Reading Rep Theatre has announced its 2026/27 season, a programme packed with bold choices, inventive adaptations and thrilling storytelling.
The award-winning venue continues to build on its growing reputation, presenting two world premieres alongside fresh takes on literary classics, a returning hit production, and a new children’s show.
Artistic Director Paul Stacey has curated a season designed to “open doors”, bringing together new voices, exciting collaborations and work aimed at audiences of all ages.
The season opens with a new adaptation of Dracula, adapted by Nick Lane and directed by Hal Chambers.
Presented in association with Blackeyed Theatre, the production promises a fast-paced and atmospheric retelling of Bram Stoker’s gothic classic.
Zeb Soanes takes to the stage in Two Halves of Guinness, a witty and heartfelt exploration of the life of Sir Alec Guinness, marking the 25th anniversary of the actor’s death.
The festive highlight is the world premiere of a new adaptation of A Christmas Carol, transforming the theatre into Victorian London with live music, dance and seasonal spectacle.
Reading Rep Theatre’s acclaimed production of The Importance of Being Oscar returns following a successful national tour and London runs, starring Alastair Whatley and directed by Michael Fentiman.
A second world premiere comes with The Turn of the Screw, adapted by Olivier Award-winning writer Morgan Lloyd Malcolm and directed by Nicky Allpress.
Based on Henry James’ gothic novella, the production is created in association with Blackeyed Theatre and Arcola Theatre and promises a chilling psychological thriller.
The season also includes Super Me, a new early years production by Sam Amestoy, created in co-production with Reading Libraries and Reading Borough Council.
Paul Stacey said: “I am incredibly proud of Reading Rep’s 2026/27 season. Across the year, these productions are united by a single idea: opening doors. Our world premiere of the classic and familiar tale A Christmas Carol invites new audiences, from families to students, to experience Reading Rep for the very first time, while Morgan Lloyd Malcolm’s bold new adaptation of The Turn of the Screw highlights our continued commitment to programming exciting and inventive contemporary voices.”
He continued: “Our first collaboration with Blackeyed Theatre, Dracula, builds on Reading Rep’s long-standing tradition of reimagining literary classics for modern audiences, while The Importance of Being Oscar returns to the stage following an exceptional national tour and two acclaimed London runs.”
“Whether through new collaborations, fresh adaptations or work designed to reach audiences of all ages, this season reflects our ambition to create bold, unforgettable theatre and ensure more people than ever feel that Reading Rep is a place for them.”
The season concludes with a major musical production still to be announced, set to become the theatre’s most ambitious production to date.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
