Fans of both film and musical theatre in the UK have plenty to celebrate this February, as two major entertainment stories are lighting up screens and stages across the country. On one hand, the much-anticipated dark comedy film Twinless starring Dylan O'Brien and James Sweeney finally lands in cinemas, offering a fresh and unpredictable take on grief, friendship, and identity. On the other, the ever-popular 9 to 5 The Musical announces a major extension to its nationwide tour, cementing its place as a feel-good staple for audiences hungry for live theatre's magic and energy.
For moviegoers, Twinless is poised to be a standout. According to Cover Media, the film stars Dylan O'Brien—well known for his roles in Teen Wolf and The Maze Runner—in what critics are calling a career-defining performance. O'Brien takes on the challenging dual role of Roman and his deceased identical twin Rocky, a narrative twist that not only pushes his acting range but also brings a deeply personal element to the story. Roman, reeling from the loss of Rocky, attends a support group for people grieving their twins—a premise that immediately sets the stage for both heartfelt and darkly comedic moments.
It’s at this support group that Roman meets Dennis, played by the film’s writer and director James Sweeney. Dennis, also dealing with the loss of a twin, quickly forms a close bond with Roman. The two become best friends, seemingly filling the emotional void left by their respective losses. But as Cover Media notes, this friendship is soon tested when Roman begins to date Marcie, a colleague of Dennis’s played by Aisling Francoisi. The dynamic shifts, and Dennis’s true nature starts to unravel in unexpected ways—"Dennis is not who he says he is," the review teases, hinting at the film’s many wild twists and character revelations.
James Sweeney’s triple-threat involvement—as writer, director, and actor—has garnered particular praise. His screenplay is described as "brilliant," with a "twisted sense of humour" that manages to make Twinless "frequently laugh-out-loud funny despite its dark premise." Sweeney’s ability to build complex, relatable characters and then upend expectations is being lauded as a key strength. As Cover Media puts it, "If writing wasn’t enough, Sweeney also directed the film and has one of the leading roles, which is a lot of duties to take on. He has only acted in two of his own films – plus several shorts – but you would never know because he is so natural and plays the unpredictable Dennis so subtly."
Dylan O'Brien, meanwhile, is earning accolades for his dual performance. According to critics, "O’Brien takes his acting to a whole new level with a dual role that proves his range and talent. If you didn’t think O’Brien was a good actor before, Twinless will make sure you do now." Francoisi’s portrayal of Marcie also stands out, described as "a delight as the sunny Marcie, who is sweet and kind but can see through Dennis’ lies more than Roman."
The film’s unpredictable narrative and sharp humor have made it a festival darling, with audiences and critics alike recommending that viewers go in knowing as little as possible to fully enjoy the rollercoaster of revelations. Twinless is now playing in cinemas nationwide as of February 6, 2026, and is widely regarded as "a top-tier movie from start to finish."
While Twinless brings a new edge to the big screen, the stage is buzzing with news of 9 to 5 The Musical's extended UK tour. Landmark Theatres, in partnership with Music Theatre International, has announced that due to overwhelming demand, the tour will now run until September 2026. As reported by Landmark Theatres, tickets for the extended run go on sale on February 6, 2026, and the production opens at Peterborough New Theatre in July.
The new tour dates include stops at Bridlington Spa, Ipswich Regent Theatre, Worthing Pavilion Theatre, Coventry Belgrade Theatre, and White Rock Theatre in Hastings, in addition to previously announced venues such as Queen’s Theatre Barnstaple, Blackpool Grand, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford, and Darlington Hippodrome. For musical theatre fans, this means even more opportunities to catch the "ultimate feel-good musical comedy" in a town near them.
This production is a significant milestone for Landmark Theatres, as it marks their first in-house production to tour nationally. Directed by Paul Jepson, with musical supervision by Mark Crossland and set and costume design by Amanda Stoodley, the show is set to dazzle audiences with its "sass, style, and a whole lot of ‘Dolly’ sparkle." The star cast is yet to be announced, adding an extra layer of anticipation for theatre-goers eager to see who will take on the iconic roles made famous by Dolly Parton and her co-stars in the original film and Broadway adaptation.
Paul Jepson, CEO and Creative Director at Landmark Theatres, expressed his excitement about the extension, saying, "We’re thrilled to extend the tour of 9 to 5 The Musical following such an incredible response. This is Landmark Theatres’ biggest tour to date and represents a pivotal moment in our growth as a producing organisation. It reflects our ambition to create bold, popular musical theatre at scale, with exceptional acting, reaching audiences far beyond our own venues. We can’t wait to share this joyful, empowering production with communities across the country and continue building vibrant, inclusive theatre that truly connects."
The show’s enduring popularity speaks to its universal themes of empowerment, friendship, and standing up for what’s right—wrapped up in toe-tapping tunes and plenty of laughs. For many, the musical’s extension is a welcome sign that live theatre is not only back, but thriving, drawing in new fans and old alike.
Both Twinless and 9 to 5 The Musical highlight the diversity and vibrancy of the UK’s arts and culture scene in 2026. From the darkly comic and emotionally rich storytelling of Sweeney’s film to the high-energy, crowd-pleasing spectacle of a hit musical, there’s something for every taste. With tickets now available for both, audiences have the perfect excuse to step out, settle in, and lose themselves in stories that promise to entertain, challenge, and inspire.
Whether you’re in the mood for a film that keeps you guessing or a musical that sends you home humming, this week’s releases are a reminder of just how much the arts can offer. Don’t miss your chance to experience these standout productions—on screen or on stage, the spotlight is shining bright.