The Marlowe Theatre has announced two major productions for 2026. Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities, adapted by Terence Rattigan and John Gielgud, will premiere on the Main Stage in September before touring nationally. Directed by Michael Fentiman, the production spans the French Revolution and follows characters Sydney Carton, Charles Darnay, and Lucie Manette.

The theatre’s Christmas show will feature The Reluctant Dragon, a new children’s musical based on Kenneth Grahame’s beloved story. Created by Samson Hawkins and directed by Lucy Wray, it tells of a village’s discovery that a nearby dragon is surprisingly friendly and harmless.

Leadership expressed excitement about these productions, with the chief executive noting they represent “a major step in our commitment to large-scale, national touring theatre.”