Whether you want to dance down the aisles to Sister Act or belt out The Bodyguard soundtrack, a visit to the theatre is a must this year.

With spectacular West End shows and feel-good family musicals, not to mention stars such as Craig Revel Horwood and Helen George, all coming to Kent in the next 12 months, here’s our guide to the top productions you won’t want to miss…

Annie

This family favourite returns to theatres this year, starring none other than Strictly Come Dancing’s Craig Revel Horwood. The TV judge is stepping back into the high heels of Miss Hannigan, having previously played the role to critical acclaim on the West End, for the 2023 tour, which will stop off in Dartford and Bromley. It will come shortly after his stint as director and choreographer of the Strictly Ballroom musical, which is currently on a nationwide tour starring Kevin Clifton and Maisie Smith.

The show, based on the 1970s Broadway musical and the 1982 film that followed, introduces audiences to little orphan Annie as she tries to escape her life under the tyranny of her ‘carer’, Miss Hannigan. Set in New York during the Great Depression, this childhood classic is brimming with a recognisable score featuring songs such as It’s the Hard Knock Life, Easy Street and Tomorrow.

You can book tickets online here.

Orchard Theatre, Dartford: Monday, May 1 to Saturday, May 6

Churchill Theatre, Bromley: Monday, July 24 to Saturday, July 29

The Bodyguard

Former Pussycat Doll Melody Thornton has some pretty big shoes to fill as she takes on the role of Rachel Marron in The Bodyguard. The character was made famous by Whitney Houston and her phenomenal hit I Will Always Love You in the 1992 film, and is now being reimagined for the stage in this stunning new production.

Melody, who sold more than 70 million albums as part of the girl group, will be performing some of Whitney's biggest hits, including So Emotional, Saving All My Love and I Wanna Dance with Somebody as Rachel Marron, a superstar who is under the protection of bodyguard Frank Farmer, played by former Hollyoaks actor Ayden Callaghan. Their thrilling love story was one of the most talked about on-screen relationships of the 1990s, and is now selling out theatres both in the West End and around the world more than 30 years later.

You can book tickets online here.

Orchard Theatre, Dartford: Monday, March 27 to Saturday, April 1

Churchill Theatre, Bromley: Monday, May 15 to Saturday, May 20

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Lose yourself in a world of pure imagination with a golden ticket to this exciting new production. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has been delighting audiences on the West End and Broadway for several years, and is now being given a fresh coat of paint before heading out on the road across the country, including 11 nights in Canterbury.

Based on the Roald Dahl book of the same name, this magical family show takes elements of the novel, along with songs from the 1971 film starring Gene Wilder and a new score from the team behind Hairspray, to create a delicious live experience. See Willy Wonka’s mysterious chocolate factory brought to life on stage and follow the five curious winners as they explore the inventor’s weird and wonderful world.

You can book tickets online here.

Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury: Wednesday, May 24 to Saturday, June 3

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

This inspiring story about a 16-year-old aspiring drag queen making their dreams come true has become a smash hit since opening in 2017. Based on the true story of Jamie Campbell, an ambitious schoolboy who overcame prejudice and bullying to become a glamorous performer, the musical has gained such popularity that it was turned into a film in 2021 starring Max Harwood, Sarah Lancashire, Sharon Horgan and Richard E. Grant.

The show features feel-good hits such as And You Don't Even Know It, Work of Art and Spotlight, written by The Feeling singer-songwriter Dan Gillespie Sells. After four years at the West End’s Apollo Theatre, this musical is now spreading its positive message of love, acceptance and reaching for the stars to theatres across the country.

You can book tickets online here.

Churchill Theatre, Bromley: Monday, October 2 to Saturday, October 7

Heathers

Go back to class and join the clique with the high school musical, Heathers. Based on the 1988 black comedy film, starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, this cult classic has been revived for the stage, featuring an all-new soundtrack of pop-rock hits.

The show follows the Heathers, a group of popular teenage girls at Westerberg High who find themselves in the middle of a murderous scheme carried out by a rebellious outcast and one of their own. The show won the Whatsonstage Award for Best New Musical and received critical acclaim for its two seasons on the West End before heading out on its upcoming UK tour.

You can book tickets online here.

Orchard Theatre, Dartford: Tuesday, May 23 to Saturday, May 27

The King and I

Call the Midwife star Helen George is set to appear in a new production of the award-winning musical, the King and I. The actor, who is best known for playing Trixie Franklin in the BBC drama, will star as Anna Leonowens in the tour, which kicks off its country-wide run in Canterbury. The TV star briefly swapped the hospital ward for the dancefloor in 2015 as she competed in Strictly Come Dancing with Aljaž Škorjanec, and is now returning to her roots on stage.

Set in 1860s Bangkok, the story follows an unconventional relationship between the King of Siam and Anna, a British schoolteacher who has been brought to the kingdom to teach the King’s wives and children. Based on Margaret Landon’s 1944 novel Anna and the King of Siam, the show made its Broadway debut in 1951 and has since toured the world. It was also adapted into an Oscar-winning film in 1956, starring Deborah Kerr and Yul Brynner.

You can book tickets online here.

Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury: Saturday, February 4 to Saturday, February 11

Orchard Theatre, Dartford: Tuesday, April 4 to Saturday, April 8

Sister Act

Join the sisterhood as this joyous comedy musical comes to town. This latest touring production features a stellar cast, with names such as TV legend Lesley Joseph, Olivier Award-winner Clive Rowe, West End sensation Lizzie Bea and Emmerdale and Waitress star Sandra Marvin all taking to the stage.

The musical, based on the 1992 film starring Whoopi Goldberg, features an original score by Alan Menken, who is also known for his award-winning work on films such as Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and Enchanted. The score is heavily influenced by Motown, soul and disco and includes numbers such as Take Me to Heaven and Fabulous Baby.

You can book tickets online here.

Orchard Theatre, Dartford: Monday, February 6 to Saturday, February 11

Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury: Monday, June 12 to Saturday, June 17

SIX

If you think you know the story of Henry VIII and his wives, think again. Feel-good, female-led musical SIX tells the story of one of the most well-known divorcés in history but, this time, we get to hear from his unlucky-in-love wives.

This fresh take on the famous Tudor tale is set against a backdrop of girl power and modern pop and, since its debut at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2017, has become an international success. The 80-minute concert-style musical has been a sold-out hit on West End and Broadway stages, was nominated for five Olivier Awards including Best New Musical, and won the Whatsonstage Awards for Best West End Show and Best Off West End Production in 2022 and 2019, respectively.

You can book tickets online here.

Orchard Theatre, Dartford: Tuesday, January 24 to Sunday, January 29

Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells: Tuesday, April 25 to Saturday, April 29