Kiss of the Spider Woman Returns to the UK Stage for First Major Revival in Over 30 Years

One of musical theatre's most acclaimed yet rarely revived works is back on British stages. Kiss of the Spider Woman, the Tony Award-winning musical by John Kander and Fred Ebb, is receiving its first major UK revival in more than three decades, with production photos now offering a tantalising glimpse of this powerful and intimate staging.

The production is a co-venture between three of the UK's most respected regional theatres: Curve in Leicester, Bristol Old Vic, and Mayflower Southampton. It is currently playing in Curve's Studio Theatre before embarking on a short tour, giving audiences a rare chance to experience a show that has been conspicuously absent from British stages since the early 1990s.

What Is Kiss of the Spider Woman About?

Based on the celebrated 1976 novel by Argentine author Manuel Puig, and adapted for the stage by the late, great Terrence McNally, Kiss of the Spider Woman tells the story of two men thrown together in a Latin American prison cell. Molina, a romantic window dresser, and Valentin, an idealistic political revolutionary, could not be more different. Yet as they share their confined space, an unlikely bond begins to form. Molina escapes the brutality of their reality by recounting elaborate fantasies about a glamorous film star known as the Spider Woman, and these vivid daydreams become the emotional heart of the piece.

When the musical premiered on Broadway in 1993, it was a sensation. It swept the Tony Awards that year, winning seven prizes including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, and Best Original Score. The original production starred Chita Rivera in the title role, earning her a Tony for Best Actress. Yet despite this success, the show has been staged relatively infrequently since, making this new UK production a genuinely significant event for musical theatre enthusiasts.

A Stellar Cast Brings the Story to Life

The newly released production photos reveal a staging that looks both visually striking and emotionally intense. Leading the company is Fabian Soto Pacheco as Molina, bringing warmth and vulnerability to the role of the dreamy prisoner. Opposite him, George Blagden, known for his screen work in Vikings and Versailles, takes on the role of the politically charged Valentin. The legendary Aurora, the Spider Woman herself, is portrayed by Anna-Jane Casey, a stalwart of British musical theatre whose credits span decades of acclaimed performances.

The supporting cast is equally strong. Gabriela Garcia plays Marta, while Tori Scott takes on the role of Molina's Mother. Jay Rincon portrays the menacing Warden, and Damian Buhagiar plays the Guard. The ensemble is completed by Jess Buckby, Alex Pinder, and Davide Fienauri, who bring the prison world and Molina's fantasies vividly to life.

The Creative Team Behind the Revival

Directing this revival is Paul Foster, who has assembled an impressive creative team to realise his vision. The choreography is by Joanna Goodwin, while David Woodhead has designed the set. Costume design comes from Gabriella Slade, whose previous work has graced some of the West End's biggest productions, including Six.

The musical's orchestrations and arrangements have been handled by Sarah Travis, a figure well known for creating rich, compelling soundscapes for intimate theatre spaces. Lighting designer Howard Hudson and sound designer Matt Peploe complete the core design team, while Andrzej Goulding contributes video design and creation, adding a cinematic layer that suits the show's film-fantasy sequences beautifully.

Further creative contributions come from wig designer Sam Cox, fight director Kate Waters, and make-up designer Jackie Saundercock. Musical supervision and direction is by Dan Glover, with casting by Stuart Burt. The production's musicians are sponsored by PPL, the music licensing company.

Why This Revival Matters

It is worth pausing to consider just how unusual it is to see Kiss of the Spider Woman on a UK stage. The musical had its London premiere at the Shaftesbury Theatre back in 1992, predating even the Broadway opening. Since then, major professional productions in this country have been virtually non-existent. This is despite the show boasting one of the finest scores in the Kander and Ebb canon, a songwriting partnership responsible for enduring classics like Chicago and Cabaret.

Part of the reason for the show's rarity may lie in its challenging subject matter. Set against a backdrop of political oppression, it explores themes of sexuality, identity, love, and sacrifice with an unflinching honesty that feels, if anything, more resonant today than it did in the 1990s. The intimate scale of this production, staged in Curve's Studio Theatre rather than its main auditorium, seems perfectly suited to the story's claustrophobic setting and deeply personal emotional landscape.

The collaboration between Curve, Bristol Old Vic, and Mayflower Southampton also reflects an encouraging trend in UK regional theatre. These co-productions allow ambitious, artistically bold work to be shared with audiences across the country, ensuring that theatrical excellence is not confined to London alone.

Where and When Can You See It?

The production is currently playing at Curve's Studio Theatre in Leicester until 25 April 2025. It then transfers to Bristol Old Vic from 29 April to 16 May, before concluding its run at Mayflower Studios in Southampton from 2 to 6 June.

Given the rarity of this title and the strength of the creative team involved, demand for tickets is expected to be high, particularly in Bristol Old Vic's more intimate spaces. Theatregoers are advised to book early to avoid disappointment.

Should You Book?

If you are a fan of musicals and have never had the chance to see Kiss of the Spider Woman live, this is almost certainly your best opportunity in a generation. The combination of a Tony Award-winning score, a compelling and emotionally complex story, and an evidently talented cast and creative team makes this a must-see for serious musical theatre lovers. The intimate staging promises an immersive experience that larger-scale productions cannot replicate, and the themes of human connection, courage, and the redemptive power of imagination feel as vital as ever.

For those based in and around London who enjoy travelling to see outstanding regional work, the Bristol Old Vic dates in particular offer a wonderful excuse for a theatrical day trip.

Looking for more musicals to see? Browse our full list of shows currently booking across the UK, or explore the latest theatre news and features on BritishTheatre.com.