In this article I will do a little summary of many of the productions to look forward to in the musical theatre season of 2024. I'm going to link the websites with each one for more information and tickets if they are available yet, at the time of writing this. I am going to cover 21 musicals in this but bear in mind this is only on the West End, it is not a definitive list of all that's on offer. Anyway that's enough introductions let's get into what to look forward too.
Phantom of the Opera:
Phantom of the Opera is a love story and a tragedy and is based on a 1910 novel. Our main character Christine is a talented opera singer who becomes the main attraction of the opera house where our story is set. The elusive masked man who resides in the opera house develops a deep love for Christine. This musical follows the tale of their love. Click below for tickets and more information.
2- Starlight Express
Starlight Express is a fascinating musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber that follows and ambitious steam engine called Rusty. It follows races between different types of train and is traditionally performed completely on roller skates, which is quite a feat. Click below for tickets and more information.
3- Hamilton
Hamilton tells the story of Alexander Hamilton and his life as one of the founding fathers of the America. It uses rap music to narrate the story of his life in two action packed acts. Where you see his life as a revolutionary war hero and as a political scandal. A touching story of love, war and sacrifice. Click below for tickets and more information.
4- Wicked
Wicked shows the story of the witches of Oz and acts as an exploration of the relationship between the good witch Glinda and Elphaba or more often called the wicked witch of the west. This story shows the classic story of the wizard of Oz but from a different point of view. Click below for tickets and more information.
5- Bonnie and Clyde
Bonnie and Clyde follows the tragic tale of these infamous American outlaw duo, with love at it's core. It follows them in their crimes all driven by the great depression. From murder to robbery it tells this story in a new light that leaves you with nothing but love for these characters. Click below for tickets and more information as straight from the west end it's now on tour in the UK and Ireland.
6- Book of Mormon
This hilarious story from the creators of South Park and Avenue Q follows two missionaries as they try to recruit more people to the Mormon church. On their two-year mission this unlikely pairing try to fight for the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day saints come to a realisation that at the beginning seemed unthinkable. Click below for tickets and more information.
7- les Misérables
Les Miz follows the unrest of 19th century France. This show is full of moments of sheer emotion, tragedy and love. As it develops true characters and uses raw human emotion and truth to draw in the audience to leave them taken aback. It's been running for so long and there is a good reason for that! Click below for tickets and more information.Â
8- Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club
This one of a kind production of Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club you see from so many angles the truth in the lives of those living 1929-1930's Berlin. It has so many layers that this production highlights beautifully all set in the delicate politics and their influence on the characters. This is such a feat both emotionally and in terms of production, I would highly recommend. Click below for tickets and more information.Â
9- SIX
SIX shows the wives of Henry the VII in a whole new setting. It uses pop music to tell their unique stories in a concert like setting as they all to often don't get enough respect, this show is their demand for it. Click below for tickets and more information.Â
10- Mamma Mia
Mamma Mia probably the most famous jukebox musical ever featuring songs from ABBA that tell the love story of Sophie and Sky as Sophie searches for her father. Set in Greece this love story truly is a classic that is now being performed by the winners of ITV's Mamma Mia! I have a dream in the Novello Theatre. Click below for tickets and more information.
11- Tina
This musical follows the life of global singing superstar Tina Turner and her life story. With up's and down's all covered along with her famous songs on her journey from a small-town girl living in Tennessee to the sensational singer that is so well known and loved today. Click below for tickets and more information.
12- The lion King
The Disney story told on stage with detailed set and costume. Along with puppetry to bring the savannah to life. It is packed full of catchy songs that many grew up with, definitely a good family show that is much loved by so many age old musical theatre fans. Click below for tickets and more information.
13- Guys and Dolls
Guys and Dolls is set in New York and follows the romantic stories of Nathan and Sky, who are two gamblers trying to play the game to the best of their abilities. It features many famous songs such as 'Luck be a Lady' and many other crowd pleasers. Click below for tickets and more information.
14- Matilda
A fantastic set, costume and cartoon like characters. Based on the book by Roald Dahl that was later turned into a non-musical movie and now an epic stage show. Featuring hits like 'revolting children' and 'when I grow up'. Click below for tickets and more information.
15- The King and I
The King and I is a breath-taking show full of singing to the rafters with classic numbers such as 'shall we dance' and 'getting to know you'. A classic show that is fantastic for everyone, traditional musical theatre at it's best. Click below for tickets and more information.
16- Moulin Rouge
A poet from England called Christian falls in love in a forbidden fairy tale fashion with the star of the Moulin Rouge Satine. It's full of love, tragedy and defying odds. It has a wonderful unique soundtrack that was composed especially for this show unlike any other jukebox. I would highly recommend this show as both classic musical but also a very relevant show. Click below for tickets and more information.
17- Mean Girls
A high energy show filled with so many fantastic songs that carry this high school story through filled with laughs and fantastic characters. Every song is full of fun and based on the original well loved film. Click below for tickets and more information.
18- Everybody's talking about Jamie
a musical about Jamie New who is a teenager from Sheffield who dreams of becoming a stage sensation as a drag Queen. This show is based on a true story and is heart warming in showing how perseverance can fight typical expectations. A wonderful show that has been developed into a film and has been a massive hit! Click below for tickets and more information.
19- Hadestown
This show is beautifully composed and has rightfully won many awards for this. It is an innovative telling of the Greek myth of the love story between Orpheus and Eurydice who are desperately trying to escape the underworld that was ruled by Persephone and Hades. When they say it will be your next obsession they are not wrong as this show is finally hitting the West End after years of anticipation. Click below for tickets and more information.
20- A Chorus Line
A chorus line is a show about seventeen actors who audition for Broadway and through the process of this show reveal their interesting and personal history's. Click below for tickets and more information.
21- Next to Normal
This is another long awaited musical for the West End. Next to Normal follows Diana a woman with bipolar disorder. This award winning show explores the effect of this on her family and relationships. This emotional show is wonderfully put together in every aspect and with a brilliant rock musical theatre score. Click below for tickets and more information.
I hope you have enjoyed this introduction to the musical theatre filled year ahead. I hope this gave you a few ideas of shows to see or give a listen too this year.
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