Shakespeare’s Globe has announced that the critically acclaimed musical Pinocchio will return for the 2026–27 winter season. Based on Carlo Collodi’s original stories, the production is directed by Associate Artistic Director Sean Holmes, with book and lyrics by Charlie Josephine and music and lyrics by Jim Fortune.
Premiering in November 2025, Pinocchio was hailed as “the most enchanting show of the season” by The Telegraph and described by WhatsOnStage as “brimming with enough fun and magic to warm the coldest audience member from their heart to the tips of their toes.” Over 33,000 audience members attended the original run, praising it as “spellbinding and wonderful” and “one of the most emotional and refreshing new family musicals this year.”
Sean Holmes said: “I’m thrilled that our production of Pinocchio will live again next year. It’s been a labour of love for so many of us and we are thrilled at how warmly audiences have embraced this new family musical – a musical infused with a joyful communal spirit unique to the Globe.”
This adaptation follows Geppetto, a restless maverick who creates a magical wooden puppet called Pinocchio as he dreams of a life beyond his traditional town. Together, they embark on a journey to discover family and the wonder of being human, accompanied by Jim Fortune’s original score and magical puppetry directed and designed by Peter O’Rourke.
The original creative team included Associate Director Roberta Zuric, choreography by Vicki Igbokwe-Ozoagu, design by Grace Smart, and musical direction by Benjamin Holder. Orchestration was by Zac Gvi, with sound design by Tony Gayle and voice coaching from Liz Flint.
The previous cast featured Lee Braithwaite as Pinocchio, Nick Holder as Geppetto, Lucy McCormick as Blue Fairy/Cat, and Steven Webb as Giacomo Cricket/Coachman, alongside a talented ensemble. Casting for the 2026 production will be announced later this year.
Pinocchio will open at Shakespeare’s Globe in winter 2026, with dates and ticket details to follow.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
