HOME Manchester, Mercury Theatre Colchester, and JPT Productions will present the world premiere of Thespians, a brand-new musical comedy from Mischief, touring the UK for nine weeks from May 2026.
Written by Jonathan Sayer and Ed Zanders, Thespians rewrites ancient history with a hilarious twist, imagining the birth of theatre in 534 BC on Greece’s smallest island.
The plot follows a prayer competition set up by a tyrant, where the losing island faces death—until Thespis accidentally invents acting, sparking the world’s first play.
Audiences will be transported to Ancient Greece, where the amphitheatre bursts into song with a thrilling plot, a love story worthy of Aphrodite, and enough laughter to fill the Acropolis.
Jonathan Sayer, co-writer of The Play That Goes Wrong, said:
“I’m absolutely delighted that Thespians will be touring the UK next year. I’ve always loved musicals and it’s been a total joy to co-write one, especially with such a skilled composer as Ed. I think the show is full of heart, great songs plus the laughter and mayhem that you’d expect in a Mischief show! We can’t wait to share it with audiences next year.”
The tour begins at Mercury Theatre Colchester from 9–23 May, followed by Theatre Royal Bath (26–30 May), Wyvern Theatre Swindon (2–6 June), Yvonne Arnaud Guildford (9–13 June), Everyman Theatre Cheltenham (16–20 June), New Theatre Cardiff (23–27 June), and HOME Manchester (7–18 July).
Casting will be announced at a later date.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
