This is particularly true of shows which haven’t opened yet. Given these shows are new and may be unfamiliar to you, we thought we’d take a closer look at shows in the New Year Sale which are opening in the coming months…

January

Gerry & Sewell opens on 13 January. This heart-warming comedy about friendships and underdogs follows two Newcastle United fans desperate to get a season ticket. After a sell-out run in the North East, the play transfers to the West End for only two weeks.

Chichester Festival Theatre has a strong record of West End transfers – think Half A Sixpence, Quiz, revivals of Gypsy and Caroline, Or Change – and it shows no signs of slowing down.

The Unlikely Pilgrimage Of Harold Fry is a new musical based on Rachel Joyce’s profound and funny novel, with music by indie musician Passenger. It had rave reviews in Chichester last summer and transfers with original cast members Mark Addy and Olivier Award winner Jenna Russell, with previews from 29 January and New Year Sale prices in February, too.

Theatre company Frantic Assembly celebrate their 30^th anniversary with a new play, Lost Atoms, written by Anna Jordan who wrote episodes of Succession and One Day. The play charts the life-changing relationship of Jess and Robbie and focusses on how differing memories can change our stories. It runs at the Lyric Hammersmith from 30 January – 28 February, taking part in the New Year Sale for February performances.

February

For one night only, X Factor contestant turned West End star Lucie Jones is Live At The London Palladium. Blending her live gig roots with the drama of her stage career, including regular performances in Les Miserables and the leading role in Waitress, this will be a unique concert that showcases her incredible vocal talent. Expect surprise appearances and unique collaborations. 16 February only.

Evening All Afternoon is a brand new play by American playwright Anna Ziegler, who had a hit on the West End with Photograph 51, starring Nicole Kidman. This play explores the relationship between a stepmother and stepdaughter, confronting the human dilemma about facing loss and opening up to new connections. The play runs from 19 February – 11 April at the Donmar Warehouse, an intimate and compelling space with a storied history.

March

Sibling duo Nina and Moses Raine (Consent and Donkey Heart, respectively) team up for a new translation of Summer Folk, by Russian dramatist Maxim Gorky. 1905 was a hot, beautiful summer in Russia, but while the elite wine and dine, a storm is on the horizon. The story is fitting for the Raines, whose great uncle was Boris Pasternak, author of Doctor Zhivago. Summer Folk runs from 12 March – 29 April at the National Theatre.

While you can find opera and ballet at the London Coliseum for much of the year, London’s largest theatre stages a big musical each summer. This March will see the first West End revival of Kinky Boots.

The show is based on the British film and true story of a Northampton shoe factory that hits hard times, then takes a chance on becoming a specialist in shoewear for drag artists. With music and lyrics by pop star Cyndi Lauper and a book by Harvey Fierstein (La Cage Aux Folles), this production will be led by Strictly Come Dancing’s Johannes Radebe in the role of Lola.  It runs from 17 March – 11 July with New Year Sale offers on most April, May and June performances.

Martha and Natalie from our Official London Theatre team went to experience the show and described it as “a celebration of audiences, artists and the return to theatre.”

Produced and hosted by screen and stage star Greg Barnett, each concert features a different line up of some of the West End’s best-known performers and is also livestreamed so audiences can enjoy it from the comfort of their homes if preferred. You can find out more about Greg in our Tell Us In 10 interview here:

Having seen our Theatre Chat Live episode with Greg Barnett, Martha and Natalie knew they were in for a special night of song and conversation. Not only do the stars sing to a variety of music from genres which are personal to them, they also share some of their most cherished memories from their careers.

And if that hasn’t got you booking tickets to see the second concert, 10% of each ticket sale will be donated to Acting For Others, an organisation made up of 14 individual theatrical charities, so you’ll be helping to support the industry all while enjoying a great night out!

The first concert in the series starred Aimie Atkinson (Pretty Woman: The Musical), Cassidy Janson (The Mousetrap), Lucie Jones (Les Misérables – The Staged Concert), Cedric Neal and Julian Ovenden. Just check out the curtain call below which has got us feelin’ all the magical stagey feels, as have the newly released production images, which you can see here.

Book your tickets to see this epic show playing next on 14 June starring Shan Ako, Arthur Darvill, Sophie Evans, Sandra Marvin, Oliver Tompsett. The final concert in the series will take place on Monday 5 July, with the full casting yet to be announced.

Celebrate the return of theatre #BackOnStage with a musical evening starring iconic West End stars, all while supporting the industry; it’s a win win!

Joining us during her rehearsal break, Lucie shares how excited she is to get #BackOnStage as she prepares to step into the iconic role as Fantine.

Previously starring in the role of Cosette in Les Misérables at the Sondheim Theatre (previously known as Queen’s Theatre) in 2010, Lucie describes her feelings of returning back to theatre as “overwhelming” and “a long time coming.”

Although she can’t decide on her favourite part of the show just yet, Lucie loves being a part of the ensemble and says she is “dreaming the dream” as Fantine everyday.

Our second guest of the day is Rhiannon who joins us ahead of her return #BackOnStage in Abba Mania, opening at the Shaftesbury Theatre on Friday.

Since joining the production in 2019, Rhiannon has not only starred in the West End production but also the world tour.

While the West End production was closed due to the pandemic, Rhiannon has starred in a number of Drive-In shows including Cinderella and The Wizard Of Oz.

Speaking passionately about the 2-hour concert, Rhiannon says “after the past 14 months, to go along to the theatre and sing and dance to some of the best songs ever written” is “something we all need right now”. We couldn’t agree more!

Showcasing around 19 Abba songs, the all-dancing, all-singing concert features an incredible live band resulting in the best musical party to celebrate the return of theatre #BackOnStage.

So whether you’d like to mark the occasion with an evening of music and dancing or to be blown away by one of the West End’s most iconic productions, these two brilliant shows are well worth booking.

Check out the full chat below for the complete lowdown and grab your tickets below.

From 20 May, Les Misérables will be returning back where it belongs – at the heart of the West End with Les Misérables – The Staged Concert.

