'JOY: A New Musical' to have UK premiere

The new musical tells the true story of pioneering inventor and entrepreneur Joy Mangano, who turned a household chore into an incredible new product with the Miracle Mop.

Summary

• JOY: A New Musical will have its UK premiere at Southwark Playhouse
• The show ran off Broadway in 2025 with Betsy Wolfe in the title role
• The musical tells the true story of pioneering inventor and entrepreneur Joy Mangano

JOY: A New Musical will make its UK premiere at Southwark Playhouse Elephant next February. Performances will run at the London venue from 20 February to 10 April 2027.

The new musical, which had an Off-Broadway run in 2025, with Betsy Wolfe in the title role, tells the true story of pioneering inventor and entrepreneur Joy Mangano, who turned a household chore into an incredible new product with the Miracle Mop.

The story was seen on screen in the 2015 Oscar-nominated film Joy, starring Jennifer Lawrence.

Mangano said, "From selling out on QVC in the 90s to taking centre stage in London with JOY: A New Musical - what an incredible journey! Seeing my life set to music is beyond spectacular. If audiences leave with more joy in their hearts and bigger dreams in their minds, then that's the real magic!"

The production has music and lyrics by Grammy and Tony Award-nominated AnnMarie Milazzo (Devil Wears Prada 2; Spring Awakening, Next to Normal) and book by Tony Award-winning Broadway producer Ken Davenport (Groundhog Day, Spring Awakening, Kinky Boots), with direction by Lorin Latarro (Choreography for Waitress, Mrs. Doubtfire) and choreography by two-time Emmy Award-winning and Tony Award-nominated Joshua Bergasse (Smash, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory).

The rest of the creative team includes set designer Lu Herbert, costume designer Tina McCartney, video designer David Bengali, and Grammy-nominated musical supervisor Andy Einhorn.

Latarro said, "I am excited for London audiences to experience the new musical JOY, a real-life story so inspiring, funny and poignant. AnnMarie Milazzo’s music is breathtaking and witty."

Casting for the UK premiere will be announced in due course.

Check back for JOY: A New Musical tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk