The world premiere of Allegra, a new comedy by Peter Quilter, has announced the full cast joining Dame Maureen Lipman DBE for its 2026 UK tour.
Opening at Theatre Royal Brighton during the week of Dame Maureen’s 80th birthday, the cast includes John Middleton, Elizabeth Bower and Bailey Patrick.
The production reunites Dame Maureen with Director and Choreographer Stephen Mear, marking their first collaboration in 28 years since working together on the National Theatre’s production of Oklahoma!.
Following her acclaimed performance in Rose in the West End in 2023, Dame Maureen now leads this joyful and heartwarming new comedy on her first major UK tour in 20 years.
Allegra combines comedy with musicality and movement, exploring how a vibrant mind may begin to slip away. Allegra herself, played by Dame Maureen, is irrepressibly joyful, often bursting into song at home, in the street or in shops, sometimes only in her imagination and other times loudly enough to cause chaos. Her brother Ronen and her carer Anna must balance supporting her exuberance with keeping the peace in their village.
Dame Maureen Lipman said: “‘To find a comedy which can turn our current face of gloom into an upturned grin of happiness, is rare. Allegra is about a woman who is relentlessly upbeat – in more ways than one. Ibsen it isn’t’’
Playwright Peter Quilter said: “Maureen is one of the great theatrical treasures of this country, and to have her bring Allegra to life is a joy and an honour.”
Producer Thomas Hopkins added: “Working again with Maureen after the remarkable West End success of Rose is an absolute privilege. Allegra is sure to be one of UK theatre’s highlights of 2026.”
The production will be directed and choreographed by three time Olivier Award winner Stephen Mear, with set and costume design by Justin Williams, lighting by Samuel Biondolillo, sound by Russell Ditchfield and casting by Rob Kelly.
The UK tour begins in Brighton on 12 May 2026 with further dates in High Wycombe, Aberdeen, Malvern, Windsor, Glasgow and Bath, ahead of a planned West End transfer. The National Press Night will take place at Richmond Theatre on Monday 8 June at 7.30pm.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