Playing at the Sondheim Theatre (previously known as the Queen’s Theatre), this spectacular production will feature an all-star principle cast including: Jon Robyns as Jean Valjean, Bradley Jaden as Javert, Lucie Jones as Fantine, Gerard Carey as Thénardier, Josefina Gabrielle as Madame Thénardier, Shan Ako as Éponine, Harry Apps as Marius, Jamie Muscato as Enjolras, Charlie Burn as Cosette and at certain performances Dean Chisnall will play the role of Jean Valjean.

This iconic staging of the legendary Les Misérables concert was previously seen in London at the Royal Albert Hall and the O2 Arena. In 2019, it had a sell-out season at the Gielgud Theatre and has since continued to garner excitement amongst theatregoers. 

Based on Victor Hugo’s immortal novel, the international award-winning musical is set during the revolution and tells a story of passion, fear, hope and love. It features a number of legendary songs including I Dreamed A Dream, One Day More, Do You Hear The People Sing?, On My Own and the one and only guaranteed tear-jerker, Bring Him Home.

Written by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg, with music by Schönberg and lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer, Cameron Mackintosh’s spectacular production has a Company of over 50 actors and musicians drawn from the acclaimed West End and National Tour Companies of Les Misérables.

And for those of you eager to know more about the critically acclaimed full production, you’ll be pleased to know that it will be reopening at the Sondheim Theatre from 25 September.

Check out the new video below to go behind the scenes of the productions latest photoshoot for an exclusive look at the brand new cast members.

There’s no better way to celebrate shows returning #BackOnStagethan this iconic production so be sure to grab your tickets now.

They will be joined by George Crawford as ‘Ogie’, Tamlyn Henderson as ‘Earl’ and Christopher D. Hunt as ‘Cal’. The company also includes Monique Ashe-Palmer, Amelia Atherton, Donal Brennan, Aimée Fisher, Nathanael Landskroner, Charlie Martin, Liam McHugh, Olivia Mitchell and Ben Morris. Further casting to be announced soon.

Lucie Jones reprises the role of ‘Jenna’ having recently played the part in the West End production of the show at the Adelphi Theatre. Lucie first came to prominence in 2009 when she reached the finals of ITV’s The X Factor. Since then, her many West End theatre credits include ‘Cosette’ in Les Misérables at the Queen’s Theatre, ‘Victoria’ in American Psycho at the Almeida and ‘Maureen’ in RENT at The Other Palace. Her other credits include ‘Elle Woods’ in Legally Blonde at Leicester Curve, on UK Tour and at the South Korea Opera House, ‘Molly’ in the International tour of Ghost, ‘Meatloaf’ in the International Arena tour of We Will Rock You and ‘Holly’ in the UK tour of The Wedding Singer.

In 2017, Lucie represented the United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest in Kiev with the single ‘Never Give Up On You’, performing to a worldwide audience of over 300 million viewers. Last year Lucie performed a live concert to a sold-out audience at London’s Adelphi Theatre. Accompanied by the London Musical Theatre Orchestra, the concert was recorded for a live album ‘Lucie Jones – Live at The Adelphi’.

Having played ‘Jessie Grant’ in ITV’s Emmerdale for two years, Sandra Marvin joined the West End production of Waitress to play ‘Becky’. Her many other West End theatre credits include most recently ‘Mrs Fezziwig/Mrs Mops’ in A Christmas Carol at the Dominion Theatre, City of Angels and Committee at the Donmar Warehouse, ‘Miss Motormouth Maybelle’ in Hairspray at the Shaftesbury Theatre, ‘Queenie’ in Show Boat at the New London Theatre, ‘Rose’ in Stepping Out at the Vaudeville Theatre, Porgy and Bess at the Savoy Theatre and Ragtime and A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. Her other credits include Romantics Anonymous at Bristol Old Vic and on tour in the US and ‘Mama Morton’ in Chicago at Leicester Curve. In 2016 Sandra performed with Kate Bush on her 22 date sold-out Before the Dawn concerts and features on her live album of the same name. Sandra also sings the title track on the Grammy Award winning soundtrack for the George Clooney film, Gravity.

Evelyn Hoskins most recently played the role of ‘Dawn’ in Waitress in the West End at the Adelphi Theatre. Her other theatre credits include the title role in Carrie at Southwark Playhouse, Spring Awakening at the Lyric Hammersmith and in the West End, Assassins at the Nottingham Playhouse and Watermill Theatre, Mrs Henderson Presents at the Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto, Peter and the Starcatcher at Northampton’s Royal & Derngate, This Is My Family at Sheffield Crucible and on UK Tour, The Boy Who Fell Into A Book at the Stephen Joseph Theatre and The Secret Garden at Birmingham Rep.

Matt Willis is probably best known as a member of the double Brit Award winning band Busted, who have released four No1 UK singles, two platinum albums and sold over four million albums in the UK. No stranger to the musical theatre stage, his West End credits include ‘Fiyero’ in Wicked at the Apollo Victoria, ‘Nick Hurley’ in Flashdance at the Shaftesbury Theatre and most recently ‘Bob Cratchit’ in A Christmas Carol at the Dominion Theatre. His other theatre credits include ‘Orin Scrivello’ in Little Shop of Horrors at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and ‘Chuck Cranson’ in the national tour of Footloose The Musical.

WAITRESS is based on the 2007 movie written by Adrienne Shelly. Music and lyrics are written by GRAMMY award-winning, singer-songwriter sensation Sara Bareilles, who appeared on the Graham Norton TV show, performing the hit song from the show She Used To Be Mine. With a book by Jessie Nelson, direction by Tony-award winner Diane Paulus and choreography by Lorin Latarro, Waitress has garnered multiple awards and nominations in both America and the UK, receiving acclaim from both audiences and critics alike.

WAITRESS opened on Broadway on 24th April 2016 at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre, where it ran until 5th January 2020. Waitress celebrated its official opening night at the Adelphi Theatre in London’s West End on 7 March 2019. The North American tour of Waitress is currently on hold due to COVID-19. Waitress is currently on tour in Japan (Japanese language production), and is set to open in Australia and Holland.

