Following its international premiere on Broadway, New York in October 2024, the New Vic’s co-production of The Princess and The Pea will transfer to London’s Southbank Centre in February 2026. A leading London venue showcasing world-class talent, The Princess and The Pea will be performed at the Southbank Centre’s Queen Elizabeth Hall from Saturday 14 February to Friday 20 February 2026.
The first production created in partnership between the New Vic Theatre, Upswing and Unicorn Theatre, The Princess and The Pea originally premiered at London’s Unicorn Theatre and Newcastle-under-Lyme’s New Vic Theatre in June 2024. Adapted by New Vic Artistic Director Theresa Heskins and directed by New Vic Associate Director and Artistic Director of Upswing Theatre Vicki Dela Amedume MBE, the production garnered international attention as it transferred to the New Victory Theater on Broadway, New York in October 2024 and this latest transfer to the Southbank Centre in London is further endorsement of the quality of work the partners are delivering for pre-school aged children and their families.
Taking to the stage at Southbank Centre’s Queen Elizabeth Hall from Saturday 14 to Friday 20 February 2026, The Princess and The Pea is a brilliant introduction to the world of theatre and storytelling for the youngest audience members. A playful remix of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairytale, vividly brought to life through a combination of breathtaking acrobatics, clowning and fast-paced adventure, the national transfer will be performed by a cast of four talented circus-trained actors and is suitable for children aged two and over and their families.
New Vic Artistic Director Theresa Heskins said: “It’s always a pleasure to take New Vic shows to other parts of the world. It’s proof that what we’re making is world class theatre: theatre that delights audiences in New York and London as much as it delights audiences here in the Potteries.”
The Princess and The Pea transfers to the Southbank Centre, London from Saturday 14 February – Friday 20 February 2026. For more information visit southbankcentre.co.uk.