Grindr: The Opera will return to London this summer in a new production, ahead of a UK tour to Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool and Nottingham.
Presented by Peter Bull for Above The Stag Theatre Limited, the Off West End Award-winning musical will run at Union Theatre from 18 June to 19 July 2026, with a press night on Friday 26 June at 7.30pm.
Written by Erik Ransom, with book, music and lyrics by Ransom and direction and choreography by William Spencer, Grindr: The Opera places the notorious gay hook-up app into the heightened and exaggerated world of opera.
The musical blends styles ranging from baroque to contemporary pop and offers a humorous and provocative look at the shifting landscape of gay relationships in the digital age.
Christian Lunn returns to the show after appearing in the original award-winning cast in 2018 and the 2023 revival, following recent appearances including the European tour of The Rocky Horror Show.
Dereck Walker also reprises the role of Don, having appeared in both the original production and the 2023 revival, with further casting to be announced.
Composer Erik Ransom said: “Class and crass were the elements I sought to blend in the creation of this show. It is right in the title: Grindr: The Opera.
“Opera brings to mind tuxedos, elegant gowns and pearl necklaces. Grindr: The Opera brings to mind bare torsos, leather harnesses and, well… pearl necklaces. This may not be opera in the traditional sense, but I would argue it fulfils the necessary prerequisites to be defined as such and, like all opera, it lives in a heightened world.
“I was interested in exploring and exaggerating themes that have become commonplace across the spectrum of queer culture in the Information Age, while paying occasional homage to iconic musical greats like Verdi, Wagner and, of course, The Village People.
“I hope you’ll lose yourself in this eclectic musical world, which is frequently as frivolous as Figaro and at times as tragic as Tosca. I hope you’ll take differing sides in the disputes between the characters, because in my view there are no heroes or villains in this story. Grindr is neither good nor bad. It is, like its trademarked sigil, a mask. A guise to be donned by myriad men for a plethora of purposes. However you receive Grindr: The Opera, may you find it at least as enjoyable as your most recent hook up!”
The creative team also includes designer David Shields, Musical Director Aaron Clingham, casting director Daniel Lobo and producer Peter Bull.
Following its London run, Grindr: The Opera will tour to The Old Rep in Birmingham, 53two in Manchester, Unity Theatre in Liverpool and Nottingham Arts Theatre.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