WAITRESS tells the story of Jenna, an expert pie maker in a small town, who dreams of a way out of her loveless marriage. A baking contest in a nearby county and the town’s new doctor may offer her a chance at a new life, while her fellow waitresses offer their own recipes to happiness. But Jenna must find the courage and strength within herself to rebuild her life. This beautiful musical celebrates friendship, motherhood, and the magic of a well-made pie.

The smash-hit stage production The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show will now be available to stream until the end of February! Filmed in front of a live audience at Hertford Theatre in December, the show was originally made available to stream for a limited 3-week period over Christmas. With the country now in lockdown, this has been extended by 7 weeks until Sunday 28 February.

A theatrical recreation of Eric Carle’s beautifully imaginative stories, The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show has become a global sensation. Four master puppeteers weave their way through Eric Carle’s stories, bringing to life a menagerie of 75 enchanting puppets in a magical show that faithfully recreates the wonderfully colourful world of Carle’s illustrations.

The show features four of Eric Carle’s classic stories; Brown Bear, Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, the addition of the seasonal tale Dream Snow and, of course, The Very Hungry Caterpillar. You can book digital tickets here, and find even more online theatrical bits and bobs for families on our Family Theatre Fun page.

West End Musical Christmas Live becomes a West End Muscial Celebration

West End Musical Christmas Live at the Palace Theatre will be rescheduled to the 6th to 9th May 2020 and will be rebranded to West End Musical Celebration.

The show will continue to be a celebration of your favourite musicals and the return of live theatre featuring the biggest stars of the West End.

The producers of ‘West End Musical Drive-In’ and ‘West End Musical Brunch’ in association with Nica Burns promise an all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza, featuring the most famous and celebrated songs of musical theatre.

Producers Shanay Holmes & Chris Steward said: “As with our highly successful drive-in shows we invite the audience to ‘step into the world of musicals’ and ‘become the cast’ in this immersive and interactive concert!”

New dates confirmed for Monday Night at the Apollo

Originally scheduled for January and February, tickets are on sale now for Monday 12 April, Monday 26 April and Monday 10 May.The one-off spectacular evenings will be open to live audiences at the Apollo Theatre as well as being live-streamed to audiences at home.

The series will feature intimate evenings of conversation and song hosted by Greg Barnett, with some of the West End’s best-known performers singing an eclectic mix of music from their favourite genres. Performers will share their most cherished memories and experiences from their careers, alongside performances of music which is personal to them, in a relaxed and informal theatrical celebration.

Monday Night at the Apollo has been conceived of to support the theatre industry, and ten percent of proceeds will be donated to Acting for Others, an organisation made up of 14 individual theatrical charities.

Whilst individual concert line-ups have not yet been confirmed, performers announced include Aimie Atkinson, Declan Bennett, Rosalie Craig, Arthur Darvil, Kerry Ellis, Hadley Fraser, Cassidy Janson, Lucie Jones, Renée Lamb, Cedric Neal, Jamie Muscato, Julian Ovenden, and Layton Williams.

The Bush Theatre’s Overflow will be streamed online

Following ecstatic reviews in its opening week, the Bush Theatre’s run of Travis Alabanza’s monologue Overflow, performed by transgender actress Reece Lyons and directed by Debbie Hannan, was curtailed when London entered tier three.  Determined not to disappoint audiences unable to travel, the Bush Theatre has recorded the show on-stage for international broadcast online at  2pm and 8pm on 18 January – 23 January. There will be a captioned performance on 20 January at 8 pm and an audio described performance at 2pm on 20 January.

Cornered into a flooding toilet cubicle and determined not to be rescued again, Rosie distracts herself with memories of bathroom encounters, drunken heart-to-hearts by dirty sinks, friendships forged in front of crowded mirrors, and hiding from trouble.

Writer Travis Alabanza said, “I feel so excited to have my next show ‘Overflow’ at a theatre like the Bush, with a director as incredible as Debbie and alead as talented as Reece Lyons. The last five years have seen such a horrifying increase in how this country treats trans people, so it feels deeply important to create work and art that allows us to take up space on main stages, and tell our own stories.

“With so much of the media, political landscape, and online sphere dominated by people speaking for us, art and performance is a place for us to take back the mic and speak on our terms – with all the different shades and textures that comes with. I am so excited for ‘Overflow’ to be part of the ever-growing and vibrant trans theatrical canon.”

You can book tickets on the Bush Theatre’s website here.

Following on from two successful years of concerts in London, Tom Duern presents Roles We’ll Never Play, recorded live during its sell-out run at the Apollo Theatre, in the heart of London’s West End in December 2020.

Now is your chance to see this critically acclaimed production from the comfort of your own home!

Featuring an exceptional cast of over 25 performers and a live band, expect big performances and show-stopping vocals, watch some of your favourite West End stars sing tunes usually reserved for characters they’d never play.

You can watch the following performers belting it out: Kelly Agbowu, Laura Baldwin, Pearce Barron, Luke Bayer, Courtney Bowman, Lauren Byrne, Mary Jean Caldwell, Lloyd Daniels, Nicole Raquel Dennis, Tom Duern, Alice Fearn, Chris Howell, Idriss Kargbo, Caroline Kay, Josie Kemp, Renée Lamb, Michael Mather, Rhianne-Louise Mccaulsky, Grace Mouat, Billy Nevers, Trevor Dion Nicholas, Eve Norris, Oliver Ormson, Maiya Quansah-Breed, Alan Richardson, Lauren Soley, Markus Södergren,  Karen Wilkinson, Danielle Steers, Rodney Vubya.

Shows will be streamed on Friday 15 January, Saturday 16 January, Sunday 17 January at 7pm, and you can find tickets here!

Monday Night At The Apollo moves to April

Monday Night at the Apollo is a brand-new concert series taking place in front of a socially distanced audience at the Apollo Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue.

