With theatres beginning to make plans for allowing performances to happen, we take a look at some of the productions we are most looking forward to seeing in the West End…
& Juliet, Shaftesbury Theatre: I think we can all agree its going to be a massive celebration when theatres are fully open with no social distancing restrictions in place – and this musical is filled with joyful songs so its a good place to start. It was also the show that I had hoped to go and see for my birthday last year and sadly didn’t happen.
Retelling the story of Romeo & Juliet with contemporary songs by Max Martin many of those who love a bit of pop music will immensely enjoy this show. Catch up with our review here.
Mary Poppins, Prince Edward Theatre: I have never managed to see this musical on stage which is why it is on this list. Having managed to listen to the cast recording it seems like it is filled with fun and magic as well as a fabulous cast who I can’t wait to see on stage.
Cinderella, Gillian Lynne Theatre: Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new musical is set to be a big draw when theatres return. Starring Carrie Hope Fletcher in the title role, several songs from the musical have given us a strong hint of what to expect and the quality of them means that I’m really excited to see how the story is brought to life, having been based on an original idea by Emerald Fennell, the Emmy Award nominated lead scriptwriter of the second season of international smash hit Killing Eve.
Come From Away, Phoenix Theatre: so far I have only been able to catch this heartwarming and charming musical based on true events that took place in the aftermath of 9/11. Given how much I enjoyed the quality of the songs, the characters and the way in which a community came together to help those in need – this musical feels even more essential than ever to watch given the last year. Catch up with our review here.
Back to the Future the Musical, Adelphi Theatre: having had its run in Manchester sadly cut short due to the unfolding events of last year, this new musical based on the hit films heads to the West End this Summer. I’m genuinely curious to see how it is all brought to life. The cast is set to include Roger Bart and Olly Dobson as Dr Emmett Brown and Marty McFly and is directed by John Rando.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Palace Theatre: as a huge Harry Potter fan, I adored this production the first time I saw it – the way the magic happened, the story and the way we got to see the characters we know and love as adults – only with the next generation now getting themselves into trouble. It is a clever show that fans of Harry Potter will adore. Check out our review here.
Anything Goes, Barbican Theatre: there are a few reasons that I’m looking forward to seeing this revival on stage. One, it is not a musical that I have ever seen on stage before – so another one I can cross off my list! Two, Robert Lindsay is appearing in it – and having seen him in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels he has got a great stage presence and is immensely enjoyable to watch performing. Three, it features instantly singable songs such as ‘Anything Goes’ and ‘I Get a Kick Out of You’ – meaning that there is going to be plenty to be enjoyed musically. (Ok its not strictly speaking the West End – but it is still going to be worth catching!)
Hairspray, London Coliseum : when this is all over, we are going to need plenty of uplifting entertainment and Hairspray is certainly one of those musicals that make you feel happier. It is going to be great to see Michael Ball reprising his role as Edna, Marisha Wallace taking on the role of Motormouth Maybelle and Lizzie Bea as Tracy – it is going to be fun to see these characters being brought to life again.
Pretty Woman the Musical, Piccadilly Theatre: this was the last big musical that I saw in the West End before theatres were closed and so I would love to experience it again to remind myself of why exactly I enjoyed it the first time around. Throughout lockdown I have admittedly been playing the Broadway cast recording quite a bit which has helped – but not quite the same as experiencing the story and music live. Check out our review here.
Jersey Boys, Trafalgar Theatre: having missed out on this Tony and Olivier Award winning musical’s original West End run, its return means that I definitely need to catch it this time around. Since it was last on, I have got a little bit more familiar with the music which of course includes ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry’ and ‘Walk Like a Man’.
By Emma Clarendon