Redcliffe to Make West End Debut at the Criterion Theatre in 2027

Jordan Luke Gage’s new musical Redcliffe will transfer to the West End in January 2027 following its sold-out premiere at Southwark Playhouse.

The production will begin a limited 12-week season at the Criterion Theatre on Thursday 28 January, with a press night scheduled for 4 February. Gage, who wrote the musical’s book, music and lyrics, will return to the role of William Critchard. Further casting has yet to be announced.

The transfer marks the latest stage in the development of Redcliffe. The musical was first presented at the Turbine Theatre as part of MTFestUK in 2024 before playing eight sold-out workshop performances at The Other Palace.

Its first fully staged production ran at Southwark Playhouse Borough from 22 May to 4 July 2026. Gage’s writing for the show later earned him the Best Composer, Lyricist or Book Writer prize at The Stage Debut Awards.

The West End season also brings Gage back to the Criterion Theatre, where he previously appeared as Cal in the original London company of Titaníque.

Set in 18th-century Bristol, Redcliffe is inspired by the relationship between William Critchard and Richard Arnold. William comes from a modest background, while Richard is a sailor visiting the area. Their meeting develops into a love affair at a time when a relationship between two men could carry severe consequences.

As suspicion grows around them, William and Richard must confront the dangers created by prejudice and persecution. The musical explores love, grief and the struggle to live freely in a society determined to keep them apart.

Paul Foster will return to direct the West End production, with choreography by Emma Woods. Andrew Exeter is responsible for the set and lighting design, Martin Hanly is the costume designer and Katy Richardson is the musical supervisor.

The wider creative team includes Ben Tomalin as associate musical director and orchestrator, Ben Ferguson on additional orchestrations, Matt Hockley as associate lighting designer and Will Burton as casting director.

Performances at the Criterion Theatre are scheduled from Monday to Saturday at 7.30pm, with matinees on Thursdays and Saturdays at 2.30pm. The running time is approximately two hours and 30 minutes, including an interval.

The production is recommended for audiences aged 14 and over. It contains strong language, sexual content and violence, as well as themes of grief and homophobia and references to execution. Technical effects include loud noises, haze and flashing or flickering lights.

A BSL-signed performance will take place on 27 February, followed by a captioned performance on 6 March and an audio-described performance on 20 March. All three are Saturday matinees beginning at 2.30pm. Further information is available on the show’s official visit page.

Audiences can register through the official Redcliffe website for a 24-hour pre-sale beginning at 12 noon on Wednesday 4 November 2026. General booking opens at 12 noon on Thursday 5 November.