Having been rescheduled from Januaury, the concerts will now take place on Monday 12 and 26 April and 10 May 2021, and will also be livestreamed to audiences at home.

An intimate evening of conversation and song hosted by Greg Barnett, Monday Night at the Apollo will see some of the West End’s best-known performers sing an eclectic mix of music from their favourite genres.

Performers will share their most cherished memories and experiences from their careers, alongside performances of music which is personal to them, in a relaxed and informal theatrical celebration.

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The first concert will feature Rosalie Craig, Arthur Darvill, Hadley Fraser, Lucie Jones and Cedric Neal, with further appearances TBA.

Monday Night at the Apollo has been conceived of to support the theatre industry and ten percent of all ticket sales will be donated to Acting for Others, an organisation made up of 14 individual theatrical charities. 

I’m A Celebrity…2019 winner Jacqueline Jossa will join the cast as Emily/Ghost of Christmas Future. Jacqueline is an award-winning actress who played Lauren Branning in BBC1’s Eastenders from 2010-2018.

Matt Jay-Willis will play Bob Cratchit. Matt’s band Busted were one of the biggest pop success stories of the early noughties, and he has since starred in Wicked and Little Shop of Horrors in the West End.

Joining them are acclaimed performers Lucie Jones (Waitress, Rent, The X-Factor finalist), who will play The Ghost of Christmas Past, Sandra Marvin (Emmerdale, Waitress) who will be Mrs Fezziwig and Martyn Ellis (My Fair Lady, One Man, Two Guvnors) who will play her husband Mr Fezziwig.

Cedric Neal (The Voice, Motown The Musical, Back To The Future The Musical) will be The Ghost of Christmas Present, Jeremy Secomb (The Phantom of the Opera, Jerry Springer: The Opera) takes the role of Jacob Marley, Rebecca Lock (Heathers, Curtains) will play Mrs Cratchit and Sam Oladeinde (Hamilton, The Book of Mormon) will be Fred Anderson/Young Scrooge.

The staged concert will star TV comedy legend and West End star Brian Conley (9 to 5, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Jolson [Olivier nomination], Hairspray) as the iconic Ebenezer Scrooge, who will be joined on stage by an orchestra and cast of over 50.

The musical brings Dickens’ timeless fable to glorious life: telling the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, a mean-spirited miser who does not believe in the power of Christmas. But on a Christmas Eve filled with memorable characters, spectacular songs, ghostly apparitions and journeys to the past, present and future, Scrooge acknowledges his mistakes and discovers the joy of redemption. With a sparkling Broadway score played by the London Musical Theatre Orchestra, an all-star cast and a touch of festive magic, A Christmas Carol at the Dominion is the must-see West End production this December.

Written by the critically acclaimed team of Alan Menken (Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast), Lynn Ahrens (Anastasia, Ragtime) and Mike Ockrent (Me and My Girl, Crazy for You), the stage musical of A Christmas Carol first premiered in 1994 at New York’s Paramount Theatre. It ran for a decade at Madison Square Garden, and was seen by over 5 million people, becoming a firm Christmas tradition. The London Musical Theatre Orchestra (LMTO) have previously performed A Christmas Carol to sell-out audiences and five-star reviews in 2016, 2017 and 2018 at the Lyceum Theatre in London’s West End.

The creative team is led by director Shaun Kerrison, who has helmed several previous concert productions for LMTO (A Christmas Carol, Mack and Mabel, Candide) as well as BBC Proms My Fair Lady and Kiss Me, Kate, with Freddie Tapner (founder of LMTO) as Musical Director. Sound Design is by Nick Lidster for Autograph (Jesus Christ Superstar, The Band), Design is by Dora Schweitzer (The Wipers Times), Musical Staging is by Tim Jackson (Merrily We Roll Along, The Season), Lighting Design is by Mike Robertson (Sunday in the Park with George), Projection Design is by George Reeve (Six Broadway, Rogers and Hammersteins’s Cinderella) and Casting is by Jim Arnold CDG (Wicked, The Prince of Egypt).

A Christmas Carol is produced by Freddie Tapner for the London Musical Theatre Orchestra and Gary England. LMTO is the world’s only professional orchestra dedicated solely to performing works of musical theatre.

COVID-19 safety measures and social distancing will be in place front of house, on stage, backstage and throughout the Dominion Theatre.

If you become unable to attend, unwell or are having to isolate, you will be able to exchange your tickets free of charge up to 24 hours before your performance. RB Health & Safety Solutions are providing COVID security and testing strategies for the production.

A Christmas Carol is a strictly limited run from 7th December 2020 to 2nd January 2021. With soaring melodies, moving lyrics and a moral for our times, this will be a Christmas event to reunite families after the hardest year in living memory. Click the button below to find out more!

Adam Blanshay Productions are honouring this creativity by launching the initiative Newfound Hope Songs, uniting some of theatreland’s musical theatre performers and commissioning them to write and collaborate on new songs that move us, uplift us, inspire us, and entertain.

Stars already committed include Shan Ako (Les Miserables, The X Factor) John Dagleish (Olivier Award-winner for Sunny Afternoon), Kerry Ellis (We Will Rock You, Wicked, Oliver!), David Hunter (Kinky Boots, Once, Waitress), Cassidy Janson (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Leading Ladies, & Juliet), Rachel John (Hamilton, Memphis, The Bodyguard)  Lucie Jones (Waitress, Eurovision Song Contest, Les Miserables), Josh Piterman (The Phantom of the Opera, Hairspray, The Ten Tenors), Joshua St. Clair (City of Angels, Kinky Boots, Wicked), and Jodie Steele (SIX, Heathers, Rock of Ages).

These performers will premiere their Newfound Hope Songs alongside other musical-theatre classics from hit productions past and present at a very special gala concert, with West End theatre and date to be confirmed in due course.

Accompanied by a live orchestra, these brand new songs will be orchestrated and conducted by the project’s co-conceiver and musical supervisor, international composer Matthew Brind.

