivated audiences and critics alike. After a freak roller-coaster accident, six teenagers find themselves suspended in limbo and offered one final chance to return to life. One by one, they step into the spotlight to prove why they deserve that second chance. Darkly comic, unexpectedly moving, and told at full tilt, this 90-minute musical is a five-star theatrical thrill ride. London, this is one ride you can’t miss" - Southwark Playhouse

Runtime: 1 hour, 30 minutes (no interval)

Content warnings: adult themes, strong language, sexual references, references to death and brief references to drug use

Production warnings: flashing lights, haze and loud noises throughout

Age guidance: 12+

Accessibility info: click here

The Jonathan Larson Project - Jonathan Larson/Jennifer Ashley Tepper

Southwark Playhouse Borough: 09/07 - 22/08

Tickets: book here

"The Jonathan Larson Project is a show about a young man following his heart in New York City trying to change the world. The show offers a rare and exhilarating window into Larson’s creative world, featuring previously unheard songs from the late composer’s archives. They illuminate the artistry, activism, and restless imagination of one of musical theatre’s most influential voices. The 2026 London production holds special significance, marking 30 years since Jonathan Larson’s death in January 1996 from an aortic dissection just one day before Rent’s first performance in New York." - Southwark Playhouse

Runtime: 1 hour, 30 minutes (no interval)

Content warnings: None listed - contact venue for more info

Age guidance: 12+

Accessibility info: click here

Trainspotting - Stephen McGuinness/Irvine Welsh

Theatre Royal Haymarket: 22/07 - 05/09

Tickets: book here

"Thirty years on from the film that changed everything, TRAINSPOTTING: THE MUSICAL has its world premiere, written by Irvine Welsh with Music & Lyrics by Stephen McGuinness & Irvine Welsh and Directed & Developed by Caroline Jay Ranger. Renton, Sick Boy, Begbie, Spud, Tommy, and Kelly, the industrial drug-crazed working-class heroes, are back. In 1996, CHOOSE LIFE sounded like a challenge. Thirty years on, the landscape has shifted, but the hunger hasn’t. Addiction hasn’t disappeared – it’s shifted. It’s quieter now, more embedded. Less needle, more screen. Less escape, more repetition. The same restless search for something to fill the space." - Theatre Royal Haymarket

Runtime: 2 hours, 30 minutes (incl. interval)

Content warnings: scenes and depictions of drug taking and death. Includes swearing and adult references.

Age guidance: 15+

Accessibility info: click here

Kimberly Akimbo - David Lindsay-Abaire/Jeanine Tesori

Hampstead Theatre: 28/08 - 07/11

Tickets: book here

"Kimberly Levaco is excited to celebrate her upcoming sweet 16 – never mind the fact she looks 74, due to a rare genetic condition prematurely ageing her about four times faster than her friends. Or, she would be excited if her family hadn’t suddenly moved town under suspect circumstances, meaning she’s a little short on friends right now. And whilst her heart may be biologically ahead of its time, it’s starting to beat a little quicker after meeting Seth from the ice rink…Kim doesn’t have long to explore the world beyond New Jersey, but she’s damn sure she’s going to once she can afford it." - Hampstead Theatre

Runtime: 2 hours, 25 minutes (incl. interval)

Content warnings: strong language, sexual references, references to death and dying.

Age guidance: 14+

Accessibility info: click here

-----

REGIONAL/TOURING

Something Rotten! - Karey Kirkpatrick/Wayne Kirkpatrick/John O'Farrell

Manchester Opera House: 16/06 - 19/07

Tickets: book here

"The ‘90s are back! The 1590s, that is. Brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play but remain stuck in the shadow of that pompous Renaissance rockstar, Will Shakespeare. When a quirky soothsayer foretells an outlandish future for theatre – full of acting, singing, and dancing all at the same time – Nick and Nigel set out to write this strange new creation called A MUSICAL! But amidst the scandalous excitement of Opening Night, the Bottom Brothers discover that reaching the top means being true to thine own self… and all that jazz" - ATG Tickets

Runtime: 2 hours, 30 minutes (incl. interval)

