MTFestUK returns to The Other Palace Studio this month with a dazzling cast confirmed for its 2026 season. Running from 27 January to 15 February, the festival will present six original musicals in workshop performances, offering audiences a unique glimpse into the future of musical theatre.
This year’s line-up features Bronté Barbé (Kathy and Stella Solve A Murder, Newsies), Anjali Bhimani (Ms. Marvel, Bombay Dreams), Felicia Day (Supernatural, Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Omari Douglas (Cabaret, It’s a Sin) and Jodie Steele (Heathers The Musical), alongside an array of acclaimed stage and screen talent.
Since its launch in 2019, MTFestUK has become a vital platform for new writing, showcasing innovative musicals from the UK and beyond. Audiences are invited to experience these works in development through intimate sharing sessions.
The six musicals featured in MTFestUK 2026 are:
Shining in Misery: A King-Size Parody – A darkly comic musical parody inspired by Stephen King’s works, book and lyrics by Mark-Eugene Garcia, book by Collen DuVall, with music by Andrew Abrams and direction by Gary Lloyd. Cast includes Dominic Andersen, Bronté Barbé, David-Michael Johnson, Aaron Pryce Lewis, Catherine Millsom, Rachel Rawlinson, Steven Serlin and Jonathan Wagner.
Legendary – A ritualistic solo musical by Cheeyang Ng exploring queer Asian identity and mythology. Cheeyang Ng stars in this intimate and interactive piece.
Tristan – Written by Matt Jones with music by Kele Okereke, this contemporary drama examines love, lies and vulnerability. Cast includes Aretha Ayeh, Nicola Blackman, Ashley J. Daniels, Ross Harmon and Jasper Talbot.
That Witch – A high school-set musical by Billy Cullum and Robert Tregoning, directed by Jess Edwards. Cast includes Omari Douglas, Bobbie Little, Jenny O’Leary and Keith Ramsay.
The Guild: The Musical – Adapted from Felicia Day’s cult webseries, with book by Allison Frasca, music by Mark Schenfisch and lyrics by Sam Balzac, featuring Day reprising her role as Codex. Cast includes Felicia Day, Anjali Bhimani, Cavin Cornwall, Iván Fernández González, Emma Lindars, Emily Ooi and Nuwan Hugh Perera.
GLIMMER – A dark new musical about influencer culture by Frankie Bunce and Kat Kleve, directed by Nick Winston. Cast includes Melanie-Joyce Bermudez, Philippa Carson, Shem Omari James, Bridie Shine and Jodie Steele.
Tickets are priced at £16.50, with multi-show discounts available.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
