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If there ever was an exciting time for British musical theatre, it would be now, with the success of Operation Mincemeat, The Little Big Things and 42 Balloons to name but a few. The West End is bursting with new musicals, some British and some transfers from Broadway, and 2024 in particular has seen the opening of several new productions. The lovely team at London Box Office recently asked me to share some new musicals to see in London in 2024. To date I have only seen ‘Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)’, but I am intending to see many more before the end of the year. Looking for inspiration for what to watch next in the West End? Here are 7 new musicals to see in London in 2024.
Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
A new favourite of mine is ‘Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)’, a romantic comedy and two hander featuring twenty-somethings that live on either side of the Atlantic. Sam Tutty stars as the larger-than-life Dougal (British) and Dujonna Gift takes on the conflicted Robyn (American) in a musical that sees the pair cross paths ahead of a family wedding. With totally contrasting personalities, the duo navigate a stressful 48-hour period in New York, bonding over Chinese food and the differences between British and American customs. Featuring a score by Jim Barne and Kit Buchan, I saw the production in previews at the Criterion and this heartwarming and funny show is an absolute must-see in London right now. Hurry down to Piccadilly Circus to see it in action before the end of August.
Kiss Me, Kate
The renowned Cole Porter musical ‘Kiss Me, Kate’ has been around since the 1940s, but it is being revived at the Barbican Centre this summer in a new production, with Tony Award winner Stephanie J. Block (The Cher Show), Adrian Dunbar (Line Of Duty), Charlie Stemp (Crazy For You) and Georgina Onuorah (Oklahoma!) in the principal roles. I’ve never seen the show, but the promotional video looks incredible, with such talented performers at the helm. The creative team includes director Bartlett Sher (The King and I), choreographer Anthony Van Laast (Mamma Mia! and TINA) and costume designer Catherine Zuber (Moulin Rouge!), so this is sure to be an exciting revival. Performances start on 4th June.
MJ the Musical
‘MJ the Musical’ made its UK premiere in March, opening at the impressive Prince Edward Theatre in Soho. As a former home of Jersey Boys and Ain’t Too Proud, it feels like the fitting location for the latest jukebox musical based on the King of Pop. Tony Award winner Myles Frost is playing the titular character here in London, having won the award for the exact same role on Broadway. Focusing on the 1992 Dangerous World Tour, fans of Michael Jackson are sure to enjoy this musical reflection on this particular period of the star’s career.
Mean Girls
The musical adaptation of the hit 2000s film is finally heading to London, with preview performances starting at the Savoy Theatre in June. Fans of the hit film will finally get to see the cliques of North Shore High School on a West End stage, with Georgina Castle, Elèna Gyasi and Grace Mouat taking on the legendary plastics. The glamorous Savoy Theatre on the Strand feels like the perfect place for this production, following on from Legally Blonde (2010-2012) and Pretty Woman (2020-2023). Tina Fey has penned the book and Jeff Richmond and Nell Benjamin have provided the music and lyrics.
Hadestown
The long-awaited West End production of ‘Hadestown’ opened at the Lyric Theatre in February. Anaïs Mitchell’s musical based on the Ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice has been wowing audiences, with its haunting soundtrack. There is something truly enchanting about the song ‘Wait For Me’, which the company recently performed at the Olivier Awards. I am looking forward to seeing the production before it closes in January 2025.
Next to Normal
The Tony Award-winning rock musical ‘Next to Normal’ sold out the Donmar Warehouse last year and is about to transfer to Wyndham’s Theatre in the West End. Focusing on a mother with bipolar disorder, the production highlights the impact of treating the condition on her family. Covering complex but important themes, three of the cast members gained Olivier Award nominations for their performances, with the recent run receiving rave reviews. It will be fascinating to hear what audiences think of the show when it starts previews at its new London home from 18th June.
Standing at the Sky’s Edge
Winner of ‘Best New Musical’ at the 2023 Olivier Awards, ‘Standing at the Sky’s Edge’ has found a home at the Gillian Lynne Theatre in Covent Garden, following a critically acclaimed run at the National Theatre last year. Taking place in Sheffield across a period of 60 years, the musical follows three families living on the Park Hill council estate. With music and lyrics by Richard Hawley and a book by Chris Bush, I have heard such wonderful things about the musical and will definitely be squeezing in a trip to see the show before it closes.
An exciting year for new musicals
2024 is such a fantastic year for new musicals. If this shortlist has piqued your interest, head over to London Box Office’s website to book tickets to their best new London shows and best musicals in London. I plan to update this article as I watch more of the new musicals in the West End and will include links to each of the reviews.
Thanks for reading my blog today.
Love Kat xxxx
* This article was sponsored by London Box Office.
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