Theatre Shows That Should Have A Permanent Place in London’s West End

West End Wonders: Must-See Shows in 2024

London’s West End, celebrated as a global theatre hotspot, is gearing up for an exciting year in 2024. With a rich history of hosting diverse and compelling theatrical experiences, the West End remains a stage where dreams come to life. As we step into the new year, here’s a curated list of shows from the UK and around the world that we’re eagerly hoping will grace the West End.

1. Beetlejuice The Musical: From Broadway to London?

Based on Tim Burton’s cult film, this Broadway musical injects a dose of comedy into the strange and unusual. Following a teenager’s attempts to scare away her insufferable parents with the help of a degenerate demon and former house owners who are, well, dead, the musical goes beyond laughs to explore family, love, and seizing every moment. While producers keep details under wraps, the theatre grapevine hints at a 2024 West End debut for Beetlejuice.

2. Burlesque – A Big New Musical: Glamour Heads to the West End

Premiering at Manchester Opera House, this new musical adaptation of Burlesque is set to dazzle audiences in June 2024. With plans already in motion for a West End transfer in Winter 2024, the stage show brings to life the blockbuster musical movie’s glamour. Directed by Nick Winston, the production features songs from the film along with new compositions, promising a captivating experience.

3. Macbeth Starring David Tennant & Cush Jumbo: A 3D Sound Spectacle

Max Webster’s Donmar Warehouse production of Macbeth, starring David Tennant and Cush Jumbo, left audiences buzzing in 2023. This 5-star revival used binaural technology to create an intense 3D sound world, immersing the audience in the psychological drama. While it had a limited run at the intimate Donmar Warehouse, fans are crossing their fingers for a transfer to the larger West End stage.

4. Jagged Little Pill: Alanis Morissette’s Anthems

The electrifying Broadway musical inspired by Alanis Morissette’s iconic album, Jagged Little Pill, was slated for a West End debut in 2022. However, 2024 holds renewed hope for London audiences to witness this rock musical’s original story. With Morissette’s hits and Tony Award-winning director Diane Paulus at the helm, Jagged Little Pill promises an unforgettable experience.

5. Groundhog Day The Musical: A Comedy Classic Returns

After a brief stint at The Old Vic Theatre last year, Groundhog Day The Musical left audiences wanting more. Directed by Matthew Warchus and featuring Tim Minchin’s lyrics, this musical comedy, based on the 1993 film, received rave reviews. The West End could use more laughter, making a full-season run of Groundhog Day a welcome addition.

6. Summer: The Donna Summer Musical: Disco Fever Hits London

Who doesn’t love disco? This vibrant musical celebrating the life of Donna Summer, the Queen of Disco, features over 20 of her classic hits. While it’s typical jukebox fare, the Broadway success of Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, playing to packed houses, hints at a disco-filled party making its way to the West End.

7. Cold War: A Powerful Love Story

Described as “one of the best plays of 2023,” Cold War, a stage adaptation of Paweł Pawlikowski’s Academy Award-nominated film, premiered at the Almeida Theatre. Set against the backdrop of a divided Europe, this poignant musical, adapted by Conor McPherson, blends traditional Polish songs and music from Grammy Award-winner Elvis Costello. A West End transfer in 2024 seems almost certain.

8. Blood Brothers: A Timeless Classic Returns

Bill Kenwright’s production of the international smash hit musical Blood Brothers is currently touring the UK to sold-out performances. With critical acclaim and the show being considered “one of the best musicals ever written,” the return of this beloved classic to the West End is eagerly anticipated.

9. The Prom: A Campy Musical Comedy

This hilarious Broadway show, a musical about big Broadway stars, a small town, and the love that unites them all, won the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Musical. Known for its star-studded Netflix adaptation, The Prom is a campy delight that might soon grace the West End with its infectious energy.

10. The Artist: A Dazzling Silent Cinema Celebration

Drew McOnie’s stage adaptation of the Oscar-winning film The Artist is set to premiere at Theatre Royal Plymouth. With a dazzling celebration of silent cinema and Broadway’s Robbie Fairchild in the lead, the show is poised to capture hearts. London’s West End could be the next stop for this beguiling love story.

11. Starter for Ten: A Quiz Show Extravaganza

Starter for Ten, a joyous new musical based on the hit movie, is set against the backdrop of the legendary British quiz show University Challenge in 1980s Britain. Premiering at Bristol Old Vic, the musical promises an irresistible soundtrack inspired by the riotous student scene of the ’80s, making it a potential West End hit.

12. Boys From The Blackstuff: A Powerful Portrayal

James Graham’s adaptation of Alan Bleasdale’s television series Boys From The Blackstuff made waves at the Royal Court Liverpool in 2023. This powerful portrayal of working-class pride in 1980s Liverpool is a timely and ambitious production that could find its way to the West End in 2024.

13. Here You Come Again: Dolly Parton’s Musical Celebration

A new musical comedy set to the music of Dolly Parton, Here You Come Again, is set to receive its UK premiere at Leeds Playhouse. With a unique storyline about a has-been-who-never-was comedian and his unusual relationship with his idol, Dolly Parton, this show is primed for West End success.

14. Sinatra The Musical: The Legend’s Rise, Fall, and Rebirth

Sinatra The Musical, a stage production tracing the life of the legendary Frank Sinatra, had a limited run at The Rep in Birmingham. With 25 iconic hits and the enduring interest in Ol’ Blue Eyes, a West End transfer for this musical seems inevitable.

15. Free Your Mind: A Matrix-Inspired Immersive Experience

Free Your Mind, a large-scale immersive retelling of The Matrix, directed by Danny Boyle, premiered in Manchester. Exploring a world where humans are enslaved by algorithms, this show is a spectacular blend of dance, music, and visual effects. While no London transfer news has surfaced, the sheer magnitude of the production makes it a strong contender.

16. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button: A Folk-infused Tale

Described as an “utterly beautiful, achingly emotional new musical,” The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s short story, offers a heart-wrenching and timeless love story. With a foot-stomping folk score and actors playing their own instruments, this Southwark Playhouse success could find its way to the West End.

17. The Witches: Roald Dahl’s Musical Extravaganza

The National Theatre’s musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s The Witches is a rip-roaring version filled with wit, daring, and heart. With a stellar creative team, including Lucy Kirkwood and Tony Award-nominee Dave Malloy, this hit musical deserves either a West End transfer in 2024 or a return to the Olivier stage for another festive run.

As the anticipation builds for a spectacular year in London’s West End, these shows promise a diverse range of experiences, from musical comedy and classic adaptations to immersive storytelling and iconic tributes. Keep an eye on the marquees and get ready to be enchanted by the magic of live theatre in 2024!