MTFestUK at The Other Palace is back for 2026, bringing six bold new musicals to London across three exciting weeks. Running from 27 January to 15 February 2026 at The Other Palace Studio, this much-loved festival offers audiences a rare chance to experience musical theatre at its very earliest stage of development.
Since launching in 2019, MTFestUK has become a vital platform for emerging and established creatives, with many shows going on to full productions in the UK and beyond. Each musical is presented as an intimate one-hour workshop sharing, designed to encourage audiences to explore, engage, and support new work before it reaches the main stage.
Why See MTFestUK at The Other Palace?
- 🎭 A proven launchpad for future hit musicals
- ✨ Six original works presented in an intimate studio setting
- 🌈 Stories exploring queer identity, digital culture, mythology, horror, fandom, and power
- 🧠 A rare insight into how new musicals are developed
- 🎟 Affordable tickets with multi-show discounts available
Artistic Director Paul Taylor-Mills describes the festival as an essential creative space, noting its growing impact on the future of musical theatre and its ability to open doors for innovation, experimentation, and new voices.
The MTFestUK 2026 Line-Up
🎭 Shining in Misery: A King-Size Parody
Music: Andrew Abrams
Book & Lyrics: Mark-Eugene Garcia
Book: Colleen DuVall
Director: Gary Lloyd
A high-energy musical parody inspired by Stephen King’s universe, set during a blizzard at the Overlook Hotel. As mysteries deepen and supernatural forces emerge, guests sing their way through fear, chaos, and dark comedy in this genre-blending crowd-pleaser.
Dates:
- Tue 27 Jan – 7pm
- Wed 28 Jan – 5pm & 7pm
- Thu 29 Jan – 7pm
Legendary
Book, Music & Lyrics: Cheeyang Ng
Director: Emilio Ramos
A ritualistic solo musical following a queer Asian immigrant reclaiming lineage, language, and belonging. Blending Chinese mythology with audience participation, Legendary invites viewers to co-create a living myth in real time.
Dates:
- Fri 30 Jan – 7pm
- Sat 31 Jan – 5pm & 7pm
- Sun 1 Feb – 5pm
Tristan
Writer: Matt Jones
Composer: Kele Okereke
Charming, seductive, and dishonest — Tristan offers two people the same dream of a perfect future. When those lives collide, the truth finally emerges. A sharp, modern musical exploring vulnerability, deception, and desire.
Dates:
- Tue 3 Feb – 7pm
- Wed 4 Feb – 5pm & 7pm
- Thu 5 Feb – 7pm
🔮 That Witch
Book, Music & Lyrics: Billy Cullum & Robert Tregoning
Director: Jess Edwards
Set in the fictional town of SunnyVille, this playful yet powerful musical follows a new girl with hidden powers navigating social hierarchies, witch-hunts, and self-discovery. A coming-of-age story about finding your tribe and stepping into your truth.
Dates:
- Fri 6 Feb – 7pm
- Sat 7 Feb – 5pm & 7pm
- Sun 8 Feb – 5pm
🎮 The Guild: The Musical
Based on the original series by Felicia Day
Book: Allison Frasca
Music: Mark Schenfisch
Lyrics: Sam Balzac
Director: Dean Johnson
Adapted from the cult-classic web series, this musical explores friendship, anxiety, and online identity as gamers are forced to confront real life beyond their screens. Featuring infectious songs and sharp comedy, with Felicia Day reprising her iconic role.
Dates:
- Tue 10 Feb – 7pm
- Wed 11 Feb – 5pm & 7pm
- Thu 12 Feb – 7pm
💥 GLIMMER
Book & Lyrics: Frankie Bunce
Music & Lyrics: Kat Kleve
A dark, adrenaline-fuelled new musical set in Bristol, 2025. When a burned-out teenager is drawn into an influencer-led movement promising empowerment through revenge, online radicalisation spills into real-world consequences. A sharp exploration of power, pain, and visibility.
Dates:
- Fri 13 Feb – 7pm
- Sat 14 Feb – 5pm & 7pm
- Sun 15 Feb – 5pm
Performance & Ticket Information
Venue: The Other Palace Studio
Address: 12 Palace Street, London, SW1E 5JA
Dates: 27 January – 15 February 2026
Tickets:
- Early Bird: £15 (before 1 January 2026)
- Standard: £16.50
- Multi-buy options available:
- Any 2 shows for £30
- 4 shows for £56
- All 6 shows for £78
🎟 Book tickets: https://theotherpalace.co.uk/mtfestuk-2026/
Why MTFestUK Is One to Watch
MTFestUK at The Other Palace isn’t just a festival — it’s a glimpse into the future of musical theatre. Whether you love discovering new work, supporting emerging artists, or being able to say “I saw it first”, this festival delivers innovation, intimacy, and impact in equal measure.
