Park Theatre has announced five new shows running from 2025 until 2026. Whether you are looking to re-live an old classic or experience something brand-new there is something for everyone with this wide variety of poetry nights, Jazz and plays.
Maureen Lipman & Friends: Poetry & Jazz| 11 May
Kicking off the season strong is a one-night only fundraising event, featuring Dame Maureen Lipman as she takes the audience through a magical night of jazz performances and poetry readings. The night will feature renowned British poets such as Jeremy Robson and Pauline Prior-Pitt, sharing poetry new and old to a wider audience. Not to forget, the night will also be accompanied by professional jazz performers including award-winning vocalist Jacqui Dankworth, acclaimed American jazz pianist Charlie Wood. This is a night you won’t want to miss. As this is a fundraising event, all proceeds will be reinvested into the theatre.
Steel| 11-14 June
Steel by Lee Mattinson is the first new play of the season. Following its successful world debut last year, the play will have a limited run at the Park Theatre as part of its UK tour. The play tells the story of two young boys from Workington and how their lives get turned upside down when they discover one of them is the heir to a mile of the British Railway system, which could be worth a million pounds. The production is a coming-of-age story which explores the struggles faced by young men in a town that was once rich but is now left desolate. Tickets start at £15.
The Meat Kings! (Inc.) Of Brooklyn Heights| 30 October- 29 November
Written by the winner of the 2024 Papatango New Writing Prize, Hannah Doran, The Meat Kings Delves into the harsh realities of America’s anti-immigration policies and the painful sacrifices made in the quest for a better life. This play’s debut is directed by Papatango’s Artistic Director, George Turvey following his successful run with Shook. The show is being produced by Chris Foxon and Joshua Goodman, while casting is still yet to be announced.
The Train Driver| 14 January- 7 February
This production is the first UK revival of the play in 16 years. Written by Athol Fugard, The Train Driver is based on the true story of Roelf, who was driving a train when a woman holding her baby stood in front of it. After a long journey searching for the identity of the victims, he teams up with a grave digger named Simon and helps him gain clarity and closure. Directed by Jimmy Walters, this play is a deep exploration of guilt, suffering and the incredible bounds that can be formed while in the depths of despair that’s sure to stay with you.
The Rat Trap| 28 January- 28 March
The Park Theatre is going to be to finishing its 2025/26 season strong with a revival of a Noel Coward classic The Rat Trap. This production will mark the play’s 100th anniversary from when it was first performed at the Everyman Theatre, Hampstead in 1926. The four-part drama was Coward’s first serious attempt at a psychological conflict about a married writer couple’s ideals unravel as ambition, ego, and domestic life trap them in emotional and creative conflict. For this theatre season, this classic is being reimagined by the help of Bill Rosenfeild, who is attempting to breathe new life into the production. So, whether you know the play from back to front or have no understanding of the play whatsoever, there will be something new to enjoy for everyone in this re-telling.
With an exciting mix of fresh new writing, powerful revivals, and unforgettable one-night events, Park Theatre’s 2025/26 season promises a rich and diverse theatrical experience that celebrates storytelling in all its forms.
Words by Gemma McDonald
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