This summer is all about Made By Mayflower and co-productions for Mayflower, who are presenting three shows, all of which are either produced or co-produced with local investment, further contributing to Mayflower’s vision of being nationally recognised in providing inspiring experiences.
“At Mayflower, we’re passionate about creating and championing exceptional theatre, and we’re incredibly proud to see three of our produced and co-produced productions taking to our stages this summer,” said Michael Ockwell, Chief Executive of Mayflower. “These productions reflect the breadth of our creative ambition and our commitment to working with talented artists, producers and partners to bring exciting theatre to audiences both here in Southampton and further afield, reaching audiences across the UK.
“Creating and co-producing work is a vital part of our mission. It enables us to invest directly in the future of performing arts, support creative talent and work alongside partners to develop and deliver high-quality productions. We are delighted for audiences to see these family-friendly shows over the summer and are excited to see them inspire theatre-goers of all ages.”
The summer line-up will consist of two co-productions:
Toto the Ninja Cat and the Great Snake Escape 23 – 25 July 2026 Mayflower Studios
Meet Toto. She might look like an ordinary cat, but she’s no ordinary feline. Almost completely blind, Toto has incredible ninja skills, a big heart, and a nose for adventure. By day, she naps like any other pet… but by night, she’s out on daring missions with her cheeky brother, Silver.
In their very first adventure, a deadly King Cobra has escaped onto the streets of London, and it’s up to Toto to use every ounce of her courage and cunning to save the day.
Based on Dermot O’Leary’s best-selling children’s book, illustrated by Nick East, this purr-fectly thrilling tale is filled with original music, laugh-out-loud fun, and extraordinary puppetry, promising fun for the whole family.
Co-produced by Mayflower Southampton, Little Angel Theatre and Mercury Theatre.
The Lion Inside 14 – 16 August 2026 Mayflower Studios
A heart-warming tale about confidence, self-esteem, and a shy little mouse who sets out on a journey to find his roar.
In a dry dusty place where the sand sparkled gold, stood a mighty flat rock, all craggy and old. And under that rock in a tinyful house, lived the littlest, quietest, meekest brown mouse.
Fed up of being ignored and forgotten by the other animals, Mouse wishes he could roar like Lion. But, as he discovers, even the biggest, bossiest people are scared sometimes … and even the smallest creatures can have the heart of a lion!
Based on the best-selling story by Rachel Bright & Jim Field, this joyous new stage adaptation featuring puppetry, music and song is directed by Sarah Punshon (The Jungle Book), with music and lyrics by Eamonn O’Dwyer (Brief Encounter).
Co-produced by Mayflower Southampton, Rose Theatre, Curve and Unicorn Theatre.
The summer will also include their Made By Mayflower, Summer Youth Project, Les Misérables School Edition, which this year will be performed at Mayflower Studios from 14 – 16 August following a two-week intensive rehearsal period.
Filled with energy, enthusiasm, and creativity, our youthful cast brings fresh life to this iconic musical in a celebration of the next generation of theatre talent.
These three productions follow Kiss of the Spider Woman, which was a co-production between Curve, Bristol Old Vic and Mayflower Southampton, and played to Southampton audiences from 2 – 6 June receiving rave reviews from audiences.
Tickets for all three shows are on sale at mayflower.org.uk or 02380 711811.
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