Disney Announces The Greatest Showman Stage Adaptation – World Premiere in Bristol, 2026

The Smash-Hit Film Comes to the Stage

Disney Theatrical Group has officially announced that the highly anticipated stage adaptation of The Greatest Showman will make its world premiere at the Bristol Hippodrome in Spring 2026. Based on the 2017 blockbuster film, this brand-new production will feature the Grammy Award-winning and Academy Award-nominated songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, alongside new songs written exclusively for the stage.

Nationwide Casting Search Begins

In preparation for this spectacular premiere, a UK and Ireland-wide casting search has been launched to find exceptional stage talent to bring the film’s beloved characters to life. Open auditions will take place in Dublin, Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Leeds, Manchester, Exeter, Newcastle, and London throughout March and April 2025.

A Star-Studded Creative Team

This stage production boasts an award-winning creative team:

• 🎼 Music & Lyrics: Benj Pasek & Justin Paul (La La Land, Dear Evan Hansen)

• 📖 Book: Tim Federle (Ferdinand, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series)

• 🎭 Director & Choreographer: Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon, Aladdin, Mean Girls, Disney’s Hercules)

Produced by Disney Theatrical Group in collaboration with The Seelig Group—a producer of the original film—this is the first-ever 20th Century Studios (formerly 20th Century Fox) title to be adapted for the stage.

Bringing the Magic of The Greatest Showman to the Stage

The stage adaptation will include fan-favorite songs from the film, such as:

🎶 The Greatest Show
🎶 A Million Dreams
🎶 Come Alive
🎶 Rewrite the Stars
🎶 This Is Me (Golden Globe-winning, Oscar-nominated)

In addition to these chart-topping hits, Pasek and Paul will debut brand-new songs, specially crafted for this production.

Disney Theatrical’s Commitment to British Theatre

The decision to premiere The Greatest Showman in the UK continues Disney Theatrical’s legacy of launching world-class productions in Britain. The company has a longstanding relationship with the Bristol Hippodrome, where Mary Poppins had its world premiere, and the UK tours of The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast began.

Why The Greatest Showman is a Theatrical Landmark

Inspired by the life of P. T. Barnum, The Greatest Showman tells the uplifting story of ambition, imagination, and the birth of show business. The film’s soundtrack became a global phenomenon, achieving 11 consecutive weeks at No.1 in the UK charts, winning a Golden Globe for Best Original Song, and earning both Grammy and Academy Award nominations.

Benj Pasek and Justin Paul shared their excitement:

“We are continuously surprised and moved by how much the songs from The Greatest Showman have resonated worldwide. To now bring them to the stage is truly thrilling.”

Andrew Flatt, Anne Quart, and Thomas Schumacher of Disney Theatrical Group added:

“Audiences responded to the film’s joyful energy and themes of self-discovery, community, and the families we create. We’re excited to bring it to the stage and elevate it further with this extraordinary team of creatives.”

How to Get Tickets & Stay Updated

🎭 Venue: Bristol Hippodrome
📅 World Premiere: Spring 2026
🎟 Stay tuned for more details

📢 Casting, full creative team, and the Bristol performance schedule will be announced later this year.

Don’t Miss the Greatest Show on Earth!

With its record-breaking soundtrack, awe-inspiring visuals, and universal message of inclusion and dreams, The Greatest Showman is set to be one of the biggest musical theatre events of the decade.

Stay tuned for more details as this highly anticipated production prepares to take the stage in 2026