January is usually the month of fresh starts and new beginnings, as we embark upon a new calendar year. For me January also means a new year of theatre, in the West End and across the UK. To celebrate the start of the new year, the team at London Box Office asked me to share my best shows to see in London in 2024. There are lots of new and exciting openings, including the long-awaited arrival of Mean Girls, the return of Hadestown and the West End transfer of Standing at the Sky’s Edge. Whilst I am looking forward to these new productions, I wouldn’t feel comfortable recommending anything I haven’t seen yet, so here are some of my current West End favourites and touring shows that are heading to London this year.
The Little Big Things
A musical to definitely make time for in January and February is The Little Big Things, which is currently playing at @sohoplace. It tells the moving story of Henry Fraser, who ended up paralysed from the shoulders down after a diving accident in Portugal. With colourful lighting effects and an uplifting score, it celebrates Fraser’s admirable attitude towards life and will definitely tug at the heart strings.
Full review of The Little Big Things
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is returning to London this year, with a 6 week run at the Peacock Theatre in February and March. Focusing on 16-year old aspiring drag queen Jamie New (inspired by the real-life Jamie Campbell), the dazzling musical highlights the importance of being comfortable in your own skin and never letting anyone dull your sparkle. It’s been almost 3 years since I last saw the show, but I remember being thoroughly impressed by the musical numbers and choreography, specifically the incredible routines on top of the classroom tables. It also has some fantastic messaging about being true to yourself, making it a great addition to the 2024 theatre scene.
Full review of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
Mamma Mia!
There has never been a more exciting year to catch Mamma Mia! in London than 2024, with the production celebrating its 25th anniversary. From Monday 29th January a new Sophie and Sky will join the West End cast, chosen by the public in the grand final of the recent Mamma Mia! I Have A Dream TV series. Stevie Doc and Tobias Turley wowed audiences across the UK throughout the series and are about to bring their fantastic chemistry to the Novello Theatre. I saw the show as part of its UK tour and really enjoyed the high energy of it all. Fingers crossed I get the opportunity to see them in action later this year.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Since 2021 the Piccadilly Theatre has been the home of Moulin Rouge!, offering one of the most atmospheric theatrical experiences in London. Upon stepping inside the glowing red auditorium, audiences are transported to 19th-century Paris and the era of the Bohemians. Featuring Catherine Zuber’s award-winning costumes and Justin Levine’s creative pop arrangements that expand on the soundtrack of Baz Luhrmann’s film, the show is perfect for fans of extravagant musical theatre. I’d definitely recommend a trip to central London for this ‘spectacular spectacular’.
Guys & Dolls
One of my top shows of 2023, the immersive production of Guys & Dolls at the Bridge Theatre is a visual masterpiece, taking a classic musical and giving it a whole new look and feel. With moving platforms for a stage, 1920s-30s neon lighting and dazzling costumes, the show expands the realms of what is possible with musical theatre. Currently starring Marisha Wallace as Adelaide and Daniel Mays as Nathan Detroit until February, the incredible cast excel under Nicholas Hytner’s direction, bringing so much charisma to their characters. This revival of Guys & Dolls is an absolute must-see, playing on London’s South Bank until 31 August 2024.
ABBA Voyage
The innovative event that brings 1970s ABBA to life through avatar-based technology, is currently lighting up Pudding Mill Lane. Filmed by the real band using motion-capture, the production has been staged in such a way that you really believe you are watching a young Benny, Bjorn, Agnetha and Annafried. With mesmerising special effects, an ultra-talented house band and one of the coolest arenas in London as its location, ABBA Voyage should definitely be on your radar this year.
It is bound to be a very exciting 12 months of theatre and the arts. If you’re interested in booking tickets to any of my best shows to see in London in 2024, head over to London Box Office’s website for availability.
Thanks for reading my blog today.
Love Kat xxxx
Comments