Birmingham Hippodrome’s New Musical Theatre department has revealed One Tiny Penguin as the next show in its My First Musical series, set to run over the 2026 festive period. The production aims to engage young audiences aged three and over with a story of identity and adventure.

One Tiny Penguin will be staged at Birmingham Hippodrome’s Patrick Studio from Saturday 5 December 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027. It is the third instalment in the theatre’s My First Musical series, following No Such Thing as Wolves and The Jingleclaw.

The musical features music and lyrics by Jordan Li-Smith, with book and lyrics by Julie Tsang. It is directed by Laura Ryder, with the story centred on Lumi, a tiny penguin tasked with travelling from the North Pole to the South Pole to light up the sky.

The production is designed for audiences aged three and upwards, reflecting the theatre’s commitment to family-friendly programming. It aims to resonate with children and families, particularly those who identify with a sense of belonging to more than one place.

Writers Li-Smith and Tsang described the show as “a love letter to those who feel their identity is from more than one place”. They welcomed the collaboration with Birmingham Hippodrome’s new musical theatre department, which has supported their work.

Deirdre O’Halloran, head of new musical theatre at Birmingham Hippodrome, expressed enthusiasm for the project. She praised the creative team as “a powerhouse” dedicated to children’s theatre, and said the show would “light up the Patrick Studio stage”.

The announcement continues Birmingham Hippodrome’s recent focus on new musicals for young audiences, building on the success of earlier productions in the My First Musical series. The venue remains a hub for inventive family theatre during the holiday season.