Big Hits, Bold Stories: Hall for Cornwall reveals new shows coming to the Cornwall Playhouse

Hall for Cornwall (HfC) has dropped 19 new shows coming to the Cornwall Playhouse stage in 2026, bursting with everything from West End hits to comedy favourites, renowned tributes to classical perfection, and powerful drama to leading names in dance.

The return of 2023’s sell-out MAMMA MIA! sees two weeks of Greek island escapism on the Cornwall Playhouse stage in June 2026, coming back bigger, brighter, and for twice as long. Now celebrating 26 years on stage, this smash‑hit has been seen by more than 70 million people and generated new audiences for ABBA's timeless classics. After London’s West End, Broadway and 42 countries around the globe, MAMMA MIA! is back at HfC from Tuesday 2nd to Saturday 13th June.

There are laughs to be had with comedy favourite Al Murray, and epic outdoor adventures to witness in the return of BANFF Mountain Film Festival, a cultivation of captivating cinematography. Looking ahead to March 2026, experience an inventive and sideways look at Shakespeare’s The Tempest in big name on the dance scene Shobana Jeyasingh’s We Caliban. This untold story is an abstract take on one of Shakespeare’s final works, drawing on present-day parallels as well as the personal experiences of Jeyasingh and co-dramaturg Uzma Hameed.

Nick Ahad’s powerful drama adaptation of Onjali Q. Raúf’s award-winning and best-selling novel, The Boy at the Back of the Class, will arrive on the Cornwall Playhouse stage from Tuesday 28th April to Saturday 2nd May in 2026. To ring in the New Year, WNO Orchestra will once again fill the air with some of the finest examples of Viennese music in their New Year Celebration concert tour. Concertmaster David Adams will lead a selection of waltzes, polkas and classical favourites from the likes of Josef Strauss, Johann Strauss II, Dvořák, Weber and Brahms, with the Orchestra joined by WNO’s new Associate Artists, Owain Rowlands and Ross Fettes.

Based on Amanda Browning’s novel and the iconic 2001 film, Legally Blonde the Musical is set to win hearts at the Cornwall Playhouse next May, from Tuesday 5th to Saturday 9th. Directed by Curve Theatre, Leicester’s Artistic Director Nikolai Foster (Kinky Boots, The Wizard of Oz, A Chorus Line) this major West End hit comes hot off the heels of Foster’s sell-out tour of Kinky Boots which had local audiences raving during its stint on the Cornwall Playhouse stage in February 2025.

BRB2, junior company of the internationally renowned Birmingham Royal Ballet, aims to identify, develop and showcase talented young dancers from around the world. BRB2: Carlos Acosta’s Ballet Celebration – Diaghilev and the Birth of Modern Ballet, with a programme featuring The Firebird, Spectre de la Rose, Les Sylphides, Les Biches and Scheherazade, showcases some of the most revolutionary works of ballet danced by the stars of the future. Carlos Acosta’s Ballet Celebration was created especially for BRB2, featuring highlights from the repertory of Serge Diaghilev's troupe of rebel dancers, musicians and designers who fled Russia to set a new standard in creativity that inspires and resonates across the world of dance to this day.

Julien Boast, HfC Creative Director and CEO commented,

“This new programme shows how far we’ve come - and how bold we’re striving to be. We’re bringing major West End hits and world-class dance to the Cornwall Playhouse, alongside powerful new stories and fresh perspectives. These are shows that bring people together, spark joy, and remind us why live performance matters. We’re excited to share them with you, whether you’ve been through our doors a hundred times or you’re stepping in for the very first time.”

Other highlights include stirring scores straight from the silver screen in The James Bond Concert Spectacular, family fun with CBeebies veteran Justin Fletcher, known by children across the land as the loveable Mr Tumble, in Justin Live – Justin Time to Rock, and pop perfection - celebrating the songs of Taylor Swift in Taylormania.

Full listings below:

SHOWS – MUSICAL THEATRE

Two iconic feel-good musicals are landing on the Cornwall Playhouse stage in summer 2026.

Legally Blonde Tue 05 – Sat 09 May 2026

Elle must prove she is more than blonde ambition, swap the changing rooms for the courtroom and learn that ‘being true to yourself never goes out of style.’

MAMMA MIA! Tue 02 – Sat 13 Jun 2026

Bride‑to‑be Sophie secretly invites three men from her mother's past in the hopes of uncovering which of the three her father truly is.

SHOWS – DANCE AND DRAMA

A fresh take on The Tempest, a powerful play, and world-class dance.

