What Movies Later Became Shows In The West End

Updated May 2024

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Movies That Became West End Shows

If you are local to London or visit every year or so for a long weekend that a theatre booking must cross your mind. The entertainment industry is filled with creative minds that are constantly searching for new ways to engage audiences. One popular trend in recent years has been adapting movies into live stage productions. Many successful shows that originated from movies have graced the stages of the West End, drawing in large crowds of theater-goers night after night.

Dirty Dancing:

Dirty Dancing is a classic movie from the 1980s that has inspired a generation with its iconic dance scenes and memorable soundtrack. In 2006, the film was adapted into a stage musical, which premiered in Sydney before heading to London’s West End. The show proved to be a hit with audiences, capturing the essence of the movie’s story and spirit through song and dance.

Back to the Future:

Back to the Future is a science fiction comedy film that tells the story of a high school student who travels back in time and accidentally interferes with his parents’ meeting, threatening his own existence. In 2015, the movie was adapted into a stage musical that premiered in Manchester before heading to the West End. The show received positive reviews, with audiences loving the recreation of iconic scenes and music from the original movie.

The Lion King:

The Lion King is an animated movie that tells the story of a young lion prince who must reclaim his throne from his treacherous uncle. The movie was adapted into a stage musical in 1997 and premiered on Broadway before heading to London’s West End. The show is known for its stunning visual effects and powerful performances, which have captivated audiences for over two decades.

Frozen:

Frozen is a Disney movie that tells the story of two sisters who embark on a journey to save their kingdom from an eternal winter. The movie was adapted into a stage musical, which premiered on Broadway in 2018 before opening in London’s West End the following year. The show is known for its stunning set design and memorable music, which have brought the story of Anna and Elsa to life on stage.

Mary Poppins:

Mary Poppins is a beloved Disney movie that tells the story of a magical nanny who helps a troubled family learn to appreciate each other. In 2004, the movie was adapted into a stage musical, which premiered in London’s West End before heading to Broadway. The show features beloved songs from the movie, as well as new additions, and has been praised for its inventive staging and heartwarming story.

School of Rock:

School of Rock is a 2003 movie starring Jack Black, in which a struggling musician poses as a substitute teacher and turns his class into a rock band. The movie was adapted into a stage musical in 2015, which premiered on Broadway before heading to London’s West End. The show features a rockin’ score by Andrew Lloyd Webber and has been praised for its talented young cast and infectious energy.

Hairspray:

Hairspray is a 2007 movie based on the 2002 musical of the same name, which tells the story of a teenage girl in the 1960s who dreams of becoming a dancer on a TV show. The musical was adapted into a movie in 2007, and then later revived on Broadway in 2019. The show has been praised for its infectious music, high-energy dance numbers, and powerful message of acceptance and inclusivity.

The Woman in Black:

The Woman in Black is a horror movie that tells the story of a lawyer who travels to a remote village to settle the affairs of a deceased client, only to encounter a vengeful ghost. The movie was adapted into a stage play in 1989, which premiered in London’s West End. The show is known for its spine-tingling atmosphere and clever use of stagecraft, which have made it a favorite among theater-goers.

Meanwhile other shows like The Phantom of the Opera and Hamilton later become films.

In conclusion, the trend of adapting movies into live stage productions has proven to be successful in the West End, with many shows drawing in large crowds and receiving critical acclaim. From Dirty Dancing to The Woman in Black, to The Prince Of Egypt, Big, Fame and Waitress, where each show brings its unique take on the original movie, with stunning visuals, powerful performances, and memorable music that capture the hearts of theater-goers night after night.