New musical Pinocchio will return to Shakespeare’s Globe for the 2026 festive season following its premiere in November 2025.
Based on Carlo Collodi’s original stories, Pinocchio is directed by Sean Holmes, with book and lyrics by Charlie Josephine and music and lyrics by Jim Fortune.
This adaptation follows the restless maverick Geppetto after he makes a magical wooden puppet called Pinocchio as he dreams of a life away from his traditional town. Together, the pair set out to find family and discover the wonder of being human alongside original music from Jim Fortune, and magical puppetry, directed and designed by Peter O’Rourke.
The original creative team behind the production included associate director Roberta Zuric, choreography by Vicki Igbokwe-Ozoagu, design by Grace Smart, and musical director Benjamin Holder. The orchestrator was Zac Gvi, with sound design by Tony Gayle and voice coaching from Liz Flint.
The current production of Pinocchio starred Lee Braithwaite as Pinocchio, Jennifer Caldwell as Ensemble/Swing, Michael Elcock as Carpenter/Rabbit Prince Charming, Kerry Frampton as Fox, Jamal Franklin as Ensemble/Swing, Ed Gaughan as Franzini, Nick Holder as Geppetto, Lizzy Ives as Ensemble/Swing, Lucy McCormick as Blue Fairy/Cat, Kody Mortimer as Ensemble/Swing and Steven Webb as Giacomo Cricket/Coachman.
Stan Middleton, Aya Nakamura and Andrea Sadler joined the company as puppeteers. Casting was by Becky Paris.
Pinocchio completed its current run on Sunday, January 4. It will open at Shakespeare’s Globe in winter 2026, with casting and dates yet to be announced.
Top image: Lucy McCormick as Cat, Aya Nakamura as puppeteer, Lee Braithwaite as Pinocchio and Kerry Frampton as Fox in Pinocchio at Shakespeare’s Globe. Credit Johan Persson (image supplied)