Bognor Regis welcomes musical sensation The Mystery Of Edwin Drood

Travel back in time for this utterly hilarious, yet deliciously dark murder mystery, brought to The University of Chichester’s Assembly Theatre in Bognor Regis, this November 2026.

Seats are filling fast as The University Of Chichester’s acclaimed Triple Threat Company concludes its autumn season with a hilarious and extravagant production of The Mystery Of Edwin Drood. With Book, Music and Lyrics by Rupert Holmes, this musical adaptation of Charles Dicken’s final, unfinished novel brings laughter, love and betrayal to the stage. Its colourful characters, witty storytelling and Tony Award-Winning score promise to have audience members roaring with laughter. This eagerly anticipated production is directed by Jamie Aspden, choreographed by Pamela Fleming, and musically directed by Matt Greaves - A creative team dedicated to bringing this wonderful gothic comedy to life.

This uproarious show begins as the Victorian musical troupe, the Music Hall Royale, launches into its flamboyant rendition of Dickens' unfinished story. When 20-year-old Edwin Drood, recently betrothed, mysteriously disappears on a stormy Christmas Eve, the company sets out to discover what has become of him. This show-within-a-show is an absolute delight, And with the ending far from set in stone, who knows where the story might lead? More importantly, whodunnit? 

Director Jamie Aspden said: 'It's a great opportunity to work with the students on this interactive musical. We're really excited to see what our audiences decide, and to share with them the way our show can shift and change around the voted for narrative choices. Staging the 'The Mystery of Edwin Drood' is a fantastic way for the students to stretch their understanding of what a musical theatre piece can be, and it will push them both stylistically and artistically, helping them to further develop their skills.'

With Dicken’s unable to deliver the story's true ending, the decision is given to the audience. Each and every performance invites the audience to vote for who they believe the murderer, the detective and the lovers to be. With over 480 possible combinations for the show's ending, audiences will truly never see the same show twice.

Course Leader Andrew Wright stated: “The Musical Theatre (Triple Threat) Programme has a strong track record of delivering productions of an exceptionally high standard, and these shows are a wonderful reflection of that. The quality we see on stage is a direct result of the rigorous, industry-focused training our students receive, and I’m incredibly proud of the way they have risen to these challenges.”

This Gothic Comedy is a side-splitting sensation, featuring songs such as “Moonfall”, “Perfect Strangers”, “Don’t Quit While You're Ahead” and “Both Sides of the Coin”. A soundtrack filled with the perfect blend of flashy broadway-style music, and melodramatic theatrical pieces. A showstopping end to Triple Threat’s autumn season, The Mystery Of Edwin Drood is a must watch, with wonderful choreography, jaw dropping plot twists, and a talented cast ready to bring you the newest era of modern musical theatre.

This spectacular show will take the stage at The Assembly Theatre, University of Chichester, Bognor Regis, PO21 1HR.

• Thursday 19th November at 7:30pm
• Friday 20th November at 7:30pm
• Saturday 21st November at 2:30pm & 7:30pm

Tickets for The Mystery Of Edwin Drood are available from:

https://www.ticketsource.com/universityofchichesterconservatoire/the-mystery-of-edwin-drood/e-ollbrl

When booking tickets for The Mystery Of Edwin Drood, you will be entitled to 50% off your booking for Triple Threat's production of The Drowsy Chaperone, using the discount code in your booking confirmation.