All proceeds from this gala concert will be split evenly between the participating artists and the NHS Charities Together Covid-19 Urgent Appeal. NHS Charities Together unites more than 230 NHS charities across the UK, provNewfound Hope Songs, uniting some of theatreland’s musical theatre performers and commissioning them to write and collaborate on new songs that move us, uplift us, inspire us, and entertain.iding vital funds to hospitals, mental health trusts, community health trusts and ambulance trusts in support of major capital projects, pioneering research, medical equipment and much more.

Theatregoers are encouraged to sign up at  www.adamblanshay.com/nhsongs for more information and priority booking.

Created with magic legends Penn & Teller, this is the second production as part of Mischief Theatre’s residency at the Vaudeville Theatre. In the latest ‘Goes Wrong’ comedy to hit the West End, the original Mischief company play a hapless gang of magicians presenting a charity event. As the accidents spiral out of control, so does their fundraising target!

Take out your magic wand, cast the enchantment, and book your Magic Goes Wrong tickets through Official London Theatre today for a spell-bindingly disastrous evening! 

It was announced today that Lucie Jones Live At The Adelphi on Sunday 16th February will be recorded and released as a live album, available in Spring 2020, with specific release details to follow.

Lucie will be joined on stage by guest artists; fellow Welsh musical star John Owens (Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera) and her Waitress co-star Marisha Wallace (Dreamgirls, Hairspray).

The show is a celebration of all that Lucie has achieved to date and will be packed with old classics, modern hits, and will feature stories from Lucie’s incredible career. Accompanied by the 22-piece London Musical Theatre Orchestra, this is one show you don’t want to miss!

Lucie said: “The Adelphi has become so special to me while playing Jenna over the past year. Being able to step out onto that stage just as Lucie is going to be a once in a lifetime experience, and recording the show for a live album is the icing on the cake—or pie! I’m so excited to share the evening with everyone, with a 22-piece orchestra playing some of our favourite tunes, plus a few stories from me and a couple of incredible guests. I know I’ll be reliving the night through the album for the rest of my life!”

More2Screen is excited to present the cinema release of the critically acclaimed Kinky Boots The Musical, the winner of every Best Musical award, which will be screened in more than 600 cinemas across the UK and Ireland on 4 and 9 February 2020.

With songs from Grammy and Tony Award-winning pop icon Cyndi Lauper, book by legendary Broadway playwright Harvey Fierstein (La Cage Aux Folles), and direction and choreography by Jerry Mitchell (Legally Blonde, Hairspray), Kinky Boots The Musical stars the original West End leads, Matt Henry and Killian Donnelly.

Inspired by true events, this heartwarming hit tells the story of two people with nothing in common – or so they think. Charlie (Killian Donnelly) is a factory owner struggling to save his family business, and Lola (Matt Henry) is an entertainer with an exciting idea. With a little compassion and a lot of understanding, this unexpected pair learn to embrace their differences and create a line of sturdy stilettos unlike any the world has ever seen before.

This unmissable musical theatre event celebrates a joyful story of British grit transforming into a high-heeled hit as it takes you from the factory floor of Northampton to the glamorous catwalks of Milan.

Check out the pictures from the the cast and crew screening at the Vue Cinema in the West End.

The National Youth Theatre (NYT) has been awarded £2,000,000 from the Mayor of London’s Good Growth Fund to undergo a major renovation to its Holloway Road building in North London.

The development will enable NYT to double the number of young people they engage in the building through their annual programme which provides free and affordable drama opportunities that champion diversity, creativity and routines into the creative industries.

The essential upgrade by award-winning architects DSDHA will include a new front pavilion, providing a fully accessible entrance from Holloway Road that is welcoming to all and a new rehearsal studio and reception.

In addition, a new 200-seat studio workshop theatre, three rehearsal spaces and a co-working space will also be created within the existing building, allowing NYT to double the number of young people coming into the building.

In parternship with Encore Tickets, the event invites audience members to sign up for the chance to sing one minute of any song from Waitress live on stage and accompanied by the show’s musical director, Katharine Woolley.

Celebrate Thriller Live’s 11th birthday with its very first sing along party on 22nd January! Enjoy the regular show but sing along with the cast to your favourite numbers. You already know the words, they are easy as ABC!

On Sunday 19 January, West End stars Alice Fearn and Emma Hatton (both known for playing Elphaba in Wicked) will, for one night only, star in The Spark of Creation, a Gala Fundraiser celebrating the work of Stephen Schwartz at Park Theatre. 

The evening is presented by Aria Entertainment and Hope Mill Theatre, while their production of RAGS The Musical performs at Park Theatre, London from 9 January to 8 February.

Some of Stephen Schwartz’s favourite compositions will be performed by artists from previous Aria Entertainment and Hope Mill Theatre productions, including Natalie Green, Simbi Akande and Sophia Foroughi, who are about to appear in Schwartz’s new West End musical The Prince of Egypt and who appeared in Hair and Putting it Together and Luke Bayer who is known for Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.

In addition, there will be a panel discussion and an audience Q&A with the world-renowned composer and lyricist responsible for many of the world’s most loved musicals, including Wicked, Children of Eden, Pippin and Godspell, hosted by Aria Entertainment and Hope Mill Theatre founders Katy Lipson, Joseph Houston and William Whelton.

Joined by the 22-piece London Musical Theatre Orchestra, Lucie will perform a number of old classics and modern hits, as well as sharing stories as a celebration of all that she has achieved to date across her multi-platform career.

Lucie first became renowned when she sang to millions on The X Factor in 2009. She went on to represent the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest 2017 where she came in 15th place, the UK’s highest result since 2011. Over the last few years, she has been cast in several leading stage roles including Elle in Legally Blonde, Holly in The Wedding Singer and Cosette in Les Misérables before landing her current role as Jenna in the hit musical, Waitress, playing at the Adelphi Theatre.

As her time at ‘the diner’ comes to a close next summer, it’s the perfect time for Lucie to honour all that she has accomplished in a venue she now calls home.

Claire Foy and Matt Smith will bring their magnetic chemistry to BAM, New York in The Old Vic’s production, Lungs — Matthew Warchus’ dazzling revival of Duncan Macmillan’s luminous drama. 

