5 West End Musicals You Should Be Getting Excited About Right Now
Posted on 30 March 2015
Whether you like new writing or old classics, there’s always something exciting going on in Theatreland. In fact, often there are so many shows opening and (sadly) closing that choosing what new show to see next can be overwhelming. To make sure you plan out the next few months of theatregoing with as little hassle as possible, here are the top 5 West End musicals you should be getting excited about right now!
5. Gypsy at the Savoy Theatre
Transferring to the West End after an infamous run at Chichester Festival last year, and starring the unstoppable Olivier Award-winning Imelda Staunton as Momma Rose, Gypsy at the Savoy Theatre is one musical you won’t want to miss! Aside from the fact that the show received rave reviews during its Chichester run, this production is also a must-see owing to the fact that it is the first time the show has been seen on the West End in 42 years. For this reason, if you’re thinking about grabbing yourself a ticket, don’t delay!
4. Bend It Like Beckham at the Phoenix Theatre
Reimagined from the 2002 film of the same name, boasting a bhangra inspired score by Charles Hart and Howard Goodall in collaboration with Kuljit Bhamra, and a cast of talented young performers led by Natalie Dew, Lauren Samuels and Jamie Campbell Bower, this new British musical is not to be missed. The characters are relatable, the story is relevant and the promise of the cast showcasing their football skills on stage makes this show hard to resist. With Made In Dagenham closing in less than a month, the West End is in need of new British musical that is unique and inspirational, and Bend It Like Beckham ticks all of those boxes and more. It certainly looks set to be a fun night out when it begins performances at the Phoenix Theatre on May 15th, so to make sure you’re one of the first to see it, book your tickets now!
3. High Society at The Old Vic
Screen to stage adaptations seem to be all the rage right now! April sees High Society begin performances at The Old Vic, so don your glad rags, grab your champagne and allow Cole Porter’s iconic music to transport you to the swinging thirties from the comfort of your seat. With a stunning cast including Kate Fleetwood and Jamie Parker, and the incredible Maria Freedman directing, High Society is set to be a sophisticated yet hilarious night out!
2. Kinky Boots at the Adelphi Theatre
After the successful reception of Memphis and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, the West End is welcoming another musical which originated on The Great White Way, the Tony Award winning Kinky Boots! While the cast has yet to be announced, this dazzling much-anticipated musical with songs by Cyndi Lauper is already surrounded by quite a buzz. Inspired by real events, and based off the much loved 2004 film of the same name, Kinky Boots has been warming the hearts of audiences in America for over 2 years now, and will no doubt do the same when it finally transfers here in August!
1. Elf at the Dominion Theatre
It is never too early to start thinking about Christmas, and if you’re already debating what to get for your stagey loved one, then why non treat them to a pair of tickets to see Elf, which will play its first performance on the 24th October at the Dominion Theatre. Although the beloved 2003 family film may not seem like the most obvious material for adaptation in to a big budget musical, it has delighted American audiences at Christmastime since 2010, and will surely be a hit with the young at heart this year.
