A guide to the West End
An evening of all-consuming singing and dancing is just what the doctor ordered. Book a seat at one of London’s best musicals, from long-standing classics to much-anticipated shiny newbies.
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The Best Musicals in London 2022
Sister Act
Eventim Apollo
The stage revival of hit ‘90s movie Sister Act was originally scheduled for 2020, with Whoopi Goldberg set to return to the lead role as disco diva in disguise Deloris Van Cartier. Covid scuppered those plans, but Beverley Knight stepped up to the plate and the musical finally made its debut this summer. The story follows singer Deloris, whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder, and ends up hidden in the one place she won’t be found: a convent. Under the watch of Mother Superior (played by the brilliant Jennifer Saunders), Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices. With original music from the award-winning Alan Menken, plus dance routines and songs inspired by Motown, soul and disco, it’s set to be the feel-good musical of the year.
Image: Manuel Harlan
Pretty Woman: The Musical
The Savoy Theatre
The musical version of iconic 90s film Pretty Woman was poised to put on a sell-out season at the start of 2020, but then Covid happened. It’s back though, this time at the Savoy Theatre, with Aimie Atkinson and Danny Mac taking on Vivian and Edward, originally played by Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. Expect outstanding choreography from Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell alongside an uplifting original score from Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance.
Tina – The Tina Turner Musical
Aldwych Theatre
This acclaimed production about the life of artist Tina Turner smashed Box Office records when it debuted in 2018. It returned to the Aldwych Theatre last year, with Aisha Jawando taking on the role of Tina alongside Jammy Kasongo as Ike.
Wicked
Apollo Victoria Theatre
Now in its 15th year, Wicked is one of the longest running West End musicals of all time. No surprise to anyone who’s seen it: from the heart-warming story to its epic costumes and endlessly catchy songs, Wicked is a true masterpiece. Based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, the play re-imagines the Land of Oz, proposing an alternative universe to that of L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. At its core, Wicked is the story of a deep friendship between two young women: the ostracised green Elphaba – later known as the Wicked Witch of the West – and beloved blonde Glinda, the Good Witch of the North.
Image by Matt Crockett
Hamilton
Victoria Palace Theatre
If you haven’t seen Hamilton yet, where have you been? Lin-Manuel Miranda’s jewel of a hip-hop musical about America’s founding father Alexander Hamilton has garnered rave reviews worldwide – and the hype is going nowhere.
Les Misérables
Sondheim Theatre
The world’s longest running musical, Les Mis has returned to the refurbished and renamed Sondheim Theatre (formerly the Queen’s) for a limited seasonr. Set in 19th century France, the musical dramatises Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel about ex-convict Jean Valjean, who is hunted for decades by the policeman Javert.
Until 2 October 2022. lesmis.com
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
The Apollo Theatre
Lively, funny and life-affirming, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is just what we need right now. It draws on the real-life story of Jamie Campbell, showcased on-screen in a 2011 documentary, a then-teenager living on a council estate in Sheffield who yearns to be accepted as a drag artist.
Returning September 2023. everybodystalkingaboutjamie.co.uk
The Lion King
Lyceum Theatre
This one needs no introduction. The theatrical version of Disney classic The Lion King returns to its London home for more than two decades this July, where it has been enjoyed by over 16 million people. Londoner Kayi Ushe takes on the role of Simba in his journey from wide-eyed cub to King of the Pridelands – a great one to see with the kids.
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