Content warnings: mild language, innuendo, references to death/disease

Age guidance: 5+

Accessibility info: click here

Fun Home - Lisa Kron/Jeanine Tesori

Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester: 03/07 - 01/08

Tickets: book here

"Join cartoonist Alison Bechdel on a journey through childhood memories, family secrets and first love, as she looks back on growing up in a funeral home and discovering who she is. Refreshingly honest, funny and deeply moving, this ground-breaking modern masterpiece is brought to life with a soaring score by Jeanine Tesori and a witty, heartfelt book and lyrics by Lisa Kron. Returning to the Royal Exchange, Jodie McNee stars as Alison Bechdel alongside award-winning actor Nigel Harman as Bruce Bechdel. Marking the 20th anniversary of Alison Bechdel’s iconic graphic novel, this acclaimed musical makes its northern premiere in a new production directed by Sarah Frankcom." - Royal Exchange Theatre

Runtime: approx. 1 hour, 40 minutes (no interval)

Content warnings: references to suicide, depression and mental illness, the death of a parent, discussions of sexuality and comin

g out, emotional conflict, and occasional adult language and themes.

Production warnings: Not yet available

Age guidance: 14+

Accessibility info: click here

Game of Thrones: The Mad King - Duncan MacMillan

RSC Theatre, Stratford: 20/07 - 05/09

Tickets: book here

"Spanning the final years before the events of the novels, this powerful drama reveals a legendary chapter of Westerosi history. Come face to face with familiar characters from the houses Targaryen, Stark, Lannister, Baratheon and Martell and witness the events that set the stage for the world’s most critically acclaimed series. This unique stage show will see the Royal Shakespeare Theatre auditorium transformed, bringing the action to life around you. Playing on a cross shaped stage, no two seats will offer the same experience or viewpoint. Pick your seat and enjoy theatre at the RSC like never before." - RSC

Runtime: 2 hours, 30 minutes (incl. interval)

Content warnings: strong language, violence, scenes of an adult nature

Production warnings: loud music/noises, bright and flashing lights, strobe, haze

Age guidance: 17+

Accessibility info: click here

Edinburgh Fringe 2026

Edinburgh: 07/08 - 31/09

More info: click here

"For three weeks in August, the city of Edinburgh welcomes an explosion of creative energy from around the globe. Artists and performers take to hundreds of stages all over the city, presenting shows for every taste - from big names in the world of entertainment to unknown artists looking to build their careers. Its story dates back to 1947, when eight theatre groups turned up uninvited to perform at the Edinburgh International Festival." - Edinburgh Fringe

Number of productions: 3,599 (as of June 2026)

Age guidance: varies - from 0 to 18+

Accessibility info: click here

Chaos: guaranteed

High School Musical - David Simpatico/Bryan Louiselle

The Lowry, Salford: 22/08 - 19/09

Tickets: book here

"Based on the hit Disney Channel Original Movie- join Troy, Gabriella and the students of East High as they navigate the highs and lows of first love, friendships, and self-discovery — all while juggling classes, basketball games, auditions and the expectations of their peers. This fresh and exciting new production will transform the Lowry’s Lyric Theatre into an immersive East High experience, with extended staging and on-stage seating that puts the audience right in the middle of the game. Co-directed by Hope Mill Theatre founders Joseph Houston and William Whelton, with a book by David Simpatico and music adapted, arranged and produced by Bryan Louiselle, this is High School Musical like you’ve never seen it before." - The Lowry

Runtime: TBC (will have an interval)

Content warnings: N/A

Production warnings: Not yet available

Age guidance: 6+

Accessibility info: click here

Heathers - Kevin Murphy/Laurence O'Keefe

UK & Ireland tour starting in Windsor: 26/08

More info/tour dates: click here

"Welcome to Westerberg High, where popularity is a matter of life and death, and Veronica Sawyer is just another of the nobodies dreaming of a better day. But when she’s unexpectedly taken under the wings of the three beautiful and impossibly cruel Heathers, her dreams of popularity finally start to come true. That is until JD turns up, the mysterious teen rebel who teaches her that it might kill to be a nobody, but its murder being a somebody…With book, music and lyrics by Tony Award® nominee Laurence O’Keefe and Kevin Murphy, based on the hit film that stared Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, Heathers the Musical is wickedly funny, deliciously dark and full of big fun!" - Heathers website

Runtime: 2 hours, 20 minutes (incl. interval)

Content warnings: strong language and adult themes including murder, suicide, sexual violence and references to eating disorders

Production warnings: Haze, loud noises including gunshots, flashing lights, strobe effects

Age guidance: 14+

Accessibility info: click here

-----

Which shows are you most looking forward to this summer? Let me know below, or on my Instagram page!