Daijiworld Media Network - London
London, Nov 13: The much-loved story of ‘To Sir, With Love’ is set to return to the stage in a new musical adaptation, with Olivier Award winner Matt Henry playing the lead role. The production will begin its UK tour in April 2027, opening at Leeds Grand Theatre before travelling to Hull, Manchester and London.
Henry will portray Mr Braithwaite, the teacher at the heart of the story. The announcement comes ahead of the 60th anniversary of the original 1967 film, which starred Sidney Poitier and gained recognition for its portrayal of a teacher building a bond with a group of challenging students.
The musical is being presented by producer Kris Lythgoe, along with Sam Quested and Darren Bell of QUBE Theatricals. It follows two sold-out concert performances at London's Gillian Lynne Theatre in November 2025, featuring Lulu and Wayne Brady.
The cast also includes Olivier Award-nominated actress Amy Di Bartolomeo as Ms Blanchard, while Lucy Benjamin, known for her role in ‘EastEnders’, will play Ms Dale-Evans. Ben Richards has been cast as Mr Florian, and Georgia May Foote, known for ‘Coronation Street’ and ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, will portray Pamela Dare.
The musical will open at Leeds Grand Theatre on April 15, 2027, with its official opening night gala scheduled for April 21 in support of the Ben Kinsella Trust.
The production will then move to Hull's New Theatre from May 5 to 8, followed by Manchester Palace Theatre from May 11 to 15. It will conclude this leg of the tour at London's New Wimbledon Theatre, with performances scheduled from May 18 to 22.
Based on E R Braithwaite's memoir, the story follows Rick Braithwaite, a Cambridge-educated engineer and former Royal Air Force fighter pilot who takes up a teaching position and faces the challenge of connecting with a group of young students.
Instead of treating them merely as difficult teenagers, Braithwaite tries to understand their circumstances and prepare them for adult life. Through his unconventional approach, he teaches them respect, confidence and responsibility, going beyond conventional classroom lessons.
The musical will feature the popular title song, made famous by Lulu and written by Don Black and Mark London. It will also include original music and lyrics by John Farrar, known for his work on ‘Grease’ and ‘Xanadu’, and Kara DioGuardi, who has been associated with ‘American Idol’. The book has been written by Lythgoe.
The production will be directed by two-time Tony Award nominee Sheldon Epps, with choreography by Kieran Donovan.
Following the successful 2025 concert performances, the new adaptation will bring the story to audiences in a fully staged musical format. With the original film approaching its 60th anniversary, the production aims to introduce the timeless teacher-student story to a new generation.