Disney Theatrical Group is bringing The Greatest Showman to the stage, with an initial production set to premiere in early 2026 at the Bristol Hippodrome in England. This marks Disney’s first stage adaptation of a 20th Century Fox film since acquiring Fox’s assets in 2019.
The musical will feature a mix of songs from the beloved 2017 film, along with new compositions by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the acclaimed songwriting duo behind Dear Evan Hansen. Pasek and Paul, who recently achieved EGOT status, will expand the score to bring the spectacle of The Greatest Showman to life onstage.
Casey Nicholaw, a celebrated Broadway director and choreographer, will helm the production. A two-time Tony Award winner for The Book of Mormon and Some Like It Hot, Nicholaw is a frequent Disney collaborator, having directed Aladdin and the upcoming West End production of Hercules. The book will be written by Tim Federle, known for High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.
Casting for the stage adaptation has yet to be announced, and Disney plans to hold open auditions in Britain and Ireland. If the Bristol production proves successful, the show may transfer to London’s West End and eventually Broadway.