Creative team announced for Michael Harrison's brand-new musical Weird

Weird makes its worldwide premiere at Newcastle Theatre Royal

The creative team has been announced for Michael Harrison’s brand new and thrilling musical Weird, an electrifying pop-powered musical reimagining of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy Macbeth which will premiere at Newcastle Theatre Royal in the new year.

Michael, widely considered as one of the industry’s leading theatre producers with credits including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat; Evita; Titanique and Starlight Express, has a long association with the iconic Grey Street venue. He produces its annual sell-out panto,and has this month (Oct) opened a brand-new production of Miss Saigon from its stage. He has chosen his hometown theatre for the world premiere of Weird (Wed 28 – Sat 31 Jan 2026).

The show is directed by West End and Broadway director, Tim Jackson (Two Strangers Carry a Cake (Across New York); The Parent Agency); with choreography by Alexzandra Sarmiento (42 Balloons; Starter for Ten).

Completing the creative team is Set Designer Andrew Exeter (The Creakers; Oscar at the Crown); Costume Designer Gabriella Slade (Starlight Express – Olivier Award winner; SIX – Tony Award winner); Lighting Designer Howard Hudson (Starlight Express; Natasha Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 – Olivier Award nominations 2025); Sound Designer Paul Gatehouse (Mary Poppins; SIX); Orchestrator, Musical Supervisor and Co-Arranger Joe Beighton (Six the Musical; 42 Balloons).

Telling the dramatic tale of the Scottish king through the eyes of the three witches, Weird – written by Nick Butcher (The Little Big Things), and siblings Kerri Watt and Fraser Watt – will combine witchcraft, mischief, mayhem with a soundtrack of newly created pop anthems, when the production hits the stage.

Also announced today, there are more opportunities for North East audiences to see the world premiere of Weird on their doorstep, with a limited number of additional seats being released for public sale today for the 1.30pm performance on Fri 30 Jan 2026.

Michael Harrison said: “When I first read Weird and listened to the incredible soundtrack, I knew I wanted the biggest audience possible to see it so I’m, delighted that more seats have now been allocated for members of the public to be part of the world premiere run in Newcastle. It’s fair to say some of us don’t understand Shakespeare – Weird will change that. We hope this is just the beginning and that many more will be able to see this thrilling new British musical.”

Marianne Locatori, Chief Executive of Newcastle Theatre Royal said: “I’m thrilled to be collaborating with Michael, one of the most successful and well-respected theatre producers in the UK, to premiere this brand-new musical. Working with Michael, hot on the heels of his string of recent national theatre industry awards and hit productions in the West End, on Broadway and on tour, this is a fantastic opportunity for our theatre and audiences in the city and region to see an amazing new musical. We’re delighted to be releasing a limited additional allocation of seats to the public in response to overwhelming public demand, ensuring that even more people can witness a never-seen-before production make its debut on our stage.”

In an exciting new collaboration between Wallsend-born theatre producer Michael Harrison and Newcastle Theatre Royal, more than 5,000 schoolchildren from across the North East have been allocated free-of-charge tickets to Weird. The initiative is part of a shared ambition that young people, particular those living outside London, need as many opportunities to engage with the arts to enable more children to develop a love of theatre that lasts a lifetime.

Weird plays at Newcastle Theatre Royal Wed 28 – Sat 31 Jan 2026. Tickets can be booked here or by calling the Box Office on 091 232 7010.