Park Theatre has announced five new shows, including two timely revivals at the start of 2026 and the winner of the Papatango New Writing Prize.

The first time Park Theatre has partnered with Papatango Theatre Company will be on The Meat Kings! (Inc.) Of Brooklyn Heights by Hannah Doran, running throughout November. 2026 will start with the return of Troupe theatre after The Forsyte Saga with Noël Coward’s The Rat Trap a century after its premiere, and a revival of Athol Fugard’s The Train Driver to celebrate his work after his passing earlier in the year. Newly added to the Summer season are Steel by Lee Mattinson, and a special fundraiser with Dame Maureen Lipman.

In an evening of joyous entertainment. Maureen Lipman & Friends: Poetry & Jazz (11 May) is a stellar lineup from the worlds of poetry and jazz. With British poets Jeremy Robson and Pauline Prior-Pitt, multi-award-winning vocalist Jacqui Dankworth, acclaimed American jazz pianist Charlie Wood, British jazz stalwart Art Themen on sax, and an appearance from centenarian actress Thelma Ruby. With a number of surprise acts on the night, the evening will support Park Theatre’s initiatives including three programmes for those living with dementia and their carers, and also their access performances, ensuring there is at least one access performance for every run in the venue.

Artistic Director Jez Bond said, “I’m pleased to announce four upcoming shows – with both spaces boasting a piece of new writing and a revival to enthral our audiences. We’re pleased to be working with two producers new to us, to begin a partnership with Papatango and to welcome back Troupe Productions (following their success with The Forsythe Saga). As we enter our thirteenth year, and arts funding seems more challenging than ever, we’re honoured by the continued support of our fabulous friends of stage and screen; and are delighted to welcome back Maureen Lipman and friends for a fundraising evening of poetry and jazz.”