Fans of one of the world’s most popular children’s book characters are in for a treat this autumn as Dog Man: The Musical arrives at Eastbourne’s Devonshire Park Theatre on Friday 4 and Saturday 5 September 2026 as part of its first major UK tour.
Based on the bestselling Dog Man graphic novel series by Dav Pilkey, the creator of Captain Underpants and Cat Kid Comic Club, this hilarious and heart-warming stage adaptation has already proved a huge success in America, enjoying packed houses, sell-out Off-Broadway seasons and successful US tours before making its European premiere.
The UK production is now touring theatres across the country, bringing the adventures of the lovable crime-fighting hero to audiences nationwide. The tour includes dates at venues including Leicester Curve, Crewe Lyceum, Southend Palace, Hertford Beam, Wolverhampton Grand and, of course, Eastbourne’s much-loved Devonshire Park Theatre.
The musical follows best friends George and Harold, two imaginative ten-year-olds who decide to create their own musical based on their favourite comic book character – Dog Man.
With the head of a dog and the body of a police officer, Dog Man is the ultimate superhero: loyal, determined and always ready to fight crime (although he does have a slight tendency to chew furniture). But when he faces enemies including Flippy the cyborg fish and Petey, the world’s most evil cat, even a hero like Dog Man has his work cut out.
The question is whether Dog Man can save the city, defeat his villains and help George and Harold finish their musical before lunchtime.
Packed with comedy, music and adventure, the production promises plenty of fun for children and adults alike. At its heart is a story about friendship, kindness, empathy and trying to become the best version of yourself – themes that have helped Dav Pilkey’s original books become a worldwide publishing phenomenon.
Since launching in 2016, the Dog Man series has sold more than 70 million copies worldwide and has been translated into 48 languages. The books have become firm favourites with young readers, thanks to their mixture of humour, imagination and positive messages.
The musical features a book and lyrics by Kevin Del Aguila, a two-time Emmy Award-winning writer known for the PBS series Peg + Cat, with music by Brad Alexander and direction and choreography by Jen Wineman.
The European production features a talented cast including Vanessa Dumatey as Flippy, Sam Kipling as Petey, Peter Lavery as Harold, Ricardo Mendes as George, Rebecca-Jo Roberts as Li’l Petey, Renan Teodoro as Dog Man, alongside Richener Bissereth, Shannon Bourne and Robert Wilkes.
The creative team includes acclaimed designers from Broadway and West End productions, with Paul Herbert joining the European premiere as Musical Director.
For families looking for an entertaining theatre experience during the school holidays, Dog Man: The Musical offers an energetic mix of colourful characters, catchy songs and laugh-out-loud moments.
Eastbourne audiences will have the chance to see this much-loved comic book hero brought to life when the production arrives at Devonshire Park Theatre on 4 & 5 September 2026.
With its combination of superhero adventure, comedy and heartfelt messages about friendship and doing good, Dog Man: The Musical looks set to be a popular addition to Eastbourne’s theatre calendar.
Tickets are available for the Eastbourne show here, and for the rest of the tour through the official tour website at www.Dogman.live.
