World Book Day is a major annual, global celebration of authors, illustrators, and the joy of reading, dedicated to encouraging children to read for pleasure.
Books are adapted into theatre primarily to leverage established popularity, drawing in built-in audiences and enhancing commercial success. Theatre provides a unique, live experience to reimagine familiar stories, allowing for creative, physical, and immersive interpretations that differ from the original text.
Mayflower host a variety of small and large scale book adaptations. Across the next year, the following shows will come to Southampton, attracting an array of audiences.
Shows include:
The Boy at the Back of the Class – 10 – 14 March 2026 at Mayflower Studios
Based on the novel by Onjali Q. Rauf. After learning that he has fled his own war-torn country, Ahmet’s classmates have ‘The Greatest Idea in the World’ – a magnificent plan to reunite Ahmet with his family.
An unexpected and often hilarious adventure follows, all topped off with a terrific twist. Told from a child’s perspective, balancing heart and humour, The Boy at the Back of the Class highlights the power of good friends and courage in a world that doesn’t always make sense and reminds us that everyone needs a place to call home.
The Boy at the Back of the Class | Mayflower
Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird – 24 – 28 March 2026 at Mayflower Theatre
Successful lawyer, Atticus Finch, encourages kindness and empathy in his children, but is pushed to the limits of these qualities himself when he resolves to uncover the truth in a town that seems determined to hide it.
Set in 1934 Alabama, To Kill a Mockingbird was inspired by novelist Harper Lee’s own childhood and has sold more than 45 million copies worldwide. It won the Pulitzer Prize for Literature and was long at the top of the banned book lists.
To Kill a Mockingbird | Mayflower
A Squash and a Squeeze – 31 March – 4 April 2026 at Mayflower Studios
Based on the original book A Squash and a Squeeze – written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler.
Once upon a time, a little old lady lived all by herself in her cosy cottage, but she wasn’t happy – her house felt just too small. Whatever could she do? Will the wise old man’s solution of bringing in a flappy, scratchy, greedy, noisy crowd of farmyard animals work?
A Squash and a Squeeze | Mayflower
Horrible Histories: The Concert – 2 – 4 April 2026 at Mayflower Theatre
This is the ultimate concert for kids! When William Shakespeare is asked to create the greatest show on earth, he’s no idea how much trouble he’ll get from monstrous monarchs like King Henry VIII, Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Victoria!
Things hot up when Death appears – and now Boudica and Cleopatra want to take over! Can things get any worse? Of course they can!
Horrible Histories – The Concert | Mayflower
The Woman in Black – 7 – 11 April 2026 at Mayflower Studios
One of the most successful and longest running theatre shows in the history of London’s West End, this gripping production is a brilliant study in atmosphere, illusion and controlled horror.
Now seen by over 8 million people worldwide, The Woman in Black continues to delight and terrify audiences of all generations.
Obsessed with a curse that he believes has been cast over him and his family by the spectre of a Woman in Black, Arthur Kipps engages a sceptical young actor to help him tell his terrifying story and exorcise the fear that grips his soul.
The Woman in Black | Mayflower
Matilda the Musical – 29 April – 17 May 2026 at Mayflower Theatre
Matilda the Musical, the multi award-winning musical from the Royal Shakespeare Company, inspired by the beloved book by Roald Dahl is coming to Southampton.
Matilda the Musical is the story of an extraordinary little girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. Matilda the Musical has now delighted over 12 million audience members worldwide.
Matilda the Musical | Mayflower
The Lion Inside – 28 – 30 August 2026 at Mayflower Studios
Based on the best-selling story by Rachel Bright & Jim Field, The Lion Inside is a heart-warming tale about confidence, self-esteem, and a shy little mouse who sets out on a journey to find his roar.
But, as he discovers, even the biggest, bossiest people are scared sometimes … and even the smallest creatures can have the heart of a lion!
Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of) by Isobel McArthur after Jane Austen – 3 – 6 March 2027 at Mayflower Theatre
Following its triumphant triumphs in the West End where it won the Olivier Award for Best Comedy, Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) is a unique and audacious retelling of Jane Austen’s most iconic love story.
This multi-award-winning production features a string of pop classics including Young Hearts Run Free, Will You Love Me Tomorrow and You’re So Vain.
Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of) | Mayflower
Tickets for all shows listed are on sale at mayflower.org.uk or 02380 711811.
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