JOY: A New Musical has been confirmed to make its UK premiere from 20 February to 10 April 2027 at Southwark Playhouse Elephant.
JOY: A New Musical – a show that celebrates the life of inventor and entrepreneur Joy Mangano – will make its UK premiere at Southwark Playhouse Elephant from 20 February to 10 April 2027.
Mangano’s story was brought to the big screen in the 2015 Oscar-nominated film Joy starring Jennifer Lawrence, and the musical, which made its debut off-Broadway in 2025, takes audiences deeper into her remarkable life.
Director Lorin Latarro said: “I am excited for London audiences to experience the new musical JOY – a real-life story so inspiring, funny and poignant. AnnMarie Milazzo’s music is breathtaking and witty.”
Mangano added: “From selling out on QVC in the ’90s to taking centre stage in London with JOY: A New Musical – what an incredible journey! Seeing my life set to music is beyond spectacular. If audiences leave with more joy in their hearts and bigger dreams in their minds, then that’s the real magic!”
The remarkable story at the heart of JOY
JOY: A New Musical begins with Joy Mangano as a single mother living in suburban Long Island who is determined to create a better future for herself and her family.
A frustrating household chore then sparks an idea for Mangano, and she invents the Miracle Mop and takes a chance on herself by pitching it to QVC. The product is remarkably popular, with 18,000 mops sold within 30 minutes on air, and sets Joy on an extraordinary journey from aspiring inventor to successful entrepreneur.
JOY: A New Musical is a fresh, funny and uplifting celebration of one woman’s determination to make it on her own terms, and celebrates the transformative power of an idea.
World-class creative team
JOY: A New Musical brings together a highly acclaimed creative team led by Grammy and Tony Award-nominated AnnMarie Milazzo handling music and lyrics, (Spring Awakening), and direction by Lorin Latarro, who did the choreography for Waitress and Mrs. Doubtfire).
Choreography for the show is by two-time Emmy Award-winning and Tony Award-nominated Joshua Bergasse (Smash, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), production will be led by three-time Tony Award-winning producer Sandi Moran (Hadestown, Moulin Rouge! The Musical), with a book by Tony Award-winning Broadway producer Ken Davenport (Groundhog Day, Spring Awakening, Kinky Boots).
The wider creative team also includes set designer Lu Herbert (Cable Street), costume designer Tina McCartney (Empire), video designer David Bengali (Dirty Dancing) and Grammy-nominated musical supervisor Andy Einhorn (Hello, Dolly!, Carousel).
JOY: A New Musical in the US
JOY: A New Musical debuted in New Jersey at the George Street Playhouse in 2022, before making its off-Broadway debut at New York’s Laura Pels Theatre in 2025, with Betsy Wolfe (& Juliet, Waitress) starring as Joy Mangano.
Related News
Smash-hit musical Ride the Cyclone releases new trailer
First look photos: Ride the Cyclone arrives at Southwark Playhouse Elephant
Full cast announced for the UK premiere of Jane Eyre musical in London
New musical Private Jones to make European premiere in London
Latest News
Full cast announced for Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas at the Lyric Hammersmith
Everything you need to know about The Snowman on stage ahead of its 29th year in the West End
ABBA Voyage raises over £325,000 for BBC Children in Need after gala performances hosted by Vernon Kay
