Watford Palace Theatre announces their summer season, offering a diverse line-up of extraordinary events, including their very own Watford Palace Young Company’s Everybody’s Talking About Jamie – Teen Edition (1st – 2nd August). From reggae musical theatre, world class dance to live talks with Watford football legend Troy Deeney, their 2026 summer season is set deliver an incredible celebration of the arts.
Jah Making It Happen – A Reggae Musical (13th June) is a brand-new musical portraying a family’s challenges and resilience as they adapt to British life after migrating from Jamaica. Written and directed by Sadé Nicole, it promises to be a migration story like no other. Following this is hilarious new play The Last Laugh (16th – 20th June) by Paul Hardy which imagines three of Britain’s all-time greatest comedy heroes – Tommy Cooper, Eric Morecambe and Bob Monkhouse – in a dressing room, discussing the secret of life, death and comedy. Watford Palace Young Company will stage the hit West End musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie – Teen Edition (1st – 2nd August). The show follows sixteen year old Jamie New, who overcomes prejudice, beats the bullies and steps out of the darkness into the spotlight.
The comedy on offer includes Double Trouble: Richard Blackwood & Tommy Sandhu (12th June), an explosive night of stand-up as two of the UK’s comedy heavyweights bring their signature energy and charisma to the stage. Scummy Mummies: Hot Mess (25th June) will deliver a brand-new comedy show, covering everything from menopause to mansplaining, featuring original songs, sketches and stand-up. Primetime Emmy Nominee Michelle Wolf (Late Night with Seth Meyers, NBC) comes to Watford with Best Job In The World (27th June), following two sold-out Edinburgh Fringe runs and a prestigious Edinburgh Comedy Award nomination.
Watford Palace Theatre’s new weekly nights at 1908 Cabaret will continue into the summer, with highlights including a weekly rotation of open mics, karaoke and quiz nights – the first of which was hosted by The Dark Destroyer Shaun Wallace. The Graphite Club offers time with professional sketch artist Marek Wedler, Groundworks brings a laid-back Thursday night of drinks, art, board games and music and Watford Film Club hosts monthly screenings.
For younger audiences and families, Baby Broadway (4th June) offers a relaxed concert where the entire family can sing and dance along to tunes from hit musicals and films. Based on the beloved stories by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, Tales from Acorn Wood (17th – 18th July) is packed full of toe-tapping songs and puppetry telling the story of Fox, Pig, Bear, Rabbit, and Squirrel as they prepare for a party. Enchanted – The Ultimate Princess Concert (28th June) will feature beautifully arranged music from timeless classics, in a heartwarming and magical musical experience.
Beyond theatre and comedy, the lineup also includes Craig Revel Horwood taking to the stage with Revelations: Songs Boys Don’t Sing (6th June), celebrating the release of his debut solo album and book, in a night of big songs, tall tales and glamour. An Audience with Troy Deeney (10th June) sees the Watford football legend discuss his career, leadership and journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming a prominent figure in English football. With their signature irreverence and eye for beautiful dance, Still Pointless: BalletBoyz at 25 (11th June) features 10 world-class dancers in a world-premiere to celebrate their 25th anniversary. Ladyboys of Bangkok (24th June) returns for a whirlwind of glitz and glamour in their internationally-celebrated cabaret. The award-winning illusionists, Jay & Joss: It’s Not a Game (4th July) promise a mind-bending new show, with jaw-dropping stunts, breathtaking visuals and moments that defy belief.
CEO and Director of Programming Steve Marmion comments, This is Watford’s Palace of Entertainment doing what it does best — bringing the world to Watford and putting Watford talent centre stage. From world-class comedy and cabaret to our brilliant Young Company, this season is about big nights out and unforgettable shared experiences. Community is at the heart of everything we do, and this season reflects that — from new work that tells powerful stories to opportunities for young people to step into the spotlight. We’re proud to be a space where creativity, connection and celebration all meet.