Disney Theatrical Group announces world premiere stage adaptation of THE GREATEST SHOWMAN

Photo credit: 20th Century Studios

Disney Theatrical Group has announced that the new stage adaptation of The Greatest Showman, based on the 2017 smash-hit film, will première at Bristol Hippodrome in Spring 2026.

A casting search is underway across the UK and Ireland for this brand-new production, discovering the stage talent who will play the roles originated by the stars of the film. Open auditions will take place throughout March and April in Dublin, Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Leeds, Manchester, Exeter, Newcastle and London.

The musical will feature the GRAMMY Award-winning and Academy Award-nominated songs by EGOT winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, including ‘The Greatest Show’, ‘A Million Dreams’, ‘Come Alive’, ‘Rewrite the Stars’, and the Golden Globe® Award-winning ‘This Is Me’, together with their brand new songs written especially for the musical. The book is by Emmy® nominee Tim Federle.

The Greatest Showman will be directed and choreographed by two-time Tony® Award-winning Casey Nicholaw.

Benj Pasek and Justin Paul said: “We are continuously surprised and moved by how much the songs from The Greatest Showman seem to have resonated around the world, and to now have the opportunity to bring them to the stage is truly thrilling.”

Andrew Flatt, Anne Quart and Thomas Schumacher for Disney Theatrical Group added: “It has been decades since an original film musical has been so passionately and broadly embraced as The Greatest Showman, and Benj Pasek and Justin Paul’s songs have found a treasured place in the world’s heart. Audiences responded to the film’s joyful energy, and themes of self-discovery, community, and the families we create. We’re excited to bring it to the stage as a purely theatrical piece and the natural next chapter in its extraordinary life. We cannot wait to see how this incredibly talented team of creatives elevate the beloved work still further. Tim Federle is among the new generation of Disney storytellers, returning to Broadway after remarkable success in film and television. Casey Nicholaw, a longtime key contributor to Disney Theatrical Group’s success, has an unrivalled genius for combining joy and heart in his award-winning stage work. Now we begin the search for the performers who will bring this story to life on stage.”

Casting, full creative team and the Bristol performance schedule will be announced later this year. Future plans for the show will be determined in due course.

Audiences are invited to sign up for more information about The Greatest Showman here.