ARTISTIC ROUND UP INCLUDING 2026 FULL SEASON ANNOUNCED

Welcome back to the start of the 2026 season of theatre at the Loft.

Thank you to all of you who came to see a show in 2025 and to all our amazing volunteers who made extraordinary contributions to ensuring we present a professional standard in every dimension of the theatre, on stage, off stage and front of house.

An example of this is the sad news I received last week of the loss of Bridget Cuthbert who was an energetic and committed volunteer with the Loft press team and who was a powerful ambassador for the Loft’s work. It is poignant to remember such contributions and the happy memories. Our thoughts go to her closest family and friends. 

Looking ahead, we are putting the final touches to the 2026 year of plays and are delighted to kick off the year with Animal Farm by George Orwell in an adaptation from Sir Peter Hall.  Remaining true to Orwell’s intentions, this highly acclaimed production, originally staged at the National Theatre, features a cast of, mainly, animals – naturally – using music and physicality to convey themes of revolution, power and corruption. The set is in final construction as I write to provide an imaginative playground for the actors.

Mark Crossley, who many of you will know from the Loft stage, is making his directorial debut with this production. Having spent the majority of his professional career in the performing arts he is perfect casting to lead this mighty cast through this ‘beastly’ fable.  Long live the revolution! or it may be somewhat short-lived. This is a play which has a deep resonance around the understanding of control and exploitation; it is a potent vehicle to use animals to comment on human behaviour and the misuse of power.

Following hotly on the heels of the last night of Animal Farm we are delighted to once again be hosting Down for the Count in their concert Swing That Music.  Always a sell-out, this punchy swing jazz band are known for their energetic performances, their witty and informative introductions, their sublime musicianship and their great love and respect for the music of the Great American Songbook. Often to be found at the famous Ronnie Scott’s and the Cadogan Hall in London, we are thrilled to have them fill the Loft auditorium with their wonderful music.  Blink and you’ll miss them…….so grab a ticket whilst you can.

On 14 February the Improvesarios opera singers are back in the studio for a riotous evening driven by the audience’s choice of subject. A group of classically trained musicians improvise an opera on the spot.  It is delightful mayhem.  Don’t miss what is always a sell-out, fun night.

Up next after Animal Farm is the much garlanded stage play Doubt: A parable by John Patrick Shanley.  Shanley also created the screenplay and directed a stellar cast led by Meryl Streep.  The screenplay and each of its main characters were all Oscar nominated.   This is a delicious piece of writing and one not to be missed.  Will it leave you in doubt?  It certainly left Chris Gilbey-Smith in no doubt he wanted to direct it.  

And now, for your delectation,  the line-up for the rest of 2026……………

April in the Main House – Frozen by Bryony Lavery to be directed by Dave Crossfield.   A powerful, unique piece of contemporary drama

April in the Studio Theatre – Pontypool by Tony Burgess to be directed by Hannah Brown – What happens when a virus arrives

May in the Main House – Love, Love, Love by Mike Barlett to be directed by Lynda Lewis  – Does one generation unwittingly disappoint the next?

June in the Main House – Summer and Smoke by Tennessee Williams to be directed by Sue Moore – a poetic and heartbreaking story of unrequited love

July in the Main House – One Man, Two Guvnors by Richard Bean to be directed by Craig Shelton. – Taking a portfolio career to the extremes

September in the Main House – Middle by David Eldridge to be directed by Viki Betts – the second in the trilogy following Beginning

October/November in the Main House – Women of Troy in a new version by David Fletcher, which he will direct – Trojan women centre stage

December in the Main House – Jane Eyre in an adaptation by Chris Bush to be directed by Elizabeth Morris. – a physical theatre version of this classic tale

Powerful and compelling writing and a company committed to high standards in every dimension of its work, this is a season full of promise. 

We have a busy year ahead and major surgery to inflict on our theatre building, the cost of which is eye watering.  Every ticket, every decision you make to support us by coming to see a show will be a positive contribution to being able to continue our path of bringing great theatre to your door.  In the light of some of the ticket prices in London in 2025, we are a bargain and if you are a frequent theatregoer at the Loft the season ticket is a steal.

Enormous thanks for your ongoing support.  It matters to us to be able to continue to build this theatre company, started by a group of passionate theatre lovers in 1922.  Come and join us and be part of shaping this future story.

Sue Moore Artistic Director