Newly Available for Licensing – May 2026 (UK)

May day means we can bask in the vitality of spring – and also new plays and musicals to perform! Check out these titles, newly available as of May from Concord Theatricals in the UK.

Emma by Andrew Davies, adapted from Jane Austen – Now available for amateur licensing!
(Full-Length Play, Dramatic Comedy / 8w, 7m + ensemble)
Following his celebrated adaptation of Pride and Prejudice comes Andrew Davies’ Emma, the snappy and witty adaptation of the 1996 BBC movie. After successfully finding a husband for her governess, young, rich and clever Emma Woodhouse is determined to match other potential couples. When a match for her new best friend Harriet fails, will the adept matchmaker be able to recover, especially in the face of her disapproving father? And how might her misjudgements affect her own romantic prospects? Time will tell in this faithful yet playful adaptation of Austen’s novel about the intricate social hierarchies surrounding marriage in the Regency era.

Finn by Christopher Dimond, Michael Kooman and Chris Nee – Now available for amateur and professional licensing!
(Short Musical, Comedy / 4w, 3m + ensemble)
Hilarious and heartwarming, this underwater musical chronicles the coming-of-age journey of Finn, a young shark who dreams of following in his family’s footsteps by joining the prestigious Shark Guard. As Finn faces the challenges of growing up and following his heart, his musical story becomes a magical journey of self-discovery, friendship and adventure. Explores the depths of the brilliant and beautiful ocean with quirky sea creatures and catchy tunes in this deeply moving, vibrant show for any audience.

Gods & Monsters by Thomas Mullen from the novel by Christopher Bram
(Full-Length Play, Drama / 1w, 4m)
This new stage adaptation of Bram’s bestselling novel Father of Frankenstein and the Oscar-winning film Gods & Monsters is a haunting and tender (though fictionalized) account of the last days of acclaimed film director James Whale’s life. Decades after his Hollywood success as director of hits like Frankenstein, Whale is retired and facing dementia. When he takes an interest in the new gardener Clayton, it appears to be for something more than his usual casual conquests. This daring and poignant play explores issues of aging, race, sexuality and bigotry with intelligence, insight and compassion.

Spitfire Girls by Katherine Senior – Now available for amateur licensing!
(Full-Length Play, Drama / 3w, 2m + ensemble)
New Year’s Eve, 1959. Decades after answering the call, two women separated by the war meet again as the rain hammers down on the windows of The Spitfire Pub. As they share their story, the setting shifts back to a time when female pioneers defied expectations and soared through the skies. Funny and heartwarming, this untold story of strength, courage and loss is inspired by the extraordinary true stories of the women who dared to fly during World War II and the incredible bond that tied them together.

To be, or not to bother? by David Tristram – Now available for amateur licensing!
(Short Play, Dramatic Comedy / 2w, 2m)
In the eighth theatrical installment of the hugely popular Little Grimley series, which follows the antics of a hapless Amateur Dramatic Society desperate for audiences, the troupe decides to tackle Shakespeare. The world’s greatest playwright paired with the world’s worst amateur dramatic society. What could possibly go wrong? Memorable results ensue in this highly theatrical comedy.

For more new titles, read more in our Newly Available for Licensing series on Breaking Character or visit the Concord Theatricals website in the UK for more plays and musicals.