Following the success of its premiere run, “Pinocchio” is set to return to Shakespeare’s Globe for the 2026 festive season, as announced on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. The production, which concluded its initial run on January 4, is based on Carlo Collodi‘s original stories about a wooden puppet and his creator Geppetto.
Shakespeare’s Globe announces the triumphant return of “Pinocchio” for 2026 after a wildly successful premiere run.
The musical captivated over 33,000 audience members during its 2025 debut, receiving widespread acclaim from critics and theatergoers alike. WhatsOnStage awarded the show five stars, describing it as “brimming with fun and magic,” while The Telegraph called it “the most enchanting show of the season.” The production aims to warm the coldest audience member with its joyful spirit and storytelling.
Directed by Associate Artistic Director Sean Holmes, “Pinocchio” features book and lyrics by Charlie Josephine, with music and lyrics by Jim Fortune. The creative team includes puppetry director Peter O’Rourke, designer Grace Smart, and choreographer Vicki Igbokwe-Ozoagu.
The original 2025 cast featured Lee Braithwaite as Pinocchio, Nick Holder as Geppetto, Lucy McCormick as the Blue Fairy and Cat, and Steven Webb as Jiminy Cricket and the Coachman. Puppeteers Stan Middleton, Aya Nakamura, and Andrea Sadler brought additional characters to life.
Casting for the 2026 production has not yet been announced.
The production focuses on Pinocchio’s journey to find family and discover the joy of being human, all infused with the communal spirit unique to the Globe theatre. The narrative explores Geppetto’s dreams of a life beyond his traditional town alongside his wooden creation. Holmes expressed his excitement, noting that the “labor of love” had been warmly embraced by audiences. The story explores the heartwarming transformation of the wooden puppet into flesh and blood during a magical theatrical experience.
The exact performance dates for the 2026-27 winter season remain to be announced. Priority booking for Globe members is already open, with public booking starting Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 10 am.
This revival continues the Globe’s tradition of winter shows in its open-air theatre, promising audiences another opportunity to experience what Broadway World described as a “truly magical” production featuring original music and enchanting puppetry.