The emotional rollercoaster of a play about a couple wrestling with life’s biggest dilemmas will play a limited run at BAM from 25 March – 19 April 2020.

Matthew Warchus, Old Vic Artistic Director and Lungs Director, says “It’s been a huge pleasure to work with these two exceptional actors on Duncan Macmillan’s brilliant play Lungs. I’m delighted that we have this chance to share our production with American audiences alongside two other Old Vic shows in New York, A Christmas Carol and Girl From The North Country.”

If your little ones are into acting and would like a paid opportunity to perform on stage with the big stars, we have some exciting news for you! Lambert Jackson Productions are on the search for talented young people to star as Mary Lennox (female, aged 10-15, young voice Ab3-D5) and Colin Craven (male, aged 8-12, young voice A3-E5) in their concert performances of The Secret Garden.

The chosen stars will playing alongside Jac Yarrow, Lucie Jones and Ramin Karimloo with performances taking place at the London Palladium on Saturday 4 April.

Mary Lennox is a ten-year-old girl sent to live with her uncle, Archibald, when her parents die from cholera in India. She is quite the explorer and often finds herself in trouble. She is also stubborn and always fights for what she believes in.

Colin Craven is Archibald’s ten-year-old son who has spent his life in bed due to a heart condition. He is also stubborn and throws temper tantrums to get what he wants. He believes his father hates him for causing Lily’s death.

Directed by Nick Winston, the Victorian classic novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett will be brought to life in this enchanting musical by Pulitzer Prize-winner Marsha Norman and Lucy Simon.

Jamie Lambert and Eliza Jackson today said, “It is very important to us that we create opportunities for new, emerging talent in this industry. We have had huge success with these competitions for our past shows and we can’t wait to see what talented young people we find this time!”

To enter, all applicants must send a one-minute video singing a song of their choice in the style of the show, and a short clip of them performing a monologue in a neutral British accent to eliza@lambertjackson.co.uk by Monday 6 January 2020. All applicants must be available for rehearsals and performances in London on 30 March – 4 April 2020. This is one opportunity not to be missed!

It was announced today that Sophie Isaacs will be joining the West End Queen in the smash-hit musical, Six from 21 January. To find out who the new royal member will be playing, check out our article below!

For the hopeless romantic

Jenna (currently played by Lucie Jones/Sara Barellies from 27 Jan – 7 March) is an expert pie maker stuck in a small town and a neglected marriage. When she unexpectedly meets a charming doctor and enters a life-changing baking contest, will she find the courage to rebuild her life? Waitress is a heartwarming Broadway musical that is sure to provide a good serving of romance, friendship, motherhood and pie! If french pastries are more your thing, Amélie The Musical could be just the pick! Based on the five-time Academy Award nominated film, this beautiful musical tells the story of kindness, dreaming and of course, finding love! Set in Paris and packed with gorgeous music and plenty of romantic fuzz, this stage adaption ticks all the boxes for a dose of romance. Fans of Shakespeare will love the playful and exciting adaption of RSC: As You Like It. When Rosalind is banished from her home she embarks on a journey with her best friend. Along the way they meet Orlando who is also forced from The Court into the forest. When he becomes love-struck by Rosalind, will love conquer all? Combined with music, comedy, puppetry and storytelling, this imaginative take by the Royal Shakespeare Company beautifully captures the joy of falling in love.

For laughter therapy

What could be better than gifting a good laugh in the capital city? The Comedy About A Bank Robbery is all about one enormous diamond, eight incompetent crooks and a snoozing security guard. Follow the twists and turns of this hilarious show featuring daring set-pieces, quip-filled word play and the very best of theatrical inventiveness that will have your friends or family laughing all the way home. For a murder mystery comedy, the legendary The Play That Goes Wrong comes from the same creators. Follow Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society as they try their very best to stage a production of a 1920s murder mystery. Everything that can go wrong, does! Having played to an audience of over two million, this show is definitely worth gifting. Last but not least, God is back… and she’s got a lot to say! In the sinfully funny smash-hit show, An Act Of God (available from 13 December), the Almighty and her devoted angels rewrite the original Ten Commandments. Answering some of the deepest questions that have plagued mankind since creation, this hilarious comedy is sure to provide a giggle or two. 

For kids

When the doorbell rings as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea, they certainly don’t expect to see a big stripy tiger at the door. Inviting him in for tea, they get more than what they bargained for! Packed with lots of magic, chaos and sing-a-longs, The Tiger Who Came To Tea will charm nostalgic adults and kids alike. For something new, check out the action-packed stage adaption of Kes Gray and Jim Field’s best-selling books in Oi Frog & Friends! The adventures of Frog, Cat and Dog at Sittingbottom school is the perfect gift if you are looking to introduce little ones to the world of theatre. Complete with rhyming rules, puppets, songs and plenty of giggles, find out what happens when Frog is in charge in this fun-filled musical adventure. The all-time classic Christmas panto, Goldilocks And The Three Bears is gracing the London Palladium this year. Step inside the spectacular Big Top and witness Dame Betty Barnum (Gary Wilmot) and her daughter Goldilocks (Sophie Isaacs) as they battle to save the circus from the evil rival circus owner (Paul O’Grady). From high-speed rollers-skaters and Europe’s youngest stunt rider to glittery costumes and sensational special effects, this jaw-dropping comedy is sure to be a winner with the kids. If you’re looking for more options, however, check out our roundup of Christmas shows for kids. 

For something a little weird and wacky

From the producers of one of the world’s biggest magic show, The Illusionists, comes Circus 1903 at the Royal Festival Hall for its second year. This heart-stopping, jaw-dropping show features everything from contortionists and jugglers to high wire performances and some of the much-loved acts from last year, including Peanut and Queenie, the charming larger-than-life elephants. For something a little more lairy, Cinderella is having a very modern British makeover at The Vaults Theatre. Set in a pub, the raucous show features spilled pints, bad karaoke and lots of live music and boozy chaos. For more weird and wonderful shows, take a peek at our roundup of alternative Christmas shows to see this winter. 

