The producers of hit Broadway musical Something Rotten! have announced initial casting for the show’s UK premiere in 2026.
Something Rotten! is playing at Manchester Opera House from 16 June to 19 July 2026, ahead of a West End run.
Comedian and actor Jason Manford (The Wizard of Oz) is set to return to the role of Nick Bottom in Something Rotten!, following his acclaimed performance in the sold-out concert production of the show last year at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
The 10-time Tony Award-nominated musical comedy is produced in the UK by Broadway and West End producers Kevin McCollum of Alchemation and Joshua Andrews of JAS Theatricals.
The show is directed and choreographed by Tim Jackson (Merrily We Roll Along, Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York).
Further casting and creatives for the production are to be announced.
The cast of the concert version also included Gary Wilmot (Anything Goes, Wicked) as Nostradamus, Richard Fleeshman (Company, Coronation Street) as Shakespeare, Marisha Wallace (Guys & Dolls, Oklahoma!) as Bea, Evelyn Hoskins (Waitress, Spring Awakening) as Portia, Cassius Hackforth (For Tonight, From Here to Eternity) as Nigel Bottom, Steve Furst (Oliver!, Matilda, Little Britain) as Shylock, Ashley Samuels (Hairspray, The Book of Mormon) as Troubadour, Cameron Blakely (Disney’s Newsies, Mrs Doubtfire) as Brother Jeremiah and Jenna Boyd (Come From Away, The Wind in the Willows) as Lady Croydon.
The concert won a 2025 WhatsOnStage Award for Best Concert Event.
In January, Jason Manford hosted the National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals, and sang “It’s A Musical” from the show.
Something Rotten! is written by John O’Farrell (Mrs Doubtfire The Musical) and Karey Kirkpatrick (Chicken Run, James and the Giant Peach) with music and lyrics by Karey and Wayne Kirkpatrick (Change the World, Every Heartbeat).
Set in 16th century England, the story follows brothers, Nick and Nigel Bottom, as they struggle to find success in the theatrical world, whilst working in the shadow of rock star playwright William Shakespeare. That is, until they come upon the idea of writing the world’s first musical!
On Broadway, Something Rotten! ran for over 700 performances and was nominated for 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
The UK premiere was originally planned for Birmingham Rep, but was derailed due to Covid.
Something Rotten! is running at Manchester Opera House from 16 June to 19 July 2026.
Tickets for Manchester are on general sale from 10am on 5 November.
More about tickets to Something Rotten!
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