The 2025 UK tour of Dear Evan Hansen arrives at Sheffield Theatres with emotional depth, fresh vitality, and a heart that feels as expansive as ever.
In a time when social media’s influence is ever-growing-both positively and negatively, this production takes a bold step in addressing the greater good.
Directed by Adam Penford, this new staging infuses the Tony Award-winning musical with contemporary relevance, capturing the struggles of a generation wrestling with identity, connection, and the powerful echo chamber of the digital age.
At the heart of the production currently on at the Sheffield Lyceum Theatre is Ryan Kopel’s extraordinary portrayal of Evan Hansen.
Credit: Marc Brenner (supplied)
Kopel brings aching vulnerability to the role, skilfully portraying the anxious tics, awkward sincerity, and internal contradictions of a teenager desperately trying to be seen.
His rendition of 'Waving Through a Window' is not just vocally stunning but deeply emotional, setting the tone for an evening filled with poignant, introspective storytelling.
Lauren Conroy, as Zoe Murphy, delivers a multifaceted performance: tough and witty, yet carrying the weight of unresolved grief. Her chemistry with Kopel is understated but powerful, grounding their relationship in authenticity rather than romanticised idealism.
Alice Fearn’s portrayal of Heidi Hansen is an emotional masterclass in honesty and nuance, vividly expressing the struggles of a single parent trying to reach her son whilst navigating the pressures of everyday life.
Visually, the staging taps into the digital landscape that defines the narrative; screens flicker with scrolling feeds, text messages, and viral videos - both a brilliant design choice and a stark reminder of how online connections can simultaneously unite and isolate.
The minimalist set is cleverly utilised, transitioning seamlessly between homes, schools, and the virtual world.
Credit: Supplied
What makes this tour particularly remarkable is not just the strength of its cast or the polish of its production but its ability to make the story feel profoundly relevant.
Even nearly a decade after its Broadway debut, Dear Evan Hansen continues to raise uncomfortable questions about truth, belonging, and the narratives we create to survive.
The 2025 UK tour of Dear Evan Hansen is a moving, tightly executed production that earns every standing ovation. With its focus on mental health, it offers a thought-provoking reflection of an entire generation.
This captivating and innovative staging shines a light on the message that you are never truly alone. Always remember that.
While some of its themes remain open to debate, it is undeniable that the show leaves a lasting impact-and this tour ensures that impact is felt deeply, city after city.
Are you a fan of travelling? Got a bit of a competitive streak in your nature? Well, this might just be your calling then.
The BBC is, once again, casting for the next series of Race Across the World.
The BAFTA-winning hit show draws in thousands of viewers each week, and now producers are on the look-out for ‘intrepid duos’ of all ages who reckon they’re ready to take a step into the unknown, and embark on an epic race across land and sea for the next seried – and that includes Yorkshire residents.
With applications for the next series of the massively-popular show now open, nomadic people from Yorkshire are being encouraged to take part.
On a limited budget and away from the luxuries of modern technology and conveniences, those lucky applicants selected to take part in the next series will get the chance to experience life in some of the world’s most beautiful and remote locations.
Adventurous Mancs are needed to take part in the next series of Race Across the World / Credit: BBC
Navigating their way across thousands of miles, they’ll travel through spectacular scenery and dynamic cities, visit ancient wonders, learn local customs, and take part in time-honoured traditions.
But, as producers are keen to point out, ‘the physical journey is only half of the story’. That’s because, as the contestants take on the challenge of travelling across the world, the greatest thing they’ll discover along the way could actually be about themselves and one another.
Putting out a UK-wide casting call on the BBC website this week, producers Studio Lambert wrote: “We are now accepting applications for the next series of Race Across the World. This experience is open to all, whether you’re a seasoned traveller or total novice.
“We want to hear what undertaking a trip like this would mean to you, and with a cash prize at stake, what lengths you would go to to win.”
Fancy it then? Applications for the next series of Race Across the World are now open for anyone over 18 years of age, with a deadline date of 29 March 2026, and you can find out more information and apply via the BBC website.
You may have heard of the funny Star Wars stripper show or even seen clips of it online, but rumour has it that nothing can quite prepare you for the cheekiness of seeing this romp in the flesh.
In case you’ve been completely immersed in the dark side until now, here’s what you can expect:
Now well over a decade into its success and more than 200 Las Vegas shows, ‘The Empire Strips Back’ made its long-awaited transatlantic debut earlier this year.
Getting away at London’s Riverside Studios from May and enjoying a run until this past August, the comedy-driven twist on the classic Star Wars stories and beloved sci-fi characters was an instant hit with us Brits.
It started in Australia way back in 2011 and has gone not only to tour across Europe, but land a coveted residency at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Nevada.
Now set to seek out new padawans and storm-strippers all over the cosmos, and by that we mean the UK, ‘The Empire Strips Back: Burlesque Parody’ is coming to Manchester.
Set to land at TESTBED in February from from Thursday 12 to Sunday 22 specifically, we cannot wait to see how this goes down with Northern crowds.
It’s also worth noting that this two-hour show, including intermission, is a strictly 18+ only event; if you’re interested, you can find out more info and grab your tickets right HERE.
Declan Kelly -
9th April 2025 
