The Best Of The British Tour Productions
Posted on
| By
London Theatre Direct
(Updated on Oct 3, 2025)
If you’re not a frequent Londoner because you either live too far away or you just can’t afford it, then regional touring theatre is what you theatre addicts thrive off. Luckily, as UK theatre companies have started to realise this in recent times, it’s nice to see some more shows take the road and travel to those who can’t get down to the West End. So, let’s take a moment to talk about some of the best tours we’ve had around the country recently, and some that need to take to the road asap!
Wicked
I think it’s fair to say that when Wicked toured the country, we could all here the Oz-fans around the country rejoicing that they could finally experience the show in their hometown as opposed to trekking down to London. Though I didn’t get to catch the show myself, I heard nothing but amazing things, with the only difference to the West End show being the atmosphere the Apollo Victoria and its decor has to offer.
The Lion King
A West End favourite since 1997, The Lion King has thrilled audiences for nearly 30 years. With award-winning puppetry and stunning effects, it transforms the Lyceum Theatre into the heart of the Pride Lands. It toured the country and is definitely a must-see spectacular.
Mean Girls
This show may have closed in the West End, but it was definitely one to see. If you were a fan of the 2004 film, you wouldn’t have been disappointed. Cady and all the other iconic characters were there, along with razor-sharp wit and killer songs. This show was definitely fetch and was great to see at the Savoy Theatre and will be touring next year.
Legally Blonde: The Musical
I don’t think any of my theatre loving friends are not madly in love with Legally Blonde, and those friends include my Grandma! My Grandma and I actually caught this on tour twice (in two of our local theatres – if you can’t tell, my Grandma and I go to the theatre together a lot) and absolutely loved it. My friend Abbie saw it in London and after comparing programmes, it became clear that both shows were very, very similar once again: another fantastic tour I think! Just a shame we never got a massive house at the start of the show like the original Broadway production...Amber is Davise is set to star in the new production next year taking on the role of Elle Woods.
Miss Saigon
From the creators of Les Misérables, this powerful show captivated audiences—including me—when it toured London. Set during the final days before the fall of Saigon, it tells the poignant love story of Kim, a young Vietnamese girl, and Chris, an American GI. It's a heartbreaking tale filled with characters you come to truly care about—even the ones who aren't so easy to love.
Matilda The Musical
Following its sell-out debut tour in 2018/19, Matilda The Musical—the multi-award-winning production by the Royal Shakespeare Company, inspired by Roald Dahl’s beloved book—is set to tour the UK and Ireland once again from October 2025. It is one I would recommend for nostalgia and fantastic music.
Waitress
This show made a big impression on Broadway and later dished out slices of musical joy at London's Adelphi Theatre in the West End, before setting off on a UK tour. Based on the 2007 indie film of the same name, it’s packed with all the right ingredients — a musical treat I highly recommend seeing.
Annie
Any others?
Now me saying that those four tours of big blockbuster shows were awesome may be good and well, but what else would you like to see take to the road and tour the county? Another Les Miz tour? A new production of an old show? Tweet me your thoughts, and maybe they’ll appear in a future post!
Written by Shaun Nolan
@shaunycat