Stephen Merchant wrestling film Fighting With My Family set for stage musical produced by Dwayne Johnson

The world of professional wrestling is heading to the West End!

It has been announced today that new stage musical Fighting With My Family is in development based on the extraordinary true story of WWE superstar Paige (Saraya Knight).

The story was turned into a hit 2019 film written and directed by Stephen Merchant, and starring Florence Pugh.

The new musical is being developed by Tilted Musicals in collaboration with Dwayne Johnson’s Seven Bucks Productions, Stephen Merchant, and the Birmingham Hippodrome.

The show follows real-life Saraya Knight, a goth outsider from a chaotic Norwich wrestling dynasty who gets a once-in-a-lifetime shot at the glitzy world of the WWE in America.

An award-winning creative team

The production boasts a top creative team, including:

Book & Lyrics: Olivier Award-winner Jon Brittain (Kathy and Stella Solve a Murder!, Rotterdam).
Music & Lyrics: Brit Award-winner Miranda Cooper, the pop powerhouse behind hits for Girls Aloud and Sugababes.
Music: Ivor Novello-nominated Nick Coler.

The project marks the first production from Tilted Musicals, a new company founded by Miranda Cooper and producer Sam Hodges aimed at bridging the gap between pop music and theatre.

From the ring to the stage

Stephen Merchant noted in a statement that the story always felt destined for the stage.

“I approached each wrestling match like it was a different dance number, building to a big show-stopping finale,” Merchant said. “Seeing the film reimagined for the stage feels like the natural next step.”

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who appeared in and produced the film, said: “Fighting With My Family feels exceptionally well-suited for the stage. It’s packed with personal emotion expressed through the dynamic world of wrestling, which has always been about storytelling and connecting with a live audience.”

What to expect

Fighting With My Family aims to follow in the footsteps of iconic British film-to-stage successes like Billy Elliot and Paddington. Producers describe the show as a “heartfelt coming-of-age story” that explores the messy dynamics of family life through a fresh, modern score.

Audiences won’t have to wait long to see the show, with closed workshops scheduled for later this year, and a public presentation currently slated for 2027. Further details regarding casting and a full premiere venue and dates are to be announced.