Midlands Rainbow recommends some of the best theatre shows, drag productions, and musicals on the horizon for 2027, across the West and East Midlands regions.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary tour, the Tony® award-winning musical, Jersey Boys returns to Birmingham for a three-week run. The hit musical, which has won 65 major awards and been enjoyed by audiences of over 27 million people worldwide, tells the real-life story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, featuring music from the much-loved band.

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre is set to premiere a brand new production of Jonathan Harvey’s BEAUTIFUL THING; a coming-of-age story “about finding the courage to be yourself – and discovering that love can blossom in the most unexpected places.”

The hit musical Mamma Mia! returns to Wolverhampton for a two-week run. Set on a Greek island, this much-loved tale of love, friendship and family is told through the music of ABBA. Sophie begins a quest to discover who her father is ahead of her upcoming wedding, and in doing so, brings her mother face-to-face with three men from her romantic past.

The West End hit musical Titaníque is setting sail on its first UK tour in 2027 with dates announced for Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.

A mother whose daughter passed away in 2023 has launched a campaign with Trans Legal Clinic against NHS England, Wolverhampton NHS Trust, and Bart NHS Trust, claiming her daughter missed out on much-needed treatment due to her gender identity.

An independent feature film created by a Wolverhampton-based company, exploring queer love and South Asian culture, has been picked up by a major distributor. A Teacher’s Gift, co-produced by New Lion Films, based in Wolverhampton city, will be given a limited cinema release later this year by Peccadillo Pictures; a UK-based distributor of art house, gay and lesbian, independent and world cinema.

Waitress is a joyous musical of love and friendship, centring Jenna; a waitress and expert pie maker, who dreams of a happier more fulfilling life. Starring Carrie Hope Fletcher (Calamity Jane, Heathers, The Addams Family) as Jenna, whose life gets increasingly complicated when a hot new doctor arrives in town.

Wolverhampton Council has announced that the city’s Pride will be free of charge in 2026, thanks to “strong levels” of sponsorship ahead of the event.

A major exhibition of work from pop art icon, Andy Warhol, is coming Wolverhampton Art Gallery from May 2026.

Colton Hills Community School, Wolverhampton, has been recognised with The Rainbow Flag Award; a national quality assurance framework for schools and colleges, focussing on positive LGBTQ+ inclusion and visibility.

Wolverhampton-born emerging music artist, Sofie Anné is set to headline her début solo concert this March at The Grand Theatre, and joining her are two fellow Wolves artists: Wolverhampton-based grime artist and rapper, Reepa; and the UK’s first transgender rapper, Nate Ethan, who was also born and bred in the city.

2026 is fast approaching, and with it comes a new year of great productions in Birmingham and across the Midlands. We've picked just a few of our favourites in theatre, dance, musicals, drag and cabaret that would make great Christmas gifts or, of course, a treat for yourself. ★ Fiddler on the Roof at The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham ( 9th December 2025 - 3rd January 2026 ) “Completely sold out at the Barbican in London, this is a rare opportunity to catch this critically ac

From the producer of hit musical, Hairspray, and the director of The Full Monty, FRIENDS!: The Musical parody is ‘The One Where They All Sing’, offering a new take on the 1990s sitcom with an entirely original musical score.

LGBT Sparkle – a Wolverhampton-based social group that supports LGBTQ+ individuals and allies locally – won a National Diversity Award for ‘Community Organisation’ in the LGBTQ+ sub-category. While Katie Neeves, a trans ambassador who works as a presenter and event host, and now resides in the East Midlands also received an award for 'Positive Role Model' in the LGBT sub-category.

Dragged to the Musicals, a live vocals tour starring Divina De Campo, Veronica Green, Le Fil, Mimi Chanel and Viola is heading out on tour from September. Ahead of its opening, Midlands Rainbow spoke to Divina De Campo about the all-singing extravaganza that will be playing at several venues across the region.

The award-winning Mean Girls: The Musical is coming to Wolverhampton’s Grand Theatre in June 2026, after a successful West End run.

Wolverhampton Pride, due to take place on Saturday 7th June this year, has announced that award-winning trans and non-binary campaigner and speaker, Jude Guaitamacchi will host this year’s event.

The owners of The White Heart, Wolverhampton – Dale, Shaun and Ricki – have announced that they will be putting the bar on the market but add that the bar will not be closing.

that the Olivier Award®-winning and Tony Award® nominated Best Musical, Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical is launching a globe-spanning World Tour, hitting venues in Birmingham and across the Midlands.