New British musical WEIRD, inspired by Shakespeare’s Macbeth, has announced its creative team ahead of its world premiere at Newcastle Theatre Royal in January 2026.
Weird is described as an electrifying, pop-powered reimagining of the classic tragedy, produced by Michael Harrison, and written by Nick Butcher, Kerri Watt and Fraser Watt. The show will run for a limited engagement from 28 to 31 January 2026.
Telling the story of ambition, witchcraft and fate through the eyes of the three witches, Weird features a soundtrack of original pop anthems from its award-winning songwriting team, whose combined work has attracted more than 20 million streams across music, theatre and film.
Creative team revealed
The production will be directed by Tim Jackson (Two Strangers Carry a Cake (Across New York), The Parent Agency), with choreography by Alexzandra Sarmiento (42 Balloons, Starter for Ten).
The creative team includes Andrew Exeter (set design), Gabriella Slade (costume design), Howard Hudson (lighting design), and Paul Gatehouse (sound design), with Joe Beighton as orchestrator, musical supervisor and co-arranger.
Between them, the creatives boast Olivier and Tony Award-winning credentials across productions including SIX, Mary Poppins, Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 and Starlight Express.
Michael Harrison brings Weird to his hometown
Producer Michael Harrison, one of the UK’s leading theatre producers, said: “When I first read Weird and listened to the incredible soundtrack, I knew I wanted the biggest audience possible to see it. It’s fair to say some of us don’t understand Shakespeare – Weird will change that. We hope this is just the beginning for this thrilling new British musical.”
His current West End shows include Titanique at the Criterion Theatre, and Starlight Express at the troubadour Wembley Park Theatre.
Harrison’s recent West End productions include Evita, Hello, Dolly!, The Little Big Things, and The Wizard of Oz. As Chief Executive of Crossroads Pantomimes, he is responsible for many major annual festive pantomimes across the UK; he has been at the helm of Newcastle Theatre Royal’s legendary pantomime for the past two decades and recently announced an extended run of Aladdin, his 20th production at the venue starring father and son double act Clive Webb and Danny Adams.
This October, Newcastle Theatre Royal will open Miss Saigon, Michael’s new production of Boublil and Schönberg’s legendary musical in association with Cameron Mackintosh, ahead of a major UK tour.
As previously announced, more than 5,000 schoolchildren from across the North East will be the first to see Weird free of charge, through a partnership between Michael Harrison and Newcastle Theatre Royal aimed at improving access to live theatre.
Harrison, who grew up in Newcastle, has chosen his hometown venue for the world premiere of Weird.
There’s no news yet on a West End transfer, but given the creative pedigree involved, it’s one to watch.
Video: Weird – Teaser trailer
Weird is playing at the Theatre Royal Newcastle from 28 to 31 January 2026.
Related News
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new Mona Lisa musical could “swiftly” be brought to the stage
Miss Saigon returns to London’s West End in 2027: Dates and theatre confirmed
Miss Saigon to return to the West End’s Prince Edward Theatre in London in 2027
The Stage announces its The Stage 100 theatre power list for 2026 including Michael Sheen, Sonia Friedman & Andrew Lloyd Webber
Latest News
Broadway legend Patti LuPone returns to the London Coliseum for Valentine’s Day 2027
Helen of Troy never got to tell her side. Watch the trailer for the play that does
After a sell-out world tour, The Choir of Man returns to the West End this Christmas
