In spring 2026, the New Vic Theatre will mark the first part of its 40th anniversary year with a season of bold storytelling and iconic productions.
The season opens with The Hound of The Baskervilles, a witty reimagining of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic mystery. Adapted by Steven Canny and John Nicholson, this acclaimed comedy thriller will be directed by Joyce Branagh and runs from 14 February to 14 March.
Next, Good Golly Miss Molly returns to the stage from 4 April to 2 May. Originally produced by the New Vic in 1989, this powerful, music-fuelled drama by Bob Eaton charts the lives of a Potteries community against a backdrop of social change. Eaton returns to direct the revival of his own work, which was last seen at the theatre in 1993.
From 23 May to 13 June, audiences will be treated to Around The World In 80 Days, Laura Eason’s inventive adaptation of Jules Verne’s classic adventure. Last seen on Broadway in 2019, the production reunites original cast members Andrew Pollard, Michael Hugo and Dennis Herdman with New Vic Artistic Director Theresa Heskins.
Theresa Heskins said:
“2026 is going to be a special year for the New Vic as it marks the 40th anniversary of when the doors to this extraordinary theatre first opened. We were the first purpose-built theatre in-the-round in the whole of Europe and for four decades, we’ve been a hub for the community and a place of bold storytelling. In the spring, we’ll continue this proud tradition by producing a new version of a reimagined classic before celebrating some of the stories that put the New Vic on the world map – from the Potteries to the West End to Broadway.
I’m so pleased that Joyce Branagh will work with us for the first time on The Hound of The Baskervilles, and that Bob Eaton will return to the theatre to revive his iconic production, Good Golly Miss Molly – a show he wrote especially for the New Vic and a production that contributed to the theatre’s passion for combining powerful drama with live music. Then, I’m looking forward to reuniting original cast members from Around The World In 80 Days and reviving this production – it’s toured halfway across the world and for us to be able to bring it home to Newcastle-under-Lyme for our anniversary year is a real treat.”
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