For a boogie and sing-a-long

If an all-singing, all-dancing show is what you are looking for, we have plenty of options for you to choose from. Bop along to the iconic tracks of Michael Jackson in the electrifying Thriller Live. Smash hit tracks include: I Want You Back, I’ll Be There, Show You The Way To Go, Can You Feel It, Rock With You, She’s Out Of My Life, Thriller, Beat It and many more. Complete with innovative dance moves, video footage and special effects, this is a true celebration of a superstar. Speaking of iconic music, Tina – The Tina Turner Musical is another great option for a night of grooving at the Aldwych Theatre. Follow the story of the global icon while rocking out to her classic songs.  Fame The Musical is on for a limited time at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre. Based on the 1980 pop culture film phenomenon, this story tells the lives of students at New York’s High School For The Performing Arts. From heartbreaks to stardom, follow the highs and lows in one of the best loved musicals across the world. 

For a dose of inspiration

Start the new year by giving your loved one a dose of inspiration with & Juliet, a brand new musical currently taking the West End by storm. Told through some of the most famous pop songs (including Ariana Grande, Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake and lots more), & Juliet picks up from where Romeo And Juliet finishes. This timely but timeless tale of a young independent woman will not only inspire you, but will have you boogying all night. In a heartwarming appeal for acceptance, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie really tugs at the heart strings. Based on a true story, the sensational show follows the life of a 16 year-old who has a secret and decides to share it with the world, despite being bullied. Another one for the books is the incredible real-life tale of the 7,000 air passengers grounded in Canada after 9/11 and the small-town community who took them in . Come From Away tells the story of friendship in the wake of a crisis and will leave you with a sense of gratitude and hope. 

For the murder mystery fanatics

If you’re shopping for a fan of True Detective, Witness For The Prosecution is sure to satisfy their inner Sherlock Holmes. Take a seat in a court room setting in London’s County Hall and follow Agatha Christie’s landmark production of a gripping story of justice, passion and betrayal. Audience members will get to experience the intensity and drama of a fiercely contested trial with a limited number of VIP Jury seats also available per performance. In addition to this offering, we have The Mousetrap, one of the world’s most famous whodunnits. Even after playing for nearly 70 years, we’re still searching for the culprit in this beloved and brilliant West End show filled with suspense, wit and humour.

For the drama Kings and Queens

The gripping production, Touching The Void, tells the story of Joe Simpson’s and Simon Yates’ struggle for survival on the perilous Siula Grande mountain in the Peruvian Andes. Opening to sensational reviews in the West End, David Greig’s thrilling adaptation will take you on an epic adventure, asking how far you’d be willing to go to survive. Uncle Vanya, in comparison, is all about love, loss and family tensions. When Sonya’s father returns to the crumbling family home with his new restless new wife and declares his plans to sell the house, long repressed feelings start to emerge with shocking consequences. 

Give the gift of theatre with Theatre Tokens

If you’re unsure what show to book or what date to purchase them for, we have the perfect solution with our Theatre Tokens. These gift cards and downloadable eGifts can be used at more than 250 venues nationwide including theatres in London’s West End and the TKTS booth in Leicester Square. Your friend, partner, family member or colleague can use these theatre vouchers on any show they want, whenever they want!

Theatre Tokens can be purchased online at TheatreTokens.com, in person at any participating theatre and 800 Tesco stores across the UK, or by calling our Tokenline on 020 3011 0755. Fixed denomination paper Tokens can also be purchased on the high street at selected branches of WHSmith and Waterstones. Time to get shopping!

The lead roles of Jeremy Heere will be played by Scott Folan (Mother Of Him at Park Theatre and Damned by Despair at the National Theatre) and Michael Mell by Blake Patrick Anderson (Straight Dave in Pet Shop Boy’s Closer To Heaven and Starlight Express).

Renee Lamb and Millie O’Connell, both of whom starred in one of Britain’s most popular new musicals, Six The Musical, will be joining them alongside Miracle Chance as Christine Canigula, Stewart Clarke as The Squip, Eloise Davies as Brooke Lohst, James Hameed as Rich Goranski, Miles Paloma as Jake Dillinger, Christopher Fry as Mr Heere and Mr Reyes, and Eve Norris (swing) with further company members to be announced.

The mind-bending, feel-good musical will play at The Other Palace from Wednesday 12 February 2020 and is based on the groundbreaking novel of the same name by Ned Vizzini.

With a Tony Award-winning score, the weird and wonderful musical tells the love story between a girl who just wants to be noticed, a boy who just wants to fit in, and the supercomputer inside his head who just wants to… take over the world.

To learn more about this modern musical tale of teenage awkwardness, AI and free will, click the link below!

It was announced today by Lambert Jackson Productions that the concert performances of the Tony award-winning musical The Secret Garden will take place at The London Palladium on Saturday 4 April and will star Lucie Jones (Waitress), Ramin Karimloo (Les Misérables, Broadway ) and Jac Yarrow (Joseph And The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat)

Directed by Nick Winston, the Victorian classic novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett will be brought to life in this enchanting musical by Pulitzer Prize-winner Marsha Norman and Lucy Simon.

Jamie Lambert and Eliza Jackson today said, “The Secret Garden is one of the most wonderful pieces of storytelling, and we feel so lucky to be able to present this stunning musical adaptation in a concert setting. With book by the exceptional Marsha Norman, stunning music by the beautiful Lucy Simon (who we worked with on our recent concert production of Doctor Zhivago) together with this all-star cast, this is going to be a truly extraordinary theatre experience.”

Simon Friend said: “We are very fortunate to have Cameron Mackintosh’s full support behind our reconfiguration of the Wyndham’s Theatre. This will give audiences the very best experience of our state-of-the-art design and video projection, as well as bringing the majestic Pacific Ocean in to the stalls.”

We’re very excited to announce the hosts of the next Waitress Cast Album Karaoke night! Our friend Jordan Brown aka @hellomissjordan will be hosting alongside Lucie Jones, who is currently playing Jenna at the Adelphi Theatre.

