In 2026, Bowness-on-Windermere will celebrate the life, wit and musical genius of Victoria Wood in the most fitting way possible. The much-loved Old Laundry Theatre will be officially renamed The Victoria Wood Theatre, and with it comes the world premiere of brand-new musical FOURTEEN AGAIN, featuring music and lyrics by Victoria Wood and a book by Tom MacRae.

If you’re a fan of Victoria Wood, new British musicals, or looking for an unforgettable trip to the Lake District, here are five reasons this landmark production needs to be on your radar.

1. A Theatre Renamed in Victoria Wood’s Honour

From January 2026, The Old Laundry Theatre becomes The Victoria Wood Theatre – a heartfelt tribute to a national treasure who had a long, personal and creative connection with the venue.

Victoria opened the original theatre, performed there, supported it as a Trustee, and brought works like Talent and Housewife 49 to its stage. Renaming the space cements her legacy in the Lake District she loved and creates a permanent cultural home for her work.

2. Brand-New Musical FOURTEEN AGAIN – with Victoria Wood’s Songs

Running from Friday 1 May to Saturday 23 May 2026 (22 performances only), FOURTEEN AGAIN breathes new life into songs from Victoria Wood’s Song Book Lucky Bag.

The musical follows Peggy, who reconnects with her old school friend Lou at a slimming club, unlocking memories, missed chances and a “what if” journey that blends comedy, heartbreak and time-bending reflection. Expect Wood’s trademark mix of sharp humour, northern warmth and emotional punch – reimagined for a new generation.

3. A Top-Tier Creative Team with Serious Theatre Credentials

This isn’t just a tribute show – it’s a major new British musical shaped by a heavyweight creative team:

• Music & Lyrics: Victoria Wood
• Book: Tom MacRae (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie)
• Director: Jonathan O’Boyle (The Last Five Years, Hair, Cruel Intentions)
• MD & Musical Supervisor: Nigel Lilley, Victoria’s long-time musical collaborator
• Design & Creative Team: Including Roger Glossop, Jason Taylor, Caroline Hughes and producer Charlotte Scott – all with deep ties to Victoria Wood and The Old Laundry Theatre.

Their shared history with Victoria ensures FOURTEEN AGAIN is created with authenticity, love and respect – while delivering a fresh, contemporary musical experience.

4. A Limited Run in an Intimate Lake District Setting

Staged at The Victoria Wood Theatre, Crag Brow, Bowness-on-Windermere, this is a rare chance to see a brand-new musical in an intimate, characterful venue rather than a vast auditorium.

With just 22 performances, including:

• Evenings at 7.30pm (Tuesday–Saturday)
• Matinees at 2.30pm (Wednesdays & Saturdays, plus Thursdays from 14 May)
• Preview tickets from £20 (1–6 May)
• Main run tickets at £25 / £35 / £40, with group discounts, student and hardship tickets at £15

this premiere is designed to feel special, personal and unmissable.

5. A Fitting Legacy – and the Start of Something Bigger

Marking ten years since Victoria Wood’s passing, FOURTEEN AGAIN and the renaming of the theatre signal not an ending, but the beginning of a lasting legacy.

By anchoring her name, music and spirit at The Victoria Wood Theatre, this project opens the door for future productions, celebrations and new audiences to discover her brilliance. For fans, it’s a pilgrimage. For theatregoers, it’s a chance to be there at the start of a story that will run for decades.

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Plan Your Visit

📍 The Victoria Wood Theatre (formerly The Old Laundry Theatre)
Crag Brow, Bowness-on-Windermere, LA23 3BX

🎭 FOURTEEN AGAIN
1 May – 23 May 2026 | 22 performances only

🎟️ Box Office: 015394 40872
🌐 Tickets & info: www.oldlaundrytheatre.co.uk