Critically acclaimed musical PINOCCHIO returns for Shakespeare's Globe's Winter 2026-27 season
Shakespeare’s Globe has announced that its critically acclaimed new musical Pinocchio will return for the 2026 festive season.
Based on Carlo Collodi’s original stories, Pinocchio is directed by Associate Artistic Director Sean Holmes, with a book and lyrics by Charlie Josephine, and music and lyrics by Jim Fortune.
Premiering in November 2025, Pinocchio has been a hit with audiences and critics alike during its current run, with West End Best Friend calling it “a magical family show offering plenty of festive charm, musical groove, and imagination.”
Over 33,000 audience members have enjoyed the show, calling it a “spellbinding and wonderful show for all ages” and “one of the most emotional & refreshing new family musicals this year.”
Director Sean Holmes, Associate Artistic Director of Shakespeare’s Globe, said: “I’m thrilled that our production of Pinocchio will live again next year. It’s been a labour of love for so many of us and we are thrilled at how warmly audiences have embraced this new family musical - a musical infused with a joyful communal spirit unique to the Globe.“
This adaptation follows the restless maverick Geppetto after he makes a magical wooden puppet called Pinocchio as he dreams of a life away from his traditional town. Together, the pair set out to find family and discover the wonder of being human alongside gorgeous original music from Jim Fortune, and magical puppetry, directed and designed by Peter O’Rourke.
The original creative team behind the production included associate director Roberta Zuric, choreographer Vicki Igbokwe-Ozoagu, design by Grace Smart, and musical director Benjamin Holder. The orchestrator was Zac Gvi, with sound by Tony Gayle, and voice coaching from Liz Flint.
The current production of Pinocchio starred Lee Braithwaite as Pinocchio, Jennifer Caldwell as Ensemble/Swing, Michael Elcock as Carpenter/Rabbit Prince Charming, Kerry Frampton as Fox, Jamal Franklin as Ensemble/Swing, Ed Gaughan as Franzini, Nick Holder as Geppetto, Lizzy Ives as Ensemble/Swing, Lucy McCormick as Blue Fairy/Cat, Kody Mortimer as Ensemble/Swing, and Steven Webb as Giacomo Cricket/Coachman. Stan Middleton, Aya Nakamura and Andrea Sadler joined the company as Puppeteers. Casting was by Becky Paris CDG, Head of Casting at Shakespeare’s Globe.
Pinocchio completed its current run on 4 January. It will open at Shakespeare’s Globe in winter 2026, with casting and dates yet to be announced.
