The new musical The Radium Girls will receive its world premiere at Southwark Playhouse Borough in March 2027, directed by Marissa Jaret Winokur. The production explores the real-life experiences of women factory workers in the 1920s, blending horror and comedy in a unique theatrical approach.

The Radium Girls, inspired by the true stories of women who painted luminous watch dials at the United States Radium Corporation, follows the ambitious teenager Olive and her friends as they navigate the dangers of their work environment. The show promises a “horror-laced” musical comedy tone.

Marissa Jaret Winokur, widely recognised for originating the role of Tracy Turnblad in Broadway’s Hairspray, will direct the world premiere. Chadd McMillan is associate director, with Jonathan Bauerfeld as orchestrator and Rebecca Reaney choreographing the production.

The piece features music and book by Amanda D’Archangelis, with lyrics and book contributions from Sami Horneff and Lisa Mongillo. The creative team also includes casting director Harry Blumenau, executive producer RJG Productions, and general manager HFH Productions.

Produced by High Octave Productions and co-produced by Stubbs and Saul Productions, the musical’s creative lead Wendy Morgan-Hunter highlighted the balance of dark history with heartfelt storytelling. She noted how the writers “have found a way to retell it with heart and humor – honoring the memories of these young women and their loved ones”.

The show will run from 20 March to 8 May 2027 at Southwark Playhouse Borough, with a press night scheduled for 30 March. This marks a significant addition to the theatre’s commitment to presenting fresh and socially resonant new works.

The Radium Girls story continues to resonate as it is now taught in schools across both the US and UK, underlining the production’s wider cultural importance. The musical offers a new artistic lens on the industrial tragedies faced by early 20th-century women workers.