NEWS: JOY – A NEW MUSICAL ANNOUNCES UK PREMIERE AT SOUTHWARK PLAYHOUSE ELEPHANT

A brand-new musical celebrating the extraordinary true story of inventor and entrepreneur Joy Mangano is heading to London in 2027.

JOY: A New Musical will make its UK premiere at Southwark Playhouse Elephant from 20 February to 10 April 2027, following its Off-Broadway debut in New York in 2025.

From the Tony and Olivier Award-winning producers associated with Groundhog Day, Spring Awakening and Kinky Boots, the musical promises an uplifting story of determination, ambition and female empowerment, with original music, humour and plenty of heart.

The True Story Behind JOY: A New Musical

Based on the remarkable life of Joy Mangano, the musical follows a single mother from suburban Long Island who dreams of creating a better future for herself and her family.

When an everyday household frustration inspires an inventive idea, Joy develops the Miracle Mop, a revolutionary cleaning product that will change her life forever. Determined to make her invention a success, she takes a chance on herself and pitches the product to television shopping channel QVC.

In just 30 minutes on air, an incredible 18,000 mops are sold, launching Joy on a journey from aspiring inventor to successful businesswoman.

Her story was previously brought to the big screen in the 2015 Oscar-nominated film Joy, starring Jennifer Lawrence. This new stage musical offers audiences another opportunity to discover the woman behind the invention, exploring her determination to overcome obstacles and build a business on her own terms.

Joy Mangano Reacts to the Musical's London Premiere

Joy Mangano has shared her excitement about seeing her life story brought to the London stage. Reflecting on her journey from selling products on QVC in the 1990s to becoming the inspiration for a new musical, she described the experience as extraordinary. She hopes audiences will leave feeling inspired and confident to pursue their own dreams.

An Award-Winning Creative Team

JOY: A New Musical features music and lyrics by Grammy and Tony Award-nominated AnnMarie Milazzo, whose credits include Spring Awakening and Next to Normal. The book is by Tony Award-winning Broadway producer Ken Davenport, associated with Groundhog Day, Spring Awakening and Kinky Boots.

Direction comes from Lorin Latarro, known for choreography on Waitress and Mrs. Doubtfire, while choreography is by two-time Emmy Award winner and Tony Award nominee Joshua Bergasse, whose credits include Smash and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

The production is led by three-time Tony Award-winning producer Sandi Moran, whose credits include Hadestown, Sister Act and Moulin Rouge! The wider creative team includes set designer Lu Herbert, costume designer Tina McCartney, video designer David Bengali and Grammy-nominated musical supervisor Andy Einhorn.

Director Lorin Latarro has expressed her excitement about introducing London audiences to Joy's inspiring, funny and moving story, praising AnnMarie Milazzo's music for its wit and emotional impact.

From Off-Broadway to London

JOY: A New Musical made its Off-Broadway debut at New York's Laura Pels Theatre in 2025, with Broadway performer Betsy Wolfe, whose credits include & Juliet and Waitress, taking on the title role.

Following its New York run, the musical is preparing for its UK premiere at Southwark Playhouse Elephant. Casting for the London production has yet to be announced, with further details expected in due course.

JOY: A New Musical – Dates and Tickets

JOY: A New Musical runs at Southwark Playhouse Elephant, 1 Dante Place, London SE11 4RX, from Saturday 20 February to Saturday 10 April 2027.

Standard tickets start at £20, concessions from £16 and previews cost £16. A special Pioneers' Preview on 20 February offers tickets for £10.

The production has an approximate running time of 90 minutes and is recommended for ages eight and above. Please note that the show contains strong language.

Book tickets at https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/joy/ and find out more at https://joythemusical.com/.