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From screen to stage: where to see your favourite films as West End shows
From animated classics like Disney’s Frozen to beloved romantic comedies, here’s our guide to the best musical adaptations in London
The last few years have seen an influx of musicals based on fan-favourite films. Some, like Pretty Women and The Time Traveller’s Wife have sadly since left our stages – others, like Disney’s The Lion King, have stuck around long enough to be West End classics in their own right. Characters like Euphegenia Doubtfire, Benjamin Button and Miranda Priestly are being reimagined into all-singing, all-dancing versions of themselves, backed by casts of West End professionals.
It’s the transformative power of these kinds of shows that keeps them arriving in London – they allow us to experience something we love in a totally new medium, and see familiar characters in an entirely new light. Regina George belting an E5 in the middle of the school hallway? Yes please. Elsa assembling her ice castle onstage in front of our very eyes? Absolutely. Here’s our round-up of all the screen to stage adaptations you won’t want to miss.
Disney’s Frozen
The adaptation of one of Disney’s biggest ever animated hits opened in London in 2021, bringing fans even closer to Elsa and Anna and picking up four Olivier nominations. The West End production of course contains all the songs audiences will remember from the films as well as many additional numbers, but it’s the onstage magic that really promises an experience to remember. Frozen will sadly leave the Theatre Royal Drury Lane this September, so make sure to get in and see it whilst you still can.
Back To The Future
The 1985 film has more than stood the test of time – now, Back To The Future The Musical is introducing Marty McFly to a new generation. When Marty finds himself catapulted back to 1955 and unwittingly changes the future, he’s in a race against time to set things right again, all to a soundtrack of beloved classics from the film and original compositions from a talented creative team. You can see it all come to life at the Adelphi Theatre.
The Lion King
If you haven’t seen The Lion King in London by now, let this be your sign. The West End classic is gearing up to celebrate 25 years at the Lyceum Theatre this October, but nothing about this show feels anything less than modern. From the spectacular set and puppetry to the timeless score, The Lion King remains among the best that London has to offer.
Mrs Doubtfire
Two decades after Robin Williams graced our screens as both Daniel Hillard and Euphegenia Doubtfire, everyone’s favourite nanny made her entrance in the West End. The story of Daniel’s quest to remain in the lives of his children, with its zany antics and tons of heart, is right at home onstage at the Shaftesbury Theatre, and a spectacular original score makes this one unmissable.
Mean Girls
Look afraid – Regina George has arrived. North Shore High opened its doors in June this year on the West End, giving UK audiences their first taste of the hit Broadway musical. Adapted, of course, from the 2004 film, Mean Girls turns an A-list teen comedy into an A-list teen comedy musical, with a libretto just as witty and biting as the original script. Find it in the glamorous Savoy Theatre.
Moulin Rouge
Adapted from Baz Luhrmann’s magical, musical masterpiece, Moulin Rouge! at the Piccadilly Theatre takes the inventive score of the original and turns it into something even more creative. Whimsical, romantic and visually stunning, Moulin Rouge! is truly unlike anything else in the West End. It’s the cheapest escape to Paris you’ll ever book.
Shrek
The musical adaptation of the Dreamworks animated classic is back in London for more unorthodox happy endings. A fairytale turned upside down, Shrek follows the story of an ogre who sets out to save a princess, now set to a hilarious and heartwarming score. Shrek will be playing at the Eventim Apollo for six weeks only this summer, with its final performance scheduled for 31 August – make sure you don’t miss out.
Sister Act
Based on the 1992 hit film starring Whoopi Goldberg, Sister Act had its West End premiere in 2009, and has been back to visit several times over the years. This iteration sees X Factor winner Alexandra Burke and Gavin And Stacey’s Ruth Jones set to sing Alan Menken’s fantastic score, heading a hugely talented cast. Make sure to catch it at the Dominion Theatre before it heads off at the end of August.
The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
This brand new musical dazzled at the Southwark Playhouse and now gets ready to make its West End debut, bring F. Scott Fitzgerald’s story to life at The Ambassadors Theatre this October. Performed by a cast of actor-musicians and promising an immersive journey to Benjamin’s village on the north coast of Cornwall, this is set to be a magical new retelling, perfect for fans of the 2008 film.
The Devil Wears Prada
The 2006 film is set for a makeover, opening as a brand-new musical in London’s Dominion Theatre this October. Depicting the power struggle between style-challenged intern Andy and terrifying editor Miranda Priestly, The Devil Wears Prada gave audiences a fascinating new perspective on the fashion editorial world. Now the musical promises not only to put us actually in the same room as Miranda – we’ll get to hear her sing.
