Saturday 14 November 2026
Olivier Award winner Matt Henry MBE will lead the cast of To Sir, With Love – A New Musical, which starts a UK tour at Leeds Grand Theatre on 15 April 2027. Marking the 60th anniversary of the 1967 film, the show then plays limited engagements at Hull New Theatre, Manchester Palace Theatre and London’s New Wimbledon Theatre. Henry is joined by Amy Di Bartolomeo, Lucy Benjamin, Ben Richards and Georgia May Foote. Here are five things to know about the new musical.
1. Matt Henry leads a starry cast
Matt Henry MBE, whose credits include The Devil Wears Prada at the Dominion Theatre and Kinky Boots at the Adelphi Theatre, plays the teacher Mr Braithwaite. Olivier-nominated Amy Di Bartolomeo, from The Devil Wears Prada and SIX, plays Ms Blanchard. Former EastEnders star Lucy Benjamin, recently seen in Stepping Out on tour and Emma at the Rose Theatre Kingston, plays Ms Dale-Evans. TV and stage actor Ben Richards, known for The Bill and Moulin Rouge! The Musical, is Mr Florian. Coronation Street star and 2015 Strictly Come Dancing runner-up Georgia May Foote plays Pamela Dare. Further casting is still to be announced.
2. It’s based on a classic story about a teacher who believes in his pupils
The musical adapts E.R. Braithwaite’s powerful memoir, which became the 1967 film starring Sidney Poitier. It’s a coming-of-age story about young students on the brink of adulthood, and the teacher who refuses to let the world write them off. Rick Braithwaite, a Cambridge-educated engineer and former RAF fighter pilot, meets prejudice at every turn. But he engages his students not as troublesome youths but as emerging adults who must soon stand or fall on their own merits, preparing them for life as well as exams. Producer Kris Lythgoe said: “We all remember a teacher who made a difference in our lives, and we want this musical to encourage people to show them how much they are appreciated.”
3. The title song is joined by new music from the writer of Grease hits
Described as bursting with music, humour and heart, the show features the legendary title song made famous by Lulu, written by Don Black and Mark London. Alongside it is original music and lyrics by John Farrar, known for Xanadu and Grease, and Kara DioGuardi, known for American Idol. The book is by Kris Lythgoe, with orchestrations by Joseph Joubert. Choreography is by Kieran Donovan, set and costume design by Andy Walmsley, video design by Aaron Rhyne and sound design by Paul Smith. The production was developed through the Ogunquit Playhouse New Works Program, with QUBE Theatricals handling general management.
4. A Broadway director is at the helm
The show is directed by two-time Tony nominee and Broadway director Sheldon Epps, who says the story is personally meaningful to him. “It is a joy and an honour to bring it to the stage, through the expressive power of musical theatre,” he said. “Along with my wonderful collaborators we have found ways to let the story ‘Sing’ in an organic way, heightening the emotion that has always been there.” He added: “Rarely do we have the chance to bring to life a story so rooted in its time, yet still so vitally relevant today. I know audiences will celebrate our ‘Sir’ with every performance.”
5. It follows two sold-out concerts with Lulu
To Sir, With Love has already proved popular in London. In November 2025, it played two sold-out concert performances at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, featuring Lulu and Wayne Brady. Now it returns to the UK stage as a fully staged production. The tour begins at Leeds Grand Theatre on 15 April, with an official opening night gala on 21 April in support of the Ben Kinsella Trust. It then moves to Hull New Theatre from 5 to 8 May and Manchester Palace Theatre from 11 to 15 May. The tour finishes at New Wimbledon Theatre from 18 to 22 May, and tickets are on sale now.
Tickets and info
To Sir, With Love – A New Musical: 2027 UK tour
15 April – 1 May: Leeds Grand Theatre (0113 243 0808)
21 April: official opening night gala in support of the Ben Kinsella Trust
5 – 8 May: Hull New Theatre (01482 300 306)
11 – 15 May: Manchester Palace Theatre
18 – 22 May: New Wimbledon Theatre, London
Tickets on sale now from theatre websites and tosirwithlovemusical.com