We Caliban – Shobana Jeyasingh Dance Fri 13 – Sat 14 Mar 2026

We Caliban sees The Tempest through the eyes of Caliban, whose life is changed forever when the power games of distant lands and unknown peoples are played out in his own remote island.

The Boy at the Back of the Class Tue 28 Apr – Sat 02 May 2026

After learning that he has fled his own war-torn country, Ahmet’s classmates have a magnificent plan to reunite Ahmet with his family. An unexpected adventure follows.

BRB2: Carlos Acosta’s Ballet Celebration – Diaghilev and the Birth of Modern Ballet Wed 20 May 2026

BRB2 brings together some of the world’s very best young dancers, the international stars of the future, to share their incredible talent.

SHOWS – STAND-UP COMEDY

Al Murray and Tom Davis are returning to Hall for Cornwall after their popular 2024 show, Guv Island, and Underdog, respectfully.

Al Murray: All You Need is Guv Sat 18 Apr 2026

Everyone’s favourite Pub Landlord brings his inimitable common-sense approach to the masses & provides some much-needed tonic for our troubled times.

Tom Davis: Spugdun Sat 30 May 2026

Tom Davis is back on the road and returning to the Cornwall Playhouse, firing out his freshly cooked observations on life’s hot topics.

SHOWS – GENERAL ENTERTAINMENT

BANFF Moutain Film Festival are back for 2026 with their latest Red and Blue programmes, and a chance to be an integral part of the show with Murder Trial Tonight IV.

BANFF Mountain Film Festival World Tour 2026 Red Programme | Blue Programme Wed 15 – Thu 16 Apr 2026

Unleashing a brand-new collection of short films packed with extreme journeys, untamed characters, and captivating cinematography.

Murder Trial Tonight IV Sat 23 May 2026

You are the jury. Hear the case from the prosecution and defence. Deliver your verdict: Guilty or Not Guilty.

An Evening with Denise Van Outen – Songs, Stories & All That Jazz Sun 08 Mar 2026

Join Denise Van Outen for a night of music, laughs, and backstage stories from her time on stage and screen.

SHOWS – LIVE MUSIC

New and returning favourites for every music lover, from the Welsh National Opera Orchestra to the James Bond Concert, to Elvis and Taylor Swift tributes.

Lee Memphis King – One Night of Elvis Fri 16 Jan 2026

Lee brings Presley’s passion, presence and pure vocal power to life, with an uncanny attention to detail.

WNO Orchestra: A New Year’s Celebration Sun 18 Jan 2026

WNO Orchestra will fill the air with a delightful selection of waltzes, polkas, and dances to lift the spirits and welcome the year ahead in style.

The Best of Tubular Bells I, II & III Tue 03 Mar 2026

Expect powerful performances of extended sections from all three Tubular Bells albums, plus the global hit Moonlight Shadow.

Justin Live: Just in Time to ROCK Mon 13 Apr 2026

Justin and his friends are putting together a rock band. But with so many songs to choose from, they are going to need your help to choose the best.

Taylormania – Taylor Swift Eras – The Ultimate Tribute Sun 19 Apr 2026

Fronted by self-confessed superfan Katy Ellis, with a full live band and dancers, it’s the closest thing you’ll get to the real Taylor Swift experience.

The Sensational 60s Experience Mon 11 May 2026

With a dazzling line-up of original artists and band members, this feel-good night of throwback tunes is packed with pure nostalgia and legendary hits.

Seven Drunken Nights: The Story of the Dubliners Wed 13 May 2026

Brought to life by an outstanding cast of Irish musicians, this feel-good show celebrates the legendary Dubliners with toe-tapping favourites like Whiskey in the Jar, The Irish Rover, and Rocky Road to Dublin.

Illegal Eagles Tue 26 – 27 May 2026

This world-class tribute celebrates all the hits from Hotel California, Desperado and Take It Easy to Life in the Fast Lane, plus a few deeper cuts for the superfans.

Barry Steele’s The Roy Orbison Story Thu 18 Jun 2026

Barry Steele returns to the Cornwall Playhouse stage with The Roy Orbison Story, celebrating the legacy of Roy Orbison and the magic of the Travelling Wilburys.

The James Bond Concert Spectacular Sat 11 Jul 2026

Celebrating over 20 years of Bond brilliance, this concert is dedicated to the iconic music of the world’s most famous spy. With pitch-perfect performances, plenty of drama, and a full-throttle sound from some of the UK’s top musicians.