We’re giving you the opportunity to be invited up on stage with Jordan and Lucie to sing a Waitress song on the Adelphi Stage in front of the whole audience, accompanied by the Waitress band. All you need to do to be in with a chance is get yourself some tickets to the performance of Waitress on 16 October and sign up before the show starts, and names will be drawn live on stage by our hosts.

The full casting for 2019 London Palladium Pantomime Goldilocks and the Three Bears was announced today. The panto will open on 7 December for a 5-week run until 12 January. Janine Duvitski will play Mummy Bear, Sophie Isaacs will play the title role of Goldilocks and Lauren Stroud will play Baby Bear.

They join the previously announced Paul O’Grady as Baron Von Savage, Matt Baker as Joey the Clown, season regulars Julian Clary as The Ringmaster, Paul Zerdin as Silly Billy, Nigel Havers as Daddy Bear and Gary Wilmot as Dame Betty Barnum.

The Tabard Theatre is reopening as Chiswick Playhouse, with the aim of producing new work and reimagining classic stories. Launching Chiswick Playhouse’s inaugural season, from 30 October to 30 November, is the UK premiere of the revamped version of off-Broadway show I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.

Answering our questions this week is Lucie Jones. She’s playing the lead role of Jenna in Waitress.

Before you delve into her interview, why not check out this delicious performance at this year’s West End LIVE from the cast of Waitress.

1. My route into theatre was…

I always wanted to work in theatre – I auditioned for many musical theatre courses at the age of 18 but didn’t have any luck. I went to audition for the X Factor the same year and had a chance to perform on the live shows so I took it and ran with it. Meeting my agent shortly after the show finished, we started to work together and I haven’t looked back!

2. My West End idol is…

There are so many people I look up to, I couldn’t choose one. But they include performers (male and female), composers, directors, security/ front of house/ crew…. it takes a village!

3. My colleagues would describe me as…

I would hope a good leader and committed to the show! But I’m sure a little off the wall and silly.

4. My favourite show present or past (that isn’t one I star in) is…

THIS QUESTION ALWAYS STOPS ME! How to choose? The Cursed Child, Hamilton, City of Angels at The Donmar, Dear Evan Hansen, The Ferryman, The Inheritance… I can’t choose. Don’t make me. I could be here all day. I’m a fan at heart!

5. The career moment I’m most proud of is…

I’ve been incredibly lucky to have a varied and exciting career. I’ll never forget my first bow as Elle Woods at Curve in Leicester. That felt like a big achievement – my first leading lady moment under the watchful eye of Nikolai Foster (hands down the most incredible, patient and giving man I have ever worked with). However, every night in Waitress gives me everything I could have ever dreamed of from being on stage. Telling that story every day is intensely wonderful.

6. The hardest part about my role is…

It’s emotionally heavy! I sometimes get home feeling like I’ve run a marathon because of the adrenaline rush and how that affects my mind, body and heart. It’s worth every year though. I couldn’t love it more.

7. If I didn’t work in theatre I would be…

A shell of a human. Or a waitress.

8. Something people don’t know about me is…

I read a LOT. Probably a book a week. I love to read and find it very relaxing!

9. The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…

Speak about yourself the way you would your best friends and loved ones. You’ll thank yourself for it!

10. The one thing I wish I could tell my younger self is…

Give yourself time, my love. It’ll happen when it’s meant to. Enjoy every step along the way and GO SEE EVERY DAMN SHOW THERE IS!

You can catch Lucie in Waitress now!

The show has recently extended its booking period at the Adelphi Theatre up to 7 December, as audiences just can’t get enough of the heart-warming story of love and friendship. Take a first look at the new star trio in action below.

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Ashley is playing the role of Dawn, and Lucie leads the show as Jenna. And although Lucie has covered her new role on-stage recently, former Pussycat Doll Ashley is making her West End debut. Throwing his comic prowess into the mix is The Inbetweeners’ star Blake Harrison, who’s also started this week in the role of Ogie.

Waitress uses an original score by 7-time Grammy nominee Sara Bareilles to tell the tale of Jenna, a waitress and expert pie-maker who wistfully dreams of a happier life. But the arrival of a hot new doctor – and a little fortune – might be about to change her life’s recipe completely.

Waitress is also participating in Kids Week; throughout August, a child aged 16 or under can go free when accompanied by an adult paying full price. Adults can also purchase up to two extra children’s tickets at half price, and there are no booking fees to pay.

Ashley will be playing the role of Dawn, and Lucie the lead role of Jenna, from Monday 17 June. And although Lucie has covered the role on-stage recently, for former Pussycat Doll and Strictly Come Dancing finalist Ashley, Waitress marks an exciting West End debut. They’ll be joined by The Inbetweeners’ star Blake Harrison, who’s taking on the role of Ogie from the same date.

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Check out photographer Helen Maybanks’ shots of Lucie and Ashley below as they ready themselves to take to the diner.

Blake, who played Neil Sutherland in the award-winning comedy, will assume the role from NBC’s 30 Rock star Jack McBrayer, who will play his final performance in the role on Saturday 15 June.

Blake’s casting adds to that of Lucie Jones (in the lead role of Jenna) and Ashley Roberts (as Dawn) in the smash-hit new London musical, both of whom will also assume their roles from 17 June. They take over the roles from Katharine McPhee and Laura Baldwin respectively.

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As well as playing Neil in the famous E4 comedy and its two movie adaptations, Blake has previously starred on stage in STEP 9 (Of 12) at Trafalgar Studios and The End Of The Pier at the Park Theatre.

Waitress began performances at London’s Adelphi Theatre in February, officially opening in March to rave reviews. The musical, which tells the story of a waitress and pie-maker who dreams her way out of a loveless marriage, is now booking until 19 October.

The show has also confirmed that the date of its next Cast Album Karaoke Night – which sees audience members go on-stage to sing Sara Bareilles’ music and lyrics – will be Wednesday 26 June, with further details to be announced.