A new musical titled 'Caroline: A New Musical' is set to tour East Anglia in 2026, celebrating the region's rich cultural history and the rebellious spirit of pirate radio.

Written by Essex-based writer Vikki Stone and directed by Douglas Rintoul and Alex Thorpe, the musical aims to highlight East Anglia's creative legacy with a vibrant soundtrack and themes of mavericks who changed the airwaves.

The story centers on Caroline, a young woman whose life is transformed when her boyfriend joins Radio Caroline, a pirate station that defied legal challenges and shipwrecks to become a licensed broadcaster in the UK.

Featuring iconic 1960s hits performed by actor-musicians, the musical captures the era's spirit of love, ambition, and rebellion, emphasizing themes of finding one's voice.

The production aims to resonate with local audiences through its energetic, heartwarming, and rebellious qualities, celebrating regional pride and community engagement.

The musical follows Caroline's story, set against the backdrop of Radio Caroline's legendary broadcasts from a ship off the Essex coast, with performances including songs from the 1960s.

It is produced by the East Anglian Touring Consortium, supported by Arts Council England, with a focus on supporting local talent and reaching regional audiences.

The tour will visit several theatres, including Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, New Theatre Peterborough, Mercury Theatre Colchester, and Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds, starting at the New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich on 17 April 2026.

Tickets will start at £15 to promote accessibility across the region, ensuring that the musical is accessible to a broad audience.

The production emphasizes regional pride, community engagement, and storytelling rooted in East Anglia’s history, aiming to create high-quality, inclusive theatre.