Grindr: The Opera returns to London in 2026

Above The Stag is back with Grindr: The Opera

Above The Stag Theatre has built its reputation on queer work that knows its audience. Musicals that lean into camp without apologising. Stories that feel specific, lived-in, and unafraid of pleasure or mess. It is a space where LGBTQ+ narratives are not softened for comfort, but presented with clarity and confidence. That approach has earned the theatre a loyal following, and a catalogue of shows that people talk about long after the curtain call.

This summer, Above The Stag returns with one of its most recognisable titles, Grindr: The Opera, opening at Union Theatre from 18 June to 19 July 2026, before heading out on a UK tour.

Written by Erik Ransom, who also provides the book, music, and lyrics, Grindr: The Opera takes the dating app and turns it into a theatrical force. The app is no longer just a tool or a backdrop, but a presence that shapes behaviour, fuels desire, and constantly interrupts the search for connection. Four men move through cycles of attraction, expectation, insecurity, and longing, while the app looms large over every decision they make.

The show plays openly with exaggeration, but the situations remain grounded in recognisable experience. Earlier productions were praised for capturing the push and pull of modern queer dating without slipping into judgement. Reviews highlighted its sharp humour, explicit honesty, and the way it balances satire with moments of genuine vulnerability. Audiences responded to how closely the show mirrored real behaviour, sometimes uncomfortably so.

The cast includes returning performers Christian Lunn, known for The Rocky Horror Show, who appeared in both the original 2018 production and the 2023 revival, alongside Dereck Walker, who was also part of the 2023 run. Further casting details will be announced closer to opening.

Musically, the piece moves between pop, musical theatre, and operatic pastiche, allowing each character to occupy a distinct emotional and vocal space. That range has been a key part of the show’s appeal, helping it stand out across previous London runs and earning it the Off West End Award for Best New Musical.

The new staging is directed and choreographed by William Spencer, with musical direction by Aaron Clingham. The production is produced by Peter Bull for Above The Stag Theatre, continuing the company’s focus on queer-led stories that speak directly to their community.

After its London run, Grindr: The Opera will tour across the UK, bringing the production to new audiences beyond the capital.

UK tour dates

London
Union Theatre
18 June to 19 July 2026

Birmingham
The Old Rep
28 July to 2 August 2026

Manchester
53two
5 to 29 August 2026

Liverpool
Unity Theatre
1 to 5 September 2026

Nottingham
Nottingham Arts Theatre
10 to 12 September 2026

Tickets for the London run