Reading theatre company reveals 'bold' new season
Reading rep say they want to attract audiences from across Berkshire
Reading Rep Theatre has unveiled its 2025/26 season describing it as 'bold and ambitious'.
Reading Rep Theatre will open the new season with their first musical production, a new revival production of Jason Robert Brown’s cult-favourite contemporary musical The Last Five Years. The musical, which is co-produced with The Barn Theatre and Theatre Royal Bath, will make its debut in Reading from Friday 19 September - Sunday 12 October ahead of subsequent runs in Cirencester and Bath.
For the festive season, the theatre will produce a new staging of Beth Flintoff’s 5* acclaimed adaptation of A Christmas Carol, which relocates Charles Dickens’ seminal story to Reading and the iconic Huntley and Palmers Biscuit Factory. The adaptation, which had past sell-out runs in 2021 and 2022 in Reading, will run from Friday 28 November 2025 - Saturday 3 January 2026.
There'll also be a brand new production of Willy Russell’s beloved modern classic Educating Rita. The comedy, which follows working class hairdresser Rita and her Open University tutor Frank, will run from Thursday 26 February - Saturday 21 March 2026. The production marks their first staging of Willy Russell’s work.
AWARD WINNING MUSICAL
THE LAST FIVE YEARS
Friday 19 September - Sunday 12 October 2025
NEW STAGING OF BETH FLINTOFF’S READING-BASED ADAPTATION
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Friday 28 November 2025 - Saturday 3 January 2026
WILLY RUSSELL’S BELOVED MODERN CLASSIC
EDUCATING RITA
Thursday 26 February - Saturday 21 March 2026
NOËL COWARD’S SPARKLING ROMANTIC COMEDY
PRIVATE LIVES
Thursday 16 April - Saturday 9 May 2026
Made in Reading
Paul Stacey, Founding Artistic Director & CEO, Reading Rep Theatre:
“This season captures what makes Reading Rep unique: bold takes on classic stories, collaborations with world-renowned playwrights, and a company of outstanding creative talent. Every show is made right here in Reading — and this year, we’re proud to be working alongside some of the UK’s leading theatres, including Theatre Royal Bath and The Barn Theatre. It’s a season that reflects how far we’ve come, and where we’re headed. We’re building something special — a producing theatre that’s turning heads nationally, and proving that world-class work doesn’t have to mean a trip to the West End. There’s so much more to come — including some very exciting casting news we can’t wait to share.”
Nick Thompson, Executive Director, Reading Rep Theatre:
“This is our biggest and boldest season yet — with something for everyone. From our first-ever major musical revival to festive favourites and timeless comedies from Noël Coward and Willy Russell, it’s the perfect year to experience everything Reading Rep has to offer. Whether you’re planning a great night out with friends or looking to discover Reading’s hidden gem, there’s no better time to join us. And we’ve still got one surprise show left to announce…”