‘It is Well with My Soul’: musical back on tour in 2026
An evangelistic musical written by Baptist minister Gareth Hides which tells the story of the people behind the classic Gospel hymn is touring for the fourth time
It is Well with My Soul premiered in June 2023 before embarking on tours in 2024 and 2025.
Six shows have been organised for early May, as well as an open dress rehearsal on 30 April. Three are at Baptist churches, including Ravenscourt Baptist Church, Hammersmith (6 May), Romford Baptist Church (7 May), and Pollards Hill Baptist Church, South London (9 May), with further shows in Retford, Dudley, Evesham and Worthing. Full details below.
The musical invites audiences to explore the Gospel message of hope as an anchor for the soul. In the storms of life, is it well with your soul?
Gareth, who started writing the musical and composing the songs in April 2020 during the first lockdown, says, 'On 1 June, we will celebrate three years since the premiere of the musical It is Well with My Soul. The composer Stephen Sondheim once said, “Musicals aren’t written, they’re rewritten.”
'And it’s true! It’s certainly been a journey of shaping and refining. This May, we will tour the production again.
'Why? Simply, because there are more people who need to hear the enduring message of Gospel hope at its core; because churches want to host a performance as part of their wider outreach. Because there are more friends for Christians to invite along.
'Though the show may not appeal to many atheists (or even those who dislike musicals!), we find that it seems to connect with those on the fringes of church or who may have come from a Christian background.
'On our last tour, we performed in a prison. As a team, we had the privilege of praying with several of the men afterwards. It was a very humbling experience with a real sense of God’s presence.'
It is Well with My Soul is a beloved hymn which experienced a surge in popularity during Covid 19 due to its 'rich history of consoling Christians in times of crisis'. Its lyrics are by Horatio Spafford and music by Philip Bliss, and the musical follows Philip and his wife, Lucy, as they move to the growing metropolis of Chicago at the end of the American Civil War to build a new life.
There they encounter lawyer Horatio Spafford and his wife Anna; producer and publisher George Root; and preacher and philanthropist D.L. Moody.
As Philip gains prominence as a soloist and hymn writer, he faces ethical challenges and the temptations of his new life. The story explores how the Blisses and Spaffords navigate the tragic circumstances of the Great Chicago Fire and the heartbreaking loss of the Spafford daughters in the sinking of the Ville du Havre. Audiences therefore experience 'an enduring message of steadfast faith in the midst of tragedy and suffering.'
Gareth adds, 'Will we still be touring the show in 3 years time? As long as it continues to connect with audiences and there is a demand, we will by God’s grace!'
He says Handiwork Productions, the theatre company behind the show, are currently taking bookings for another tour in January 2027, as a follow-up for churches to their Christmas events.
Tour Dates
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Thursday 30 April, 6pm - St. Saviour's Church, Retford (open dress rehearsal)
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Friday 1 May, 7pm - Himley Road Methodist Church, Dudley
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Saturday 2 May, 7pm - Badsey Remembrance Hall, Evesham
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Wednesday 6 May, 7pm - Ravenscourt Baptist Church, Hammersmith
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Thursday 7 May, 7pm - Romford Baptist Church, Romford
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Friday 8 May, 7pm - Offington Park Methodist Church, Worthing
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Saturday 9 May, 7pm - Pollards Hill Baptist Church, South London
Baptist Times, 24/04/2026