Reading Rep Theatre has announced its new season for 2026/27.
It includes world premieres, reimagined classics, and an audience favourite – all aimed at capturing the imagination of audiences in Reading and beyond.
The season opens with a chilling new adaptation of Dracula by Nick Lane, directed by Hal Chambers and running from September 23 to October 10.
This marks the theatre’s first collaboration with Blackeyed Theatre.
A new play about Sir Alec Guinness, titled Two Halves of Guinness and starring Zeb Soanes, will run from October 29 to 31 as a tribute marking the 25th anniversary of Guinness’ death.
A Christmas Carol will take the stage from November 19 to January 4 in a joyful adaptation filled with music, dance, and festive spirit.
The Importance of Being Oscar will run from February 2 to 13.
The season’s second world premiere comes in March with a new adaptation of The Turn of the Screw by Olivier Award-winning writer Morgan Lloyd Malcolm.
Directed by Nicky Allpress, the psychological thriller runs from March 2 to 22.
Theatre fans can also look forward to a 'major musical production' set to close the season, though details have yet to be announced.
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Paul Stacey, artistic director of Reading Rep Theatre, said: "I am incredibly proud of Reading Rep's 2026/27 season.
"Across the year, these productions are united by a single idea: opening doors.
"Our world premiere of the classic and familiar tale A Christmas Carol invites new audiences, from families to students, to experience Reading Rep for the very first time, while Morgan Lloyd Malcolm’s bold new adaptation of The Turn of the Screw highlights our continued commitment to programming exciting and inventive contemporary voices."
The theatre’s multi-award-winning outreach scheme, ENGAGE, will continue throughout the season.
This year’s offering for young audiences includes Super Me, a new early years show created by writer and theatre-maker Sam Amestoy in co-production with Reading Libraries and Reading Borough Council.
Mr Stacey said: "Whether through new collaborations, fresh adaptations or work designed to reach audiences of all ages, this season reflects our ambition to create bold, unforgettable theatre and ensure more people than ever feel that Reading Rep is a place for them."
Since opening its purpose-built venue on King's Road in 2021, Reading Rep has grown in reputation and output, delivering work that has toured the UK and overseas.
The theatre was founded in 2012 by Mr Stacey to remove barriers to accessing theatre and remains committed to that mission.
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