Darlington Hippodrome has launched its autumn 2026 season, promising a packed programme of blockbuster musicals, acclaimed drama, family favourites and star-studded live entertainment.
Heathers The Musical will open the season in September, bringing dark humour, catchy songs and high school drama to the stage.
Children and families will also be treated to a magical theatrical adventure with The Gruffalo.
October's highlights include the courtroom classic Twelve Angry Men, followed by the internationally acclaimed SIX The Musical, which reimagines the six wives of Henry VIII as pop royalty.
DarlingtonOS, the town’s award-winning amateur theatre company, will return with We Will Rock You, the Queen-inspired rock musical.
November will see the arrival of Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of), a fresh and irreverent retelling of Jane Austen’s beloved novel.
The season will wrap up with the theatre’s annual pantomime.
This year’s show, Beauty & The Beast, promises laughter, spectacle and festive magic for the whole family.
The Hippodrome’s 2026 programme also looks ahead into early 2027 with more high-profile productions.
In February, audiences can enjoy The King's Speech and the comedy mystery The Other Side of Murder.
April will bring the Olivier Award-winning Operation Mincemeat to the stage following its West End success.
May’s line-up includes A Thousand Splendid Suns, the stage adaptation of Khaled Hosseini’s novel, alongside the classic thriller Strangers on a Train and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.
June will see Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap mark its 75th year on stage.
In August, the Hippodrome will close the season with the much-loved musical Grease.
The theatre will also host an array of one-night-only events featuring household names.
The line-up includes comedian Harry Enfield, actor Sir Derek Jacobi and Miriam Margolyes.
Chris Ramsey, Gareth Gates, Omid Djalili, Matt Terry and Seann Walsh will also appear.
Other stars include Giovanni Pernice, Al Murray, Keith Duffy, Brian McFadden and Kai Widdrington.
A spokesperson for Darlington Hippodrome said: "Darlington Hippodrome has launched its brand-new autumn 2026 brochure, packed with an incredible line-up of blockbuster musicals, gripping drama, family favourites, comedy, music and unforgettable live entertainment.
"With something for every taste and every generation, the new season brings some of the biggest touring productions in the UK to Darlington, alongside much-loved local talent and an impressive roster of household names making special one-night-only appearances.
"The festive season wouldn't be complete without Darlington Hippodrome's renowned pantomime, and this year audiences can look forward to the magical Beauty & The Beast in December.
"Packed with laughter, dazzling costumes, spectacular effects and plenty of festive fun, it's set to be the perfect family treat.
"The Autumn 2026 season highlights Darlington Hippodrome's ongoing commitment to bringing world-class entertainment to audiences across the north east."
The spokesperson stressed that the 2026 season offers something for everyone.
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They said: "With dozens more shows, concerts, family productions, comedy nights and special events filling the programme, the Autumn 2026 season highlights Darlington Hippodrome's ongoing commitment to bringing world-class entertainment to audiences across the north east."
Full details of the autumn programme and ticket information are available at www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk.
Bookings can also be made by calling the box office on 01325 405405.
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